Andrew Yee[_1_]
February 20th 07, 02:33 AM
GeoEye
Media Contacts:
Mark Brender, GeoEye
(703) 480-9562
Amy Shanks
LeGrand Hart for GeoEye
(303) 298-8470 ext. 273
For Immediate Release: January 19, 2007
GeoEye's Next-Generation Satellite Reaches Major Milestone
GeoEye-1's Camera Delivered to General Dynamics for Integration
DULLES, Va. -- GeoEye, the world's largest commercial satellite imaging
company (Nasdaq: GEOY), announced today the delivery of the camera for its
next-generation commercial imaging satellite to General Dynamics Advanced
Information Systems in Gilbert, Arizona for integration into the satellite.
When operational, GeoEye-1
[http://www.geoeye.com/products/imagery/geoeye1/default.htm] will be the
world's highest resolution commercial imaging satellite.
ITT (Rochester, New York) built the sensor, optical telescope assembly,
detectors and focal plane assembly, and the high-speed digital processing
electronics. The sensor is the single most important component of GeoEye-1
and it is considered a major milestone when the sensor is delivered to the
prime contractor. The sensor was delivered to General Dynamics earlier this
week.
The major components have now been delivered and the process of integration
and testing has begun in preparation for launch. However, GeoEye believes
it is possible that integration and testing may not be concluded in time to
support a launch this spring for which it is currently scheduled. As a
result of this and the busy Delta II launch schedule, GeoEye is working
towards a launch from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. during the third quarter of
2007.
GeoEye-1 will be lifted into a near-polar orbit by a Delta II launch vehicle
procured by Boeing Launch Services (Huntington Beach, Calif.) from United
Launch Alliance, Denver, Colo. This launch vehicle is the most reliable
launch vehicle in its class.
"Getting the major components in house and in good condition is a critical
achievement toward the successful completion of the program," said Bill
Schuster, GeoEye's chief operating officer. "The effort now is to bring
these pieces together and to thoroughly test the fully integrated system
prior to launch to ensure that GeoEye-1 will meet all program performance
objectives when it is placed into service. Our goal is 100 percent mission
success.
About GeoEye
Headquartered in Dulles, Va., GeoEye is the world's largest commercial
satellite imagery company, delivering high-quality and the most accurate
imagery and products to better map, measure, monitor and manage the world.
GeoEye was formed as a result of ORBIMAGE's acquisition of Space Imaging in
January 2006. The company is the premier provider of geospatial data,
information and value-added products for the national security community,
strategic partners, resellers and commercial customers. GeoEye operates a
constellation of three Earth imaging satellites -- OrbView-2, OrbView-3 and
IKONOS -- and possesses an international network of regional ground
stations, a robust image archive, and advanced geospatial imagery processing
capabilities that are unmatched in the satellite imagery industry. Its
products are the cornerstone of the remote-sensing industry enabling a wide
array of applications including intelligence gathering for national security
and defense, mapping, local government planning, and natural resources and
environmental monitoring. The company maintains a comprehensive Quality
Management System (QMS) and has achieved corporate-wide ISO accreditation.
For more information, visit www.geoeye.com .
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks
and uncertainties. GeoEye's actual financial and operational results could
differ materially from those anticipated. Additional information regarding
these risk factors and uncertainties is described more fully in the
Company's SEC filings. A copy of all SEC filings may be obtained from the
SEC's EDGAR web site, www.sec.gov, or by contacting: William L. Warren,
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, at
703-480-5672.
Media Contacts:
Mark Brender, GeoEye
(703) 480-9562
Amy Shanks
LeGrand Hart for GeoEye
(303) 298-8470 ext. 273
For Immediate Release: January 19, 2007
GeoEye's Next-Generation Satellite Reaches Major Milestone
GeoEye-1's Camera Delivered to General Dynamics for Integration
DULLES, Va. -- GeoEye, the world's largest commercial satellite imaging
company (Nasdaq: GEOY), announced today the delivery of the camera for its
next-generation commercial imaging satellite to General Dynamics Advanced
Information Systems in Gilbert, Arizona for integration into the satellite.
When operational, GeoEye-1
[http://www.geoeye.com/products/imagery/geoeye1/default.htm] will be the
world's highest resolution commercial imaging satellite.
ITT (Rochester, New York) built the sensor, optical telescope assembly,
detectors and focal plane assembly, and the high-speed digital processing
electronics. The sensor is the single most important component of GeoEye-1
and it is considered a major milestone when the sensor is delivered to the
prime contractor. The sensor was delivered to General Dynamics earlier this
week.
The major components have now been delivered and the process of integration
and testing has begun in preparation for launch. However, GeoEye believes
it is possible that integration and testing may not be concluded in time to
support a launch this spring for which it is currently scheduled. As a
result of this and the busy Delta II launch schedule, GeoEye is working
towards a launch from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. during the third quarter of
2007.
GeoEye-1 will be lifted into a near-polar orbit by a Delta II launch vehicle
procured by Boeing Launch Services (Huntington Beach, Calif.) from United
Launch Alliance, Denver, Colo. This launch vehicle is the most reliable
launch vehicle in its class.
"Getting the major components in house and in good condition is a critical
achievement toward the successful completion of the program," said Bill
Schuster, GeoEye's chief operating officer. "The effort now is to bring
these pieces together and to thoroughly test the fully integrated system
prior to launch to ensure that GeoEye-1 will meet all program performance
objectives when it is placed into service. Our goal is 100 percent mission
success.
About GeoEye
Headquartered in Dulles, Va., GeoEye is the world's largest commercial
satellite imagery company, delivering high-quality and the most accurate
imagery and products to better map, measure, monitor and manage the world.
GeoEye was formed as a result of ORBIMAGE's acquisition of Space Imaging in
January 2006. The company is the premier provider of geospatial data,
information and value-added products for the national security community,
strategic partners, resellers and commercial customers. GeoEye operates a
constellation of three Earth imaging satellites -- OrbView-2, OrbView-3 and
IKONOS -- and possesses an international network of regional ground
stations, a robust image archive, and advanced geospatial imagery processing
capabilities that are unmatched in the satellite imagery industry. Its
products are the cornerstone of the remote-sensing industry enabling a wide
array of applications including intelligence gathering for national security
and defense, mapping, local government planning, and natural resources and
environmental monitoring. The company maintains a comprehensive Quality
Management System (QMS) and has achieved corporate-wide ISO accreditation.
For more information, visit www.geoeye.com .
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks
and uncertainties. GeoEye's actual financial and operational results could
differ materially from those anticipated. Additional information regarding
these risk factors and uncertainties is described more fully in the
Company's SEC filings. A copy of all SEC filings may be obtained from the
SEC's EDGAR web site, www.sec.gov, or by contacting: William L. Warren,
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, at
703-480-5672.