Insider Brief:
- Maxar’s first two WorldView Legion satellites have arrived at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
- The long-delayed launch is now slated for April aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.
- Once all six WorldView Legion satellites are deployed, they will triple Maxar Space System’s capacity to capture 30 cm-class and multispectral imagery.
- Image credit: Maxar
Maxar Space Systems recently announced the arrival of the first two WorldView Legion satellites at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as reported by Via Satellite. The satellites are slated for launch in April aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission.
The journey towards this milestone hasn’t been without its setbacks. Following the acquisition by private equity firm Advent International in 2023, updates on the WorldView Legion constellation have been scarce. Initially planned for a mid-2021 launch, the project faced delays amidst the company’s strategic shifts.
However, with the arrival and imminent launch of these two satellites, Maxar Intelligence is poised to redefine Earth observation capabilities. Once all six satellites are deployed, they will triple the company’s capacity to capture 30 cm-class and multispectral imagery. The expansion will contribute to Maxar’s goal of providing customers with actionable insights, crucial for mission success in various sectors. The full constellation, comprising ten electro-optical satellites, is set to revolutionize Earth observation by capturing dynamic changes on the planet’s surface at an unparalleled frequency – as often as every 20 to 30 minutes.
Dan Smoot, CEO of Maxar Intelligence, emphasized the significance of WorldView Legion in extending the quality and capability of the company’s constellation. This advancement promises unprecedented access to timely data, empowering stakeholders with vital information for decision-making processes.
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