Tuesday, June 30, 2009

DigitalGlobe Sets Satellite Launch Date

Longmont, Colorado-based DigitalGlobe is planning to launch the firm's newest satellite, WorldView-2, in October from a launch site in California, the firm said Tuesday afternoon. DigitalGlobe, which uses its satellites to obtain high resolution imagery used for geographical information system and other uses, said the satellite is scheduled to launch October 6th from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Vandenberg, operated by the U.S. Space Command, is used for both unmanned government and commercial satellite launches. DigitalGlobe said the new satellite is expected to double the firm's collection capabilities, and will be the third satellite operated by the firm. DigitalGlobe operates two other high resolution satellites, QuickBird and WorldView-1.