BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) achieved first light imagery from its fourth Generation-3 satellite within hours of launch. The company reported that the satellite captured images over Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile on March 8.

"Following launch, every BlackSky Gen-3 satellite has successfully demonstrated on-orbit first light operations on day one," said Brian O'Toole, BlackSky CEO. "By consistently reducing launch-to-first light down to just hours and the imagery operations window down to days BlackSky is bringing trustworthy, operationally ready assets to meet our most demanding customers' needs at mission-relevant speeds."

The Herndon, Virginia-based company operates 35-centimeter resolution satellites designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. BlackSky stated that all Gen-3 satellites have delivered initial images showing vehicles, maritime vessels, aircraft and individual people.

The company continues expanding its Gen-3 constellation through regular launches to increase capacity and tasking opportunities. BlackSky provides satellite imagery and analytics services to government agencies and commercial customers.

BlackSky develops its satellite production and artificial intelligence software through a vertically integrated approach. The company offers on-demand and subscription-based services for real-time monitoring applications.