The initiative is led by a consortium that includes Marlan Space, Loft Orbital and French artificial intelligence company Mistral AI. Other space companies from France and the United Arab Emirates are also involved.
The constellation is intended to serve government and commercial users across France, Europe and the UAE. Its artificial intelligence platform is designed to turn satellite data into alerts and actionable intelligence within seconds.
BlackSky’s selection gives the US company responsibility for the high-resolution optical layer of the system. The company did not disclose how many Gen-3 satellites it will supply or the financial value of its role.
The consortium describes the project as the world’s largest artificial intelligence infrastructure in space and the first AI-enabled satellite constellation. Further technical and commercial details are expected later this year.
“This consortium of international industry leaders brings together best-in-class AI and space technologies to accelerate the development of new applications for AI in space,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky Chief Executive Officer. “The program reinforces our commitment to forging long-term global partnerships that advance sovereign space capabilities, a key part of our Mission Solutions business strategy.”
The announcement was made at the International Space Summit in Paris in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. Representatives of Marlan Space and Loft Orbital also took part.
