Read the first interview on our website, with Andrew Kelly from Satellogic!

Why did you join this project? What kind of potential did you see in it? 

At Satellogic, we have extensive experience at planning, launching, operating and commercializing EO Missions and EO data, having launched over 40 satellites to dates, all of which makes us deeply aware of the challenges these activities entail. As the saying goes: “Space is hard”, but LEONSEGS has a solid strategy to make it a bit less hard. Through LEONSEGS, mission operators will be able to reach audiences conducting relevant use cases with space-based data, providing the perfect setting to run proof of concepts of new data layers and data fusion based algorithms. Additionally, through the LEONSEGS federated ground segment, mission operators will be able to focus on designing the best spacecraft and the most interesting payloads, without having to also manage the ground segment. We are convinced LEONSEGS can be a key player in driving EO data adoption while helping in the proliferation of new space-based sensors and missions. 

What is the role of your company in this project? 

Founded in 2010, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is a global leader in Earth Observation data and satellite technology. It operates the largest commercial submeter EO satellite constellation, which is continuously growing via a multi-launch agreement with Spacex.  As a LEONSEGS program partner, Satellogic serves as the primary EO data provider and will fulfill a broad range of satellite imagery tasks for program stakeholders. Additionally, Satellogic is leading the development of an API architecture to integrate multiple external interfaces and streamline key end-user workflows, including an integration to support the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg semantic AI algorithm Proof of Concept (TRL5). 

 Satellogic is a vertically integrated company that designs, manufactures, and operates its own proprietary satellites. It leverages internal cost efficiencies to deliver EO data and satellites at an industry-best price point, improving quality, access, and affordability across sectors worldwide.

How will LEONSEGS revolutionize the business landscape for EO data? What will LEONSEGS bring to the table that no other project did before? 

LEONSEGS introduces three pivotal innovations to the European EO landscape: 

1. The establishment of a pan-European platform to acquire data from various sources and sensors. This marks a transformative shift from how clients traditionally source their data. 
2. The innovative integration of Copernicus data with private missions, tailored to the specific informational needs (emphasizing information, not just data) of the use case through the use of AI. Essentially, customer will be to engage the platform with business questions instead of data requests.
3. LEONSEGS advances the value chain by equipping upcoming European missions with not ust a sophisticated commercialization tool to engage customers, but more distinctively by offering a comprehensive ground segment solution. This additional layer of solution will enable new EO players to concentrate on their core competency: supplying distinct data sources that enrich the overall data ecosystem and cater to the specific requirements of end-users, while leaving the complexities of ground segment operations to LEONSEGS.

Any final thoughts or comments on project expectations? 

LEONSEGS has the potential to revolutionaze both the way customers retrieve EO information by focusing on their informational needs instead of data sources, while also significantly simplifying the go-to-market for new EU missions. Overall, LEONSEGS can be a key player in driving further adoption of EU EO technologies.