SpaceX launches MAXAR 1 mission with two observation satellites

SpaceX opened May with the launch of the MAXAR 1 mission featuring a Falcon 9 vehicle carrying two of the Earth observation satellites. The mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 2nd.

Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/ARDD4KXS63

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 2, 2024

These two Earth observation satellites are built by Maxar Space Systems and are the first Maxar 500 series high-stability platforms to deploy in orbit.

These new WorldView Legion spacecraft bring Earth imaging technologies. The satellites equip optical instruments capable of delivering 30 cm-class imagery. It helps to achieve high and increased accuracy of the Maxar 500 series bus.

Maxar confirmed that the satellites are working and sending signals to the mission control. The company has planned commissioning and is expected to send the first images later this spring.

Maxar has a roadmap to send six WorldView Legion satellites into orbit to form an intelligence constellation. The business aims to collect imagery of rapidly changing areas on Earth within a 20 to 30-minute time period.

After launching this mission, the first stage completed its 20th flight and landed on Landing Zone 4. The first stage was previously supported Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISIS EROS C-3, Korea 425, and nine Starlink missions.

SpaceX has recently shared plans to increase the maximum reflight count for the first stage to 40 but it may take some time through regulatory approval. With that being said, SpaceX wrapped up the MAXAR 1 mission around 1 hour in the mission time.

Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on Landing Zone 4 – completing this booster’s 20th launch and landing! pic.twitter.com/CUGqg5cql0

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 2, 2024

(source)