FutureEO benefits series – Benefiting from AI on-board data processing for EO • Oct 2025

The Φsat-2 mission was funded through FutureEO and the Discovery, Preparation and Technology Development programme to show and prove the benefits of on-board processing through Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Earth observation.

This initiative led to a €3 million funding in R&D, strengthened by key partnerships with companies like Open Cosmos, Ubotica, and Thales Alenia Space (TAS).

The project's goal is to allow for faster decision-making and more efficient data transmission by using AI to process data on the satellite itself. This project led to the creation of more than 90 jobs across the space value chain and helped build and develop technical and project management expertise.

Such project was pivotal to further strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, as it allowed for a first mover advantage in the field of AI applied to on-board data processing for EO.

This work has led to significant follow-on collaborations, including projects like CogniSAT-6 and ESA NanoMagSat, with over €34.6 million in secured funding.

Future opportunities include developing and commercialising new on-board AI-enabled services for other space applications, together with activities to facilitate the adoption of such technology and to boost AI-data processing on board.

The faster and easier availability of ready to use data is projected to enhance global resilience for applications like wildfire detection and maritime safety.

Launched over 25 years ago, the FutureEO programme is at the core of the ESA Earth Observation activities. It pushes boundaries of Earth observation, delivering excellence in science, technology innovation, preparing for new operational missions and supporting scientists, policymakers, and society with the knowledge needed to protect our planet’s future in the domain of environment, climate change and sustainability.

From pioneering Earth Explorer missions to agile Scout satellites and AI-powered data solutions, FutureEO is ESA’s commitment to scientific excellence, societal resilience, and global cooperation.

FutureEO is structured around three defining pillars that provide a streamlined and centralised framework for ESA’s Earth Observation goals. They work together to ensure there is a smooth flow of information between projects, connecting innovative ideas with scientific objectives to inform and guide the development of missions from concept through to design and realisation.

Links to the full report & infographics from the library