Advertiser content: This content was commissioned and paid for by the sponsor

In the rapidly evolving space economy, the demand for new, reliable and cost-effective satellite and robotic solutions is more important than ever. In its more than 65-year history, Maxar Space Systems has launched more than 300 satellites and brought some of the industry’s most reliable and innovative satellites to market, including the recent launch of some of the most capable Earth observation satellites, WorldView Legion, and last year’s launch of Jupiter 3, the largest communications satellite ever built by Maxar Space Systems. Today, the company’s commitment to reliable, leading spacecraft manufacturing is evident in its modular design, its increased focus on adapting its legacy capabilities for evolving mission requirements and in its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Modular Design: Maxar Space Systems’ Commitment to Flexibility and Scalability 

As the space economy rapidly grows, mission requirements are constantly evolving, which is why Maxar Space Systems is embracing an agile design approach in its spacecraft production. As new needs emerge, flexibility in system architecture is key, which is why Maxar Space Systems is working to ensure its open and modular designs prioritize scalability and adaptability so systems can be upgraded or modified quickly to facilitate plug-and-play components and adapt missions to emerging technologies. 

The benefits Maxar Space Systems is focused on delivering with this approach are varied and include:  

  • Flexibility: Maxar Space Systems’ modular design enables rapid adaptation of spacecraft for a range of missions across the spectrum, including multi-mission, multi-platform needs. This flexibility can reduce development time for those looking for efficient, reliable options. Whether it’s a communication satellite for low-Earth orbit or a deep-space probe exploring the solar system, Maxar Space Systems can assemble a spacecraft for a variety of missions.  
  • Scalability: By standardizing modular components, Maxar Space Systems can efficiently scale spacecraft up or down based on mission requirements. This scalability is particularly beneficial for large-scale satellite constellations or small, specialized missions, allowing for nimble, cost-effective and versatile solutions. 
  • Cost Efficiency: The use of standardized modules minimizes the need for bespoke components, leading to lower overall expenses and making space missions more economically viable for the growing number of companies looking to deploy a space strategy. 

Maxar Space Systems delivers all three of these features across its varied platforms, which include the Maxar 300™, the smallest and most modular bus; the Maxar 500™, a scalable mid-size platform evolved from the WorldView Legion program; and the Maxar 1300™, the world’s most reliable bus that is highly customizable and can serve higher-power missions.

The company’s modular approach has been incorporated for years in the Maxar 1300, which was designed from the start as a multi-mission platform that can be scaled for smaller-sized missions like Ovzon-3 or large missions like Jupiter 3. This versatile platform offers a stable bus for a variety of missions, including hosted payloads.

Maxar Space Systems is also leveraging this adaptable platform and its commercial heritage for the Power and Propulsion Element in the lunar Gateway program where the Maxar 1300 will provide the largest solar electric propulsion system ever made to power this cis-lunar mission. At the same time, the company is leveraging its Maxar 300 for a high-volume, satellite constellation, that also has high potential for commercial customers.

In these missions and many others, Maxar Space Systems continues to demonstrate its ability to efficiently transform spacecraft design for a variety of missions from Earth observation and communications to space exploration and beyond. 

Customization: Tailoring Spacecraft to Unique Mission Requirements 

Whether for communications, Earth observation or national security, mission requirements are paramount and constantly in flux. In recognizing that each mission has unique requirements, Maxar Space Systems is focused on tailoring its spacecraft to specific customer needs with modular components that can be matched to any mission.

Advantages of Maxar Space Systems’ customization include:  

  • Seamless Systems Integration: Maxar Space Systems’ customization capabilities allow for seamless integration with existing systems and technologies. This is crucial for missions involving collaboration with other spacecraft or ground-based infrastructure. 
  • Proficient Engineering: Maxar Space Systems’ customizable spacecraft are engineered to meet specific mission parameters. Whether integrating advanced scientific instruments or specialized communication systems, Maxar Space Systems ensures that every spacecraft is optimized for its intended purpose. 
  • Enhanced Performance: By selectively customizing components and configurations, Maxar Space Systems enhances the performance and efficiency of its spacecraft. This tailored approach ensures that each mission achieves its objectives with maximum effectiveness. 

One prime example of how Maxar Space Systems’ legacy is bringing its modular technology to market is evidenced in the recent WorldView Legion launches for Maxar Intelligence, which were built on the Maxar 500 platform and include 30 cm-class images. This highly scalable platform offers high stability, agility and pointing accuracy that can be customized in multiple ways, including for imaging sensors and diverse payloads. The platform also offers high-precision attitude knowledge and control, high-bandwidth mission data downlink and accelerated timelines in transmission to ground.  

Maxar Space Systems’ Commitment to World Class Manufacturing 

From its manufacturing facilities in Northern California, Maxar Space Systems is focused on integrating leading manufacturing processes and best practices into all aspects of its work. The company is capable of balancing multiple large-scale spacecraft in various stages of assembly at one time, and its team is constantly focused on accuracy and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process, including in its extensive testing facilities.

Additionally, as part of Maxar Space Systems’ focus on producing high quality spacecraft in a cost-efficient and sustainable way, the company is incorporating additive manufacturing to its processes. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing builds objects from the ground up, allowing for more complex geometries and designs. And by building components layer by layer, the company significantly reduces the amount of excess material created, which minimizes waste, creates lighter and stronger parts and results in shorter lead times.

Conclusion 

As space exploration continues to expand, Maxar Space Systems’ commitment to modular design and customization will play a crucial role in helping new companies deploy their space strategies while also advancing long-term sustainability. The company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration, combined with decades of experience and high reliability allows Maxar Space Systems to redefine what is possible in spacecraft manufacturing.