BlackSky and Rocket Lab Establish Launch Window for First Gen-3 Satellite

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) and Rocket Lab have set a launch window starting February 18 for BlackSky's first Gen-3 satellite. The mission, dubbed 'Fasten Your Space Belts,' will enhance BlackSky's capabilities by adding 35-centimeter very high-resolution imaging to their existing constellation.

The Gen-3 satellite has been encapsulated onto an Electron rocket at Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. This launch marks a significant advancement for BlackSky's defense and intelligence customers, with more Gen-3 satellites planned for regular launches throughout the coming year.

The enhanced Gen-3 capabilities will enable automated detection, identification, and classification of vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and other tactical objects. This upgrade aims to strengthen BlackSky's space-based intelligence applications for tactical ISR missions and strategic intelligence operations.

Positive

• Launch of advanced Gen-3 satellite with 35-centimeter imaging capability
• Multiple additional Gen-3 satellite launches planned throughout the year
• Enhanced automated detection and classification capabilities for defense customers

Negative

• None.

Insights

Space Technology & Satellite Intelligence Analyst

The upcoming launch of BlackSky's first Gen-3 satellite marks a pivotal technological leap that substantially enhances their competitive position in the Earth observation market. The introduction of 35-centimeter resolution imaging capabilities represents a significant advancement that puts BlackSky in direct competition with industry leaders like Maxar and Planet Labs.

The technical specifications of the Gen-3 satellite are particularly noteworthy. The 35-centimeter resolution capability enables the identification of objects roughly the size of a car hood, making it especially valuable for defense and intelligence applications. This enhancement, combined with BlackSky's existing low-latency and high-frequency monitoring capabilities, creates a powerful value proposition for government and military clients who require detailed, real-time intelligence.

The strategic partnership with Rocket Lab deserves special attention. As one of their "earliest and longest-standing commercial satellite customers," BlackSky benefits from reliable launch access - a important advantage in the satellite industry where launch windows and costs can significantly impact deployment strategies. The planned regular cadence of launches throughout the year suggests a well-capitalized expansion strategy that could accelerate revenue growth.

The emphasis on automated detection and classification capabilities for vehicles, aircraft and vessels indicates a strong focus on AI-enabled analytics. This integration of advanced imaging capabilities with automated analysis tools positions BlackSky to capture a larger share of the growing space-based intelligence market, estimated to reach tens of billions of dollars by 2030.

“Fasten Your Space Belts” mission will add very high-resolution 35-centimeter imaging capability to BlackSky’s high-cadence, low-latency data and AI-enabled analytics offerings

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) and Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) have established a launch window opening February 18 for the first Gen-3 satellite. The launch, named “Fasten Your Space Belts,” will add very high-resolution 35-centimeter imaging capability to BlackSky’s high-cadence, low-latency data and AI-enabled analytics offerings.

BlackSky’s first Gen-3 satellite recently completed encapsulation onto an Electron rocket at Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The launch window for the “Fasten Your Space Belts” mission opens February 18. BlackSky’s Gen-3 will add very high-resolution 35-centimeter imaging capability to the company's high-cadence, low-latency data and AI-enabled analytics offerings. (Photo: Rocket Lab)

“This launch represents a major inflection point for our global defense and intelligence customer base as BlackSky introduces very high-resolution Gen-3 capabilities to our high-frequency, low-latency monitoring constellation,” said Brian O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “As more Gen-3 satellites complete production, we expect a regular cadence of additional launches over the coming year.”

“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,” said Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO.

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.

About BlackSky Technology Inc.
BlackSky is a real-time, space-based intelligence company that delivers on-demand, high frequency imagery, analytics, and high-frequency monitoring of the most critical and strategic locations, economic assets, and events in the world. BlackSky owns and operates one of the industry’s most advanced, purpose-built commercial, real-time intelligence systems that combines the power of the BlackSky Spectra® tasking and analytics software platform and our proprietary low earth orbit satellite constellation.

With BlackSky, customers can see, understand and anticipate changes for a decisive strategic advantage at the tactical edge, and act not just fast, but first. BlackSky is trusted by some of the most demanding U.S. and international government agencies, commercial businesses, and organizations around the world. BlackSky is headquartered in Herndon, VA, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as BKSY. To learn more, visit www.blacksky.com and follow us on X (Twitter).

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to BlackSky. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors, including, without limitation, stock market conditions and our ability to complete the launch, could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this document. If any of these risks materialize or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication, and subsequent events and developments could cause our assessments to change. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in BlackSky’s disclosure materials filed from time to time with the SEC which are available at the SEC’s website at www.SEC.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250210279928/en/

Investor Contact

Aly Bonilla

VP, Investor Relations

abonilla@blacksky.com

Media Contact

Pauly Cabellon

Sr. Director, External Communications

bksypr@blacksky.com

Source: BlackSky Technology Inc.

FAQ

When is BlackSky (BKSY) launching its first Gen-3 satellite?

BlackSky's first Gen-3 satellite launch window opens February 18, with the mission named 'Fasten Your Space Belts.'

What are the new imaging capabilities of BlackSky's Gen-3 satellite?

The Gen-3 satellite will provide very high-resolution 35-centimeter imaging capability, enhancing BlackSky's existing high-cadence, low-latency data offerings.

How many Gen-3 satellites does BlackSky (BKSY) plan to launch?

BlackSky plans to launch multiple Gen-3 satellites at a regular cadence throughout the coming year, though the exact number wasn't specified.

What new features will BlackSky's Gen-3 satellites offer to customers?

Gen-3 satellites will enable automated detection, identification, and classification of vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and other tactical objects, enhancing space-based intelligence applications.

Where will BlackSky's Gen-3 satellite be launched from?

The Gen-3 satellite will be launched from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand using an Electron rocket.