In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of WorldView-2, a topic that has captured the curiosity of many people over time. From its origins to its relevance today, WorldView-2 has left an indelible mark on society, influencing different aspects of culture, science, politics and much more. Through a detailed analysis, we will discover the many facets of WorldView-2, its impact in different eras and its relevance in the contemporary world. Prepare to embark on an exciting journey through time and knowledge, to discover the secrets and wonders that WorldView-2 has to offer.
Mission type | Earth observation |
---|---|
Operator | DigitalGlobe |
COSPAR ID | 2009-055A |
SATCAT no. | 35946 |
Website | DigitalGlobe WorldView-2 |
Mission duration | Planned: 7.25 years Elapsed: 15 years, 4 months, 22 days |
Spacecraft properties | |
Bus | BCP-5000[1] |
Manufacturer | Ball Aerospace |
Launch mass | 2,800 kg (6,200 lb) |
Power | 3200 watts |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 8 October 2009, 18:51:01[2] | UTC
Rocket | Delta II 7920-10C, D-345[2] |
Launch site | Vandenberg SLC-2W[2] |
Contractor | Boeing / United Launch Alliance |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Sun-synchronous |
Perigee altitude | 772 kilometers (480 mi)[3] |
Apogee altitude | 773 kilometers (480 mi)[3] |
Inclination | 98.40 degrees[3] |
Period | 100.16 minutes[3] |
Epoch | 25 January 2015, 04:29:44 UTC[3] |
DigitalGlobe fleet |
WorldView-2 (WV 2) is a commercial Earth observation satellite owned by DigitalGlobe. WorldView-2 provides commercially available panchromatic imagery of 0.46 m (18 in) resolution, and eight-band multispectral imagery with 1.84 m (72 in) resolution.[4]
It was launched 8 October 2009 to become DigitalGlobe's third satellite in orbit, joining WorldView-1 which was launched in 2007 and QuickBird which was launched in 2001.[5] It takes a new photograph of any place on Earth every 1.1 days.[6]
Ball Aerospace built the spacecraft, which includes an optical telescope that can image objects 18 in (460 mm) in diameter.
WorldView-2 was launched 8 October 2009 from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a Delta II flying in the 7920 configuration. The launch vehicle was provided by the United Launch Alliance and launch services were administered by Boeing.[7]
On 19 July 2016, the Joint Space Operations Center reported a debris causing event of at least 9 observable pieces, after which DigitalGlobe demonstrated the satellite to still be functional by releasing an image of downtown Oakland, California.[8][9]