Canada is investing $688 million to build, test, and launch a replenishment satellite for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly announced on June 30, 2026. The contract was awarded to MDA Space Ltd., with Canadian industry supporting design, manufacturing, and integration activities to ensure a diversified supply chain across the country.
Strengthening sovereign satellite capacity
The investment addresses Canada's need for sovereign satellite data in an increasingly dangerous and divided world. The RCM provides critical data for observing Arctic sea ice, tracking floods, supporting maritime safety, and studying environmental change. It actively monitors the Canadian North, enhancing Arctic monitoring efforts to safeguard Canada's sovereignty and support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Through this contract, the Government of Canada advances its Defence Industrial Strategy and contributes to NATO spending targets. The project will create and maintain up to 100 high-paying jobs over its duration. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is bolstering Canada's capacity for uninterrupted access to critical data to meet evolving security needs.
Commercial design reduces risk
The approach relies on a commercial satellite design from MDA Space Ltd. based on next-generation MDA CHORUSTM synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology and Canada's previous RADARSAT program heritage. This proven design reduces risks, accelerates delivery, and ensures compatibility with current RCM infrastructure.
“In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, Canada is investing in modern surveillance systems to detect threats earlier,” said Minister Joly. “Through this investment, we are reinforcing Canada’s sovereign satellite capabilities and equipping industry and the Canadian Armed Forces with the intelligence they need to protect communities, inform decisions, and keep Canada secure.”
Impact on security and emergency response
The replenishment satellite will help Canada continue producing sovereign satellite data needed to support Arctic security, guide operations on the ground, and respond quickly to emergencies and changing conditions. The RCM data is used daily by Canadians for natural resource management and security enhancements.
