US: Raytheon was recently selected by DigitalGlobe as the next-generation WorldView Legion satellite imaging constellation payload provider. As per the contract, Raytheon will deliver the telescopes, detectors and combined electronics to Space Systems Loral, the WorldView Legion space vehicle integrator.
Raytheon’s new payload doubles DigitalGlobe‘s capacity to capture multispectral and 30 cm imagery, while tripling to quadrupling the company’s capacity to image high-demand areas. Once the WorldView Legion constellation is on orbit, DigitalGlobe‘s combined constellation will be able to image the most rapidly changing areas on Earth every 20 to 30 minutes, from sunup to sundown. WorldView Legion will begin launching in 2020.
Rick Yuse, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems president, said “We’re leveraging 45 years of extensive global experience in space imaging to provide DigitalGlobe with an unmatched view of the world from space,”
Raytheon’s payload solution maximizes efficiency while maintaining quality, extending mission life, delivering a larger field of view and increasing coverage area.
Dr. Walter Scott, DigitalGlobe Founder, EVP and CTO, said “DigitalGlobe is proud to select Raytheon to develop the imaging payloads for our next-generation WorldView Legion satellite constellation,”
He further added “We have exceptional confidence in the quality, performance and value of Raytheon’s instrument design, which will give our customers even greater insights into global events of significance and allow them to make critical decisions with confidence for many years to come.”
