Kenya Space Agency and STAR.VISION Conclude Spaceborne AI Programme

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in partnership with STAR.VISION Aerospace has successfully concluded the Spaceborne AI Algorithm Rideshare Programme, marking the end of the final phase of an initiative launched in June 2024. Over the past year, 58 students from 14 Kenyan universities designed, tested, and deployed AI algorithms aboard the STAR.VISION’s Earth Observation (EO) satellite platform. These AI projects addressed real-world applications, including;

• Maritime surveillance and vessel detection
• Land use and land cover classification
• Crop yield estimation and health monitoring
• Tea and coffee farm segmentation

As part of their award, three students representing these teams will travel to China to participate in a two-week Space Summer Camp, scheduled from July 13 to 27, 2025. Hosted by Beihang University and STAR.VISION at the university’s Hangzhou campus, the camp will offer in-depth training in advanced space technologies, further strengthening the students’ technical knowledge and international exposure. Furthermore, participants will also have the opportunity to work in cutting-edge laboratories and engage in practical research projects. Key training topics will include:

1. Remote Sensing & GIS: Students will learn about the AI-driven interpretation of satellite imagery, environmental monitoring, and spatial analysis for smart cities.
2. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): The programme will cover GNSS positioning algorithms, satellite navigation augmentation, and applications in disaster response.
3. Micro-Satellite Technology: Training will focus on micro-satellite design, on-orbit testing, mission planning, and collaborative observation in low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations.
4. Space Project Management: Participants will explore international satellite project management, industry-university research collaboration, and space technology partnerships within the framework of the United Nations.

 Spaceborne AI Algorithm Rideshare Programme

Launched during the 2024 Kenya Space Expo and Conference, the programme’s goal was to equip Kenyan university students with the skills to develop, test, and deploy Earth Observation (EO) AI algorithms using STAR.VISION’s in-orbit AI platform. The programme unfolded in three phases. The first phase involved knowledge transfer through structured workshops, where students attended online lectures by leading scientists on geospatial intelligence and in-orbit AI integration. In the second phase, participants developed and optimised AI algorithms for specific applications, supported by STAR.VISION’s technical feedback and datasets. The final phase saw the deployment and validation of these algorithms on STAR.VISION’s satellites, marking a major milestone in practical space AI applications.