Canada's Spar Aerospace announced today Friday its selection to supply a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) antenna and radar electronics package for the RADARSAT-2 spacecraft. Following a six month, international competition MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. of Richmond, B.C. selected Spar to supply these critical systems and has awarded a pre-start contract to Spar valued at $4.7 million. This pre-start contract could lead to a final contract, in the order of $90 million over 28 months. The contract will be subject to the successful completion of the negotiations between MDA and the Government of Canada on RADARSAT-2.
The Canadian Space Agency selected MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Ltd. for the RADARSAT-2 program in February 1998 following a competitive
process. RADARSAT-2 will be developed and operated through a joint financial
and management effort between MDA and the Government of Canada through the
Canadian Space Agency. The satellite launch date is scheduled for 2001.
David F. Masotti, President of Spar Space Systems stated that “we are
delighted to be working with MDA on one of the largest commercial undertakings
in the Canadian space industry. Winning this competition is a testimonial to
the technical capabilities and international competitiveness of our satellite
products division in Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue (Quebec).'' Dr. Gerald S. Bush,
Vice-President and General Manager of Spar's Ste. Anne Division added that
“the SAR payload is fully consistent with our product strategy and ensures
leadership in active array technology for our Antenna Products group.''
When launched the RADARSAT-2 radar antenna will be the most advanced
commercial space-based radar instrument and will provide images of the earth
through clouds, fog and darkness. Building on the capabilities of RADARSAT-1,
RADARSAT-2 will feature improved flexibility, capacity and an ultra-fine 3
meter mode. Spar Aerospace Limited designed and built the RADARSAT-1 SAR
satellite under contract to the Canadian Space Agency and the award of the
RADARSAT-2 subcontract reinforces Spar's position as the world-leader in
commercial radar satellite payloads and equipment.
David N. Caddey, MacDonald Dettwiler's Vice President, RADARSAT Program
said, “Cooperation with Spar Aerospace is seen as a major step forward in
consolidating Canada's lead in this market. We are very pleased.'' MacDonald
Dettwiler President and CEO Daniel Friedmann said, “MacDonald Dettwiler is
committed to the development of Canada's industrial capability in Earth
observation. That commitment includes direct investment, creating Canadian
jobs and growing Canadian Earth observation technology exports. This
subcontract is another step in our drive to put Canadians at the forefront
of this competitive global industry.''
