Dragonfly Aerospace and Unibap Bring Real-Time Edge AI to Satellite Missions
Dragonfly Aerospace has announced a strategic Compatibility Agreement with Unibap Space Solutions, a Swedish leader in radiation-tolerant edge computing. The agreement enables seamless integration between Dragonfly’s advanced electro-optical imaging payloads, Gecko, Mantis, Caiman, and the Chameleon series (SWIR and Hyperspectral), and Unibap’s high-performance edge-computing platforms, including the iX5 and iX10 flight computers.
This collaboration brings real-time artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) processing directly into orbit, turning raw spectral data into actionable insights within seconds, a significant advancement from traditional post-downlink processing workflows.
Real-Time Intelligence at the Edge
By leveraging Unibap SCOS, an Ubuntu-based space operating system, and Unibap LOOM, its hyperspectral pre-processing pipeline, mission owners can now access onboard computing capabilities that transform satellite imaging into intelligent decision-making tools; all in orbit.
“Pairing our Gecko, Mantis, Chameleon and Caiman electro-optical imagers with Unibap’s solutions, now certified on both iX5 and iX10 hardware, moves the industry beyond image capture to real-time insight,” noted Francois Mostert, CEO of Cameras, Dragonfly Aerospace.
“Dragonfly’s versatile payload suite delivers exceptional spectral fidelity across multiple wavebands. With Unibap SCOS and LOOM on our platforms, we empower satellites to analyse, learn and adapt while still in orbit,” Carl Bondesson, Project Manager, Unibap.
Key Benefits for Satellite Operators
- Seconds-Level Latency: Instant alerts for critical events like wildfires, floods, crop stress, and security anomalies.
- In-Mission AI Model Updates: Flexibility to upload, refine, and deploy new algorithms mid-mission without hardware changes.
- Energy-Efficient Operation: Low-power Dragonfly sensors combined with Unibap’s intelligent scheduling tools help extend mission life and reduce operating costs.
- Scalable Architecture: Plug-and-play compatibility across payload and compute systems supports missions from single-satellite deployments to full-scale constellations.
A Roadmap Toward Smarter Space Systems
This partnership reflects a shared vision to shift the Earth observation sector from traditional image collection to real-time, edge-powered intelligence. By merging Dragonfly’s robust multi-band imaging capabilities with Unibap’s onboard computing, the two companies offer a scalable and sustainable solution that reduces latency, bandwidth requirements, and operational risks, all while enhancing the value of data returned to Earth.
The result is faster, smarter decisions for agriculture, disaster response, environmental monitoring, national security applications, and when and where they’re needed most.
About Unibap Space Solutions
Unibap Space Solutions is a Swedish high-tech space company at the forefront of edge computing technology. Our advanced hardware, software and services empower defence and commercial space missions. Unibap Space Solutions is transforming the industry through Trustworthy Innovation in Space.
About Dragonfly Aerospace
Dragonfly Aerospace is a leader in high-performance imaging satellites and payloads. Our turnkey solutions get these strategic assets operational in orbit with the minimum time, cost, and risk.