BlackSky Unveils Wide-Area Imaging Satellite

SPACENEWS - BlackSky, a provider of satellite imagery and analytics, announced plans to develop a new type of Earth observation satellite designed to capture large areas of the planet. This new satellite will target applications requiring broad geographical coverage, including country-scale mapping, maritime monitoring and the creation of virtual replicas of physical locations.

The wide-area imaging satellite, called Aros, is scheduled to launch in 2027, BlackSky’s CEO Brian O’Toole told SpaceNews.   …

… O’Toole said the decision to develop Aros was closely tied to BlackSky’s acquisition of satellite manufacturer LeoStella in late 2024. LeoStella, originally a joint venture with Thales Alenia Space, manufactures BlackSky’s entire line of satellites. “Aros was one of the key factors in BlackSky’s acquisition of LeoStella,” he said.

Note:  BlackSky's satellite manufacturer formerly operating as LeoStella is located in Tukwila.

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