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Saudi Arabia Launches SpaceGuardian, An AI Satellite Imagery Project
Front End, a Saudi investment and development entity, will collaborate with SpaceKnow, a space-tech firm from New York.
As part of its efforts to build a modern, tech-focused economy, Saudi Arabia is delving into AI-powered satellite image analysis. The latest project involves a collaboration between Front End, a Saudi Arabian investment and development entity, and SpaceKnow, a space technology firm headquartered in New York. The collaboration has led to the establishment of SpaceGuardian, a project that will harness SpaceKnow’s exclusive AI-enabled analytical engine for contextualizing satellite imaging.
The agreement was formalized between Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO of Front End, and Jerry Javornicky, CEO and co-founder of SpaceKnow, during the recent International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) 2024, held in Dhahran.
The location of the meeting is significant, as satellite imaging has already proved invaluable for capturing multi-dimensional snapshots of the country’s Ghawar oil field, helping to forecast the future viability of the lucrative natural resources in the area.
Pioneering the field of satellite AI imagery, SpaceGuardian will offer real-time geospatial analysis of the country utilizing machine learning. Javornicky envisions that the project will “revolutionize the AI-driven geospatial market [via SpaceGuardian] commencing with carbon sequestration, security, and infrastructure surveillance”.
AI-driven satellite imagery spans a diverse range of applications, offering insights into the effectiveness of environmental initiatives and guiding economic policies based on space-derived data. Majid describes this partnership as “embracing innovation and progress that will propel Saudi Arabia into a new era of digital transformation”.
Also Read: UAE’s Yahsat Introduces Smartphone-To-Satellite Connectivity
In a departure from its traditional reliance on oil revenues, the Saudi Arabian government has been ramping up efforts to steer the economy towards a digital future. Both Artificial intelligence and space technology seem to be of keen interest to the Kingdom, alongside major urban planning projects and sustainable infrastructure upgrades.
Front End’s Majid Alghaslan underscores that “[SpaceGuardian] contributes to the development of the burgeoning space sector and supports the establishment of a robust space agency in Saudi Arabia. With a comprehensive suite of services catering to all industries and sectors”.
In total, Saudi Arabia’s move into the AI space sector is expected to usher in over $5.3 billion in investments by 2030.
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NASA Forms New Partnership With Saudi Space Agency
The pair will collaborate on the Center for Space Futures, advancing space tech by bringing together public and private stakeholders.
Saudi Arabia’s space industry is on the brink of substantial expansion after generating $400 million in revenue in 2022, according to a report by the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission.
Now, in a new venture with NASA, plans for a “Center for Space Futures” are set to further drive the Kingdom’s aspirations of becoming a leading player in space exploration and technology.
Capturing moments from the joint delegation visit with leaders from the Saudi and American Space Agencies @NASA to @PSU_RUH, along with scenes showcasing the audience's engagement. pic.twitter.com/oB1cFTiRNl
— وكالة الفضاء السعودية (@saudispace) May 14, 2024
The partnership between NASA and Saudi Arabia goes beyond economic advantages. The pair have already cooperated on preliminary work for the Artemis II lunar mission, which is slated for a September 2025 launch and aims to land astronauts near the moon’s South Pole.
Also Read: Plans Underway For Massive Middle East Autonomous Freight Network
During a visit to the capital, Riyadh, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized in a TV interview the broader objectives of the collaboration, which encompass “returning to the moon and then [to] Mars” while utilizing space exploration to glean important insights into climate change. The NASA spokesman also reiterated the space agency’s dedication to collaborating with Saudi Arabia on other future ventures.
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