The Space Apps Challenge is all about maximizing the scientific return of Earth observation missions by improving the use of and access to Earth science data. The Space Apps Challenge is an annual hackathon hosted by NASA, CSA, CNES, JAXA, and ESA. For the October 2020 challenge, IMPACT has contributed a challenge that calls for the exploration of machine learning that is aimed at enhancing understanding of our planet.
More specifically, the challenge asks participants to contribute to automated phenomena detection in satellite imagery. Phenomenon detection is a difficult human skill to emulate. Natural phenomena, such as smoke and dust storms, have major impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human safety. Satellite data is essential to researchers worldwide as they explore ways to understand and mitigate the effects of damaging natural phenomena.