BlackSky Technology (BKSY) said Tuesday it has won a multiyear US government contract worth $99 million to develop next-generation space-based capabilities.

The company said it has received an initial $2 million to begin work on a large-aperture optical payload for Earth observation and space monitoring uses.

The contract supports development of new commercial intelligence and mission applications that differ from its current and planned satellite systems, the company said.

BlackSky said the effort will focus on improving imaging capabilities and expanding use cases across various orbital environments, including low Earth orbit.