Falcon 9 Block 5 | CHORUS

### Falcon 9 Launches MDA's CHORUS: Revolutionizing Earth Observation

On December 31, 2026, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is set to lift off, carrying the CHORUS mission into orbit. This deployment marks a significant advancement in satellite technology, deploying MDA's next-generation Earth observation constellation. CHORUS, a collaborative effort blending diverse imagery sources, promises to deliver unprecedented near real-time insights into our planet's dynamics.

At the heart of the mission are two radar satellites: one operating in C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and the other in X-band SAR. Positioned in a low Earth orbit (LEO) at 600 km altitude with a 53.5-degree inclination, the X-band satellite will trail the C-band by 60 minutes. This configuration enables a multi-sensor approach, combining data from various sources to enhance Earth observation services. The primary objectives include providing high-resolution imaging capabilities that function day or night, irrespective of weather conditions—a critical edge over optical systems prone to cloud interference. With daily access covering up to 95% of targeted areas, CHORUS boasts an industry-leading 700 km-wide imaging swath, scaling down to sub-meter resolution for detailed analysis. These capabilities support applications ranging from disaster response and environmental monitoring to urban planning and maritime surveillance, offering stakeholders actionable intelligence in near real-time.

The Falcon 9 Block 5, the launch vehicle for this mission, exemplifies reusable rocket engineering. Standing at 70 meters tall with a diameter of 3.7 meters, this two-stage rocket is powered by nine Merlin 1D engines in the first stage, generating over 7.6 million Newtons of thrust at sea level. The second stage features a single Merlin 1D Vacuum engine optimized for space operations. Capable of delivering up to 22,800 kg to LEO in expendable mode, the Block 5 variant incorporates upgrades like enhanced thermal protection and reinforced landing legs, enabling booster recovery and reuse. This design not only reduces costs but also supports rapid turnaround times, with some boosters achieving over a dozen flights.

Falcon 9's performance history underscores its reliability. Since its debut in 2010, the rocket has completed hundreds of missions, with a success rate exceeding 98%. Key milestones include the first orbital-class rocket booster landing in 2015 and routine reusability by 2017. SpaceX has launched everything from Starlink satellites to crewed Dragon capsules, amassing invaluable data