On Friday, 13^th April, FabSpace 2.0 and Spacenus GmbH jointly started their recent Hackathon at the facilities of Spacenus in Darmstadt. The Hackathon was designed as two separate 10 hours half hackathon program. This new concept has been chosen to allow participants to work between both events to achieve better results in sense of technical solutions.

Fig: Participants at the Hackathon at Spacenus GmbH

Sascha Heising, Bayzidul Islam (both from FabSpace 2.0) and Lionel Born together with Riazuddin Kaswar from Spacenus welcomed the attendees and gave a brief overview of the objectives and goals to be achieved. An international mixed group of students followed the invitation and were curious to start playing with Earth Observation (EO) data. On top of that, Spacenus was thankfully sponsored the venue, food & drinks for the whole day to provide a nice environment for the participants.

Fig: Welcome speech by Sascha Heising (right) and Introduction to the challenge by Bayzidul Islam (left) from FabSpace

The first session was all about introduction, team-building and defining challenges to be tackled. So first, the participants decided to do a state of the art analysis of the challenge taken as “How to deal with cloud and cloud shadows of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery” which is an exploring each pixels of imagery based approach. The second, is to explore bands of satellite imagery to know the spectral behavior to the ground features which will enable to select the input data of a cloud and shadow detection algorithm. In the third step, the existing approaches to be scrutinize to understand and develop the best approach to deal the challenge more effectively and efficiently. Finally, the computer vision approach as Machine Learning algorithm such as Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) and the t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) has been selected to develop the model. Both, FabSpace and Spacenus crews were provided hands-on support to guide the participants to stick to their goals.

Fig: Welcoming the guests and detailed insight to the challenge and introduction to the ESA project GFaaS by Riazuddin Kawsar (left) and Lionel Born (right) from Spacenus GmbH

The first day was full of busy working with team formation and understanding the topic. The team worked on to create a strategic plan of their work approach by sharing their knowledge and connecting experts’ opinion. The first day was concluded by summarizing the day long activities and introducing to the next steps in the next session in May.

Fig: Comfortable working environment at event venue at Spacenus GmbH

The next session will conclude the hackathon but before that everybody will be already excited to see the results achieved in between. Experts from Spacenus also introduce to the participants about their ongoing ESA project Geospatial Framework as a Service (GFaaS) [https://spacenus.com/news-1/2018/4/21/geospatial-framework-as-a-service-esa-kick-start-project-kick-off] where there is a wide opportunity for participants to take part and processess, store and manupulate Earth Observation (EO) data. The Hackathon itself is a start but there is a tremendous opportunities for the participants and enthusiasts to join the FabSpace network and explore how real professionals (i.e. Spacenus GmbH) are translating satellite imagery to meaningful information.

Fig: Food and drinks offered by Spacenus GmbH

Last but not the least, If you are curious about this hackathon you can just step by to join the 2^nd session on 4.5.2018 starting at 10:00 again in the facilities of Spacenus, Marienburgstraße 22, Darmstadt. Follow the link for more information and event registration here: http://explorepixels.fabspace-germany.de/

It is really exciting and charming to interact with kids and FabSpace Darmstadt had that opportunity to welcome more than 20 kids in the Laboratory at the Institute of Geodesy, Darmstadt University of Technology. All those kids are in different age group as 10 – 12 years and they are kids of Merck employees. In their occasion in summer named as Merck-Holiday-Week they wanted to know more about earth science, satellite technologies and space science in general. It says “young brains are fertile than an older one” and it is the high time for them to start thinking about those complex sciences. Darmstadt is a hub of space science including relevant organizations like ESOC, EUMETSAT and many more companies. Therefore, kids are also really enthusiastic to know about what is the role of those space industries and how they are practicing space science.

In the beginning kids were introduced the hierarchy of the academic system and what is the specialty of Institute of Geodesy and the project FabSpace 2.0. later on the fundamentals of earth observation satellites were explained. It was an outstanding interactive environment while explaining in local language (German) how satellites can help us improving our life. How satellites are monitoring the earth from space for instance, natural and manmade hazards (i.e. flood, landslide, volcanos, forest fire, oil spill etc.), mapping water resources and forest, managing transportation to reduce air pollution etc.

In the next point kids were introduced by the basics of geodesy and navigation satellites. How navigation services as Galileo/EGNOS or GPS is working for the better positioning system. In an open discussion on how navigation signal works inside a tunnel, kids were very curious and they have very fresh and innovative answers.

