D-Orbit and Astralintu Present Space Cloud Services Implementation Progress for Environmental Monitoring in Ecuador
Milan, Italy – October 17, 2024 – Astralintu Space Technologies, in collaboration with D-Orbit, co-hosted a special event at the Ecuadorian Consulate in Milan to showcase the advancements in their joint project: “Leveraging D-Orbit’s Space Cloud Services along Astralintu’s Ground Network for the Benefit of LATAM.” The event marked a critical step forward in utilizing satellite data processing for environmental conservation, particularly for Ecuador and the wider Latin American region.
Transforming Conservation with Satellite Data Processing
Astralintu and D-Orbit’s partnership leverages D-Orbit’s ION Satellite Fleet and Astralintu’s Equatorial Ground Station Network, including the Ecuadorian ground station from the LatZero Link Network. This infrastructure will allow the rapid delivery of satellite images, offering real-time insights that can be applied for environmental risk mitigation in Ecuador's Amazon region. By focusing on pressing environmental challenges such as deforestation and land-use changes, the initiative aims to benefit vulnerable indigenous communities in the region.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Castrillón highlighted the importance of strengthening commercial relationships between Italy and Ecuador, while emphasizing the positive impact of technological collaboration on Ecuador’s environmental sustainability efforts. Astralintu CEO Matías Campos followed with a detailed presentation of the project, explaining the potential applications for satellite data in Ecuador and beyond. D-Orbit CEO Luca Rossettini closed the formal presentations, reaffirming the partnership’s shared vision for enabling rapid, efficient access to space-based data to address global challenges.
Rossettini emphasized, "We’re not creating something entirely new, but driving the evolution of space. Collaboration is essential, and companies need to join forces. To keep pace with this evolution, we must move forward together. "
Achieving Results for Ecuador and Beyond
The project has already demonstrated significant improvements in data processing speeds. By using D-Orbit’s Space Cloud Service, the data processing times were reduced by 98%, allowing images of Ecuador’s Siekopai territory in the Amazon to be processed in just seven minutes. This rapid turnaround facilitates the creation of early warning systems to detect threats such as deforestation and illegal logging, delivering immediate benefits for conservation efforts.
To validate the algorithm, the team initially used historical data captured by D-Orbit’s ION Fleet, utilizing the DRAGO-1 instrument from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. Now, the same technology will be used to acquire new images from Ecuador, with the validated algorithm processing this data directly in orbit.
Side-by-side comparison of unprocessed and processed images captured by the DRAGO-1. The enhanced image on the right highlights the river with improved clarity and detail, demonstrating the effectiveness of the algorith.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for the Project
With the validated algorithm now ready for deployment, the project will continue to focus on leveraging real-time satellite data to drive environmental risk mitigation in Ecuador and expand the initiative to the broader Latin American region. Future phases will aim to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts, enable sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities, and address various environmental threats across LATAM.
This collaboration between Astralintu and D-Orbit highlights the growing potential for satellite data and space technologies to transform how environmental challenges are addressed in real-time. The use of the Equatorial Ground Station Network plays a crucial role in this by ensuring fast, reliable access to essential data for governments, businesses, and NGOs alike.
About Astralintu Space Technologies
Founded in 2020, Astralintu is Ecuador's first NewSpace company and a pioneer in South America's private space sector. We specialize in space logistics and Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS), providing reliable satellite communication services across Latin America. Our mission extends beyond business; we support the development of emerging countries while fostering technological advancement and socio-economic growth. By partnering with Astralintu, clients access high-quality services and contribute to social progress.
About D-Orbit
D-Orbit is a global leader in space logistics and transportation, offering commercial launch and deployment solutions through its proprietary ION Satellite Carrier. Since its founding in 2011, D-Orbit has built a strong track record of successful missions and space-proven technologies, driving the evolution of the trillion-dollar commercial space industry.
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Astralintu Space Technologies