Maxar Intelligence Releases First Images from Next Generation WorldView Legion Satellites

Maxar Intelligence has unveiled the first images from its next generation WorldView Legion satellites, marking a significant milestone in the field of geospatial intelligence and Earth observation services.

These advanced satellites, part of Maxar's latest constellation, were successfully launched on May 2 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

WorldView Legion represents the cutting edge of Earth imaging technology. Designed to augment Maxar’s imaging capacity and revisit rates, these satellites can capture high-resolution, 30 cm-class imagery. This level of detail offers invaluable insights for a variety of applications, including defense, intelligence, urban planning, and disaster response.

The commissioning and calibration process for the first two WorldView Legion satellites is still in progress. Despite this, the release of initial images has already demonstrated the potential of this new constellation.

“Soon, our WorldView Legion satellites will be collecting vast amounts of imagery, extending our collection capacity advantage for high-resolution imagery and enhancing the revisit rate of our industry-leading constellation.” - Dan Smoot, CEO of Maxar Intelligence

The two satellites are the pioneers of a planned fleet of six WorldView Legion satellites. Maxar intends to launch and operationalize all six satellites by the end of 2024. This strategic expansion will significantly bolster the company's ability to provide comprehensive and timely geospatial intelligence.

Maxar Intelligence, a key division formed during the reorganization of Maxar Technologies, is the principal supplier of commercial electro-optical imagery to the U.S. government. In 2022, Maxar secured a substantial $3.2 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office, ensuring the provision of imagery and mapping services over the next decade. This contract underscores the crucial role Maxar plays in national security and geospatial intelligence.

The debut of the WorldView Legion satellites signals a new era in Earth observation, promising enhanced capabilities and broader applications for high-resolution imagery. As the remaining satellites join the constellation, Maxar is set to maintain its leadership in the geospatial intelligence industry.