BAE to build imagery satellites for Vantor

BROOMFIELD — Two aerospace companies headquartered in neighboring communities along the U.S. Highway 36 corridor are combining forces to build high-resolution imaging satellites for national defense and intelligence programs.

BAE Systems Inc. Space & Mission Systems, the Broomfield-based subsidiary of British defense contractor BAE Systems PLC, has inked a deal to manufacture, integrate and test satellite buses for Vantor, the Westminster satellite-imagery firm previously called Maxar Intelligence, to use in its Vantage 20 cm-class imaging satellites.

“We are entering a new era of imaging satellite production that is based on a long and successful history of delivering space vehicles for Vantor programs,” BAE vice president Brad Shogrin said in a prepared statement. “The Vantage imaging satellites will provide essential data for critical intelligence programs, and we look forward to growing our partnership as we advance to the production phase of these next-generation space vehicles. Vantor features world-class capabilities, and we are excited to once again partner with them on these advanced systems.”

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“As demand accelerates for more responsive space-based intelligence, we’re investing in expanding our constellation capabilities to strengthen the spatial foundation that represents our living digital twin of Earth,” Vantor chief space systems officer Matt Jenkins said in a statement. “Vantage represents the next generation of exquisite imaging from space, and BAE Systems’ proven track record of manufacturing excellence, mission execution, and deep experience supporting world-class imaging programs makes them the right partner to help us build what will be the most capable commercial imaging satellites on orbit.”

BizWest speculated last week that BAE, which established its local presence in 2024 with its $5.5 billion acquisition of Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp., might be planning an expansion of its Broomfield manufacturing operations after the state offered an unnamed, large aerospace firm an eight-figure incentives package to help entice the company to build a new factory in the city. The company did not confirm to BizWest whether it was the recipient of that incentives offer.

Maxar Technologies Inc. was cleaved into two business units in 2023 on the heels of its $6.4 billion acquisition by Boston-based private-equity firm Advent International. Maxar Intelligence remained based in Westminster, while Maxar Space Infrastructure decamped for Silicon Valley. 

Maxar Intelligence announced last year that it had rebranded the division as Vantor, a reflection of its evolution “from a satellite imagery provider into an end-to-end spatial intelligence company.”

Share on Facebook on LinkedIn