[Press Release] Space Shift Selected for JAXA’s “On-Orbit Demonstration AI Application” Program —On-orbit demonstration project for a deep learning-based water and vessel detection model

We are pleased to announce that our proposed project, “On-Orbit Demonstration of a Deep Learning-Based Water and Vessel Detection Model,” has been selected for the “On-Orbit Demonstration AI Application” program organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
This program aims to promote new space utilization services through on-orbit AI applications.

◼︎Background of the Development
In recent years, the demand for monitoring services utilizing satellite data and analytics has been increasing, particularly for rapid disaster response and continuous vessel monitoring.
Traditionally, satellite data has been downlinked to ground stations and analyzed on the ground. However, if analysis can be executed directly on orbit, it will be possible to significantly reduce data transmission volume by transmitting only textual detection results instead of raw image data. This is expected to enable faster delivery of detection results and facilitate new space-based services.

In this demonstration project, Space Shift will leverage its SateAIs Earth and OCEAN technologies—including Disaster detection AI and Ship detection AI using SAR satellite data—developed through its past projects.

The project aims to verify the technical feasibility and effectiveness of executing AI directly on orbit, with the goal of expanding business applications in fields requiring highly time-sensitive monitoring, such as flood disasters and maritime surveillance.

◼︎Project Overview

• Project Name : JAXA Space Technology Demonstration Acceleration Program
  “On-Orbit Demonstration AI Application”
• Selection Information: https://www.kenkai.jaxa.jp/project/sasshin/ai-app_selected.html
• Planned Schedule
  • Until late May 2026: Development of demonstration AI application
  • Mid-March 2026 – Early June 2026: Pre-demonstration review for on-orbit testing (payload compatibility evaluation) and application selection (sequential)
  • Mid-March 2026 – Late June 2026: On-orbit demonstration (planned)

Inquiries Regarding This Article
Space Shift Inc. (Attn: Motomura, Tsudatani)
E-mail: pr@spcsft.com