Catalyst Optimizes Satellite Performance With In Orbit Edge Data Processing

PCI Geomatics (DBA CATALYST), a provider of Earth observation analytics and intelligence solutions, announced the delivery of edge processing capabilities to produce highly accurate imagery directly onboard satellites in near real-time. This advancement optimizes data processing, enabling smarter use of a satellite's power and processing budgets, without sacrificing on performance.

Traditionally, Earth observation satellites downlink raw images that must be corrected and georeferenced on the ground before they can be used operationally. This requires extensive ground-segment infrastructure, high downlink bandwidth, and specialized post-processing teams - limiting how quickly imagery can support mission-critical decisions. As more satellites are launched, available bandwidth must be shared across constellations, compounding delays.

CATALYST addresses these challenges by integrating advanced orthorectification and geolocation algorithms into an efficient onboard pipeline, optimized for the latest generation of radiation-tolerant processors. This capability unlocks the ability to drastically reduce latency in detections and enable real-time decision making, enabling new Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).