The root of our next generation is all of our young stars. It is our social and/or political responsibility to provide them a better environment and proper guidelines to grow-up. It is indeed an outstanding movement by FabSpace to introduce space science and geo-science for their better future. Although, FabSpace all over the Europe act as a pre-incubator for satellite data driven business creation but getting in touch with kids and showing them clear pathway of shaping our future through earth observation and geospatial technologies was a great pleasure.

In the recent era, earth observation data and digital application development is the most promising field of innovation. The FabSpace Darmstadt team is also working hard to make things happen in a digital form by incorporation satellite imagery and geo-information. In this regard FabSpace 2.0 Darmstadt organized the second Open Day at Darmstadt University of Technology from 10^th to 13^th July. The whole session was four day long theoretical and practical learnings on Radar Remote Sensing. There were more than 20 participants attended the program and most of them studying at TU Darmstadt.

Photo: All the participants listening to the instructor Dr.-ing Damian Bargiel

In the first day, participants were gathered knowledge on the basics of Radar Remote Sensing with special focus on bands, frequency and wavelengths of different radar satellite imagery. It was also discussed in brief about different space born SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite since 1978 and their data properties. At the end of the day participants got an overview on SAR system and their application in the field of classification and monitoring Earth deformation caused by earthquakes, volcanic activities, and subsidence etc. The FabSpace laboratory also offers easy access to SAR datasets and ready to use software and tools to do such complex operations. The laboratory is well equipped with physical server and geo-server including all necessary software installed which can give remote access to the users for high speed computation.

In the next day, the technical discussion was little deeper in the field of radar polarimetry at the laboratory. It is introduced to the participants the principles of different radar systems of transmit/receive (i.e. single, dual, alternating and polarimetric) of polarization combinations. In general, the session summarized how radar imagery collects different and complementary information using different wavelength and polarization combination. In the third day the main topic was SAR interferometry and practical exercise on interferogram generation. The technical session introduced how theoretically and practically InSAR observations measure Earth’s surface in a dynamic way. In principle SAR techniques observe a same point on the ground more than two times in a slightly different angle and then it is possible to calculate difference between these radar images to detect horizontal and vertical surface movement in millimeter scale. A powerful remote sensing technique Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) is more precise measurement of Earth’s surface displacement over time. Therefore, the last topic of the Open Day was the review of such PSI techniques and practical exercise on PS point generation. It was also demonstrated if the PS density is low then how artificial corner reflectors can be used to generate a good interferometric phase.

In the conclusion, participants were examined by oral presentation and their performance in the exercises. The conceptual understandings and the opportunities of using radar remote sensing has been debated in the whole session. Moreover, the business potentials of innovating solutions out of this complex science has been generalized.

Photo: “This is your chance to use all the system we built and test your idea without any cost” underlined Md Bayzidul Islam (right) and “Now a days promoting earth observation based solution has large business potential” explained Sascha Heising (left)

Nevertheless, FabSpace Darmstadt with all other FabSpaces in Europe continuously energizing young enthusiast for geo-data driven innovation and the Open Day was a part of it. To join any event and to follow FabSpace activity, please look at the following websites.

www.fabspace.eu

www.fabspace-germany.de

https://fab-server.ipg.verm.tu-darmstadt.de

FabSpace Darmstadt starts with a great Opening of their first Startup week. OB Jochen Partsch special guest.

On Monday, 26.6. the FabSpace team Darmstadt launched its major innovation event for 2017. The Startup week was being planned for almost half a year and was originally kicked off at the booth of Software AG during CeBit 2017 together with the federal ministry of economic affairs Brigitte Zypries and the former German ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter. Software AG is also supporting and sponsoring a trip to Silicon Valley for the best solution.

The Opening was a big success with more than 50 attendees during the entire day. Next to Software AG FabSpace welcomed EUMETSAT, Merck, T-Systems and Hessen Trade & Invest as additional sponsors. Beside the opportunity to take part in the FabSpace bootcamp the best solution can also win a trip to Silicon Valley sponsored by Software AG.

The team of FabSpace Darmstadt arranged a mixture of exhibition together with several presentations and a relaxing lounge to create a unique startup atmosphere. The modern and purist auditorium of the TU Darmstadt Campus was used to host the first day.

