Irish space company Réaltra wins European Space Agency contract to advance machine learning implementation for future space missions

Dublin based Réaltra collaborate with Ubotica to develop advanced machine learning technology for implementation in future launchers and satellites in a project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the General Support Technology Program (GSTP). 

Dublin based Réaltra Space Systems Engineering, a division of Realtime Technologies Ltd., proudly announces a new project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the General Support Technology Program (GSTP) called “Machine Learning-Based On-Board Autonomy, Failure Prognostics & Detection on Small Satellites”. Working with subcontractor Ubotica, Réaltra is leading the project which aims to change the current paradigm of Failure Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) and prognostics in satellites. 

The project has recently completed a major milestone, the Preliminary Design Review (PDR). The team at Réaltra aim to offer a dedicated low-power high performance AI/ML acceleration platform which is capable of running AI and ML algorithms with low-latency inferencing capability. This means satellite data will be processed quickly through a trained AI model with respect to anomaly detection and prognosis before appropriate actions are taken. In this ESA funded “Machine Learning-Based On-Board Autonomy, Failure Prognostics & Detection on Small Satellites” project, Réaltra are utilising both test campaign and spaceflight data sets from Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1 (Educational Irish Research Satellite-1), in order to analyse and understand FDIR models and techniques. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques are gaining interest and traction in various domains across the space sector. The implications of introducing AI/ML driven monitoring systems include the potential to decrease the operating costs and reduce satellite downtime, while enabling the wider use of COTS (Commercial Off the Shelf) electronics to lower the cost of future satellite avionics systems. By leveraging AI/ML algorithms in this way, satellites will be able to perform a wide array of tasks autonomously, reducing the need for human intervention and significantly lowering operational costs. From real-time data analysis to automated anomaly detection, AI-driven satellites are set to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration and communication.

With more than 9,000 active satellites in orbit as of April 2024, some reports have suggested that there could be up to 60,000 active satellites in space by 2030. Large constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit are the primary drivers of the increase. AI/ML driven monitoring systems offer the ability to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous operation. This proactive approach enhances the reliability and safety of satellites and of satellite networks. 

The aim of the ESA General Support Technology Programme Building Block (GSTP BB) activity is to prepare and develop enabling capabilities for space systems and the associated sub-system. The intended output is to provide industry with a stronger foundation in order to contribute to new space related system opportunities at national or international levels. 

Conor Sheehan, Irish National Delegate to ESA at Enterprise Ireland, said: “We wish to congratulate Réaltra on securing this ESA funding under the GSTP programme. Ireland’s space sector is rapidly evolving, and this project showcases the innovative capabilities of Irish companies on a global stage. By fostering cutting-edge advancements like AI-driven autonomy in satellites, we are strengthening Ireland’s position as a key player in the international space economy. This success reflects the growing agility and ambition of Irish enterprises engaging in transformative space technologies.”

Quote from Ubotica, Ireland

Fintan Buckley, CEO of Ubotica, commented, “With the rapid increase in satellites orbiting Earth, the safe and reliable operation of these satellites is becoming increasingly important. In addition to enabling real-time on-orbit decision-making, autonomous operations, and streamlining data processing, applying SPACE:AI to address the on-board Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) challenge is a significant step forward in maximising the operational lifetime of these satellites. Solutions like SPACE:AI are pivotal in enhancing communication, situational awareness, and scalability, ensuring the expanding satellite network adapts to future needs.”

Quote from Réaltra Space Systems Engineering

"As the global space economy continues to grow, we recognise the importance of developing and progressing new technologies to meet current and future demands. We are delighted to have secured this ESA project and look forward to working on new, cutting-edge space technology" said Danny Gleeson, CCO of Réaltra.

Project lead, and Space Software and AI Engineer at Réaltra, James Murphy said "With the advent of large satellite constellations, there is an increasing need for these satellites to become smarter. On-board AI will soon be a requirement for satellite missions to enable levels of autonomy never before seen. Advancing research in AI for Space is an important part of developing the space industry and preparing for the next generation of space flight."

ENDS

 

About Réaltra Space Systems Engineering

Réaltra is the Irish word for “galaxy”, which is appropriate in the context of the company’s vision of creating innovative low-cost electronic systems for space applications. The Réaltra division of Realtime Technologies Ltd. was formed in January 2018 by Paddy White (CEO), Diarmuid Corry (CTO) and Danny Gleeson (CCO), each with long experience in the space sector, to focus specifically on the growing global space market for high-quality and high-reliability electronic systems, targeting the commercial “NewSpace” market, with a focus on the burgeoning global launchers and small satellite sectors. Réaltra currently employs 22 people, including staff with significant space heritage to recent graduates of UCD’s Masters in Space Science & Technology and interns from Irish Universities. The company plans to employ up to 50 highly skilled people over the next few years. www.realtra.space

Realtime Technologies Ltd. is an Irish-owned company, employing over 50 people, that was founded by Paddy White in 1996 as a supplier of printed circuit board assemblies to the global IT, aerospace, automotive and medical device sectors.  www.realtime.ie

About Ubotica: https://ubotica.com/

About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. 

ESA is an international organisation with 22 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. 

ESA’s job is to draw up the European space programme and carry it through. ESA's programmes are designed to find out more about Earth, its immediate space environment, our Solar System and the Universe, as well as to develop satellite-based technologies and services, and to promote European industries. www.esa.int 

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Enterprise Ireland work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth, regional development, and secure employment.

Enterprise Ireland co-ordinates Ireland’s industrial and research participation in the programmes of the European Space Agency, provides a source of expertise for Irish companies in developing and executing space strategies, as well as being a point of reference for the international space industry when they want to identify relevant sources of space-related expertise within Ireland.

www.enterprise-ireland.com/space 

Contact information
 

Réaltra

Contact: Danny Gleeson                                     
Telephone: +353 87 2448148                                  
Email: dgleeson@realtra.space                        

Contact: Norah Patten
Telephone: +353 87 6469017
Email: npatten@realtra.space
 

Media Resources 

European Space Agency         

Contact: media@esa.int 

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images

Disclaimer:

The view expressed in this publication can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.