Satellite imagery company Vantor has selected BAE Systems to build its next generation of Earth observation satellites.

BAE Systems will manufacture the Vantor Vantage 20-cm-class imaging satellites based on the Evolve spacecraft line and will also lead spacecraft integration and testing for the program.

“We are entering a new era of imaging satellite production that is based on a long and successful history of delivering space vehicles for Vantor programs,” said Brad Shogrin, vice president and general manager of National Space for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems.

“The Vantage imaging satellites will provide essential data for critical intelligence programs, and we look forward to growing our partnership as we advance to the production phase of these next-generation space vehicles.”

The companies say the satellites will integrate advanced technologies designed to reduce latency and increase imagery collection opportunities during each satellite pass.

Five-fold boost in revisit rates

As Spatial Source reported earlier this year, Vantor’s current WorldView Legion constellation can collect more than 3.5 million square kilometres of 30-cm-class imagery each day and revisit the same location up to 15 times per day.

The new Vantage constellation will boost revisit rates five-fold, providing imaging of the same location on Earth as often as every 15 minutes at 20-cm resolution.

“As demand accelerates for more responsive space-based intelligence, we’re investing in expanding our constellation capabilities to strengthen the spatial foundation that represents our living digital twin of Earth,” said Matt Jenkins, chief space systems officer at Vantor.