Jürgen Powik (Software AG) and Sascha Heising test the relaxing conditions in the “lounge”, carefully watched by Prof. Matthias Becker and Dr. Damian Bargiel.

On top of that the FabSpace team also welcomed a special guest the mayor of Darmstadt Jochen Partsch. He underlined the importance of the local FabSpace in Darmstadt and its connections to several institutions. Furthermore, he also pointed out the role of earth observation for the upcoming tasks fostered by “Digitalstadt Darmstadt”. The identified fields of applications, like smart transportation will also be a new playground for FabSpace. To find out more about Digitalstadt click here.

The major of Darmstadt, Jochen Partsch during his introduction speech at FabSpace 2.0 Darmstadt Startup week. (photo: Thomas)

After guest speeches by Jochen Partsch, Prof. Becker and Dr. Zimmermann (both FabSpace 2.0) the audience listened to a keynote by Michael Linke from ESA/ESOC who talked about Earth Observation applications.

Prof. Matthias Becker talks about the benefits of the FabSpace for the university. (photo: Thomas)

Dr. Frank Zimmermann welcomes everybody in the name of cesah GmbH. (photo: Thomas)

In his Keynote Mr. Linke was trying to draw the big picture to give impressive examples of what earth observation can do. Of course, he focused also on the various benefits of the Copernicus program and data from the sentinel satellites.

Michael Linke during his speech highlighting the importance of Copernicus program and sentinel data. (photo: Thomas)

The format with its open design during lecture time was made to allow students to stop by and have a look, which was also very successful. After lunch, the event continued its innovative structure with time to network at the booths of the sponsors and parallel listen to presentations, which was also a big point.

Thomas Schüller from EUMETSAT (photo: cesah)

“The interest of the participating students was impressive, both on EUMETSAT data and services but also on EUMETSAT as a work place”, describes Lothar Schüller from EUMETSAT the atmosphere of the first day. You can also watch the video of the first day to see some highlights.

Afterwards the 12 participants followed an introduction for the upcoming days by Bayzidul Islam and Sascha Heising. Beside some organizational aspects the focus was on a balanced team building and the definition of challenges that the teams want to tackle. The 1st workshop day will start with a one hour webinar sponsored by T-Systems and a brainstorming session to unmark the field.

The fruitful atmosphere of the opening event of the FabSpace 2.0 Darmstadt Startup week. (photo: cesah)

[Users are exploring Geo platform in the FabSpace Lab at TU Darmstadt (Photo: Sandra Junker)]

FabSpace 2.0 Darmstadt is proud to welcome the first set of users of FabSpace in late 2016, just before Christmas. Most of the user were attracted by the successful opening event. Sascha Heising and Bayzidul Islam hope they will help to spread the word about FabSpace 2.0. On top of that, the two Country Leaders of FabSpace Germany identified a lot of questions, that will help to improve the communication and support strategy of FabSpace Darmstadt and all other European FabSpace. In the beginning of FabSpace daily animation and other support, FabSpace Darmstadt will work on F.A.Q., the section which will be available in the so-called Communication Base (ComBase) in the first quarter of 2017. ComBase will be an exclusive service for German FabSpace users and a recommended but not mandatory part of the local ecosystem. FabSpace Darmstadt team in collaboration with other European partners are looking forward to building up the FabSpace Community.

[Demo Communication Base (ComBase)]

Early user experiences

As the first FabSpace in operation, Darmstadt listens to their early users carefully. While having more than five active users one month after opening FabSpace Darmstadt keeps on a good pace before Christmas break. After the first round of interviews, it shows a very heterogeneous user group, which is actually great. Students, graduates, Start-uppers and also one senior director want to make use out of FabSpace in Germany. Most others are willing to learn and co-create in the field of geo-data driven open innovation.

First problems identified

FabSpace Darmstadt Country leaders also identified first set of problems at very early stage. Most of the problems were a result of insufficient communication but these first interviews helped a lot to improve the communication strategy. “The actual needs that users expecting are not so far from our offers, but we have to precise the extent of support we can offer”, explains Bayzidul Islam from TU Darmstadt. His colleague from cesah GmbH adds “it has to be clear that FabSpace is not a free consulting agency, rather its aim is to enable a free space for open innovation and co-creation”.

