Ubotica's CogniSAT-6 Mission to Deliver Real-Time Earth Intelligence from Space

Ubotica's CogniSAT-6 Mission to Deliver Real-Time Earth Intelligence from Space
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Feb 26, 2024

Ubotica is gearing up for the launch of CogniSAT-6, a mission that signifies a significant advancement in Earth Observation (EO) technology, with a scheduled departure aboard SpaceX's Transporter 10 in early March. Distinguished by its onboard AI and capability for real-time data processing and communication, CogniSAT-6 aims to bridge the gap between data collection in space and actionable intelligence on Earth.

The core challenge addressed by CogniSAT-6 revolves around the latency inherent in traditional EO systems, where the cycle from data capture to processing and analysis on Earth can extend to days, hindering timely decision-making. This satellite introduces an onboard artificial intelligence (AI) system that processes data in orbit, offering insights directly to end-users without the typical delay.

Fintan Buckley, CEO of Ubotica, highlights the mission's innovative approach, stating, "CogniSAT-6 introduces a new paradigm in Earth Observation. It combines SPACE:AI, real-time communication, and dynamic observing strategies to directly deliver insights, supporting immediate decision-making across various applications."

Collaboration with Open Cosmos: Hyperspectral Imaging Capabilities
The mission's capabilities are bolstered through a partnership with Open Cosmos. The collaboration has yielded the Hammer satellite, focusing on medium-resolution hyperspectral imagery to monitor the Atlantic coastal and maritime areas. Hyperspectral imaging, which captures information across a broad spectrum of light, provides detailed data about the observed subjects' chemical composition, supporting a wide range of applications from environmental monitoring to agriculture.

CogniSAT-6 is driven by three primary objectives: to provide Live Earth Intelligence directly to users, to use onboard AI for autonomous scheduling of observations, and to enable user interaction with the spacecraft via a mobile app. These features aim to improve the efficiency of satellite operations and make real-time data accessible to a broad audience.

Unique to this mission is its capability for autonomous observation. In scenarios such as detecting potential environmental hazards, CogniSAT-6 can independently command follow-on satellites to investigate further. Additionally, the mission introduces the concept of interactive satellites, allowing users to engage directly with the spacecraft for specific information, thereby enhancing the utility and responsiveness of EO data.

Advancements in Earth Observation
CogniSAT-6 represents a departure from traditional EO methods, incorporating SPACE:AI, an onboard hyperspectral camera, and an Inter-Satellite Links network. This combination ensures the delivery of detailed insights from space to Earth in under five minutes, showcasing the potential of AI to transform satellite technology and EO.