AIxSPACE

The space industry is experiencing an unprecedented pace of innovation and technology development, which is enabling a wider variety of applications and new use cases.

Many stakeholders within the industry are now embracing artificial intel…

Op-ed | Protecting Space Assets Above to Assert Geopolitical Dominance Below

The conflict in Ukraine has shown us that we must now protect and make both our government and commercial space assets more resilient.  

Space Development Agency experiment demonstrates on-orbit data processing

A data processor launched to orbit by the Space Development Agency has performed an early demonstration of autonomous data fusion in space.

ADA Space raises $55.6 million in Series B round

Chinese satellite operator and remote sensing data firm ADA Space raised $55.6 million in a Series B investment round for its artificially intelligent satellite network plans.

Startup Cognitive Space using artificial intelligence to manage satellite operations

Cognitive Space raised $4 million in seed funding for its artificial intelligence-based software designed to manage constellations of imaging satellites.

Microsoft and Thales work to automate satellite image processing

Microsoft announced plans April 6 to move automated satellite image processing technology developed by Thales Alenia Space into its Azure Orbital platform.

Op-ed | The use of AI in space systems: opportunities for mission improvement 

From analyzing the terrain on Mars to enhancing communications between satellites and ground communications, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing important role in space operations and exploration

NASA steadily expands AI and autonomy for Mars exploration

NASA is turning increasingly to autonomy and machine learning to make the most out of Mars exploration missions, but don’t count on self-driving rovers to zip across the Red Planet anytime soon.

L3Harris wins contract to apply artificial intelligence to remotely sensed data

L3Harris Technologies will help the U.S. Defense Department extract information and insight from satellite and airborne imagery under a three-year U.S. Army Research Laboratory contract. 

SkyWatch and Picterra combine imagery access with AI tools

SkyWatch Space Applications, the Canadian startup that offers software developers a way to embed geospatial data and imagery into applications, announced a partnership Oct. 5 with Picterra, a Swiss firm with a self-service platform to help customers extract information autonomously from geospatial data.

Slingshot Aerospace gets $3 million from Air Force, private investors for data analytics technology

A $1.5 million Small Business Innovation Research award was matched by $1.5 million from ATX Venture Partners and Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund.

DoD adopts new ethical principles for the use of artificial intelligence

The guidelines do not recommend curtailing the use of AI but call on DoD personnel and contractors to “exercise appropriate levels of judgment and care."

Space agency leaders discuss ever-expanding roles for AI

At the Space Tech Expo, space agency leaders said artificial intelligence will play key roles in many space programs of the future.

Op-ed | Is AI key to the survival of satcoms?

As the world becomes more connected, many don’t see a need for satellite, yet we must remind ourselves that the global communications network cannot survive without satellite communication. How can satellite services survive? Could artificial intelligence (AI) be the answer?

Booz Allen Hamilton pursuing growth in military space programs

Senior VP Chris Bogdan: “We don’t build satellites, rockets or rovers. We are investing in open architectures."

Self-driving spacecraft? The challenge of verifying AI will work as intended

To prepare for self-driving cars, mobility companies have spent more than a decade gathering data from thousands of vehicles equipped with a variety of technology. No comparable database exists for companies or government agencies aiming to give spacecraft more autonomy.

Olis Robotics sees many space applications for autonomy software

Olis Robotics is working to demonstrate the application of its autonomy software for NASA, the Air Force and others space customers to support internal and external space servicing, assembly, manufacturing and operational concepts,” said Blaine Levedahl, Olis Robotics’ U.S. government programs director.

AI for Earth observation and numerical weather prediction

Machine learning and other artificial intelligence techniques could help forecasters get more out of these data by improving accuracy and speed in almost every step of turning satellite observations into actionable forecasts.

Deloitte reports on technology forces reshaping space sector

Emerging digital technologies and innovative operating models will expand the role of space in multiple economic sectors, according to, “Tech Trends 2019: Space industry perspective,” a report released April 15 by Deloitte.

Canada’s long-awaited space strategy emphasizes AI, EO and deep-space robotics

The Canadian government will also try to cut the regulatory red tape the space industry has complained has hindered projects from moving forward.