MDA's winning combination for this project is reflected in its state-of-the-art design for RADARSAT II, its Business Plan and vision for the future. MDA will implement an advanced system at half the cost of RADARSAT I, with a lighter, cheaper and more capable satellite. The new capabilities will increase data sales and assure the growth of the value-added Earth observation industry in Canada.

The objectives of the project are to continue Canada's RADARSAT program and to develop Earth observation satellite business through a private sector-led arrangement with the federal government. The project will result in the construction of an Earth observation satellite (RADARSAT II) that will provide data continuity to RADARSAT I users and offer data for new applications tailored to market needs. The Government of Canada and MDA will invest $225 million and $80 million respectively for the construction of this high-tech satellite system. MDA will be responsible for all ongoing operations and data commercialization. Space industry organizations from across the country will also benefit in the form of subcontracts to assist MDA. It is estimated that approximately 300 jobs will be created across Canada over the four-year construction phase of this project alone.

"Today's announcement will lead to the launch of the world's most advanced Earth observation satellite ever," said Minister Manley. "RADARSAT II will confirm Canada's world leadership in a technology which will prove critically important to environmental monitoring."

"This is a great day for British Columbia. RADARSAT II paves the road for extensive regional development, training and investment,"said Minister Anderson. "This program makes all Canadians winners as we will be able to focus on our achievements and placement in a knowledge-based world economy."

"This is a good deal for Canada and is the result of a fair competitive process," said Minister Gagliano. "RADARSAT II will offer Canada world-wide market opportunities led by industry and the users to usher our world class remote sensing capabilities into the next millennium."

The new satellite, scheduled for launch in 2001, will be the most advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite in the world and will contribute valuable data to commercial, government and scientific programs.

RADARSAT is unlike most remote sensing satellites in that it is able to collect its images through a powerful microwave Synthetic Apature Radar (SAR) satellite system which provides all-climate, day and night imagery to clients around the world. The data images, which RADARSAT collects, have proven to be an effective tool in the management and monitoring of the global environment in areas of ice navigation, cartography, geological exploration, maritime surveillance, disaster relief operations, agriculture and forestry surveillance.