Earthwatch To Launch World's Highest Resolution Commercial Satellite On Delta 2 Launch Vehicle

EarthWatch Incorporated announced today the finalization of its corporate development plans. These include plans to provide 2 foot (61 centimeter) resolution commercial imagery by the end of this year, and to launch its QuickBird 2 satellite on the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle.

In December, 2000, EarthWatch received a license from NOAA to operate a 0.5 meter resolution satellite system.

The company was able to modify its plans for QuickBird 2 to increase the resolution of the satellite from the originally planned 1-meter resolution imaging system to a 61-centimeter system by adjusting the orbit in which the satellite is flown.

The result is that the panchromatic resolution is increased from 1-meter to 61-centimeter and multispectral is increased from 4-meter to 2.5-meter resolution.

QuickBird 2’s design enables it to operate properly at the lower altitude and the satellite carries enough fuel so that its mission life is not reduced. These plans allow EarthWatch to be operating the highest resolution commercial satellite before the end of 2001.

“The utility of the higher resolution imagery is extraordinary. By increasing the spatial resolution and accuracy of the imagery collected by QuickBird, we will uniquely address image information markets with an unparalleled product offering.

“EarthWatch will have the ability to more accurately and reliably identify image details of approximately 2 foot detail versus approximately 3 foot detail”, stated Herb Satterlee, President and CEO of EarthWatch.

EarthWatch is under contract with The Boeing Company to launch the QuickBird spacecraft on a Delta II rocket in October of 2001 from Vandenberg Air Force base in California.

EarthWatch selected the Delta II launch vehicle because of its outstanding launch record. The overall Delta II launch record is 97.9% since 1989, and 39 of the 39 launches conducted since 1997 have been successful.

“The decisions that we have made in defining how we move forward underscore our commitment to offering our customers the best quality product possible”, stated Herb Satterlee.

“This plan not only provides significant potential for our customers but also addresses the needs of our stakeholders. We have been able to fully finance this plan and look forward to establishing ourselves as the leader in the high-resolution market place.”