US-Saudi venture will use AI to analyse space data

SpaceGuardian

• SpaceGuardian venture launched
• Applies machine learning to imagery
• Middle East space sector worth $25bn

A US-Saudi joint venture has been launched in the kingdom to use satellite imagery to monitor infrastructure development, traffic congestion and carbon sequestration, the natural process of CO2 storage in the atmosphere.

Front End Limited Company, based in Alkobar, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and SpaceKnow, a New York technology company dedicated to transforming space data into intelligence, have announced the launch of SpaceGuardian. 

Officials say SpaceGuardian is the first approved company dedicated to satellite imagery and artificial intelligence analysis to launch in Saudi Arabia.

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It will specialise in applying machine learning AI on satellite imagery to facilitate economic activities, energy and commodities analysis, environmental assessments and construction progress tracking, a statement said.

The value of the Middle East space sector is expected to hit $75 billion by 2032, with spending rising 92 percent over the next decade.

The region’s space economy has trebled in 10 years to reach an estimated $25 billion in 2023, according to the white paper published by Euroconsult.

It is forecast to make up 8.5 percent of the global space economy by the beginning of the next decade.

SpaceGuardian said its technology allows for real-time monitoring of construction projects and can also be used to optimise transport systems by analysing traffic patterns and congestion hotspots.

Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Syria and the Gulf states are all investing in space technology. The UAE’s investments in satellite communications, Earth and space exploration and data transmission topped $6 billion last year.