Satellites can now sort images in space, sending only tiny data packets

Satellites can now process images onboard using tiny data packets sent from Earth. This means they can identify important events or changes without sending all raw image data, even when conditions like weather or location change.

Sending raw satellite images to Earth takes a lot of bandwidth and time. This paper shows satellites can now do much of the analysis themselves, using only tiny instructions from the ground. This means they can quickly spot things like new clouds or changes on the ground, sending back only the critical details, not entire images.