By Urban Koi – Space Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

On August 15, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched a pair of Maxar Intelligence imaging satellites as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance Earth observation capabilities. The mission (designated Maxar-2) took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. This launch is significant as it marks the second of three planned missions to establish a constellation of six WorldView Legion satellites, which are designed to provide high-resolution imaging of Earth.

The first two satellites in this series were launched earlier on May 2, and their initial images were published last month. With the addition of these latest satellites, Maxar now operates the third and fourth units of the WorldView Legion series, which are notable for being the first to be placed into a mid-inclination orbit. This orbit allows for comprehensive coverage of regions between 45º north and 45º south latitude, making it ideal for monitoring densely populated areas.

The WorldView Legion satellites boast impressive electro-optical imaging capabilities, with a resolution of 30 centimeters. They are crucial for various applications, including mapping and surveillance. Maxar Intelligence holds a pivotal role in the U.S. government’s Earth observation strategy, having secured a substantial $3.2 billion contract from the National Reconnaissance Office in 2022 to provide imagery and mapping services over the next decade.

This launch also highlights SpaceX’s continued dominance in the commercial space sector, marking its 79th launch of 2024 and the 16th flight of the Falcon 9 first stage booster, which successfully returned to Cape Canaveral approximately eight minutes after liftoff. As the deployment of the WorldView Legion constellation progresses, the potential for enhanced global monitoring and data collection continues to expand.

Cybersecurity Implications

ENHANCED SURVEILLANCE + DATA SECURITY

The WorldView Legion satellites are designed to provide continuous, high-resolution imaging with a revisit rate of up to 15 times per day over critical areas. This capability is vital for national security missions, allowing for real-time monitoring of activities that could pose threats. However, the increased volume and sensitivity of the data collected mandates robust cybersecurity measures to protect against unauthorized access and potential exploitation by adversaries. The risk of cyberattacks targeting the data becomes a pressing concern.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN COMMERCIAL + MILITARY SECTORS

The collaboration between Maxar and the U.S. Space Force exemplifies the increasing reliance on commercial capabilities for national security. This partnership underscores the importance of integrating cybersecurity protocols within commercial space operations. As military and commercial sectors work together, ensuring that both parties adhere to stringent cybersecurity standards is increasingly more crucial to safeguard critical national infrastructure as our space landscape continues to evolve.

Source: SpaceX Launches Second Pair of Maxar WorldView Legion Imaging Satellites | SpaceNews