CASSINI Challenges Winners 2024
The CASSINI Challenges called for innovation on a number of thematic topics.
Under the theme “Make it with Space!”, the 2024 CASSINI Challenges called for solutions that use space technologies to solve real-world problems. From satellite navigation and Earth observation to secure communications and space surveillance and tracking, participants showed their innovation and commercial potential across the 3 competition tracks: Idea, Prototype and Product. Explore the winning projects!
Idea Track
The Idea track applications feature theoretical ideas with targeted use cases, customer needs, and a clear plan for future commercialisation. 15 winning teams will be awarded € 10.000 each.
ExoSat
We turn debris into fuel
ExoSat’s proposed satellite destroys space debris through laser ablation and uses the generated thrust to move on to the next target. This approach combines the concepts of active debris removal (ADR) and propulsion.
NEAMO
NEAMO’s app integrates Copernicus Marine Service and in situ fish disease monitoring data to detect and predict outbreaks on fish farms. Early detection helps to reduce fish mortality, generate savings and cut antibiotic use, reducing contamination risks for consumers and ecosystems.
Novel laser-based
concept for identification and tracking of satellites and small space debris
The idea proposes the development of novel laser photometric systems specifically designed to survey and track small space debris, with the goal of addressing the critical gaps in current space situational awareness technologies.
Biodiversity Impact
and Observation System
Biodiversity compliance platform that leverages Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 imagery combined with Galileo positioning to transform environmental impact assessments. It provides automated, real-time monitoring across the entire project lifecycle and a collaborative environment for all project stakeholders.
Armadillo
Armadillo is an innovative GNC solution designed to improve the reliability, security, and adaptability of European rocket launches. GNSS integration with Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) and E6 Signal Authentication Service (SAS) ensures precise positioning and protection from GNSS spoofing attacks.
Terra Metallum
In Search of Heavy Metal Pollution of Soil
Terra Metallum utilizes Sentinel-2 data and machine learning to address the challenge of soil contamination by heavy metals, pinpointing contamination hotspots using Galileo positioning. The solution facilitates early detection and remediation of soil contamination, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture, safeguarding public health, and preserving environmental integrity.
iAgro
The iAgro app makes advanced agronomic analysis accessible and affordable for farmers. It leverages Galileo positioning services and Copernicus multispectral imagery to provide real-time recommendations for optimizing resource use, reducing agrochemical application, predicting yield, and assessing carbon sequestration potential in crops.
Imageryst HIVA
Imageryst's Hyperspectral Imagery Vegetation Analysis (HIVA) tool leverages multispectral satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 to detect, monitor, and analyse vegetation around energy assets such as power plants and power lines, thus reducing maintenance costs and preventing wildfires. The platform will automate the download of satellite imagery and enable users to analyse it for vegetation status without needing a technical background.
Tropicalism
The idea addresses the ongoing shift in crop production driven by climate change. Tropicalism is a land assessment tool and crop monitoring service specifically designed for tropical crops that will be offered to farmers to identify suitable portions of lands that are optimal for tropical crop productions. The solution relies on a model trained with Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite data, in situ data and climate projections.
SpaceGuardian
SpaceGuardian is a ground-based subscription SaaS platform designed to automate satellite collision avoidance using predictive algorithms and models for estimating collision probabilities, thereby addressing the risk of satellite collisions in LEO. Central to the solution is a unique bidding mechanism that allows satellite owners to negotiate which party moves when avoidance requires cooperation, which reduces conflicts and incentivizes safe practices.
GeoBioRemediation
GeoBioRemediation addresses the challenge of chromium contamination, a significant issue in the fashion and leather tanning industry and industrial waste management. The solution combines Sentinel-2 and EnMAP satellite imagery, Galileo georeferencing, IoT-based monitoring, and bioremediation technology to detect and remove chromium contamination from soil and water.
