At the center of Maxar is an X―a letter with four points converging in the center. It’s used to mark a spot on a map, an intersection or where treasure is buried. In mathematics, X represents an unknown variable that must be determined to solve a problem, and it is also a multiplier that symbolizes not just incremental, but exponential growth.
I love that X is at the heart of our company name because of what it represents and how it’s a great starting point for telling the Maxar story.
This is an inflection point for our industry, what I call a new “space renaissance.” Leaders and visionaries are pushing the boundaries of where we can go, what we can know, what we can do and how we can do it. The amount of change is enormous; the speed of change is fast. The need is great for disruptive ideas, for capabilities and talent.
Maxar Technologies was formed last October when MDA merged with DigitalGlobe. Our timing was deliberate―both companies recognized the immense opportunity and seized it. We chose to combine because we knew that together we’d be uniquely positioned―with our expertise, breadth of offerings and vision—to lead an industry into a bright future of unlimited possibilities. And in doing so, we’d help our customers to bridge into the future.
I talk a lot about the “Power of X,” the power of Maxar. By bringing together our four companies―MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions―we are unlocking a potential exponentially greater than what each could do on its own.
MDA is an internationally recognized leader in space robotics, satellite antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defense and maritime systems, and geospatial imagery and ground systems. Its programs and products serve the Canadian government and commercial customers.
SSL is a leading commercial provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures satellites for Earth observation, in-orbit servicing, direct-to-home television broadcast, video content distribution, broadband internet and mobile communications applications.
DigitalGlobe is the leader in commercial high-resolution satellite imagery used by decision-makers in defense and intelligence, public safety, civil agencies, map making and analysis, environmental monitoring, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure management, navigation technology, and providers of location-based services.
Radiant Solutions provides highly specialized geospatial multisource data, analytics, software and services to deliver critical insights and intelligence. We’re transforming how customers support global mapping and intelligence missions at scale, harnessing pervasive information-gathering sensors, and utilizing open-source software, cloud computing, machine learning and big data analytics to help customers make mission-critical decisions.
We deliver the end-to-end solutions expertise that customers value.
Maxar is at the nexus of the new space economy, at the “X” where innovative technologies and opportunities intersect. We are just beginning to unlock the multiplier effect of our combined businesses and are at the start of what will be a remarkable journey.
In my next blog, I will share examples of the power of X in action. I will write about how our team is applying new technologies and tools, as well as our commercial mindset, to accelerate innovation and develop solutions that benefit our customers and Build a Better World.
If you have a comment or question, I’d like to hear from you. Send me a note at SPACEO@maxar.com.
SpaceView is CEO Howard Lance’s regular blog series about Maxar Technologies and how its four industry-leading commercial space brands are unlocking the connections and intelligence that Build a Better World.