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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