Incredible first images from shoebox-sized AI satellite show Earth as art

Φsat-2, pronounced phisat-2, is a 6U cubesat that will further demonstrate the benefits of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for innovative Earth observation. Incredible first images from a new AI-controlled mini satellite show the Earth as art. The European Space Agency (ESA) say satellite Φsat-2, pronounced phisat-2 and the size of a shoebox, has completed its commissioning and has begun delivery of science data. It uses algorithms to efficiently process and compress Earth observation images, as well as detect wildfires, ships, marine pollution and more. Orbiting at an altitude of 510 km, its AI capabilities include selecting images with clear visibility, while discarding images obscured by cloud cover. The algorithms can also detect and analyse disaster areas, for example zones affected by wildfires, earthquakes or floods, and identify access routes for emergency response teams. It can also be used to detect ships, gather data on illegal fishing and marine pollution.

Incredible first images from shoebox-sized AI satellite show Earth as art

Fsat-2 view of Bahia Blanca Estuary in Argentina. (ESA via SWNS)

By Dean Murray

Incredible first images from shoebox-sized AI satellite show Earth as art

This true-color image shows sediment off the coast of Carthage, in the Gulf of Tunis in Tunisia. (ESA via SWNS)

Incredible first images from shoebox-sized AI satellite show Earth as art

Fsat-2 view of Port Said, Egypt. (ESA via SWNS)

Incredible first images from shoebox-sized AI satellite show Earth as art

This is a true-color image of the Clavering Øer glaciers, on the east coast of Greenland. (ESA via SWNS)

Incredible first images from shoebox-sized AI satellite show Earth as art

This true-colour image, showing the city of Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol, was captured on 2 May 2025. (ESA via SWNS)

Originally published on talker.news, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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