…for earth observation satellites
A 100% French consortium led by STEEL Electronique (a subsidiary of ACTIA Aerospace), and including ELSYS Design (a subsidiary of ADVANS Group), IP-Maker, Tarides, and Thales Alenia Space, with the participation of IRT Saint Exupéry, announces the launch of the CEOS2030 project—an ambitious initiative to develop embedded artificial intelligence solutions for Earth observation satellites.
Labeled by the Aerospace Valley competitiveness cluster, CEOS2030 is supported by the French government and Bpifrance as part of the France 2030 plan.
An Innovative Response to the Challenges of Earth Observation
Earth observation satellites play a vital role in understanding and preserving our environment: monitoring biodiversity, supervising forests, managing water resources, and detecting natural disasters such as wildfires or oil spills. However, their functionality is currently limited by a rigid architecture: the absence of advanced onboard processing means that most data must be transmitted back to Earth before any analysis can be performed.
The CEOS2030 project aims to break with this model. By integrating edge computing capabilities directly onboard satellites, CEOS2030 will enable real-time data processing closer to its source. The result: fewer unnecessary data transmissions, faster response to events, and optimized use of space-based resources.
A Modular, Efficient, and Scalable Solution
CEOS2030 is built on an open and scalable architecture that allows for the dynamic deployment of new applications throughout the satellite’s operational life. Based on a combination of cutting-edge technologies—including NVMe protocols for storage, next-generation FPGAs, low-power embedded AI, and unikernels—this solution reduces the environmental impact of space data processing while improving the operational efficiency of satellite missions.
A Major Technological Demonstration
The project includes a representative demonstration of real-world operational scenarios. This demonstration will feature an instrument simulator generating various image streams (visible, hyperspectral), multiple AI algorithms (cloud detection, object identification, change detection), and compression mechanisms.
Scheduled for the second half of 2027, the demonstration will showcase CEOS2030’s ability to run complex parallel onboard processing, with performance meeting the demanding requirements of in-orbit operational scenarios anticipated by 2030.
Partner Testimonials
“CEOS2030 marks a major step forward for embedded intelligence in space. Thanks to our expertise in embedded electronics and AI, we are contributing to the creation of a reliable, scalable, and high-performance solution.”
— Jean-François Béraud, Director of Innovation, ELSYS Design
“CEOS2030 gives IP-Maker the opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of our NVMe storage technologies in the demanding environment of space. Our goal: ensure fast, reliable, and secure access to onboard data.”
— Jérôme Denis, CEO, IP-Maker
“Tarides’ unikernel-based technology offers a lightweight and secure response to the needs of embedded space applications by combining application virtualization and performance. CEOS2030 allows us to integrate it into a state-of-the-art system developed with our partners’ combined expertise, ensuring solution flexibility without compromising security.”
— Thomas Gazagnaire, CEO, Tarides
“In addition to the onboard orchestration solution ORCHIDE currently under development, this project aligns with our vision of the future of space: modular, agile, and adaptable to users’ evolving needs. We are proud to lead the system architecture.”
— Hervé Didtsch, R & D leader on observation and Science systems, Thales Alenia Space
“CEOS2030 is driven by our mastery of radiation-hardened space electronics while leveraging the latest commercial technologies. We bring our expertise to support a sovereign, robust solution designed for long-term use.”
— Rémy Laffourcade, Sales Director, STEEL Electronique
About the CEOS2030 Project
CEOS2030 (data Center and Edge cOmputing in Space) is a collaborative research and development project aimed at designing an onboard computing solution for Earth observation satellites. Based on a modular architecture, the system combines advanced technologies (embedded AI, NVMe storage, compression, unikernels) to process data as close to the sensors as possible.
CEOS2030 is labeled by the Aerospace Valley competitiveness cluster and is supported by the French government and Bpifrance as part of France 2030. The project is led by a French consortium headed by STEEL Electronique (a subsidiary of ACTIA Aerospace), and includes ELSYS Design (a subsidiary of ADVANS Group), IP-Maker, Tarides, and Thales Alenia Space, with the support of IRT Saint Exupéry.
Press Contact
Xavier Mongaboure
media[at]advans-group.com
