In student groups or individually, research and present blog posts showcasing innovative space/satellite AI initiatives by Middle Eastern nations. Assess potential applications and implications.
OpenEdition schlägt Ihnen vor, diesen Beitrag wie folgt zu zitieren:
Victoria Mummelthei (25. Juni 2024). ai and the Middle East, assignment complementing chapter “Space” (deadline June 28). Keine Disziplin – No Discipline. Abgerufen am 27. März 2025 von https://doi.org/10.58079/13jrg
Late submission for task “Space”
The evolution of global warfare over the centuries has taken paths unimaginable to historians of the Middle Ages. Reconnaissance has been pivotal in almost every major conflict throughout history. From ancient methods like sending scouts to observe enemy movements from mountains, to bribing opponents for intelligence, and advancing to World War II tactics of deciphering encrypted communications and deploying stealth aircraft for aerial reconnaissance, the quest for superior intelligence has always been at the heart of successful military strategies. The advent of the space industry, particularly highlighted during the Cold War, introduced a revolutionary scope to reconnaissance capabilities. Beginning with Yuri Gagarin’s historic orbit in 1961, space exploration has transformed into an essential tool for military surveillance. Modern photographic technology has enabled intelligence agencies to obtain detailed images of ground activities from space. Unlike Google Maps, which relies on terrestrial vehicles to map the earth, contemporary satellite technologies can detect and monitor unusual troop movements from orbit. This capability was notably demonstrated at the onset of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022, where U.S. satellites identified and tracked the unusual mobilization of Russian forces, forewarning of the impending conflict.
A prominent satellite initiative from the Middle East is Israel’s “Ofek” series, with Ofek-16 being the latest addition launched in 2020. This series, which began in 1988, deploys satellites into low Earth orbit, offering Israel significant strategic advantages through high-resolution electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging. These satellites enable detailed monitoring of activities, infrastructure, and movements, which are critical for military planning and operations. The continuous coverage provided by multiple Ofek satellites ensures persistent surveillance and near-real-time intelligence, essential for early warning systems and preemptive actions. The intelligence gathered enhances situational awareness, supports precision strikes, and acts as a force multiplier in military engagements. Additionally, the Ofek series strengthens strategic deterrence, showcasing Israel’s technological prowess and readiness to counter threats while also supporting broader national security objectives such as counter-terrorism and border security. Ofek-16, representing significant advancements in imaging technology, further enhances Israel’s reconnaissance capabilities. Integrated with other intelligence sources, the Ofek satellites contribute to a comprehensive national defense strategy, bolstering Israel’s security posture in a volatile region. However, it is important to note that this high-tech surveillance was not effective in preventing the incursion by Hamas on October 7th, suggesting that such technology may be more suited for detecting large-scale military movements rather than smaller, covert operations.
Many Middle Eastern countries are making significant investments in space and artificial intelligence technologies as a result of both regional and global competition. For example, Saudi Arabia has been taking important steps in the fields of space technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years as part of its strategy to increase economic diversification in line with its Vision 2030 goals.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in data analysis by using artificial intelligence and space technologies in projects carried out jointly with the USA. Therefore,
Saudi Arabia’s investments in space and artificial intelligence technologies provide a significant strategic advantage internationally. These technologies help the country strengthen international cooperation and consolidate its technological leadership position. In addition, joint projects with the USA strengthen the strategic cooperation between the two countries and ensure technology transfer. Such collaborations contribute to Saudi Arabia becoming an active player in the global technology market.
Turkish government’s Göktürk Satellite Program emerged as a strategic step for the country’s space technology work. What is noteworthy from Göktürk satellites is that they have high-resolution imaging capabilities and the data that can be extracted from these images creates information for different fields. In addition, the integration of AI into the program generates advantages in data processing and analysis which increases the potential of the program.
Turkey uses this observation capacity from high-resolution imagery in areas such as environmental studies, urban development, and agriculture. What is the impact of AI on this? Artificial intelligence systems create automation from this data and it enables much faster and more accurate analysis of this data. Particularly in the usage of automatic feature extraction and disaster monitoring.
In the agriculture area, the applications of AI are crop yield monitoring and disease detection. On the other hand, to improve the planning process and provide accurate data, AI systems are using satellite images in urban planning projects. Moreover, these analyses can be used in a service for faster response for disaster management, such as the detection of forest fires.
On the contrary, as in the other cases of the usage of AI systems, the Göktürk program raises various ethical and security concerns. Primarily, the program should be transparent and accountable about how these data will be managed in terms of privacy and security. Additionally, the data biases and margins of error in the AI algorithm need to be carefully examined to prevent potential problems.
All in all, this program is a breakthrough for Turkey’s space and earth observation technologies. Also, with the integration of artificial intelligence, this program can create potential benefits; however, the usage of AI is still a new concept that can open up ethical and security discussions if it is not used accurately and responsibly.
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/gktrk-1-earth-observation-satellite/
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/gktrk-2-earth-observation-satellite/?cf-view