CHORUS – A Next-Generation Earth Observation Constellation to Tackle Our Planet’s Biggest Challenges
Access to space-based information, in near real-time, about both natural and human-caused disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, oil spills and flooding, provides decision-makers with actionable insights to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. CHORUS, MDA’s next-generation Earth observation constellation, takes it to the next level. With unrivalled Earth observation radar imaging capacity, CHORUS imagery can be used to monitor changes and empower sustainable management of our resources, in addition to assessing disasters and supporting effective recovery efforts.
Changing How and When We See the World
Building on the legendary RADARSAT program, CHORUS will provide the most extensive satellite radar imaging capacity in the market in one system, from an industry-leading 700 kilometre-wide imaging swath down to sub-metre high resolution. With advanced C-band and X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors, innovative new technologies and modern operations concepts, it will deliver next-generation Earth observation data, imagery and analytics, with tipping and cueing, client-controlled priority tasking, and subscription-based services.
In addition to offering near real-time monitoring of Earth’s environment, CHORUS will provide MDA customers with insights to protect national security and sovereignty by providing critical time-sensitive data and intelligence on maritime and land activities; help with monitoring critical infrastructure, transportation corridors, coastal erosion, and land subsidence; timely information to support humanitarian aid and disaster response; and routine systematic observations for a variety of natural resources, industrial, and geographic applications including agriculture, forestry, mining, and exploration activities.
MDA’s CEO, Mike Greenley, is enthusiastic: “The Earth is big, dynamic and evolving daily. Our ability to see, measure and analyze what’s happening in near real-time – and over time – is how we meet the needs of our global customer base.”
MDA, a leading provider of advanced technologies and services to the global space industry, has long been a leader in space-based SAR Earth observation (EO). CHORUS is the fourth generation of the highly successful RADARSAT series, which includes RADARSAT-1 (1995), RADARSAT-2 (2007), and the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (2019).
As owner and operator of RADARSAT-2, MDA is one of the largest space-based radar information providers in world — collecting, processing and disseminating Earth intelligence from space to global customers. RADARSAT-2’s advanced Earth observation systems operate under all weather conditions — day or night — to provide access to near real-time imagery 24 hours a day, 365 days year.
MDA recently announced that it has selected SpaceX to be the launch service provider for CHORUS, which is set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025 from Florida. MDA has had a long business relationship with SpaceX, and became its first commercial customer to launch on the Falcon 9 rocket, the world’s first and only orbital-class reusable rocket. MDA also procured the launch for Canada’s RADARSAT Constellation Mission on SpaceX in 2019. It’s an exciting time for the global space industry, and MDA, with a boost from SpaceX, is leading the way.
Click here to view the CHORUS constellation video or read the press release to learn more about how to join the CHORUS mission.
