On-board Processing functions

Processing Intelligence at the Edge

Traditional Earth Observation missions typically transmit raw imagery to the ground before any significant processing can take place. This approach increases bandwidth requirements, extends response times and limits the ability to react to time-critical events.

MESEO introduces a new paradigm by moving part of the processing chain directly on-board the satellite. AI algorithms, payload processing functions and platform services operate close to the sensor, enabling data reduction, intelligent image selection and early product generation before downlink.

By executing processing where data is acquired, MESEO reduces unnecessary data transfers, optimises communication resources and accelerates the delivery of Earth Observation products while maintaining compatibility with distributed ground processing and the EO Coordination Centre.

The on-board processing architecture represents the first stage of MESEO distributed processing chain and provides the foundation for intelligent End-to-End Earth Observation services. This reflects the project’s objective of performing processing as close as possible to the sensor through a distributed architecture spanning the space and ground segments.

KER 3 — Extended CogniSat AI-based On-board Co-Processing Platform

KER 4 — On-board Payload Image Processing

KER 5 — On-board GHG Measurements and L0/L1A/L1B Products

KER 8 — Satellite Platform Communication Enhancement Component Prototype

An AI co-processing platform capable of executing neural network inference directly on-board the satellite, enabling intelligent image analysis and data prioritisation before transmission to ground.

Advanced payload processing functions enabling the generation of Level-1B products on-board, reducing processing latency and improving the efficiency of the complete EO processing chain.

An integrated processing capability supporting greenhouse gas monitoring through the generation of calibrated Earth Observation products from raw acquisitions to higher processing levels ready for downstream exploitation.

An enhanced platform communication component that coordinates payload operations, AI processing and data transfer, providing efficient communication between the satellite subsystems and the ground segment while supporting high-throughput distributed processing.