UrtheCast taps SADI to develop 16- radar and optical satellite constellation

Vancouver’s UrtheCast Corp has received $17.6 million from the Strategic Aerospace & Defence Initiative (SADI) to further develop its planned constellation of earth observation satellites. The 16-satellite constellation will consist of eight synthetic aperture radar satellites and eight high-resolution optical satellites. SADI will support the project through its four-year pre-commercial design and development phase and must repay a total of $29 million to the government by the end of the agreement in 2037. The UrtheCast constellation will generate a rich stream of geospatial and geoanalytic products and services for a range of clients. The pre-commercial R&D will be conducted in collaboration with research institutes, universities, colleges and the private sector including the Univ of British Columbia and the Univ of Victoria.