Brenda Marie Rivers
Maxar Technologies plans to integrate its WorldView Legion observation satellites with Raytheon Technologies’ imaging sensors this summer ahead of a first launch slated for 2021, SpaceNews reported Friday.
The first block of six WorldView Legion satellites is expected to cost $600M to include launch operations through SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Maxar intends to facilitate satellite and sensor integration once a month, according to the report.
Wallis Laughrey, vice president of Raytheon’s space systems segment, told the publication that the company is “working extensively with suppliers†and that it plans to apply additive manufacturing techniques to rapid sensor production.
Walter Scott, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Maxar, said the company intends to begin integration of the satellite and sensor components in late 2020 ahead of the first launch early next year and second in late 2021.
According to SpaceNews, Maxar and Raytheon have implemented precautionary measures and social distancing regulations at their respective facilities in California to support integration and testing activities.
