BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) collected and processed first light imagery from its fifth Gen-3 satellite in less than 20 hours after liftoff, according to a company press release.

The satellite captured its initial image at 23:25 UTC on September 11, 2026, showing H-6 bombers at an air base near Nanning, China. BlackSky said the rapid commissioning timeline is consistent with its previous Gen-3 satellite deployments.

The Gen-3 satellites offer 35-centimeter resolution imagery and are equipped with AI-enabled analytics capable of detecting vehicles, aircraft, and vessels. BlackSky CEO Brian O'Toole said each Gen-3 satellite costs approximately one-fifth that of legacy platforms.

"We're not just adding satellites, we're adding decision-making speed for customers operating in contested, fast-moving environments, at incredibly competitive economics," O'Toole said.

BlackSky said it plans to place additional Gen-3 satellites into orbit before the end of 2026. The company operates a dual constellation framework in which its Gen-2 satellites continue to provide monitoring capabilities alongside the newer Gen-3 units.

BlackSky is headquartered in Herndon, Va., and provides satellite imagery and analytics services to government and commercial customers.