Decen Space
The solution is building a decentralized ground station network that allows satellite operators to access distributed ground station infrastructure through a unified platform, while enabling ground station owners to monetize their underutilized capacity or have a clearer idea where to build more infrastructure and allocate resources. The network benefits from Galileo’s precise timing services for synchronization.
AIMS
AIMS (Asbestos Identification and Mapping Solution) is an advanced geospatial analysis system designed to revolutionize the way asbestos-containing roofing is detected and managed. AIMS integrates multispectral imagery from the Sentinel-2 mission with very high-resolution images to capture both spectral and structural details of roofs. The solution leverages artificial intelligence techniques to enhance the accuracy of detection and classification. Its primary goal is to support municipalities in the inventory and continuous monitoring of asbestos roof replacement processes.
PeaceEye
PeaceEye provides tailored intelligence solutions for commercial and social impact sectors. By combining Copernicus data, human intelligence, media sources, and AI-driven risk analytics, the solution generates actionable insights that empower decision-makers to mitigate risks and enhance strategic planning in volatile regions. Galileo plays a crucial role by providing precise geolocation for ground-based validation efforts, contributing to the reliability of the solution.
Twinsat
The Twinsat platform enables real-time monitoring of civil infrastructure such as roads and bridges by integrating satellite data, digital twins and augmented reality. The solution uses Copernicus imagery to monitor infrastructure as well as Galileo for precise georeferencing of digital infrastructure models.
Prototype Track
The Prototype track covers tested prototypes or beta versions, with typical use cases, customer needs, and value proposition. 10 winning teams will be awarded € 30.000 each.
InMOTION
InMOTION is a platform for infrastructure deformation monitoring that combines information from Copernicus InSAR and National Lidar data sets improving the accuracy of the elements used as a reference to measure the deformations. The solution supports the integration of GNSS-based displacement time series from Galileo-enabled receivers.
ADEN
ADEN is a data-driven platform designed to transform the management of Atopic Dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions by combining real-time symptom tracking with high-resolution environmental and climate data from Copernicus. This innovative solution integrates patient-reported outcomes, Copernicus data, and machine learning to provide predictive insights, personalized recommendations, and public health guidance.
High-performance
Satellite Avionics Powered by Agile Semiconductor Design
Spherical systems provides a software-defined Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU) for satellites. It connects to the solar array and batteries, ensuring optimal electricity harvesting and storage. It also connects to all the powered elements, such as the onboard computer, radio or payload. The technology uses an in-house developed microchip that allows to quickly reconfigure standard PCDU hardware to meet the satellite builders' specific mission needs. This eliminates non-recurring cost, reduces lead time from years to weeks, and provides a scalable solution due to the possibility to standardize manufacturing.
SolarCube
SolarCube is a next-generation solar panel engineered for satellite applications, combining ultra-lightweight design, compact foldability, and high power output. Built on a high-performance textile substrate using a proprietary bonding process, SolarCube reduces panel weight by up to 60% compared to conventional systems. It delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 110 W/kg—more than double the industry average. Thanks to its foldable architecture, SolarCube offers up to 50% more deployable surface area within the same stowed volume, directly addressing the size, weight, and cost constraints that limit satellite missions.
RESQ-G PULSE
RESQ-G Pulse is a small Galileo satellite-based emergency locator transmitter survival for liferafts in helicopter models. It integrates the Galileo Return Link, that establishes a communication link that transmits Return Link Messages (RLM) back to the beacon's source, notifying the user that the alert has been identified and localised. It interacts with the worldwide network of COSPAS-SARSAT Search and Rescue satellites.
FlyPix AI
FlyPix AI is an advanced no-code platform that revolutionizes AI model creation for Earth Observation (EO) analytics. The solution enables businesses, researchers, and public sector organizations to train custom AI models for satellite and drone imagery in minutes - without requiring any technical expertise. FlyPix AI operates at the intersection of two high-growth markets: satellite-based Earth Observation and drone-based aerial inspection.
