Despite great strides in space technology, we still cannot make the most of space data and services. One of the reasons is the challenges in accessing spatial resources like the Earth Observation (EO) data.

Modern E-commerce logics have not yet been introduced to EO. And for online platforms, registration procedures can be challenging. Take for example the retrieval of satellite imagery.

First, one has to scour a gazillion websites to find providers selling data of a specific time, location and resolution. Then a formal data request is sent to the selected data provider/reseller. After that, they quote a price and have a contract signed before delivering the data. It often takes weeks before one can finally get the required data.

While acquiring the data is time-consuming, processing it is even more challenging. For example, analysis of the EO data requires one to be well-versed with particular algorithms or analysis tools (software). Also, this process is susceptible to software and human errors.

Need for DSA (Decentralized Satellite Applications)

There is an implicit need for an innovative digital interface between satellite data providers and users to expedite data acquisition and uncomplicate analysis. SpaceChain decided to suffice it by establishing the DSA. SpaceChain’s DSA is a platform that conjoins multiple data and algorithm providers to create a one-stop marketplace for EO data and services. Equipped with blockchain technology, DSA offers easy and direct access to satellite data/applications.