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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