BlackSky Technology’s second Gen-3 satellite has delivered its first very high-resolution and low-latency images just 12 hours after its launch.
The system collected 35-centimeter (13.8 inches) resolution imagery over Golmud Air Base, Qinghai Province, China, on June 9 at 7:45 am China Standard Time, showcasing its ability to provide decision-makers with intelligence on vital aircraft and ground vehicle movements and positioning, as well as critical facility operations.
Compressing the entire process of satellite commissioning, imaging, downlink, processing, and delivery into half a day is faster than many traditional satellite tasking and delivery cycles.
“In today’s national security environment, BlackSky’s customers require space-based intelligence that moves at warfighter speed,” said company CEO Brian O’Toole.
Gen-3 Satellite
In February, the Virginia-based company clinched a “multimillion-dollar” deal with the Defense Innovation Unit to launch the Gen-3 satellite.
A month later, the firm produced in record time its first artificial intelligence-driven analytics from the spacecraft’s imagery.
Gen-3 satellites are equipped with artificial intelligence-powered analytics for rapidly identifying a wide range of military assets, and use shortwave infrared imagery to improve intelligence in low-light and degraded conditions.
“BlackSky is committed to giving customers an unparalleled operational advantage at disruptive speed, scale, and economics. Our real-time dynamic monitoring capabilities offer a strong complement to national space assets, especially in support of time-dominant strategic and tactical operations,” O’Toole noted.
