- Starion Deutschland has been selected by EUMETSAT to help support spacecraft operations and preparation activities by using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies as part of its Machine Learning Framework Roadmap.
- The project consortium, which includes Solenix Engineering GmbH, will adapt the European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) AI infrastructure Alnabler, a machine learning platform for space operations developed and implemented for ESA’s ground data systems.
- The 13-month contract will enable EUMETSAT to develop a proof-of-service for ‘AI as-a-service’ (AIaaS) and to deploy AI/ML applications at scale.
A consortium led by Starion Deutschland has been awarded a contract by the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) to develop the proof-of-concept phase for its Machine Learning Framework (MLF) Pathfinder. This, in turn, will enable EUMETSAT to deploy AI/ML applications at scale.
EUMETSAT recognises that AI/ML technologies can help support spacecraft operations and preparation activities for all of its meteorological satellites. This project’s primary objective is to initiate development of the MLF Pathfinder, which will enable EUMETSAT to support the development, setup and execution of AI/ML-based applications. These will interface with internal data sources and operational systems, and provide support capabilities for the implementation and validation of ML models and AI applications. The platform will enable prototyping and development of AI applications, and their deployment into a pre-operational and, eventually, operational context.
For this contract, EUMETSAT will take advantage of the work already performed by ESA with its AInabler1 platform, which was designed by Starion and Solenix. This will be adapted to meet EUMETSAT’s specific needs, including provision of interfaces to existing ground system software and ensuring it complies with EUMETSAT’s security requirements. EUMETSAT’s machine learning toolbox will be integrated to provide a standard interface between EUMETSAT’s AI/ML applications and the AInabler platform, making it available “as-a-service” to application developers.
Aldo Barbieri, Managing Director of Starion Deutschland, said: “I am thrilled to announce that Starion Deutschland GmbH has secured a significant contract in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence. I couldn’t be prouder of this achievement, which marks a key success in strengthening our positioning in this dynamic and fast-growing field. The Starion team will support EUMETSAT during the AI/ML proof-of-concept phase to develop an MLF Pathfinder in order to set up a platform for computing capabilities as well as AI/ML specific functionalities.
“This win is a testament to our team’s expertise, innovation and commitment to delivering cutting-edge AI solutions. It reinforces our role as a key player in AI/ML and opens up new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”
Further information
ESA’s AInabler platform is part of its A2I Roadmap, established to introduce and facilitate the use of AI and ML in operations, and to serve as a common environment for the development and operation of supporting applications for current and future missions.
AInabler is a data platform providing support for all standard development languages, tools and libraries. This enables its users to build, (re-)train and deploy ML models to support domains such as: mission planning support and optimisation; automated operations; ground stations; operations for telerobotics, autonomous and crewed systems; and pre-mission data extraction. The platform supports fast prototyping and testing, allowing fast judgment of the feasibility and possible value of a potential model or application, and inspection and evaluation of data quality.
For more information visit ainabler.space-codev.org/
Main image: © EUMETSAT
