The Canadian government has invested in a bold new initiative to build advanced ‘autonomous space systems’ using the two big concepts in next-gen tech. Say it with me now, people: artificial intelligence and big data analytics! It may not be your first thought when it comes to extraterrestrial activity, but that’s all about to change. Canada’s next-gen tech bid is ready for primetime.
Eyes on the sky
As announced in a press release this month, via Newswire, the Canadian government is investing a sizable $1,128,870 CAD (£671,916 GBP) in SkyWatch Space Applications Ltd., a leader in the “remote sensing data technology industry”. This push is part of the CSA, the Canadian Space Agency’s, Phase 2: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics for Advanced Autonomous Space Systems challenge.
Phase 1 saw SkyWatch collaborate with the CSA to develop a proof of concept that demonstrated the “technical feasibility and commercial potential” of harnessing both AI (artificial intelligence) and big data analytics to observe our world and deliver vital, applicable information to streamline the operation and usage of both Earth and space observation assets.
Canada’s next-gen tech
The goal of CSA’s next wave of space missions is to share SkyWatch’s findings across governt agencies and cut back the redundant procedures and tech that crop up across separate missions. By enabling autonomy, it aims to migrate from a reactionary state (predicting natural or man-made disasters) to respond to crises in strategic, forward-thinking away.
By doing so, the CSA hopes to gain a better overview of pressing concerns: disease outbreak, fires, floods, space weather events and more.
“SkyWatch’s mandate for Phase 2 is to further advance CSA operations in the areas of mission planning, mission integration with autonomous data management and compliance, distribution controls for large enterprises and governments, and machine learning.”
– SkyWatch
This key investment serves to justify SkyWatch’s position in the sector as a specialist in AI and big data, with a focus on Earth observation data. So far, the organisation has focussed on impressive technologies that enable efficient and effective analysis, including its own EarthCache platform, an easily-accessible archive of satellite imagery, marketing as one of the largest networks of its kind.
Total (mission) control
On the investment, James Slifierz, the CEO of Skywatch, said, “We are excited to work with the Canadian Space Agency on this important project.
“Our team has a deep understanding of how AI and big data analytics can be used to improve mission operations and optimize the application of Earth observation data. We look forward to applying this expertise to help the CSA achieve its goals in this area.”
It should be noted that SkyWatch is itself a Canadian company – this investment is a clear message from the CSA that Canada’s ambitions for space are a priority, as our relationship with space develops. As per the country’s governmental website, its purpose is to advance space knowledge through science and ensure that its efforts provide social and economic benefits for Canadian citizens.
This next step is a bold next step in Canada’s spacewalk.
What do you think of this investment? Should governmental money be going elsewhere as private companies vye for space supremacy? Let us know in the comments!
Want to read more about how satellites see today’s world? Click here: Researchers Use Satellites To Protect Coral Reefs.