Improvement will continue in 2017

While being very close to the users, FabSpace Darmstadt finalizes the agenda for the first quarter of 2017. You will have the opportunity to meet the team at “Aufschwung 2017” in Frankfurt and of course during daily animation in FabSpace Lab at TU Darmstadt. Feel free to contact with the team.

From the left Md Bayzidul Islam (FabSpace, TU Darmstadt), Riazuddin Kawsar (CEO, Spacenus GmbH), Lionel Born (CSO, Spacenus GmbH), Sascha Heising (FabSpace, cesah GmbH) (© SAP Digital Leaders‘ Summit 2016).

FabSpace 2.0 is an EU funded activity in the field of space data driven open-innovation and networking. Recently, FabSpace Darmstadt had the opportunity to join the SAP Digital Leaders‘ Summit 2016 held in European Space Operations Centre ESOC/ESA Darmstadt, on 6. October 2016. The theme of the summit was “Gain the competitive edge in a disruptive world”. The summit was an interactive session in the field of digital-transformation research and space-related applications.

FabSpace Darmstadt has the opportunity to meet hot startups incubated by ESA Business Incubation Center and SAP startups. Spacenus GmbH is one of them incubated by ESA Business Incubation Center Darmstadt whom we are cordially inviting in our Fabspace Opening Event to listen  to their success story and their experiences in the journey of Start-up creation.

On 7th of November from 16:00 – 19:00 FabSpace Darmstadt will organize their Opening Event in TU Darmstadt, S3/20, EG, Rundeturmstraße 10, 64283 Darmstadt. At the Opening Event, Fabspace Darmstadt will elaborate their services in the field of Earth Observation as well as Geo-data driven innovation in Darmstadt, Germany as well as in Europe. Darmstadt as the European gateway to space science and the ideal location for the German FabSpace where University and Business Incubation Center of ESA will concentrate on innovative Earth Observation Sciences and Geospatial Technologies to develop an ecosystem for Start-up creation.

Do not miss the opportunity to join us on 7^th of November in the vibrant event where you will find interesting Keynote on the topic of Earth Observation, Presentations and a Discussion Round on “Entrepreneurial Innovation: Darmstadt – the right place for Earth Observation Start-ups”.

Please do confirm your participation by sending us an e-mail to fabspace-darmstadt@freespacedata.de by 4^th of November.

Copyright: HINTE GmbH/INTERGEO

FabSpace Darmstadt was present at the INTERGEO 2016 in Hamburg from 11.-13.10. promoting the first Geomatic Days of FabSpace Germany. The INTERGEO is now the world’s largest platform for the Geospatial community with more than 17.000 visitors from over 100 countries. “INTERGEO is cross industry dialog at its best”, as HINTE Messe says.

If you want to find out more about FabSpace 2.0 and FabSpace 2.0 Darmstadt/Germany in particular, please visit our websites (down below) or just drop a mail to fabspace-darmstadt@freespacedata.de.

Copyright: H. Störkel. “Sascha Heising explains the concept of the FabSpace ecosystem in Darmstadt and highlights the opportunities for students”

FabSpace Darmstadt was hosted at the booth of ESA, SAT Nav-Forum, GSA and the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure of Germany. Besides talking to visitors and representing FabSpace at the booth the international trade show was a great opportunity to get into contact with several corporates and potential partners. There was so many to announce reaching from the FabSpace Opening on 7th of November at TU Darmstadt and the promotion of the Space Science Shops for corporates. In addition, a lot of students which were present at the fair talked about their expectations and needs. Now the team works on a couple of follow-up meetings to tailor the new impressions to the local strategy for the FabSpace ecosystem.

Last but not least Sascha Heising (Project leader, FabSpace Cesah – ESA BIC) sums it up: “We had the great chance to talk to over 20 high-level representatives of corporates and industry-leading businesses and also a lot of students who are highly interested in the opportunity to make use out of FabSpace during their university career and especially during their Bachelor or Master thesis. The knowledge and experience we have gathered from discussions were essential for our work for next months.”.

Please visit:

www.fabspace.eu, www.freespacedata.de

http://www.geodesy.tu-darmstadt.de/geodaesie/fabspace_2__0/project_introduction/Project_Introduction.de.jsp

http://www.cesah.com/FabSpace_2_0.504.0.html

This free online course will provide an introduction to ocean monitoring Earth Observation (EO) satellite data, and its uses, types and challenges. It will explain how the data is acquired and used, the range of data types available, and the terminology and techniques involved.