Open Cosmos, a UK-based space tech company designing and operating satellites, has launched ​​a 6U CubeSat, Phisat-2, with the European Space Agency (ESA) aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

The ESA selected Open Cosmos as the mission's prime contractor. The satellite is designed to demonstrate the benefits of using AI for Earth observation by combining a multispectral camera with a computer that allows AI apps to run via the NanoSat MO Framework (NMF).

The Phisat-2 is a 22 x 10 x 33cm satellite with a multispectral instrument to document images of Earth in seven different bands plus a panchromatic band. The CubeSat will provide critical data using AI and machine learning for disaster response efforts, maritime monitoring, environmental protection, cloud detection, and other uses.

The Phisat-2 was launched with four apps running, including Canadian-based Consultants to Government and Industry's (CGI) Sat2Map, Poland's KP Lab’s Cloud Detection, the Portuguese company CEiiA's Vessel Detection, and Italian company le GEO-K's Deep Image Compression app.

Open Cosmos plans to upload two more apps, including the Anomalies in Marine Ecosystems app from French institute IRT Saint Exupéry Technical Research and the PhiFire AI app from French aerospace company Thales Alenia Space.