[Satellite Today 05-28-09] Magellan Aerospace Corp. was chosen by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to provide a phase B preliminary design of the satellite bus for the Radarsat Constellation Mission (RCM) satellite, Magellan announced May 27.
    The RCM mission, which aims to provide data continuity for users of the Radarsat 1 and Radarsat 2 satellites and support ship detection, ice monitoring and oil spill management capabilities, will be comprised of three spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. The expected launch dates for the RCM satellites 2014, 2015 and 2016.
    The initial contract is valued at $5.3 million. Further contracts are expected to follow upon government approval for full program funding, according to Magellan.