Hey there! If you’re curious about how artificial intelligence is making waves in space, let me introduce you to SkyServe, an Indian startup that’s been turning heads since its launch in 2020. They’re all about pushing the boundaries of in-space AI and edge computing with their innovative platform, STORM. Recently, SkyServe teamed up with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to test some cutting-edge AI models on a satellite from D-Orbit.
These AI models are a big deal. Developed under NASA’s New Observations Strategies Sensorweb, they’re designed to keep an eye on natural events like wildfires, floods, and urban heat islands in real-time. This collaboration isn’t just about cool tech; it’s about boosting scientific research and improving how we respond to disasters.
SkyServe just wrapped up a successful mission deploying JPL’s AI models on their STORM edge-computing suite aboard a D-Orbit ION Satellite Carrier in low-Earth orbit. Vinay Simha, the founder and CEO of SkyServe, shared, “We deployed this software onboard the existing satellite and completed the mission. We uplinked it from the ground station and ran these AI models onboard. It’s a new way of Earth observation.” Pretty exciting, right?
The AI models are crafted to preprocess and optimize data concerning water and vegetation, making it easier to download. As they mentioned in a news release, achieving these goals requires sophisticated edge computing technology to integrate and optimize AI models across various sensor setups.
Vishesh Vatsal, SkyServe’s Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the significance of their tech by saying, “SkyServe’s technology plays a pivotal role in streamlining AI model deployment across diverse satellite platforms, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Our platform bridges the gap between groundbreaking AI models and the hardware diversity of satellite systems, enabling a unified approach to Earth observation.”
Looking to the future, D-Orbit has plans to equip its ION satellite carriers with the SkyServe STORM system by 2024. Loft Orbital is also on board, having integrated SkyServe’s edge computing technology into its spacecraft. Additionally, a SkyServe STORM unit is currently hosted on a SatRevolution cubesat launched via India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
Beyond STORM, SkyServe offers Surge, a platform dedicated to developing and testing AI models on the ground, underscoring their commitment to innovation in AI and edge processing.
