Space Imaging is joining with Raytheon [NYSE: RTN] and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] to develop a next-generation commercial remote-sensing satellite. The partnership also would compete for the National Imaging and Mapping Agency‘s NextView contract that will assure the agency has sufficient capacity on commercial industry’s next-generation imaging system.

To position itself for the contract, Space Imaging applied last November to license a commercial remote sensing satellite through the U.S. government that would have a ground resolution of .25 meters. That would be the resolution of the next-generation Space Imaging satellite if the U.S. Department of Commerce grants the licensing request by year-end.