# WorldView Legion 4

> commercial Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q132717626](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132717626)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/worldview-legion-4

## Summary
WorldView Legion 4 is a commercial Earth observation satellite manufactured and operated by Maxar Technologies. Launched on August 15, 2024, it is a member of the WorldView Legion class and part of the broader WorldView satellite series. The satellite provides high-resolution imagery from a mid-inclination orbit to support geospatial data requirements.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** August 15, 2024, at 13:00:00 UTC.
- **Operator:** Maxar Technologies.
- **Manufacturers:** Maxar Technologies and RTX.
- **Launch Vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (specifically booster B1076.16).
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Mass:** 750 kg launch weight; 625 kg dry weight.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** Lanteris 500.
- **Orbit Type:** Mid-inclination orbit.
- **Sequence:** Preceded by WorldView Legion 3 and followed by WorldView Legion 5.
- **Identification:** COSPAR ID 2024-146B; SCN 60453.

## FAQs
### Q: Who manufactured WorldView Legion 4?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Maxar Technologies in collaboration with RTX. Maxar Technologies also serves as the satellite's operator.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch WorldView Legion 4?
A: It was launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 orbital launch vehicle. The specific booster used for this mission was B1076, marking its 16th flight (B1076.16).

### Q: What is the purpose of WorldView Legion 4?
A: WorldView Legion 4 is a commercial Earth observation satellite. It is designed to collect imagery and data from Earth's surface while operating in a mid-inclination orbit.

## Why It Matters
WorldView Legion 4 is a critical component of the WorldView Legion constellation, representing a significant advancement in commercial Earth observation capabilities. By deploying this satellite into a mid-inclination orbit, Maxar Technologies enhances its ability to provide frequent revisits and high-resolution imagery of the Earth's most populated regions. 

The satellite's integration into the existing WorldView series ensures continuity and expansion of geospatial intelligence for government and commercial users. Utilizing the Lanteris 500 bus and launched via the flight-proven Falcon 9 Block 5, WorldView Legion 4 exemplifies the modern trend of using highly efficient, medium-class satellites to maintain robust orbital networks. Its successful deployment, alongside WorldView Legion 3, doubles the initial capacity of the Legion class, directly impacting the speed and accuracy of global monitoring and mapping services.

## Notable For
- **Dual Launch:** Launched simultaneously with WorldView Legion 3 as part of a significant expansion of the Maxar constellation.
- **Advanced Bus:** Utilizes the Lanteris 500 spacecraft bus, optimized for high-performance Earth observation.
- **High Revisit Capability:** Specifically positioned in a mid-inclination orbit to maximize observation frequency over specific geographic areas.
- **Solar Powered:** Features a dedicated spacecraft solar array for long-term orbital power generation.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
WorldView Legion 4 is a medium-class satellite with a launch weight of 750 kilograms and a dry weight of 625 kilograms. It is built upon the Lanteris 500 spacecraft bus, a platform designed for commercial Earth observation missions. The satellite's power is supplied by an integrated spacecraft solar array. It is identified in international registries by COSPAR ID 2024-146B and NSSDCA ID 2024-146B, with a Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) of 60453.

### Launch and Mission Profile
The satellite was launched on August 15, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 in the United States. The launch was conducted by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. This specific mission utilized booster B1076.16, indicating the 16th successful use of that particular first-stage booster. Following the launch, the satellite was placed into a mid-inclination orbit.

### Operational Context
As part of the WorldView Legion class, WorldView Legion 4 follows WorldView Legion 3 in the series and is succeeded by WorldView Legion 5. It is owned and operated by Maxar Technologies, a U.S.-based company. The manufacturing of the unit involved both Maxar Technologies and RTX. The satellite functions as a primary tool for commercial remote sensing, contributing to the broader WorldView series of Earth observation assets.

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{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "WorldView Legion 4",
  "description": "A commercial Earth observation satellite operated by Maxar Technologies and launched in 2024.",
  "alternateName": "Legion 4",
  "manufacturer": [
    {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "Maxar Technologies"
    },
    {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "RTX"
    }
  ],
  "identifier": "2024-146B",
  "additionalType": "WorldView Legion"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/worldview-legion.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.maxar.com/press-releases/maxar-s-third-and-fourth-worldview-legion-satellites-performing-well-after-launch)
4. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/worldview-legion)
5. [Source](https://space.oscar.wmo.int/satellites/view/worldview_legion_3)