Human vision, while remarkable, is inadequate for tackling modern global challenges. The need for superior remote sensing capabilities is driving a revolution in space technology. Companies are upgrading satellites with new payloads capable of capturing high-resolution images more frequently and affordably.
Maxar's WorldView Legion platform exemplifies this advancement. “Launch provider competition has dropped the floor out of the cost per kilogram going to orbit,” said Keith Carrigan, Raytheon technical fellow and technical director for the WorldView Legion program. “But, to fully leverage these low-cost launch opportunities, you need to continue reducing the size, weight, and power—or SWAP—of large-aperture, high-resolution sensors so you can pair them with less costly spacecraft. That’s the second half of the overall cost reduction equation, and its exactly what our work has done.”
Launched in 2024 and 2025, the six WorldView Legion satellites utilize Raytheon-designed imaging instruments offering significantly improved resolution with drastically reduced size, weight, and power—two to three times less than legacy systems. This reduction, achieved through innovative telescope design and materials, dramatically lowers launch costs and reduces time to orbit. “Most companies have limited capital to expend and are looking for ways to optimize their capabilities in the market. Raytheon’s ability to provide highly capable sensors at a lower cost enables our customers to fly more satellites, that can gather more imagery, which helps companies like Maxar keep a timelier and more relevant thumb on the pulse of human events,” Carrigan stated.
“In combination with our other WorldView Legion design innovations, the sensors provided by Raytheon have helped ensure our 30 cm collection capacity advantage long into the future,” said Matt Jenkins, Maxar’s Chief Space Systems Officer. “The quality of the 30 cm-class imagery that we’re collecting is phenomenal. With the addition of the six state-of-the-art WorldView Legion satellites to our constellation, Maxar can now collect up to 3.6 million sq km of very high-resolution 30 cm-class imagery per day and revisit some locations on Earth up to 15 times per day—capabilities that no other commercial operator can match.”
The success of WorldView Legion isn't solely due to its capabilities; it's also a testament to Raytheon's innovative digital engineering process. This approach prioritizes people, using digital twins and advanced modeling to create scalable and adaptable sensors. “Our goal wasn’t just to make one telescope for one customer. It was to develop a broad range of solutions,” Carrigan explained.
Raytheon's digital engineering utilizes digital twins—precise 3D models—for virtual testing and design refinement. Sophisticated computer analysis optimized material selection, leading to a patented multi-material mirror system. Digital automation streamlined manufacturing, reducing production time and improving quality control. “Being able to model the complete performance of your sensor—inclusive of inputs from the spacecraft and the electronics—is a game-changer in terms of speed of development,” Carrigan highlighted.
The benefits extend to speed, efficiency, and quality. Model-based work instructions simplify assembly, while real-time model updates allow for continuous design refinement. This results in a higher-quality product and more efficient quality management. Scalability is another key advantage; the system can be adapted for various sizes and performance levels. “The SWaP advantages of the design are even more important in the GEO and cislunar domains, where everything requires more energy to move,” said Carrigan.
The modular design allows for easy customization, enabling adaptation to diverse mission requirements. “Our newest payloads were specifically designed to have a modular, interchangeable backend so you can put different mission modules behind the front-end telescope,” Carrigan added. Digital engineering isn't just about improved SWAP; it's about creating scalable, adaptable systems providing clearer space-based imagery for both defense and commercial applications.