BlackSky Technology and Rocket Lab have scheduled a launch window opening on February 18 for the deployment of BlackSky’s first Gen-3 satellite. The mission, titled “Fasten Your Space Belts,” will introduce very high-resolution 35-cm imaging to BlackSky’s rapid-response, AI-powered analytics and geospatial intelligence services.
Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO, said: “This launch represents a major inflexion point for our global defence and intelligence customer base as BlackSky introduces very high-resolution Gen-3 capabilities to our high-frequency, low-latency monitoring constellation. As more Gen-3 satellites complete production, we expect a regular cadence of additional launches over the coming year.”
Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO, added: “Electron is a trusted and reliable constellation builder for companies like BlackSky, allowing them to be in control of how, when, and where to deploy their constellation. BlackSky is one of our earliest and longest-standing commercial satellite customers, and it’s great to be heading back to the pad with them once again to continue to advance and expand their constellation.”
As BlackSky’s constellation evolves with the regular addition of Gen-3 satellites, BlackSky will continue to optimize for increased constellation capacity and flexibility giving customers confidence in reliable access to services. Gen-3 customers will be able to conduct the automated detection, identification and classification of a wide library of vehicles, aircraft, vessels and other objects of tactical interest. These new capabilities will further enable BlackSky’s space-based intelligence applications for tactical ISR missions and strategic intelligence operations.
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