Lockheed Martin is set to commence the integration of GeoEye’s next-generation, high-resolution Earth-imaging satellite, known as GeoEye-2, to its Sunnyvale, California, facilities at the end of October.

The integrated satellite structure and propulsion system serves as the structural backbone of the satellite and is essential to manoeuvre GeoEye-2 to its final sun-synchronous orbit location and conduct on-orbit repositioning manoeuvres throughout its mission span.

According to the company, GeoEye-2 will feature significant improvements to its predecessors, including enhanced tasking and the ability to collect more imagery at a faster rate with a new ITT camera, once it becomes operational in 2013.

The fully integrated propulsion system was assembled and tested at Lockheed Martin’s Space & Technology Center in Stennis, Mississippi.

The satellite will be launched aboard an Atlas V rocket.