ESA to launch AI satellite to show advances in Earth observation

Due to launch in the coming weeks, the Φsat-2 satellite (pronounced PhiSat-2) is equipped with a multispectral camera and AI computing to analyse and processes imagery in real-time. The promise is for smarter and more efficient ways of monitoring our planet

AI capabilities allow for more data to be processed quickly and accurately, says the ESA, helping to enable to transform vast amounts of raw data into actionable insights. By processing images directly in orbit, it can ensure that only clear, usable images are sent back to Earth.

Earth observation

According to the space agency, six AI applications will be running onboard to turn images into maps, detect clouds in the images, classify them and provide insight into cloud distribution. It will also – in addition to the on-board image compression and reconstruction – detect and classify vessels, spot anomalies in marine ecosystems and detect wildfires.

“Φsat-2 will unlock a new era of real-time insights from space and will allow for custom AI apps to be easily developed, installed, and operated on the satellite even while in orbit,” said ESA’s Φsat-2 Technical Officer Nicola Melega. “This adaptability maximises the satellite’s value for scientists, businesses and governments.”

The Φsat-2 mission is a collaboration between ESA and Open Cosmos who serves as the prime contractor, supported by an industrial consortium including Ubotica, GGI, CEiiA, GEO-K, KP-Labs, and SIMERA.

It is due to launch later this month from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, in California, California. It will be on a SpaceX Falcon 9.

Ф-sat-1

The AI-dedicated mission is a successor to Ф-sat-1, which launched in 2020 and was the agency’s first experiment to demonstrate using AI for Earth observation.

The Ф-sat-1 electronics are pictured, right

Images: ESA – Φsat-2 integrated

See also: Space companies contract to ESA Zero Debris satellite commitment