Module

Canadian aerospace systems and components manufacturer Magellan Aerospace has delivered the first two payload modules for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM).

The modules have been delivered to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associat (MDA), as is the prime contractor for RCM.

Magellan Aerospace designed and built the payload module structures at its space system facility in Winnipeg, Canada.

The modules will house the electronics for the radar payload being developed by MDA.

The payload modules will also provide radiation shielding, thermal control for the payload electronics and mounting for the bus instruments.

Magellan Aerospace president and CEO Phil Underwood said: "Magellan’s ability to deliver the payload module structures on-time, and to our customer’s specifications is crucial to the success of this important Canadian satellite mission.

"The spacecraft buses that Magellan is manufacturing for RCM are significantly larger than the buses that have been provided for previous Canadian space missions."

"The spacecraft buses that Magellan is manufacturing for RCM are significantly larger than the buses that have been provided for previous Canadian space missions."

In order to cater to other RCM programme the global satellite market, Magellan has invested in a new advanced satellite integration facility in Winnipeg that can accommodate the simultaneous build of three satellite buses.

Last year, MDA received the first payload module structure for RCM and the second was received in the beginning of the year.

Magellan has successfully concluded the structural modal test at its new advanced satellite integration facility in Winnipeg, which confirms that the design will meet the demanding launch environment of the rocket.

MDA has awarded a contract to Magellan to manufacture three spacecraft buses, including three payload modules, for the Canadian Space Agency’s RCM mission.

Primary goal of the mission is to provide 24hr a day C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data, which will help with augmenting the data used by RADARSAT-2 users.

Image: Structural modal test for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) being completed at Magellan Aerospace’s satellite integration facility. Photo courtesy of CNW Group/Magellan Aerospace Corporation.