GeoEye Next-Gen Earth Imaging Satellite - tested!

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has announced the completion of satellite integration and environmental testing for GeoEye's next-generation earth imaging satellite, GeoEye-1. General Dynamics is the prime contractor and integrator of the spacecraft and telescope for GeoEye. GeoEye-1 will remain at the General Dynamics space systems facility until it is shipped to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. for launch this summer.

"GeoEye-1 has now completed testing based on our proven processes that resulted in the successful in-orbit performance of all 10 satellites previously built by General Dynamics," said David Shingledecker, vice president and general manager of integrated space systems, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. "We look forward to the launch of GeoEye-1 and its world-class earth imaging capabilities."

"The completion of environmental testing is a major milestone on the road to launch," said Bill Schuster, GeoEye's chief operating officer. "The satellite was delivered on budget without any change orders which often increase costs. GeoEye-1 and this class of satellites are an ideal system for broad-area imagery collection and mapping for our government and commercial customers."

GeoEye-1 is part of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) NextView program. The NextView program is designed to ensure that the NGA has access to commercial imagery in support of its mission to provide timely, relevant and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of national security.

When operational, GeoEye-1 will be the world's highest resolution commercial imaging satellite, designed to take highly precise images of the Earth from 425 miles (684 kilometers) in space. The 4,310 pound satellite will collect imagery that can distinguish objects on the Earth's surface as small as 0.41 meters or about 16 inches in size

Source : http://www.spacemart.com/