This Echo is READ ONLY !   NO Un-Authorized Messages Please!
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Canadian Space Agency

Press Release
**************************************************

New Pointing RADARSAT-1 Procedures Are Underway
===============================================

Saint-Hubert, December 18, 2002 - The Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
temporarily discontinued RADARSAT-1 imaging operations on November 27 
due to a deteriorating Attitude Control System that affects the 
satellite's ability to deliver precise imaging to global clients.  The 
CSA expects to resume routine satellite imaging operations in the last 
week of December. 

RADARSAT-1 uses a pitch momentum wheel to maintain gyroscopic 
stiffness, ensuring the three-axis attitude control required for 
precise pointing of the spacecraft. In September 1999 the primary 
pitch momentum wheel started suffering from excessive friction and 
temperature, and as a result, control was shifted to a back-up wheel. 
This back-up pitch momentum wheel recently developed similar problems 
and was taken off-line on November 27, leaving the satellite in a safe 
and controlled tumble. 

"The CSA's Satellite Operations Directorate is aggressively pursuing 
the development and implementation of new procedures that will allow 
the satellite to maintain nominal pointing without extended reliance 
on the pitch momentum wheels," said Surendra Parashar, Director of 
Satellite Operations at the CSA. "We are confident to re-establish 
pointing control and resume Earth observation operations by the end of 
December."

In the meantime, the Canadian Space Agency and RADARSAT International 
(RSI), RADARSAT-1's commercial data distributor, are keeping the 
satellite's users well informed and are working together to ensure 
minimum impact on their operations. 

During the interruption, the CSA is working with the European Space 
Agency, which has been very supportive by providing Synthetic Aperture 
Radar data via the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing to CSA's key 
clients such as RSI and the Canadian Ice Services.

About the CSA
Established in 1989 with its headquarters situated in Saint-Hubert, 
Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all aspects of the 
Canadian Space Program. Through its Space Knowledge, Applications and 
Industry Development business line, the CSA delivers services 
involving: Earth and the Environment; Space Science; Human Presence in 
Space; Satellite Communications; Space Technology; Space Qualification 
Services; Space Awareness and Education. The Canadian Space Agency is 
at the forefront of the development and application of space knowledge 
for the benefit of Canadians and humanity.

For more information, please contact:
Monique Billette					
Senior Media Relations Officer					
Canadian Space Agency							
Tel.: 450-926-4370					
E-mail: monique.billette{at}space.gc.ca				

 - End of File -
================

---