“Integrating our latest Gen-3 satellite into the BlackSky Spectra platform in just 21 days following launch is proof positive that our first-of-its-kind end-to-end architecture is delivering incredible operational value to our customers at disruptive speed, scale and economics,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “Achieving effective market penetration and expansion with Gen-3 is the direct result of meeting customer commitments and delivering exceptional mission-relevant value through a disciplined ‘land and expand’ approach.”
Customers now have access to all three Gen-3 satellites via the Spectra tasking and analytics platform. The system enables time-diverse, high-cadence daytime and nighttime imagery, including high off-nadir collections, supported by automated AI-enabled vessel, aircraft and vehicle detection and identification.
“With every successful Gen-3 performance milestone, BlackSky demonstrates that we are unequivocally meeting global demand for flexible, secure tactical ISR capabilities at unprecedented speed,” O’Toole added. “When we launched our first Gen-3, we received first light imagery in 5 days with our second and third units delivering imagery in as fast as twelve hours.”
The rapid commissioning process allows tasking capacity to be delivered to customers much sooner and extends the operational life of each satellite. This contrasts with traditional commissioning timelines, which often require months before capacity becomes available.
With three Gen-3 satellites now on orbit, BlackSky plans to expand the constellation at a regular cadence. The company is using its vertically integrated satellite manufacturing, software and AI capabilities to provide guaranteed access to data through delivery models including capacity sharing, assured subscription access and full sovereign systems.
