Radarsat satellite

Canadian-built Earth observation satellite used to monitor environmental changes and natural resource use.

solar array

Power supply device that converts solar energy into immediately usable electrical energy.

radar antenna

Antenna designed to emit electromagnetic wave beams and to capture the echo reflected by the Earth’s surface.

remote command antenna

Type of antenna that allows the ground operation center to transmit commands to the satellite.

Sun sensor

Instrument that positions the solar panels in the direction of the Sun to capture its energy.

Earth sensor

Instrument that locates the Earth’s horizon so that the radar antenna can be positioned correctly.

thruster

Piece of equipment that generates the impetus required to move the satellite.

X-band antenna

Type of antenna that emits and receives extremely high-frequency waves.

bus module

Section of the satellite connected to the payload and equipped with the resources needed to make it function.

payload module

Section of the satellite that houses detection materials and maintenance equipment.

radar beam

Collective term for the fan-shaped trajectories of electromagnetic waves emitted in a given direction by a radar.

support structure

sensor swath

Width of the Earth’s surface observed during the passage of a satellite.