Top 10 Achievements of KP Labs in 2024

2024 has been an extraordinary year for KP Labs, marked by significant milestones and exciting progress. From groundbreaking mission achievements to industry recognition, every step has brought us closer to advancing space technology. Here are the TOP 10 highlights that defined our year:

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1. LeopardISS: Ready for Launch to the International Space Station

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LeopardISS, our onboard data processing unit, is fully integrated and ready for its mission to the International Space Station in spring 2025. This CubeSat-compatible platform is designed to validate AI algorithms in space, providing researchers and institutions with a unique opportunity to test their solutions in real space conditions.

The project, developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency, also marks a milestone for Poland, as Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański will evaluate LeopardISS’s capabilities during his time aboard the ISS. Additionally, Poznan University of Technology will use LeopardISS to test innovative 3D image mapping algorithms for planetary rover missions.

With its compatibility verified with the ICE Cubes Facility on the ISS, LeopardISS will enable seamless real-time interaction between ground teams and the payload, opening new opportunities for research and commercial applications in space technology.

2. Smart Mission Lab: Launching in Q1 2025

Set to launch in Q1 2025, the Smart Mission Lab will provide a platform for remote access to advanced data processing units (DPUs), that will enable users to validate their algorithms without the need for extensive hardware investment.

This innovative approach aims to reduce costs, accelerate development, and foster collaboration by making advanced space technology testing accessible to a broader audience. The Smart Mission Lab represents a significant step in breaking down barriers to entry in the space sector, empowering researchers and engineers to focus on developing and perfecting their algorithms in a real-world context.

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3. Intuition-1: Celebrating One Year in Orbit

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November marked the one-year anniversary of Intuition-1, our hyperspectral imaging satellite and technology demonstrator. Equipped with onboard AI capabilities, hyperspectral imaging, and a cloud detection application, Intuition-1 has showcased the potential of in-orbit data processing for generating valuable insights into Earth's surface.

While its primary mission is to validate advanced technologies, this milestone highlights the importance of processing data directly in space. Intuition-1 demonstrates how onboard systems can filter and analyze data efficiently, paving the way for future operational satellites in Earth observation and scientific research.

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4. Antelope Data Processing Unit: A Successful In-Orbit Demonstration

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The Antelope Data Processing Unit successfully completed its In-Orbit Demonstration, validating its ability to autonomously process complex datasets onboard satellites. By handling data directly in orbit, Antelope eliminates the need for extensive raw data transmission to ground stations, streamlining operations and enabling quicker decision-making.

This achievement demonstrates the importance of autonomous onboard systems in addressing future challenges, from deep-space exploration to real-time Earth observation.

5. Contribution to the ESA Φsat-2 Mission

As part of the European Space Agency’s Φsat-2 mission, KP Labs developed the Cloud Detection Application, an essential onboard tool designed to enhance the satellite’s data processing capabilities. This application identifies and excludes cloud-covered areas from satellite imagery, ensuring that only clear and relevant data is processed further.

By filtering out unusable information directly in orbit, the Cloud Detection Application improves both the efficiency and accuracy of onboard AI systems. This not only optimizes the use of satellite resources but also accelerates the delivery of actionable insights to users on the ground, making it a vital component of the Φsat-2 mission’s objective to advance Earth observation technologies.

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6. Presidential Economic Award for Innovation

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KP Labs was honored to receive the President of Poland’s Economic Award, a prestigious recognition of our contributions to innovation and national economic growth. This accolade celebrates the dedication of our team to developing pioneering technologies that not only advance the space sector but also create value for broader scientific and industrial communities.

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7. Innovation Award at ESA Supplier Performance Awards

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KP Labs was recognized with the Innovation Award at the inaugural ESA Supplier Performance Awards. This achievement underscores our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions for ESA projects and reinforces our reputation as a trusted partner in the European space sector.  

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8. Recognition Among the World's Top 2% Scientists

Michał Kawulok and Jakub Nalepa from KP Labs have been listed among the Top 2% Most Influential Scientists in the World, according to the ranking by Stanford University and Elsevier. This recognition reflects their achievements in 2023 and the significant impact of their work over the years, highlighting the expertise that contributes to our innovative projects.

9. A Refreshed Strategy and Website

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This year, we unveiled a refreshed strategy along with an updated website to reflect our claim: “A New Chapter in Onboard Data Processing: End-to-End Hardware, Software, and Algorithm Solutions for SmallSats.”

The new website highlights our focus on autonomy in Earth Observation, In-Orbit Operations, and Space Robotics. It showcases key technological pillars—Data Processing Units, Edge Computing, and Embedded Software—demonstrating how we simplify space missions, reduce costs, and drive the future of space exploration.

10. Expanding Our Portfolio of Projects

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In 2024, we launched 8 new projects, bringing the total number of active initiatives at KP Labs to 24.  

Each initiative reflects our belief in delivering end-to-end solutions that simplify and enhance space missions. By integrating advanced technologies with practical applications, we continue to drive innovation and contribute to the growth of the space industry.

2024 brought many important milestones for KP Labs, from new missions to exciting collaborations. With projects like LeopardISS and the Smart Mission Lab approaching critical phases, we look ahead to 2025 with anticipation for the challenges and opportunities it will bring.

None of these Top 10 achievements would have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and hard work of our incredible team. It’s the people behind KP Labs who make it all happen.

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