Objectives of the service
The project was designed to provide enterprise clients with the ability to access the global constellation of earth observation providers on their own terms, in a future-proofed, scalable and efficient manner, while also enabling them to derive competitive benefits. This represents a response to the challenge of a rapidly expanding constellation of independent earth observation data providers for which traditional models of procurement, contract management and operations are no longer fit-for-purpose.
Users and their needs
The primary market was that of the energy sector, which is both a mature user of earth observation in terms of traditional energy sources (fossil fuels) but also a new user (in terms of the transition to renewable energy). The steering group had representation from 5 well known companies operating in this market, based in Europe and North America. User needs include the following:
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More flexible procurement of EO, not subject to multi-year competitive cycles.
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Due diligence of new data providers
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Need for coordination between data providers for synergistic and enhanced collection capabilities
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Harmonised and potentially custom licensing between different data providers
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The need for dynamic rather than static pricing
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Independent support
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Secure services (e.g. in terms of server location)
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Standardised EO products for easier integration
Service/ system concept
Three services were defined in response to the market needs, as follows:
Each of these supports a different segment of the market. All services are based on a technology stack that acts as an operational framework for virtual constellation management (we defined virtual constellation management as the management of a set of independent data providers).
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Vela is designed to support organisations with a ready-to-go virtual constellation of pre-boarded data providers operating under a basic level of harmonised terms. The Vela contractual framework includes mandatory terms that, if in conflict with native data provider terms, take precedence. A data provider can be onboarded to Vela at any time. Vela clients can sign up to, and gain access to Vela with no negotiation with data providers required and so can be accessing data in days rather than months.
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Pyxis is a fully customised version of Pyxis, in which a client defines the terms under which they wish to access products and services, with or without support from Geocento, with data providers custom onboarded and subject to pre-qualification and due diligence. Geocento then manages the virtual constellation on behalf of the client.
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Lyra is a white label virtual constellation management platform that can be deployed for a client and managed by them (under their own branding) on behalf of their own clients. Geocento maintains the service on their behalf, but may be involved in onboarding data providers as required.
In all of these services, Geocento is entirely contractually independent of the data providers, charging no margin on the data and being independent of the product licensing. This is so that Geocento can be impartial and working solely for the client, not only in maintaining and, in some cases, managing the virtual constellation service, but also in providing advice and perhaps negotiating with the data providers on behalf of the client.
The key features of the service are as follows:
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Product and licensing harmonisation for reduction of corporate risk (Vela and Pyxis)
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Onboarding of data providers at any time for flexibility and access to innovation
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The use of standards and services designed to enhance competition (Vela and Pyxis)
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Contractual independence between the design and operation of the virtual constellation management service and the data providers, for independent advisory and trust.
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No margin charged on data, thus keeping data costs competitive.
Space Added Value
The service is entirely focused around the goal of making the market in earth observation data more dynamic and therefore responsive to client needs. The potential benefits are significant because we are creating a situation in which supply and demand are more responsive to each other. As well as this, the service represents a new business model better adapted to the era of “designer virtual constellations” in earth observation, in which data sources are combined and exploited to support value-added services such as AI based on coordinated and harmonised multi-source, rather than single-source data.
Current Status
The three services have now been designed and feedback obtained from the market. Lyra has received market validation through an initial multi-year sale. Pyxis has also been the subject of a commercial sale in the defence and security market (which, during the course of the project, has grown in significance). The total commercial sales associated with the 3 services has already exceeded the ESA investment in the project.
The priority in the initial commercialisation phase is to roll out Lyra as the most scalable and profitable of the three offerings, while continuing to carry out business development for Pyxis and Lyra.
Prime Contractor(s)
