Image of RCM using AIS. Adapted from asc-csa.gc.ca.
Today, the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) Earth Observation satellite trio will takeoff on-board a 2 stage Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. At 14:17 UTC, the pre-flown first stage (Crew Dragon) will start its journey into orbit. The launch window will last 13 minutes. Below are some details of the satellites (3 identical):
Payload: SAR, AIS
Frequency: C-band @ 5.405GHz
Period: 96min
Altitude: 600km Sun-synchronous (100m orbital tube)
Imaging time: 15m/orbit, 12.5m continuous
Polarizations: single, dual co-cross, compact, quad
You can watch the launch live from either the CSA Facebook page or from SpaceX.
Congratulations to all involved getting RCM to where it is today. Here is to a successful launch and long life!
Prost!
Update: Successful Falcon 9 liftoff, successful first stage landing, SECO-1, SECO-2, and all 3 payload deployments. Mission success.