Insider Brief
- Perceptive Space has emerged from stealth mode and secured $3.9 million CAD in pre-seed funding to enhance space weather forecasts using artificial intelligence.
- The funding round, led by Panache Ventures and involving AI and space tech-focused investors such as Metaplanet, 7percent Ventures, Mythos Ventures, and AIN Ventures, closed in May.
- Perceptive aims to serve the space and defense markets in the US and allied countries, with early commitments from satellite operators and launch providers.
Perceptive Space has reportedly emerged from stealth mode and secured $3.9 million CAD ($2.8 million USD) in pre-seed funding to enhance space weather forecasts using artificial intelligence (AI). The Toronto-based startup, led by founder and CEO Padmashri Suresh, plans to develop AI-powered space weather monitoring and prediction software aimed at making satellite operations safer.
Space weather, including radiation, solar flares, and geomagnetic storms, poses significant risks to satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids. Perceptive Space aims to provide more accurate and timely space weather forecasts to address these challenges. Suresh, a former space weather researcher with a tech background, emphasizes safety over cost reduction in space activities.
The funding round, led by Panache Ventures and involving AI and space tech-focused investors such as Metaplanet, 7percent Ventures, Mythos Ventures, and AIN Ventures, closed in May. This marks Perceptive’s first external funding.
Existing space weather forecasts, typically provided by government agencies like the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, often lack the necessary accuracy and lead times for modern satellite operations. Perceptive claims its AI and sensor fusion technology can deliver predictions up to ten times more accurate than current benchmarks. The startup’s AI-first approach has garnered attention from satellite companies seeking reliable space weather predictions.
Perceptive’s team includes experts in space weather, machine learning, and aerospace engineering from institutions like NASA, Los Alamos National Labs, and MIT. Suresh, who holds a PhD in electrical engineering of space systems from Utah State University, brings extensive experience from her work on AI products and small spacecraft missions.
The startup’s AI-first approach has garnered attention from satellite companies seeking reliable space weather predictions.
Perceptive aims to serve the space and defense markets in the US and allied countries, with early commitments from satellite operators and launch providers. Suresh envisions expanding their services across various space industry and terrestrial operations sectors.
Image credit: Perceptive Space
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