Defence Enhanced Surveillance from Space Project (DESSP)
(NORAD modernization)

Project Type

Project Replace

Objective

DESSP will replace and improve upon the defence capabilities delivered by the GC RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) and Polar Epsilon 1 and 2 projects.

Requirements

DESSP will fulfill the Space-based Surveillance Requirements Document (SBS-RD) requirements to the maximum extent possible. It will include a space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and an Automatic Identification System (AIS). Other payloads and capabilities may include detection of Common Maritime Transmissions, and other space-based surveillance payload capabilities. Key requirements include weather and light conditions independency, interoperability with allies, focus on low-latency, global access and defined areas of interest, arctic surveillance, and tactical ordering and reception.

Funding Range

$1 billion to $4.99 billion

Anticipated Timeline (Fiscal Year)

Options Analysis Phase

In Progress

Start Definition

2024/2025

Start Implementation

2028/2029

Initial Delivery

Beyond 2035

Final Delivery

Beyond 2035

Defence Capability Areas

• Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence
• Space

Defence Capability Investment Areas

• Battlespace Situational Awareness Tools
• Information Management Tools
• Satellite Communications Systems
• Satellite Subsystems

Key Industrial Capabilities

• Space Systems

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