Successful launch of RADARSAT-2 (Forwarded)

Canadian Space Agency

December 14, 2007

Successful launch of RADARSAT-2

Longueuil, Quebec -- RADARSAT-2 lit up the night sky as it was launched
successfully into space aboard a Soyuz rocket at 19:17 local time [1317 UTC]
from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Canada's next-generation
commercial radar satellite offers powerful technical advancements that will
enhance marine surveillance, ice monitoring, disaster management,
environmental monitoring, resource management and mapping in Canada and
around the world.

Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, on behalf
of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry and Minister
responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), emphasized that this new
satellite represents powerful state-of-the-art technology that will enhance
Canada's ability to protect Canadian sovereignty in the Far North, in
keeping with the Arctic strategy outlined in the Speech from the Throne.

"This satellite will help us vigorously protect our Arctic sovereignty as
international interest in the region increases," said Colin Carrie. "It will
also ensure the continuity of data services for government departments and a
growing number of commercial clients in more than 60 countries worldwide."

RADARSAT-2 is the product of a unique public-private sector partnership.
This partnership is leveraging Canada's renowned leadership in the
development, operation and marketing of advanced and highly specialized
remote-sensing technologies and applications.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) coordinates all civil,
space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada.
CSA directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth
Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and
Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the
CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development for
the benefit of humanity.

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For more information on the Radarsat-2 mission:
http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/satel...t2/default.asp

For information:

Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
Telephone: 450-926-4370