NASA and Microsoft Partner to Launch AI-Powered Earth Copilot for Easier Access to Satellite Data
NASA has collaborated with Microsoft to develop Earth Copilot, an AI-driven tool designed to simplify access to the agency’s vast collection of Earth Science data. The initiative aims to transform how users interact with over 100 petabytes of satellite data, making complex geospatial information more accessible to non-technical users.
Earth Copilot, built on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and Azure OpenAI Service, allows users to query NASA’s extensive data repository using natural language. Instead of navigating technical interfaces, users can ask straightforward questions like “What was the impact of Hurricane Ian in Sanibel Island?” or “How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect air quality in the US?”
“Azure’s robust suite of services, including machine learning, data analytics, and scalable cloud infrastructure, powers this AI prototype,” explained Juan Carlos López, former NASA engineer and current Azure Specialist at Microsoft. “We’ve designed the system to handle complex queries and large datasets efficiently.”
The tool integrates with NASA’s existing VEDA (Visualization, Exploration, and Data Analysis) platform, addressing a critical challenge in Earth Science data accessibility. Currently, analyzing data from NASA’s spaceborne sensors requires specialized knowledge of data formats and geospatial analysis – skills that many potential users lack.
“The vision behind this collaboration was to leverage AI and cloud technologies to bring Earth’s insights to underserved communities,” said Minh Nguyen, Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. “By enabling users to interact with the data through simple, plain language queries, we’re helping to democratize access to spaceborne information.”
Key features and applications include:
- Natural language processing for data queries
- Integration with NASA’s VEDA platform
- Support for climate science research
- Agricultural analysis capabilities
- Educational resources for Earth Science
- Tools for policy-making and urban planning
Currently, Earth Copilot is available to NASA scientists and researchers for testing and evaluation. The agency is conducting rigorous assessments before considering wider deployment through the VEDA platform, ensuring responsible use of AI technologies.
