AIX-1 satellite launched and operational. A new step towards the operational era of AI-powered EO.

AIX mission a new era of opportunities in Earth Observation

Lanciato con successo AIX-1, il secondo capitolo della serie di satelliti AIX di Planetek.

AIX-1 satellite launched and operational. A new step towards the operational era of AI-powered EO.

Planetek Italia is proud to announce the successful deployment of AIX-1, the second chapter of Planetek’s AIX satellite series, which will set the path for the ambitious programme of bringing a new concept of cognitive cloud computing in space.

AIX-1 lifted off on 23 June 2025 at 23:25 GMT +2 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

AIX-1 marks a major step forward in the evolution of satellite-based Earth Observation (EO), harnessing cutting-edge onboard Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain-based autonomous services, and a dynamic software ecosystem to revolutionise in-orbit processing.

AIX-1 follows the successful launch of the AIX-1 Precursor (AIX-1p) in January 2025, which validated the hybrid edge/cloud architecture in orbit. AIX-1 enhances this system’s capabilities, introducing near real-time access to actionable information extracted directly onboard from optical (VIS) payload data. The platform features an integrated Earth Observation camera, a dedicated low-latency transmission module, and a modular software framework capable of autonomously orchestrating sensors and computing resources in orbit with blockchain-based smart contracts.

AIX-1 is the second of three planned launches (AIX-1p, AIX-1, AIX-1+) that together narrate a transformative journey for EO and in-orbit AI. The AIX series is setting new standards in access, responsiveness, and commercialisation of satellite infrastructure, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises empowered by ESA InCubed’s vision of innovation.

This mission is the result of a collaborative endeavour between Planetek, D-Orbit and AIKO, and is co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) Φ-lab through its InCubed programme.

The AIX programme aims to deliver a next-generation “satellite-as-a-service” infrastructure – a space-based app ecosystem that unlocks unprecedented opportunities for downstream applications and service delivery, with interaction times as low as 10 seconds.

AI-eXpress is a project co-funded by the European Space Agency's InCubed, an Earth Observation Programme managed by ESA Φ-lab, that uses advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain in Space to enhance satellite capabilities in terms of reactivity, responsiveness, and low-latency information delivery. AIX provides a hybrid edge/cloud ecosystem on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) platform equipped with Earth Observation (EO) payloads, deployable cubesats, and a software framework that autonomously manages sensors and onboard resources.  

AIX: a new era of opportunities in Earth Observation

The space mission landscape is evolving rapidly, requiring new operational models integrating innovative technologies while adapting to shorter development cycles. AIX is designed to complement and enhance existing and future Earth Observation capabilities, offering a configurable suite of space components as-a-service. These include the advanced imaging of its dual-head camera, the onboard Artificial Intelligence of its high-performance computing platform, and secure software services enabled by Blockchain technologies.

Rather than replacing or competing with traditional EO systems, AIX provides an open, flexible platform that enhances existing space-based infrastructures. AIX delivers on-demand in-orbit data processing capabilities through its satellite-as-a-service approach, helping satellite operators, data providers, and application developers optimize their resources and unlock new possibilities. Users can configure a custom acquisition and processing workflow, selecting the components that best fit their needs and testing AI algorithms in real Earth Observation scenarios.

The AIX team  

AIX is implemented by Planetek Italia, in a partnership with D-Orbit and AIKO, and it will complement and add value to the companies’ existing services/products.

AIX-based services will be tested and deployed using D-Orbit's ION platform and space cloud infrastructure, AIKO's orbital_OLIVER autonomy framework and AI applications, and Planetek’s SPACEDGE™ Earth Observation services for FutureEO.

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