BlackSky joins $1 billion plan for AI satellite network

BlackSky was selected as the exclusive supplier of very-high-resolution optical satellites for a proposed $1 billion, 50-satellite AI-enabled constellation announced in Paris on September 9. The consortium includes UAE-based Marlan Space, U.S. manufacturer Loft Orbital, French company Mistral AI and other unnamed French and Emirati partners, with radar, optical and additional sensors planned for users in France, Europe and the UAE. BlackSky's Gen-3 spacecraft provide 35-centimetre imagery and sub-hourly revisit capability within the planned network. The partners have not disclosed a launch schedule, non-BlackSky satellite specifications or how the investment will be allocated.