The Ministry of Defense is set to acquire an Earth Observation (EO) satellite for its defense system, following a US$ 50 million contract awarded to BlackSky Technology Inc. by Thales Alenia Space, Indonesia's defense partner.

As per satnews.com, BlackSky will deliver the Gen-3 EO satellite, along with control station equipment and operational support.

Through this surveillance satellite, Indonesia will gain access to BlackSky's real-time imaging and analytics services, providing priority tasking capabilities in the national and targeted regional areas.

These services, provided through a separate agreement between PT Len Industri and BlackSky, will offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the Ministry of Defense's satellite systems once the Indonesian Defense Satellite System becomes operational.

Once in operation, the Gen-3 electro-optical satellite is expected to smoothly deliver high-frequency images and low-latency analyses into the Ministry of Defense's workflow.

"Our technology enables sovereign nations to have the ability to gain far-reaching insights into critical aspects affecting their national security and economy using commercially available Earth observation technology," said BlackSky CEO Brian E. O'Toole, as quoted by satnews.com.

Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey stated that the collaboration with BlackSky is the realization of a contract signed between Thales Alenia Space and Len Industri to provide a Earth observation constellation combining radar and optical sensors dedicated to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

"We are delighted to partner with BlackSky to bring modern space capabilities in line with Indonesia's efforts to modernize and restructure its defense capabilities in an increasingly complex threat environment," he said.

BlackSky is a real-time geospatial intelligence provider offering high-frequency images and monitoring, strategic location analysis, and economic asset tracking.

The company has successfully implemented several projects, including a global network of high-resolution monitoring satellites that allow users to receive real-time data and images from around the world.

Additionally, the company develops software platforms for processing and analyzing space data. BlackSky's competitive advantage lies in its combination of high-resolution image capabilities and fast data delivery through its satellite network.

The company continues to develop its technology and strengthen its position in the satellite surveillance market, actively seeking new collaborations, including with governments worldwide.