NASA and Loft Orbital are testing AI-powered satellites

NASA and the company Loft Orbital have begun testing a new generation of satellites based on artificial intelligence technologies. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

The main goal of this project is to allow spacecraft to independently detect emergency events on Earth, specifically forest fires and environmental pollution, without human intervention. This is reported by the publication Ixbt.com, based on data from Loft Orbital.

Implemented as part of the Federated Autonomous Measurement program, this project is expected to fundamentally change the speed of data processing in space. Currently, satellites photograph the Earth's surface and then transmit massive amounts of data to Earth.

Specialists analyze these images and, when necessary, issue commands to other spacecraft to conduct more detailed observations. The new system, however, performs all analytical processes directly in space.

The first stage of testing began in June of this year on one of Loft Orbital's existing satellites. Special software developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory was installed on it.

Experts note that this technology allows spacecraft to exchange information with each other and respond quickly to critical events. The technology for independent decision-making in space automates the processes known as "tip and cue" within the project.

In this process, if one satellite detects a suspicious object, such as a fire source, it immediately sends a signal to other spacecraft. The other satellites then point their sensors at that point and begin a detailed analysis without waiting for a command from the ground station.

This is of decisive importance for saving time and preventing natural disasters. According to Loft Orbital representative Paul Lasserre, implementing such systems was previously considered impossible due to the extreme size of AI models and the limited computing power of spacecraft.

However, the new generation of compact AI models with multimodal reasoning capabilities that have emerged in recent months has removed these barriers. Now, satellites can analyze complex images in real time while consuming less energy.

The operating principle of the new system includes the following key stages: continuous monitoring of the Earth's surface in a space patrol mode.

Using AI to detect anomalies in images, such as smoke, oil spills, or changes in water levels. Analyzing data on board the spacecraft without sending it to Earth.

Automatically assigning tasks to other satellites. This technology is expected to be a revolutionary step not only in monitoring fires but also in tracking global environmental changes.

Loft Orbital plans to develop a more accurate and efficient monitoring system in the coming years.