In an age where Earth-observing satellites play a pivotal role in monitoring our planet’s health, the authenticity of the data they provide is of utmost importance. A rising concern is the advanced artificial intelligence technologies capable of „deep-faking“ satellite imagery. These deceptive methods can alter critical data, such as source information for carbon emissions budgets, making them nearly indistinguishable from genuine data. Until the advent of 3IPK‚s innovation, there was a palpable absence of any concrete solution that could undeniably confirm the origin and authenticity of such indispensable data, especially given its widespread usage for various global services.
ESA’s Leap into Blockchain for Earth-Observation Data
To confront this mounting challenge, the European Space Agency (ESA) has entrusted the Slovak startup 3IPK with the task of integrating blockchain technology into the Earth-observation data pipeline. Collaborating with Thales Alenia Space, 3IPK is set to devise a cybersecurity strategy aimed at maintaining the integrity and traceability of Earth-observation data by employing unique digital signatures. This groundbreaking solution will allow stakeholders in the processing chain to confidently ascertain data origins, efficiently countering the menace of counterfeit satellite images. The initial version of this solution is anticipated to be in ESA’s hands by the first half of 2024. This venture will further witness blockchain technology being trialed on Thales Alenia Space’s Earth-observation processing chains, which presently play an instrumental role in aiding diverse entities – from scientists and governments to humanitarian organizations – in monitoring terrestrial surfaces and alleviating the impacts of natural catastrophes.
A Synergistic Collaboration for Future-Ready Solutions
The alliance between the Slovak 3IPK and Thales Alenia Space is emblematic of the fusion of top-tier expertise from two vanguards in the realms of blockchain and space. Slovak company 3IPK, established in 2019, has been at the forefront of crafting software solutions geared towards safeguarding sensitive industrial supply chain data. Thales Alenia Space, a stalwart in global Earth-observation satellite programs, has been leveraging 3IPK’s solutions since 2021. This dynamic partnership, fortified by their recent joint accelerator endeavors and long-term collaboration contracts, underscores their unified vision to bolster satellite data security. The shared mission, as articulated by both Juraj Zamecnik of 3IPK and Loïc Rognant of Thales Alenia Space, is a fervent commitment to safeguarding Earth-observation data, ensuring it remains inviolable for the well-being of upcoming generations.
3IPK is currently part of the CASSINI Business Accelerator programme.
Published, 26.10. 2023, slord
