Space.Japan Webinar: Risk Monitoring from Space

Space.Japan, in collaboration with a spacetech SME from Portugal, Spotlite, hosted a webinar titled ‘Risk Monitoring from Space’ on 10 May 2023. 
Spotlite is a Portuguese startup operating in the downstream sector of the New Space economy, developing risk-monitoring solutions based on satellite data, early-warning systems, and asset management tools for critical infrastructure. 

The webinar started with a brief introduction of the services provided by the Space.Japan Helpdesk by Luca Escoffier, followed by the presentation from Daniel Pinto of Spotlite, who emphasized the significance of utilizing satellite information to address infrastructural problems on Earth. Spotlite has developed a set of monitoring tools using satellite data and software, to detect hazards and improve the safety and resilience of critical infrastructures. The three main modules of their platform focus on ground motion, vegetation interference, and detection of illegal or dangerous activities.

The platform harnesses the power of satellite data and integrates it with other sensor-based information and field team reports to provide infrastructure managers with valuable insights, recommendations, and preventive maintenance options. Transportation, energy, and mining sectors can benefit from Spotlite's cutting-edge technology, which enables the monitoring of critical infrastructures such as motorways, power lines, dams, and mines. Overall, Spotlite’s platform offers a comprehensive view of the infrastructure’s health and performance. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, Spotlite empowers infrastructure managers to optimize maintenance strategies, reduce costs, and enhance the safety and resilience of critical infrastructures.
During the final part of the webinar, Daniel Pinto also addressed some questions raised by the audience regarding the cases of monitoring infrastructure movement against earthquakes, the confidentiality of data protection, and the accuracy of the detected movements. With around 65 attendees in the webinar, during the Q&A session, Pinto also expressed his interest in collaborating with Japanese partners and initiating a pilot project in Japan (anyone in Japan interested in discussing collaboration with Spotlite can contact Space.Japan staff at spacejapan(at)eu-japan.or.jp).