Maxar Technologies (TSX: MAXR)(NYSE: MAXR) is a leading global provider of advanced space technology solutions for commercial and government markets, including satellites, Earth imagery, geospatial data and analytics. Following the acquisition of Digital Globe in 2017, Maxar currently operates three operating segments and provides a wide range of products and services. This includes services in communication satellites, airborne surveillance and intelligence solutions, as well as high-resolution Earth imagery products.
Diversified customer base
The company has comprehensive capabilities in business and program management, systems engineering, systems integration, testing and support services that address complex customer requirements. Maxar’s established global customer base is served by approximately 6,400 employees operating from 31 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
In the space systems segment, Maxar is a leading supplier of space-based and ground-based infrastructure and information solutions. Maxar designs, manufactures and integrates communication and imaging satellites, space-based and airborne surveillance solutions, robotic systems and associated ground infrastructure services.
Maxar’s principal customers in the space systems segment are government agencies worldwide as well as satellite operators and satellite manufacturers. This business unit is a world leader in commercial satellites and a leading merchant supplier of satellite antennas.
Low cost products
The company is a leading supplier of direct-to-home television and radio broadcast satellites to commercial broadcast satellite operators. Maxar also offers low cost earth observation satellite constellations for commercial and government applications. These low cost earth observation satellites are being constructed at the company’s specialized facility in Palo Alto, California dedicated to small satellite manufacturing.
Digital Globe’s next-generation satellite constellation for high-resolution earth imaging is also being manufactured in California. The company also provides advanced radio frequency and power electronics, as well as various digital solutions. Maxar’s satellite antenna business is located in Quebec.
Bright future in robotics
In addition, Maxar is a leader in space robotics. The company has a long term heritage of providing the robotics for international space station and is currently involved in the development of the next generation of space automation for exploration. Leveraging on a heritage in space robotics, the company is pursuing terrestrial applications for Maxar’s robotics capabilities in the medical and nuclear fields.
The company has also expanded its efforts to market Maxar’s robotics capability to governments and commercial markets. The company has won important space robotics contracts in the United States. Maxar also offers a full range of multi-satellite ground stations to operate radar and optical surveillance satellites and to receive, process, and exploit imagery from those satellites.
Intelligence data solutions
More than 50 receiving ground stations have been installed by Maxar in more than 25 different countries, processing data from over 20 different satellites. The intelligence provided through the company’s ground stations supports a broad range of applications, such as national security, maritime transportation, defence operations, law enforcement and mapping.
The company’s ground-based solutions include maritime surveillance systems that draw on satellite imagery. Maxar also provides advanced navigation information systems that increase safety and efficiency of aircraft landings and departures, supporting the next generation of air traffic management.
Maxar is involved in several exciting businesses. The stock appears to be significantly undervalued.
