Bahrain’s NSSA scores free ride for AI on China-Oman satellite; Data to aid for smarter cities, cleaner Earth, safer seas

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Mohammed Darwish

The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) has been granted a complimentary launch slot for its artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms aboard a satellite, a collaborative venture between China’s Starvision and Oman’s Oman Lens, ushering in a new era for the creation of sophisticated space-based applications.

The NSSA’s triumph in acquiring this launch slot is a reflection of its extensive global connections and the exceptional skills of its engineers.

The agency’s engineering team will take charge of crafting the AI algorithms, showcasing their skill in this dynamic domain.

The initiative entails the formulation of advanced AI algorithms to be deployed on the Chinese-Omani satellite.

These algorithms are designed to scrutinise the satellite’s live imagery, facilitating the retrieval of critical data for diverse uses.

The data procured will serve numerous purposes, such as:

• Urban development: Scrutinising patterns of urban expansion and refining infrastructure planning.

• Environmental monitoring: Monitoring levels of pollution and pinpointing ecological threats.

• Maritime security: Augmenting maritime safety and overseeing maritime traffic.

• Additional space-based data utilities: Supplying insightful data for sectors like agriculture, crisis management, and natural resource investigation.

Space imagery data

Moreover, the AI algorithms will markedly compress space imagery data while preserving its precision and detail.

This innovation will not only save storage space on the satellite but also expedite the transmission of data from space, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing expenses.

This joint effort signifies a substantial leap in the realm of AI-driven space applications.

The NSSA’s project illustrates the power of global collaborations and technical prowess in forging new frontiers for space research and data interpretation.

As the endeavour progresses, we anticipate a surge of breakthroughs in various industries that depend on precise and prompt space-derived data.