Phi-Sat-1
[research]aerial · drones · 1 deployments in catalog
Manufacturer
European Space AgencyForm Factor
aerial
Lifecycle
research
Operational Reality
Audited
Deployments
1
Target Price
Custom Quote
- AERIAL
- RESEARCH
Description
Phi-Sat-1 (ɸ-Sat-1), launched September 2020 on the Vega rocket, is ESA's first satellite to demonstrate artificial intelligence for Earth observation. A 6U CubeSat in the FSSCat mission, it uses on-board AI to filter cloud-covered images before transmission to ground stations, reducing bandwidth requirements. The AI processing was developed in collaboration with Ubotica and demonstrates ESA's technology roadmap for edge AI in space.
Key facts & specs
- website
- https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Phsat
- maturity
- research
- lifecycle
- active
- manufacturer
- European Space Agency
- deployments count
- 1
- Maturity stage
- research
- Role
- Earth-observation cubesat with onboard AI
- Autonomy
- onboard autonomous cloud detection/filtering (Intel Movidius Myriad 2); ground-planned targets
- Launched
- 2020-09-03
- Weight kg
- 5
- Launch
- September 2020 (Vega rocket)
- Form factor
- 6U CubeSat
- Mission
- FSSCat (Federated Satellite System)
- A I capability
- On-board image filtering for cloud detection
- Partners
- Ubotica, Cosine, Sinergise, Università di Pisa, UPC
- Significance
- First satellite to process Earth observation imagery with AI in-flight
Safety record
No incidents on record for Phi-Sat-1.
FAQ
What is Phi-Sat-1?
Phi-Sat-1 (ɸ-Sat-1), launched September 2020 on the Vega rocket, is ESA's first satellite to demonstrate artificial intelligence for Earth observation. A 6U CubeSat in the FSSCat mission, it uses on-board AI to filter cloud-covered images before transmission to ground stations, reducing bandwidth requirements. The AI processing was developed in collaboration with Ubotica and demonstrates ESA's technology roadmap for edge AI in space.
Is Phi-Sat-1 actually deployed in the real world?
Yes. Phi-Sat-1 is independently verified in real-world operation on the DEPLOY registry, confirmed at named deployment sites with primary sources: not a concept, render, or demo-only.
Who makes Phi-Sat-1?
Phi-Sat-1 is made by European Space Agency, based in Paris, France (HQ); ESTEC Noordwijk, Netherlands; ESOC Darmstadt, Germany; ESRIN Frascati, Italy, founded in 1975.
Where is Phi-Sat-1 deployed?
1 verified deployment of Phi-Sat-1 is on the DEPLOY registry, including at Low Earth Orbit.
Can you buy Phi-Sat-1?
Phi-Sat-1 is at research stage and is not yet available for sale.
What are alternatives to Phi-Sat-1?
On the DEPLOY registry, comparable aerial robots to Phi-Sat-1 include Wing Delivery Aircraft, Skydio X10, Zipline Platform 2 (P2), Prime Air MK30.
How does Phi-Sat-1 compare to Wing Delivery Aircraft?
Phi-Sat-1 and Wing Delivery Aircraft (Wing · 35 deployments) are both aerial robots on the DEPLOY registry. Phi-Sat-1 has 1 verified deployment on record. Compare both records for specs, safety, deployments, and verified-vs-claimed autonomy.
Is Phi-Sat-1 a top aerial?
On DEPLOY's intelligence score, which blends verified deployments, safety, adoption, media, and IP signals, Phi-Sat-1 ranks in roughly the top 72% of aerial models tracked by the registry.
What is Phi-Sat-1's maturity stage?
Phi-Sat-1 is at the research stage on the DEPLOY maturity ladder (research, prototype, pilot, commercial, production). Research stage means active development without commercial deployments on file.
Is Phi-Sat-1 safe?
Phi-Sat-1 has no incidents on record in the DEPLOY registry. This does not constitute a safety guarantee; it reflects the incidents DEPLOY has tracked and verified to date.