DigitalGlobe (DG) today announced that its previously planned satellite construction program for the third WorldView satellite remains on track.

DG has confirmed that it plans to complete WorldView-3 on its original schedule, to be ready for launch in mid-2014 in order to meet the requirements of its EnhancedView contract with the US Government. That contract calls for completion and launch of WorldView-3, which will offer the most spectral diversity available commercially. WV3 will be the first to offer multiple Short-Wave Infrared bands that allow for accurate imaging through haze, fog, dust, smoke and other air-born particulates.

Following its recent combination with GeoEye, DigitalGlobe intends to complete the construction of GeoEye-2 in 2013 and to preserve it as a ground spare to meet future customer demand or as a replacement for other on-orbit satellites.  Previously, GeoEye 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,” said Jeffrey R. Tarr, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Since combining 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.