Northrop Grumman’s RadarSat Constellation Mission antenna unit in deployed state. Photo: Northrop Grumman

[Via Satellite 08-15-2014] Northrop Grumman strategic business unit Astro Aerospace has transported 13 lightweight antennas to RadarSat’s prime contractor MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA). The antennas will be integrated into the RadarSat Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload for use in locating and tracking maritime vessels.

The Canadian Space Agency’s three-satellite RadarSat constellation is slated for launch in 2018. Following baseline completion, the constellation can be scaled up to six satellites.

The 13 antennas delivered by Northrop Grumman stow in a compact, low mass 4 x 4 x 2.5 inch canister. The United States Air Force has used the same antenna design for recent GPS satellites.