SAILWINT Prototype
SAILWINT is a sailing wind turbine ship that uses wind turbines simulatenously for energy production and sailing propulsion. SAILWINT ships sail as optimized routed fleets on the far-offshore seas, unmanned and teleoperated, enabled by satellite communication and navigation systems. SAILWINT’s ambition is to leverage the much stronger and steadier winds far-offshore to produce and deliver clean hydrogen at 30-50% lower cost at utility-scale for European energy sovereignty.
NEXTGEN-GS
Next-Generation GS is a scalable high-throughput mobile ground station concept, that is low-cost production scalable, plug-and-play, and designed to ease relocation. NEXTGEN-GS is a versatile solution ensuring seamless market integration with S/X frequency bands and market disruption with an affordable Ka-band. This triple-band feed reduces the need for multiple terrestrial gateways in congested regions, managing significantly more traffic through a single GS.
TerraLink
Secure and scalable meshing radio devices that could save lives
TerraLink offers wireless mesh communication devices providing secure communication and precise localisation of individual nodes. The prototype is a compact, ruggedised device designed for easy deployment on personnel, UAVs, or vehicles. It creates a resilient, self-healing network where messages hop between devices, finding optimal paths even if some connections are lost. Network Optimisation will be done using Copernicus-based terrain models to predict radio propagation and optimise node placement.
ISAR 4 GEO
A visualization tool designed by ThothX Meridian to image spacecraft in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits. It employs the Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) technique, processing sequences of radar data from moving targets to generate detailed imagery. The system includes a radar transmitter and receiver, a signal processor, and an image reconstruction unit that uses Fourier transforms and advanced algorithms to synthesize high-resolution 2D images of GEO spacecraft.
Product Track
The Product track is all about solutions that are ready for commercialisation or already in the market. Submissions included typical use cases, customer needs, value proposition, and evidence of a commercial traction. 7 winning teams will be awarded € 100.000 each.
SARA
SARA (Solar Array Rotary Actuator) enables solar arrays to track the Sun independently of satellite orientation, unlocking up to 2× more power intake compared to fixed-panel configurations. SARA enables better performance across the EU space programme areas and contributes to the EU’s space autonomy as a technology fully produced in Europe.
VALAR
Flight Dynamics as a Service
Valar Space offers an advanced Flight Dynamics as-a-Service (FDaaS) solution, specifically designed to optimize the operation of Earth-orbiting spacecraft and satellite constellations. The solution democratizes access to sophisticated orbital management tools and contributes towards more sustainable use of space environments.
WeavAir
Earth Observation & AI-Driven Digital Twin for Climate Resilience & Asset Optimization
WeavAir’s AI digital twin platform leverages real-time data from satellite hyperspectral imagery (including Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2), satcom-enabled IoT sensors, and drone networks. It allows users to get actionable insights on energy consumption, carbon emissions, indoor air quality, and climate resilience.
Seqana
Soil Carbon MRV
Seqana offers a satellite-powered, AI-driven solution for cost-effective measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of soil carbon changes. By implementing satellite imagery including Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data, the solution reduces MRV costs and enables large-scale adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.
Astrolight HERMES
Optical Ground Station
HERMES is a low-cost modular optical ground station for high data rate laser communication with LEO satellites. Optical space-to-Earth communication increases available bandwidth while remaining immune to jamming and cybersecurity threats, which positions it as an important strategic technology to be developed in Europe.
INVOLI
The solution is a comprehensive air traffic surveillance system for low altitude operations. Receivers synchronized via Galileo time stamps enable the calculation of precise position of aircraft even when they are not broadcasting their position. This offers a critical safety layer for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
SPACE-SHIP
ARRIVAL-X empowers ports to achieve Just-in-Time arrivals, thereby minimizing ship waiting times, reducing emissions, and enhancing resource planning and operational efficiency. The system integrates Galileo GNSS and Copernicus Marine Service weather and ocean data.
