Loft Orbital to test AI models on spacecraft for Earth observation

Loft Orbital is planning a 10-satellite system called Altair that will include the ability to run AI models for onboard image analysis. Credit: Loft Orbital

WASHINGTON — Loft Orbital is working with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to test the use of artificial intelligence on spacecraft to improve Earth science monitoring.

Loft Orbital announced June 23 it has an agreement with JPL to test the lab’s AI software on Loft spacecraft as part of a NASA-funded project called Federated Autonomous Measurement, or FAME.

The tests started this month using a Loft Orbital spacecraft whose onboard computers are running the JPL software. Additional tests are planned in 2027 and 2028 using future Loft Orbital spacecraft.

The goal of the effort is to automate a process known as tip-and-cue, where imagery from one spacecraft is used to identify features to be observed in greater detail or using other techniques by another spacecraft. That process today typically requires imagery to be downlinked and analyzed on the ground.