Maxar Launches Final Two WorldView Legion Satellites, Enhancing Geospatial Imaging Capabilities

Maxar Intelligence has successfully launched its fifth and sixth WorldView Legion satellites, marking a significant milestone in the field of geospatial imaging. These satellites were deployed aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Kennedy Space Center and are currently operating optimally in mid-inclination orbit.

Enhanced Imaging Capabilities

With this latest launch, Maxar's high-resolution satellite fleet now comprises seven satellites. The WorldView Legion satellites are equipped to capture imagery with a remarkable 30 cm-class resolution, offering unprecedented clarity and detail. This advancement significantly boosts Maxar's capacity for very-high-resolution Earth observation.

Impressive Collection Capacity

Once fully operational, the WorldView Legion constellation will be capable of collecting over six million square kilometers of Earth imagery daily. Notably, up to 3.6 million square kilometers of this data will be at the superior 30 cm resolution. This extensive coverage ensures that users have access to precise and detailed geospatial information.

Diverse Applications

The expanded capabilities of the WorldView Legion satellites are set to benefit a wide range of sectors:

• Mission Planning: Providing detailed terrain data to assist in strategic operations.

• Emergency Response: Offering real-time imagery to aid in disaster assessment and resource deployment.

• Maritime Surveillance: Enhancing monitoring of coastal regions and maritime activities.

• Civil Government: Supporting urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring.

Additionally, these satellites will play a crucial role in creating up-to-date basemaps, developing 3D models, and supporting telecommunications infrastructure planning.

Leadership Perspective

Dan Smoot, CEO of Maxar Intelligence, emphasized the significance of this achievement for the geospatial industry. He highlighted that the increased capacity will enable more timely data collection and enhance Maxar’s advanced 2D and 3D geospatial products.

Integration of AI and Real-Time Insights

Maxar is integrating AI-powered technologies with the new satellite capacity to provide near real-time geospatial insights. This integration will allow both government and commercial users to make informed, time-sensitive decisions with greater confidence.

Extended Imaging Windows

The WorldView Legion satellites are designed to enhance imaging capabilities by enabling dawn-to-dusk image collection. Their strategic placement in both mid-inclination and sun-synchronous orbits allows for up to 15 daily revisits to key locations, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the day.

Previous Launches and Progress

The first two WorldView Legion satellites were launched in May 2024 and have been supporting customer operations since then. A second pair was launched in August 2024, with the first images from those satellites delivered late last year.

Advanced Satellite Design

Built by Maxar Space Systems, the WorldView Legion satellites are part of the Maxar 500™ series. Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality and reliability, describing the WorldView Legion spacecraft as the most advanced commercial Earth observation systems to date.

Technical Specifications

The WorldView Legion satellites operate at an altitude of approximately 450 km and are equipped with advanced imaging technology. They offer 8-band multispectral imagery, providing a wide variety of applications. The satellites are designed for a 10-year mission life, consistent with previous WorldView satellites.

In summary, the successful deployment of the fifth and sixth WorldView Legion satellites marks a significant advancement in Earth observation technology. With enhanced imaging capabilities, increased collection capacity, and a wide range of applications, Maxar is poised to provide unparalleled geospatial insights to its users.