Correct Option
Canada's RADARSAT-1 satellite, launched in 1995, was instrumental in the preparation of a detailed and complete map of Antarctica. This satellite utilized Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, which allowed it to acquire high-resolution imagery through cloud cover and during periods of polar darkness, overcoming significant challenges in mapping the continent year-round. This capability enabled scientists to create an unprecedented comprehensive map of Antarctica.
Incorrect Options
France and Russia operate various Earth observation satellites. However, their satellite programs were not the primary data source for the specific detailed and complete mapping initiative of Antarctica referenced in the question during the 1990s.
The United States, through agencies like NASA, has contributed significantly to Antarctic research and mapping. While U.S. satellites provide valuable data for polar studies, the particular project that produced the first detailed and complete map of the entire continent, as implied by the question, predominantly relied on data from Canada's RADARSAT-1.