SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Completes Maxar’s WorldView Legion Deployment

By utilizing both mid-inclination and sun-synchronous orbits, the constellation can provide up to 15 daily imaging passes over targeted locations

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched two Earth observation satellites for Maxar Intelligence on Feb. 4, completing the company’s next-generation WorldView Legion constellation. Lifting off at 6:13 p.m. Eastern from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the rocket ascended through dense fog that blanketed the launch complex, marking a key milestone for the geospatial intelligence company. The latest launch finalizes Maxar’s seven-satellite network, including six WorldView Legion spacecraft, which will enhance global Earth observation capabilities. By utilizing both mid-inclination and sun-synchronous orbits, the constellation can provide up to 15 daily imaging passes over targeted locations, vastly improving revisit rates for intelligence gathering and commercial applications.

The newly deployed satellites boast imaging capabilities with 30-centimeter resolution—detailed enough to distinguish objects roughly the size of a car hood from orbit. This level of precision is critical for government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial enterprises relying on up-to-date, high-resolution imagery for decision-making. Tuesday’s launch follows two earlier successful deployments of WorldView Legion satellites by SpaceX in May and August 2024. With the full constellation now in orbit, Maxar aims to strengthen its position in the competitive satellite imaging market, offering an unparalleled combination of revisit frequency and high-resolution data.

Maxar’s enhanced satellite fleet is expected to support a range of applications, from national security and disaster response to environmental monitoring and infrastructure planning. The company’s investment in advanced Earth observation technology highlights the growing demand for near-real-time, high-quality geospatial data across industries. This successful launch reaffirms the strong partnership between Maxar Intelligence and SpaceX, as commercial space collaborations continue to drive advancements in satellite imaging and remote sensing capabilities.