Miles Jamison
BlackSky Technology, a real-time, space-based intelligence company, has dispatched its inaugural Gen-3 satellite to launch provider Rocket Lab.
The Herndon, Virginia-based company said Thursday the satellite is set to be launched from the Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, in February.
BlackSky Gen-3 Constellation
The remote sensing company aims to provide its customers with the ability to execute high-priority, last-minute tasks through low-latency intersatellite communications. BlackSky also intends to enhance on-orbit operational efficiency by utilizing adaptable onboard attitude control systems. The new advancements to the company’s space-based intelligence applications allow enhanced support for tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and strategic intelligence operations.
The Gen-3 constellation will deliver new mission-critical insights at exceptional speed and scalability through high-resolution, rapid-revisit 35-centimeter imagery and artificial intelligence-enhanced analytics.
With the increasing number of Gen-3 satellites, BlackSky’s constellation will expand providing customers with enhanced capacity and flexibility. They will be able to automate the detection, identification and classification of a variety of vehicles, aircraft and vessels.
“Gen-3 represents a transformative leap forward for space-based intelligence, combining very high-resolution imagery with high-frequency monitoring,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “When combined with BlackSky Spectra®, the Gen-3 constellation is designed to deliver data at sub-hourly, mission-relevant speeds. We look forward to the inaugural launch and introducing the advanced features of our Gen-3 satellites to our customers.”
