DigitalGlobe to complete GeoEye-2 satellite this year for use as spare or replacement

LONGMONT, Colo., 7 Feb. 2013. DigitalGlobe, having combined with GeoEye last month, intends to complete the construction of GeoEye-2 in 2013 and to preserve it as a ground spare to meet customer demand or as a replacement for other on-orbit satellites. GeoEye management previously had expected to launch GeoEye-2 in 2013.

"After careful consideration and discussions with our largest customer and others, we have determined that launching WorldView-3 and preserving GeoEye-2 as a ground spare will best meet the collective needs of customers and shareowners alike," says Jeffrey R. Tarr, president and chief executive officer.

"This plan reduces our risk profile and capital footprint,” Tarr adds, “while giving our customers access to the most advanced earth observation capabilities available commercially. Furthermore, as we move forward, if demand exceeds our expectations, we will be well positioned to quickly expand our constellation. GeoEye-2 and WorldView-3 are extraordinary satellites, and I want to thank all of our team members and partners for their continued efforts toward their completion."

Since completing its combination with GeoEye, DigitalGlobe now provides customers with access to a constellation of five earth observation satellites and a broad suite of high-value geospatial production and analytic services. Customers will benefit from a larger constellation with optimized orbits, and coordinated scheduling will collect imagery faster, increase persistence and enhance resilience.

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