NRO Adds Eight-Figure Sum to BlackSky Contract, Extending AROS Satellite Delivery to 2028
The modification raises the total value above $150 million and supports development of wide-area AROS satellites for 2028 delivery.
Breaking DefenseThe National Reconnaissance Office has modified its 2022 contract with BlackSky Technologies, adding an eight-figure sum that brings the total contract value above $150 million. BlackSky said the additional funding will accelerate development of its AROS broad-area collection satellites.
The company will deliver a flight-ready multi-spectral, large-area mapping spacecraft and foundation data collection system in 2028.
BlackSky began self-funded development of AROS in 2023 and had originally targeted a 2027 launch. A company spokesperson stated that the contract modification covers the initial development phase and that the 2028 timeline reflects what BlackSky could commit to given the customer’s needs.
The new AROS satellites are optimized to gather and process data that underpins AI-enabled analytics detecting and characterizing aircraft, vessels, and vehicles.
The satellites will supply decision makers with real-time strategic and tactical insights over broad geographic areas. AROS spacecraft will be integrated with BlackSky’s existing Gen-3 constellation to create a tip-and-cue capability. That system will support dynamic country-scale digital mapping, navigation, maritime situational awareness, and 3D digital twin applications.
An NRO spokesperson told Breaking Defense that the agency is at the forefront of integrating AI into space-based ISR.
