BlackSky to support India’s first private Earth observation constellation

WASHINGTON — U.S.-based Earth observation company BlackSky has been tapped to supply satellite imagery, analytics services, and a high-resolution optical satellite as part of a broader effort led by European aerospace firm Thales Alenia Space to develop a sovereign remote sensing constellation for India’s Nibe Ltd., a growing player in the country’s aerospace and defense industry.The deal, announced last week by Thales Alenia Space, marks a significant step in India’s ambitions to develop its first private Earth observation satellite network. Under the agreement, Thales Alenia will produce a high-resolution optical satellite, the first of what is expected to be a larger constellation designed to provide critical intelligence for India’s national security and defense agencies.Nibe, a defense conglomerate with a strong foothold in India’s security sector, is spearheading the initiative through its subsidiary NIBE Space. The company aims to establish an independent space-based monitoring system, positioning itself as a key supplier of satellite intelligence to India’s government and military.The BlackSky-Thales Alenia collaboration in India mirrors a similar agreement the two companies forged last year with the Republic of Indonesia. As part of the new partnership, BlackSky will assist Thales Alenia in laying the foundation for India’s sovereign Earth observation capabilities, bringing its expertise in geospatial intelligence to the table.“The customer has taken an innovative two-part adoption approach toward accelerating its space-based monitoring capabilities by first taking advantage of our commercially operated model for on-orbit sensor systems,” Brian O’Toole, CEO of BlackSky, said in a news release Feb. 13.BlackSky, which operates a fleet of small satellites capable of capturing real-time imagery of the Earth, leverages artificial intelligence to analyze vast amounts of geospatial data. The company’s satellites can revisit locations multiple times a day, identifying changes and potential security threats with high precision. In addition to supplying imaging and analytics services, BlackSky will deliver a high-resolution satellite to Thales Alenia for India’s project, along with launch support and on-orbit maintenance.BlackSky and Thales Alenia were previously joint owners of the satellite manufacturing firm LeoStella, based in Tukwila, Washington, before BlackSky acquired full ownership in November.The deal reflects a growing trend where nations are turning to commercial space companies not only for imagery and analytics but also to develop domestic satellite capabilities. This hybrid approach allows countries to access immediate surveillance capabilities while building long-term sovereign space assets.