BackForward Satellite Programme: Polar Communications and Weather 

Programme details
Programme description
  • Two-satellite programme for high-latitude frequent observations and all-time telecommunications.
  • Canadian programme: CSA responsible of development and operations.
  • The platforms are actively stabilised over 3 axes.
  • The design life time is 7 years.
  • The satellites exploit High Elliptical Orbits: Molniya or possibly TAP (Three-APogee orbit).
  • The two satellites are flown at nearly the same time, with coordinated orbital plane dephasing.
  • See detailes at http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/default-eo.asp.
Data circulation
  • TBD.
Agencies CSA
Programme lifetime TBD
Associated satellites and instruments

Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned