SpaceNext AI: EarthDaily’s big buy and real-time AI in orbit

EarthDaily acquires Descartes for AI boost, new Spire mission to put autonomy to the test, and expert insights from AEI's managing partner.

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🤖 AI Insights from the Brains at SpaceNews 🧠 👋 EarthDaily Analytics made a bold move this week, acquiring Descartes Labs to supercharge its AI-driven geospatial capabilities. This deal underscores the growing role of AI in reshaping satellite operations and data insights. AEI Partners' Kirk Konert weighs in on how AI is transforming everything from satellite data analysis to autonomous spacecraft, while Spire Global's just-announced Persistence mission will put AI's real-time decision-making to the test in orbit. — Ad Astra et Ultra, Cum AI, Brian Berger, SpaceNews editor-in-chief P.S. If you haven't signed up for the SpaceNext: AI newsletter yet, now's the time! Soon, this newsletter will be available exclusively to our opt-in subscribers—don't miss out on staying informed about the latest in space and AI. Sign up today EDA acquires Descartes Labs to boost AI-driven Earth observation EarthDaily Analytics (EDA), formed by Antarctica Capital in 2021 to operationalize assets from bankrupt UrtheCast, announced on Oct. 15 that it has acquired geospatial AI specialist Descartes Labs. The acquisition strengthens Vancouver-based EDA's capabilities in geospatial analytics as it prepares to launch its Earth observation satellite constellation. Key Details Satellite Constellation Delay: Loft Orbital is under contract to build and operate EDA's 10-satellite constellation, initially planned for 2023 but now slated for launch in 2025. The delay allows for AI optimization and improved data processing efficiency. AI-Powered Enhancements: By acquiring Descartes Labs, EDA will offer more powerful analytics in sectors such as insurance, energy, and defense, utilizing AI for tasks like change detection and large-scale data analysis. Superior Imaging: The EDA constellation will capture data across 22 spectral bands, surpassing Europe's Sentinel-2 with sharper imagery and nearly complete global land coverage at a daily revisit rate. Business Expansion: EDA also gains access to Santa Fe, New Mexico-based Descartes Labs' customers in mining, logistics, and U.S. government markets, enhancing its footprint. 🌍 Future Outlook With this acquisition, EDA is positioned for growth and may pursue additional geospatial acquisitions, further strengthening its presence in Earth observation and AI-powered analytics.  🌊 Want to dive deeper? Read SpaceNews finance reporter Jason Rainbow's full story to learn more about EDA's plans to leverage Descartes Labs' AI for sustainability and natural disaster use cases, and how this deal sets the stage for potential future acquisitions in the geospatial sector. 🚀 Space and AI: Cutting Through the Hype "AI has obviously gone through this tremendous hype cycle over the last 12 months." That's how Kirk Konert, managing partner at AE Industrial Partners, views the AI landscape in space — but he's quick to add that AI is now driving real change. Managing $6 billion in assets across companies like Redwire, Firefly Aerospace, and York Space Systems, Konert knows AI is more than just buzz. In an interview for SpaceNews' Commercial Space Transformers video series, Konert explained how space companies are using AI to power autonomous spacecraft, deliver better satellite insights, and optimize supply chains, even as the industry works to cut through the hype and harness AI's full potential. AI is delivering real, tangible value in key areas: Satellite Data Processing Space companies, including those in AEI's portfolio, are using AI to extract better, faster insights from satellite data, a major leap forward from traditional processing methods. It's not just about gathering data anymore—it's about how quickly and intelligently you can turn it into actionable insights. Autonomous Spacecraft AI is powering autonomy in spacecraft, an area with massive potential. This is where things get real. Spacecraft that operate with minimal human input are becoming more of a reality, and Konert calls out this trend as a game-changer for companies like York Space Systems, which is pushing the boundaries of what autonomous satellites can do for government and commercial clients alike. AI for Supply Chain Optimization Konert isn't just talking about flashy AI applications. He's focused on AI's more grounded, practical uses like optimizing supply chains. Space companies are using AI to make data-driven decisions on sourcing and logistics, which helps streamline production and reduce costs—crucial in an industry where efficiency can make or break a project. "We're using AI to pick the best suppliers and enhance our supply chain." What's Konert Really Saying? AI isn't just a buzzword for space companies anymore; It's solving critical problems in data processing, autonomy, and operational efficiency—and it's reshaping how space tech companies stay competitive. But Konert is also cautious about the hype, urging a focus on practical applications that drive real value. 🛰️ Curious how AI is reshaping space? Check out the full interview with Kirk Konert! Can Persistence prove AI's space potential? 🚀 Mission Announcement: Spire Global and Canadian startup Mission Control have revealed plans for the Persistence mission, a cubesat demonstration that will test AI's ability to make real-time decisions onboard a satellite. Announced Oct. 16 at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, the mission is set to launch no earlier than 2025. 🌍 Why it matters: The mission will use a Spire-built Lemur 6U satellite to showcase how Mission Control's SpacefarerAI can process data in orbit, reduce bandwidth needs, and improve decision-making in real-time. 📊 Key facts: Funding: 75% from the Canadian Space Agency, with Mission Control covering the rest Launch: No earlier than 2025 Goal: Demonstrate autonomous AI model updates and real-time space operations 🔗 Go deeper: For more details, read Debra Werner's full story from the IAC in Milan here. About SpaceNext AI SpaceNext AI is a weekly newsletter that explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the space industry. We provide concise and insightful coverage on AI's impact on space exploration and technology. How We Use AI While we use AI tools to streamline research and drafting, every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed and refined by me. I think of AI as an assistant that helps gather information and identify trends, but every insight and decision is guided by my editorial judgment. I'm here to ensure that our content remains accurate, engaging, and focused on what matters most to our readers. Discover More Explore more stories and in-depth coverage on SpaceNews.com, and follow our live updates on X and LinkedIn. Stay informed by following our coverage on how AI continues to redefine what's possible in space. Tips or feedback? Let us know here. Subscribe to SpaceNext: Ai

