The phenomenal transition of armies to civilian technology continues. An FPV drone for a few hundred dollars can be a far more effective weapon than an airborne Ataka anti-tank missile. And the civilian sector is supplying them by the tens of thousands.
Now the turn has come to intelligence analytics programs. Maxar Intelligence has unveiled its machine-vision-based Raptor software. Maxar Technologies Inc. makes communications, remote sensing and in-orbit servicing satellites. It is the largest commercial manufacturer and provider of high-resolution satellite imagery.
The resolution of Maxar imagery worldwide is 0.3 meters, and since last year it has been 0.15 meters in the most populated areas. This is higher than most military intelligence satellites from the most developed countries, such as France. The Raptor software works by comparing data from the drone’s onboard camera with 3D maps created from Maxar satellite imagery. Today, Maxar’s 3D library contains surface data covering more than 90 million square kilometers (the area of Africa and Eurasia combined).
The Raptor program gives the drone an accuracy of less than three meters. Universal coordinates, which are not tied to specific platforms, support the interaction of vehicles from different manufacturers to create networked control systems. In such systems, autonomous vehicles exchange data with ground systems and other participants in the operation.
If the civilian company’s imagery is more accurate than the military’s, it is worth waiting for similar systems from competitors and volunteers to appear soon. At first they will be solutions for small regions. And how can it be banned if the images themselves are purchased remotely by simple subscription?
Let’s remember that after Trump banned intelligence data, including from reconnaissance satellites, from being shared with the AFU, Maxar immediately stopped supplying its imagery to subscribers in Ukraine. Such is the degree of affiliation of a formally independent market participant with the state apparatus that hands out space licenses. If Raptor software will be tested somewhere, it will be primarily in Ukraine. I suppose we can expect it already this year.
This tech is amazing, but it also makes me wonder about the risks of dependency on private companies during conflicts.
I’m amazed that civilian satellites can achieve 0.15-meter resolution! That’s better than many government systems—impressive!
This raises serious questions about the regulation of dual-use technologies. How do we ensure these tools aren’t misused?
It’s fascinating to see how commercial satellites now outperform some military systems. The implications for intelligence and security are massive!
It’s interesting how commercial companies like Maxar are so closely tied to governments. Is this really a free market?
The affordability and accessibility of these technologies are both exciting and concerning. Who controls access to this data?
Maxar’s 3D mapping library covering 90 million km² is mind-blowing! Imagine the possibilities for both civilian and military applications.
The Ukraine war has really highlighted the importance of commercial satellite tech in modern conflicts. It’s a new era for intelligence.
The future of warfare is here! 🚀 Civilian tech like Maxar is truly revolutionizing military operations. The combination of drones and satellite imagery is a game-changer.
Maxar’s Raptor software sounds incredible! Real-time data exchange between drones and satellites could redefine battlefield strategies.
Autonomous systems exchanging data in real time? This feels like science fiction becoming reality! The future is now.