Blacksky Launches 2nd Gen 3 Satellite for Real-time Tracking Constellation
On 2 June, Rocket Lab launched the second of Blacksky’s Gen 3 electro-optical (EO) imagery satellites from it’s complex in Mahia, New Zealand. This constellation is intended to offer a rapid revisit capability that combined with artificial intelligence (AI) enabled object detection will allow the tracking of ground targets in near real time. Blacksky was awarded a $24 million contract, in March 2024, to provide this capability to the US Air Force Research Labs (AFRL). AFRL intends to combine Blacksky’s capabilities with commercial synthetic aperture radar providers like Umbra and Capella to enable all-weather tracking of large high-value targets like ballistic missile launchers and radars.
Traditionally EO imagery satellites are seen as a more strategic asset because the time it takes to revisit a particular area could be days and requires slow analysis by intelligence personnel. Through the use of smaller more numerous satellites and AI object recognition Blacksky is able to offer a tactical ability directly to users like field commanders or special operators.
This is the second of four Gen 3 sats planned to be launched this year with the first taking place in February. They will be followed by at least eight more to finish up the constellation. These sats will complement the 11 Gen 2 sats still on orbit by providing a 35cm resolution capability compared to the older vehicle’s 1m resolution.
This enhances the constellation synergetically because blurry objects in the 1m resolution can be identified with the higher resolution system and then be readily tracked by the lower resolution imagery which is more frequently updated.
Rocket Lab and Blacksky have a very close relationship with this being the 10th launch they’ve done together. Unfortunately one of these launches in 2021 resulted in a catastrophic failure and the destruction of two Gen 2 satellites. Rocket Lab’s performance in the accident investigation reestablished trust resulting in the major partnership today.
Later this year Rocket Lab will also be launching the sixth satellite of Capella’s Acadia constellation which can provide imagery through clouds using synthetic aperture radar. Both these satellites and Blacksky’s Gen 3s have optical communication terminals so they can connect to the US Space Force’s data Transport Layer allowing them in collaboration to create a unique tactical picture of the battlefield.