The two independent companies formed from the 2023 acquisition of Maxar Technologies have been given new names to establish distinct identities in the space and intelligence sectors. Maxar Intelligence will now be known as Vantor, and Maxar Space Systems will operate as Lanteris.
The rebranding, which took effect on October 1, follows the $6.4 billion acquisition of the company by private equity firm Advent International. Both Vantor and Lanteris will continue as portfolio companies of Advent, but the new names are intended to eliminate market confusion and signal new strategic directions for each entity.
Key Takeaways
- Maxar Intelligence has been renamed Vantor, focusing on software-driven, multi-source intelligence solutions.
- Maxar Space Systems is now Lanteris, diversifying its satellite manufacturing for government and commercial clients.
- The change follows the 2023 acquisition by Advent International, which split Maxar into two separate companies.
- The rebranding aims to create clear, independent identities and reflect the evolving strategies of both businesses.
Vantor: A New Focus on Integrated Intelligence
The company formerly known as Maxar Intelligence is adopting the name Vantor to reflect its strategic shift beyond satellite imagery. While Earth observation remains a core function, Vantor is repositioning itself as a software and data analytics firm that provides comprehensive intelligence solutions.
This move aligns with a broader industry trend where the primary value is shifting from operating satellites to interpreting the vast amounts of data they collect. Vantor aims to integrate information from satellites, drones, and ground sensors using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
"We’re not just a satellite imagery provider. We’re delivering end-to-end solutions capable of connecting sensor data from every domain, providing a unified intelligence picture that can turn into a competitive advantage," stated Dan Smoot, CEO of Vantor.
Introducing the Tensorglobe Platform
Coinciding with the rebranding, Vantor announced the launch of a new AI-powered software platform called Tensorglobe. This platform is integrated with a digital twin of Earth, allowing customers to build advanced systems using Vantor's operational technologies.
Peter Wilczynski, Vantor's chief product officer, explained the significance of this shift. "Historically, companies in our sector only sell finished intelligence and give you access through a web portal," he said. "We’re changing the game by productizing core operational technologies that we’ve built to run our own operations."
This approach allows customers to use Vantor's tools for tasks ranging from data fusion to 3D data production, enabling them to create their own sophisticated systems. Wilczynski emphasized that the future is about integrating data across space, air, and ground domains.
Vantor at a Glance
- Headquarters: Westminster, Colorado
- Employees: Over 2,000 worldwide
- Workforce: Includes more than 1,000 software engineers
- Satellite Constellations: Operates DigitalGlobe and the new WorldView Legion satellites
Despite its software focus, Vantor will continue to operate and launch its own imaging satellites. The company is currently deploying its new WorldView Legion constellation, a series of six advanced satellites. Vantor also collaborates with other satellite firms like Umbra and Satellogic to form a "virtual constellation," offering clients access to diverse sensor types.
Lanteris: Diversifying Satellite Manufacturing
Lanteris, the new identity for Maxar Space Systems, reflects a significant transformation in its business model. The company, historically known as Space Systems/Loral, was once a dominant builder of large geostationary orbit (GEO) communications satellites.
However, a global decline in the GEO market, driven by the rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, created financial challenges for the company. The 2023 acquisition by Advent International provided the necessary capital for a strategic reset.
Chris Johnson, CEO of Lanteris, noted that the company's revenue stream has become far more balanced. "Five years ago, about 95% of revenues came from the commercial market," Johnson said. Today, the revenue is split evenly between commercial and government contracts, which he described as "the most balanced it has been in decades."
New Opportunities in Defense and Exploration
The company has successfully pivoted toward government contracts and the production of smaller satellites. A key project includes building satellite buses for L3Harris Technologies, which are part of a missile-tracking constellation for the U.S. Space Force's Space Development Agency.
A Brief History of Maxar's Evolution
- 1969: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) is founded in Canada.
- 2012: MDA acquires U.S.-based satellite manufacturer Space Systems/Loral.
- 2017: The combined company rebrands as Maxar Technologies and moves its headquarters to the U.S.
- 2023: Advent International acquires Maxar for $6.4 billion and splits it into two separate businesses.
- 2024: The two businesses are renamed Vantor and Lanteris.
While adapting to new market demands, Johnson remains optimistic about the future of large spacecraft. "I’m still a strong believer that geostationary orbit is an ideal place to do a lot of things," he commented, pointing to the potential for new opportunities with the advent of heavy-lift rockets like SpaceX's Starship.
Lanteris is also involved in deep-space missions, including building the Power and Propulsion Element for NASA's lunar Gateway space station. This work positions the company to contribute to future missions to the Moon and beyond.
Lanteris's Strategic Focus Areas
The company's innovation strategy is concentrated on three main areas:
- National Security: Developing technologies for missile tracking, secure communications, and resilient satellite constellations.
- Space Infrastructure: Building AI-enabled systems, advanced propulsion, and technologies for in-orbit mobility and energy.
- Connectivity and Exploration: Designing satellites and deep-space platforms to support global communication and missions to the Moon.
This balanced approach allows Lanteris to pursue growth in both established and emerging sectors of the space industry, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing market.