BlackSky Technology, a space-based intelligence company, plans to equip its future Gen-3 satellites with laser terminals. This move aims to expand the company's presence in the defense sector by making its satellites compatible with military networks.

The laser terminals will enable satellite-to-satellite data transmission in space and faster data delivery to ground-based military users. BlackSky is currently producing Gen-3 satellites, with a Rocket Lab Electron rocket's initial launch planned for late 2024. The company is finalizing the selection of a laser terminal based on data from a recent US Navy study contract.

BlackSky claims this upgrade will provide warfighters with real-time access to imagery during time-sensitive military operations worldwide. The company also aims to make its satellites compatible with the Space Development Agency's Transport Layer and commercial transport layers, potentially expanding its role in military tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Analyst QuickTake: BlackSky Technology also provides geospatial intelligence for space-based and Earth observation applications and had two recent partnerships in September 2024. The first is with NASA for a USD 476 million contract to provide satellite imagery for Earth science research, and the second is with HEO for automated low-latency non-Earth imaging (NEI) services.