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NASA Redefines "Continued Presence" in Space - News From IAC

Daily Highlights From the International Astronautical Congress

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This week, SpaceNews journalists are reporting from the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy. We'll be bringing highlights to your inbox every day — for full coverage, go to SpaceNews.com. Our Top Story NASA weighing options for continuous human presence in LEO after ISS By Jeff Foust, October 16, 2024 NASA is rethinking its desire for a "continuous human presence" in low Earth orbit during the transition from the International Space Station to commercial platforms to include options where, at least temporarily, the agency may not always have astronauts in orbit. In a talk at the International Astronautical Congress here Oct. 16 on NASA's development of a low Earth orbit microgravity strategy, Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy mentioned what she called the "elephant in the room" of a desired continuous human presence in LEO. NASA has had astronauts in orbit on the ISS continuously since 2000. Read More More News From IAC NASA further delays first operational Starliner flight By Jeff Foust In an Oct. 15 statement, NASA said it will use Crew Dragon for both the Crew-10 mission to the ISS, scheduled for no earlier than February 2025, and the Crew-11 mission scheduled for no earlier than July. Meanwhile, NASA continues to evaluate if it will require Boeing to perform another test flight of its Starliner spacecraft. Read More Canada's Mission Control to demonstrate AI on Spire cubesat By Debra Werner Spire Global and Canadian startup Mission Control announced plans Oct. 16 for Persistence, a technology demonstration mission focused on space-based artificial intelligence, which will demonstrate spacecraft autonomy while performing Earth observation operations. Read More Big data, advanced algorithms and new approaches for space missions By Debra Werner Experts suggest that advancements in robotics and teleoperations may change how space operations typically handled by humans performing spacewalks are conducted. They discussed the potential benefits of AI for space operations as well as challenges like the need for powerful space-based computers and extensive training datasets. Read More Artemis Accords signatories look to recruit new members By Jeff Foust Estonia became the 45th country to sign the Accords in an event here before the start of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), NASA announced Oct. 13. Now, countries that have signed the Artemis Accords say that even as their numbers continue to grow, they need to redouble their efforts to encourage more nations to join. Read More A premier press release service designed to elevate your company's visibility and target our audience. Publish your company's press release with Stellar Dispatch today. Glasgow's Craft Prospect selected as European Space Agency's Rising Star By Craft Prospect Ltd. Aetherflux joins Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) By Commercial Spaceflight Federation

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Rocket Lab schedules last-minute launch for undisclosed customer

Plus: Airbus to cut 2,500 jobs amid losses in its space segment, and NASA further delays Boeing's Starliner operational debut

