SkyServe, a space technology company based in Bengaluru and Cupertino, has made waves in the field of Earth observation with its recent achievement of Smart Earth Imaging in orbit.

This breakthrough marks a significant leap forward in the realm of space technology, bringing about what the company calls the “Smartphone Moment” for Earth observation.

In collaboration with space logistics firm D-Orbit, SkyServe successfully tested its edge computing software stack, STORM, on a satellite launched by SpaceX earlier this year. The satellite, equipped with STORM, demonstrated its capabilities by performing intelligent tasks such as error correction in imagery, cloud and water cover removal, and vegetation identification—all within seconds of capturing data over the Egypt-Sinai Peninsula.

About Storm

One of the most impressive feats of STORM was its ability to transmit memory-efficient imaging back to Earth, boasting a fivefold increase in efficiency. This breakthrough highlights SkyServe’s capacity to generate actionable insights in near-real-time, revolutionizing the traditional approach to Earth observation. 

STORM represents a paradigm shift in satellite functionality, enabling them to go beyond their original purposes. By leveraging edge computing technology, satellites can now deliver tailored insights for specific applications on-demand, ushering in a dynamic and responsive era of Earth observation.

Vinay Simha, Co-founder and CEO of SkyServe, compared this advancement to the iPhone moment for Earth observation, emphasizing the transformative impact of STORM in unlocking a myriad of use cases from space.

Viney Jean-Francois Dhiri, D-Orbit’s Head of Business Development, expressed interest in the collaboration, stating that it not only facilitates the in-orbit STORM platform but also aligns with D-Orbit’s mission to provide comprehensive in-orbit services.

Future Plans

According to an official company statement, SkyServe’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its initial success, with plans for Mission Denali already underway. Leveraging Loft Orbital’s YAM-6 satellite, SkyServe aims to showcase automated tasking and host customer geospatial models for various applications. Furthermore, the company is gearing up for Mission K2, scheduled for launch aboard ISRO’s PSLV C59 later this year. 

These missions represent significant strides in empowering geospatial operations, enabling analytics companies to access real-time insights from space through onboard data processing capabilities.