Bahrain Space Agency Launches AI-Powered Satellite Payload for Cloud Detection
The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) has introduced its first specialised satellite payload that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and identify clouds in satellite imagery. This initiative is a collaboration with China's Star Vision and Oman's Oman Lens, carried aboard a joint Oman-China satellite orbiting low Earth orbit.
BSA engineers played a key role in designing, developing, and testing advanced AI algorithms implemented on the satellite. These algorithms analyse satellite images in real-time, detect cloud coverage, and automatically replace cloudy sections with data from previous images before sending the information to ground stations.
Enhancing Data Quality and Space System Efficiency
This AI-driven process significantly improves the quality of satellite data while increasing the efficiency of space systems. The enhanced data supports a variety of applications such as urban planning, environmental monitoring of air and water quality, and ship detection. These applications benefit both public and private sector entities relying on timely and accurate satellite information.
Building Local AI and Space Expertise
The project also aims to strengthen Bahrain's local capabilities in AI algorithm development, sparking ongoing innovation and solidifying the Kingdom’s role as a regional centre for space technology. According to Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the BSA, this achievement aligns with Bahrain’s vision to advance its space sector and highlights the agency’s successful international collaborations and technical expertise.
Expanding AI Applications in Space
Space Engineer Yaqoob Al Qassab explained that this project is part of several efforts to expand Bahrain’s expertise in integrating AI with satellite systems. The team is now engaged in a new project with the same partners to develop AI algorithms for automated maritime vessel detection from space.
This new initiative marks the first collaboration between Bahrain and Oman in the space sector and is the third Arab-Chinese space cooperation after previous partnerships involving Bahrain, Egypt, and China on lunar projects.
- AI algorithms running onboard improve satellite image clarity by detecting and replacing cloud-covered areas.
- Applications include urban planning, environmental monitoring, and maritime tracking.
- Project fosters national AI skills and supports Bahrain’s space innovation goals.
- Ongoing collaboration aims at maritime vessel detection using AI from space.
For IT and development professionals interested in AI applications like these, exploring courses on AI algorithm development and satellite data analysis can provide valuable skills. Resources such as Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses offer practical knowledge on developing AI technologies used in space and other industries.
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