From February 4 to 6, 2025, the SmallSat Symposium transformed Mountain View, California, into a hub of innovation, bringing together top industry leaders to explore cutting-edge advancements and tackle the most pressing challenges in the small satellite sector.

One of the standout sessions was “AI Applications for SmallSat Data, Situation Awareness, and Maneuvering,” held on February 6 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Marco Ruano, founder and director of Sanzar, participated as a panelist in this session moderated by Dr. Paul Struhsaker, CEO of Arrasar Partners. Dr. Ruano, with an extensive background in the aerospace and academic sectors, shared his vision on the need for Earth observation operators to accelerate data downloads from satellites. He emphasized that “the more AI can assist onboard the satellite itself, the easier the ground operations will become afterward.” He also highlighted the importance of managing satellite constellations, ensuring security, and preventing collisions, pointing out that onboard data processing is a growing trend that will coexist with both optical and RF imaging.

Dr. Ruano also stressed the urgent need to update technologies in Earth observation control operations. He shared an anecdote about a recent visit to a control office still relying on outdated operating systems, emphasizing the risks involved and the pressing necessity for modernization.

The session also featured insights from other key speakers, including Matteo Cuccorese, founder of SPAICE Technology Ltd, and Álvaro Alonso Ruiz, co-founder and CCO of Leanspace, who discussed AI applications in Earth observation and satellite constellation management.

Dr. Ruano’s participation in SmallSat Symposium 2025 underscored the growing importance of AI in enhancing Earth observation operations and the industry’s need to adopt modern technologies to tackle current and future challenges.

[1] SmallSat Symposium, “AI applications for SmallSat data, situation awareness, and maneuvering,” 2025. [Online]. Available: https://smallsatshow.com/sessions/ai-applications-for-smallsat-data-situation-awareness-and-maneuvering

[2] SatNews, “Finding the best use of AI in Earth Observation,” Feb. 6, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://news.satnews.com/2025/02/06/finding-the-best-use-of-ai-in-eo