Canada’s government has announced an extra $51.4 million (CA$47 million) in funding to progress the development of an additional RADARSAT satellite.

The extra satellite will be part of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM). The RADARSAT program recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the launch of its first spacecraft.

The funding, directed to MDA Space, which is building the additional spacecraft, will enable the purchase of specialised components for it.

The government has also allocated $817,000 (CA$747,000) each to C-CORE, Kepler and MDA Space to deliver concept studies for a new generation of Earth observation satellites.

“Through these investments, we are strengthening Canada’s space sector and ensuring Canadians continue to benefit from the satellite data that supports essential everyday services,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry.

“In doing so, we are strengthening Canada’s sovereign satellite capabilities and equipping Canadian industry and governments with the tools to protect communities, support decision-making, and keep Canada secure.”

The funding is part of Canada’s $1.107 billion (CA$1.012 billion), 15‑year investment in the Canadian Space Agency, announced in October 2023, to support immediate and future satellite Earth observation needs.