Which satellite has a panchromatic sensor with a spatial resolution of 0.5 meters?

The correct answer identifies WorldView-1 as the satellite that features a panchromatic sensor with a spatial resolution of 0.5 meters. WorldView-1 was launched in 2007 and is known for its high-resolution imagery capabilities. The panchromatic sensor allows for capturing detailed grayscale images, which is particularly useful for applications requiring precise spatial analysis, such as urban planning and land use mapping. This high level of detail can significantly enhance the accuracy of geographic information systems (GIS) analyses and the visual interpretation of the data.

In the context of this question, while other satellites such as IKONOS, QuickBird, and WorldView-2 also provide high-resolution imagery, they differ in terms of their spatial resolution and the types of sensors they employ. For instance, QuickBird has a panchromatic resolution of 0.61 meters, and WorldView-2 offers both panchromatic imagery at 0.46 meters and multispectral imagery at slightly lower resolutions. These differences highlight WorldView-1's distinct capability of achieving 0.5 meters specifically with its panchromatic sensor, making it the correct choice for this question.