A SpaceNews daily newsletter | Thursday, October 17, 2024 Top Stories Airbus Defence and Space will reduce its workforce by 2,500 people in part because of losses in its space segment. The company said Wednesday it would cut those jobs by the middle of 2026 because of a "continued complex business environment, especially in the space systems segment." That business unit has struggled to break even despite a strong order book. Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said the company needs to become "faster, leaner, and more competitive." Details of the restructuring are expected to be disclosed during the company's next earnings report, scheduled for Oct. 30. [SpaceNews] NASA says its desire to maintain a "continuous human presence" in low Earth orbit after the retirement of the International Space Station may not mean having humans continually present. Speaking at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) Wednesday, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said that discussions about transitions about the ISS transition have resulted in two options for maintaining a continuous human presence. One, "continuous heartbeat," would maintain humans in orbit continuously. However, a "continuous capability" alternative would allow for crew-tended missions to commercial stations, at least initially. That discussion is part of the development of a LEO microgravity strategy by NASA as well as planning for the next phase of its Commercial LEO Destinations program. [SpaceNews] NASA has further delayed the first operational flight of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner. NASA said this week that it will fly the Crew-11 mission on a Crew Dragon in the summer of 2025, rather than Starliner-1 as previously planned. NASA had delayed Starliner-1 from early 2025 to mid-2025 in July because of work needed to correct problems found on Starliner during the Crew Flight Test mission. NASA officials say they are still reviewing data from that flight and have yet to decide if another test flight is needed. If that test flight is needed, there may be opportunities to fly it during 2025. [SpaceNews] Argotec and Thales Alenia Space have signed contracts to build additional satellites for an Italian Earth observation constellation. Thales Alenia Space will contribute six radar satellites and Argotec will provide 15 optical satellites for the IRIDE constellation under contracts signed Wednesday at IAC. IRIDE, a project funded by Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan and managed by the European Space Agency and the Italian space agency ASI, is an ambitious campaign to launch Europe's largest Earth-observation constellation. [SpaceNews] Spire Global and Canadian startup Mission Control will collaborate on a space-based AI experiment. The Persistence mission, housed in a six-unit Spire Lemur cubesat with an optical camera, will test the use of AI to enable spacecraft autonomy. Through Persistence, Mission Control plans to demonstrate its SpacefarerAI platform, which is designed to streamline the deployment and update of AI models for spaceflight applications. The Canadian Space Agency is providing 75% of the funding for the Persistence mission, with Mission Control contributing the remainder. [SpaceNews] Countries who have signed the Artemis Accords are redoubling their efforts to encourage more to sign. While 45 countries have signed the Accords, which outline best practices for sustainable space exploration, over four years, some officials noted at IAC this week that other countries are either not familiar with the Accords or their benefits. They said they will be making more efforts to reach those countries to build up their expertise and show the benefits of the Accords. [SpaceNews]   Other News AI and advanced robotics could take the place of spacewalks. In a presentation at IAC,a  researcher noted that spacewalks are high-risk activities that require extensive training and preparation. Tasks currently done on ISS spacewalks could instead be done by robotics powered by AI systems that can carry out complex tasks. That greater use of advanced automation is likely to find other applications in space exploration. [SpaceNews] Rocket Lab will conduct a launch this weekend for an undisclosed customer. The company said Wednesday it added a mission to its manifest for launch as soon as Saturday from New Zealand. The "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes" mission is for an undisclosed commercial customer who signed up two months ago, the shortest time between contract signing and launch for Rocket Lab to date. [Rocket Lab] SpaceX is proposing upgrades to Starlink to increase data rates by up to a factor of 10. The company filed a license modification with the FCC that would seek to lower the orbit of some of its future Gen2 satellites, among other changes while not altering the total size of the system, planned to be up to 30,000 satellites. Those changes, the company argues, would enable "gigabit-speed, truly low-latency broadband." Most Starlink customers today get service at speeds of at least 100 megabits per second. [Ars Technica] One company is criticizing India's plan to allocate satellite spectrum to services like Starlink. Reliance Jio argued that Indian regulators should auction spectrum, as it does for terrestrial mobile services, rather than allocate it through an administrative process as the government currently proposes. Other companies, including SpaceX, Amazon and Eutelsat, back the use of an administrative process. Reliant Jio said it may go to court if the government doesn't change its stance. [Mint] NASA has set up a panel to review alternative concepts for Mars Sample Return. NASA announced Wednesday the formation of a strategy review team led by former administrator Jim Bridenstine and that includes other former NASA officials as well as representatives from academia. They will examine 11 proposals for alternative approaches to MSR recently completed by companies, a group of NASA Centers, JPL and APL. The panel is expected to complete their work by the end of the year, recommending a specific approach or a combination of several of the alternatives. [NASA] Sierra Space is developing a trash compactor for the ISS. The company announced Wednesday that it won a NASA contract to develop the Trash Compaction and Processing System (TCPS), which is intended to capture water from trash for reuse, compacting the remaining material into square tiles that can be easily stored or be used for additional radiation protection. TCPS will be tested on the ISS in late 2026. [Sierra Space]   Space Piracy Fun "We want to be the responsible space rubbish, junk disposal business, not the space piracy business. It's all fun and games about putting on eye patches and getting parrots and going and grabbing junk." – Patrick "Paddy" Neumann, founder and chief scientist of Neumann Space, speaking on a panel at IAC Thursday about how his company can turn space debris into propellant for spacecraft.   A premier press release service designed to elevate your company's visibility and target our audience. Publish your company's press release with Stellar Dispatch today. 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