2017-06-13 – Canada is currently building and testing the three identical satellites of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM).
This video shows an important test that is done to ensure that the panels of the SAR antenna (the part of the satellite that will capture valuable imagery of the Earth) will deploy properly once in orbit.
Among the many tests that each RCM satellite must undergo leading up to launch, this is one of the few where components move. Since the satellites are designed to operate in space, it can be tricky to have them move under the force of gravity on Earth. In this particular case, the Super Gantry Crane was custom designed by a team of engineers at MDA to hold the satellite’s two SAR panels and counterbalance their weight to mimic the microgravity environment of space. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)
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