On 15th October, the European Space Agency (ESA) officially kicked off their new project, Ciseres, at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan. Ciseres is a small satellite mission integrating AI directly into the process of identifying relevant information in satellite imagery. Users are provided with rapid “actionable” information within just a few minutes.
“AI-powered Satellite systems will redefine how we respond to disasters” (CEO of Deimos).
The Ciseres project is an initiative by ESA aiming at enhancing disaster response through the use of AI-powered satellites. As part of ESA's Civil Security from Space (CSS) programme, Ciseres is designed to significantly improve the speed and efficiency of crisis response by integrating AI directly into satellite operations. The project is a collaboration between ESA and several European companies, including Deimos, Skylabs, and GINA, each bringing their expertise to enhance the satellite's capabilities.
Here's how it works:
- Rapid Data Processing: The AI on board the satellites processes vast amounts of data in real-time, filtering and compressing it to highlight the most critical information.
- Quick alerts: This processed data is then transmitted to first responders and government officials within minutes of a disaster, such as floods, fires, or landslides.
- Global Impact: While it's a European initiative, the technology has the potential to improve disaster response worldwide, especially as climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters.
The ESA Director of Earth Observation explained, that the Ciseres Project is an important step towards rapidly tasking satellites with acquiring data on situational demands when disaster strikes.
Read the full story: Ciseres: AI-powered satellites for rapid disaster response – ESA Vision
The respective Article by Deimos: Deimos and ESA to leverage AI-enabled satellite for disaster response
