After restrictions were lifted by the U.S. government in June to allow high-detail satellite imagery, the world’s first high-resolution commercial satellite will be launched on August 13, 2014.
The satellite, WorldView-3, will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and has the capability to provide 31 centimeter resolution from 617 kilometers away. The satellite is 18 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and will begin working approximately three months after Wednesday’s launch. The satellite will be able to provide detailed images for a variety of industries including mining, agriculture, and oil and gas. Images will be available for purchase in early 2015.
Watch the launch live on Wednesday, August 13 at 2:30 pm ET/11:30 am PT.
