The year 2024 has been a pivotal one for the space industry, marked by an impressive increase in the frequency of rocket launches, advanced Earth imaging technologies, and the growth of novel datasets contributing significantly to global understanding of environmental changes. Planet Labs PBC has reported a transformative expansion of their capabilities, underscored by the launch of their first hyperspectral satellite, Tanager-1, which has generated exceptionally detailed data already showing beneficial effects on environmental monitoring.
An important component of this year’s developments is the introduction of the Planet Insights Platform, a cutting-edge platform that integrates data from three different constellations of satellites. This platform enhances access to a diverse range of Earth Observation (EO) datasets, critical for a multitude of users, including researchers and governmental entities. According to Planet Labs, the data collected has featured prominently in thousands of media articles and hundreds of scientific studies.
Looking ahead to 2025, three key trends stand out in the evolving landscape of space and AI technologies. The first of these trends is the acceleration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration within EO data processing. Planet has noted that AI has become significantly influential in the industry this past year. The company is currently deploying AI-driven solutions to detect newly built infrastructures, monitor deforestation, and predict agricultural yields, highlighting the growing intersection of AI and satellite data.
With plans to further enhance this integration, Planet is preparing for the launch of Pelican-2, another advanced satellite equipped with the NVIDIA Jetson platform for real-time AI processing. It's designed to provide high-resolution imagery while enabling rapid insight generation, transforming the way organisations can respond to environmental changes and disasters.
The second major trend involves the emergence of new sustainability-focused datasets developed to address pressing environmental concerns. Recent years have seen a significant increase in climate-related disasters, necessitating comprehensive and timely data to monitor earth’s health. Planet's Forest Carbon product, for example, harnesses both proprietary and public datasets to supply vital information to governments and land managers on forest carbon metrics, aiding in climate protection initiatives.
In light of the growing demand for precise environmental data, there is an expectation that 2025 will see a substantial enhancement in the availability and quality of sustainability datasets, further strengthening the ability of governing bodies and organizations to make informed decisions.
The third trend anticipated for 2025 encompasses expected policy shifts in the space sector due to recent elections in various countries. As acknowledged by Planet, the successful collaboration between the public and private sectors is imperative for leveraging space data effectively. New administrations are predicted to refine space regulations and enhance investment in space programs, making the deployment of satellite data more impactful in policy-making processes, especially concerning disaster preparedness and response.
Planet Labs, founded by former NASA scientists, has maintained a strong legacy of collaborating with governmental agencies. The company asserts that as policymakers increase their focus on effective governance and climate responsiveness, there will be a heightened reliance on space data to inform and evaluate the success of environmental policies.
As the space industry looks forward to 2025, Planet Labs PBC emphasises its commitment to advancing technological capabilities, fostering partnerships, and utilising space data to enhance life on Earth. The organisation remains poised for significant growth in its contributions to environmental science and public policy amid the rapidly evolving landscape of space exploration and management.
Source: Noah Wire Services