Maxar Intelligence completed its next-generation WorldView Legion constellation with a successful SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch on February 4th. The launch, originating from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:13 p.m. Eastern, overcame challenging weather conditions, piercing through dense fog.
This deployment represents a substantial advancement for Maxar. The two final satellites join their predecessors, launched in May and August 2024, creating a network with significantly improved Earth observation capabilities. This is due to the satellites' strategic positioning in both mid-inclination and sun-synchronous orbits, allowing for up to 15 daily passes over any given location – a threefold increase compared to previous capacity.
The satellites' high-resolution imaging capabilities, capturing images with 30-centimeter resolution, are a key feature. This level of detail allows for the identification of objects as small as a car hood from orbit. This enhanced capacity will serve a diverse clientele, including government agencies and commercial organizations needing frequent and precise Earth imagery. The improved Earth observation capabilities are a game-changer for multiple industries.