RADARSAT-2 has 177 operational imaging modes. Versions of each of these modes are available either for leftor right-looking imaging, and most modes allow images to be generated for any of the four linear polarization combinations (HH, VV, HV, VH). To support these modes there are currently 1816 sets of beam coefficients and 16 digitized pulse forms stored on the spacecraft. The radar employs a number of SAR techniques besides the established Stripmap and ScanSAR of RADARSAT-1, including alternating transmit polarization, Dual-Receive (separately on the two antenna wings) and Stitched Pulse.All these factors that provide the versatility for the system also increase the complexity of the task to establish and maintain image quality and calibration. This paper covers work that was undertaken to achieve an efficient image quality and calibration campaign during the first four months of the mission, and to maintain and upgrade imaging capabilities and quality since that period.

The Peruvian yellow-tailed woolly monkey, last seen by scientists in 1926 and feared extinct, was rediscovered by the authors in the area of the lower Andes where it was last seen. They were able to bring back a live juvenile that was being kept as a pet, and also four skins and three skulls which they got from a hunter who had shot the animals for meat. The authors urge the need to create a reserve for this rare endemic monkey in Peru and plan further exploratory trips to decide the best area.

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RADARSAT-2 is an advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite scheduled for launch in 2003. The satellite will be equipped with an active phased array antenna which will be used to provide a wide variety of beams and modes, including all the beams and modes of RADARSAT-1 and additional Ultra-fine resolution, dual and quad-polarimetric modes. The large number and variety of modes presents a major calibration challenge and, because the satellite is intended for operational use, efficient means for achieving and maintaining this calibration are essential. This paper identifies the three principal types of target which are planned for use in achieving radiometric, polarimetric, geo-location, and other types of calibration for RADARSAT-2, and describes how the data will be analyzed to generate the required calibration information.