Our Goal is to Integrate More Automation, Improve AI-Driven Analysis Tools, and Establish Even Stronger Partnerships With Satellite Operators: Sebastian Chaoui, CEO of Arlula

Arlula is a company dedicated to making satellite imagery more accessible and affordable for businesses, researchers, and governments. By streamlining access to Earth observation data, it removes barriers that have traditionally limited the use of satellite imagery in various industries. The company connects users to a global network of satellite operators, enabling near-instantaneous acquisition of high-quality imagery for applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster response. Through automation and scalable technology, Arlula simplifies data procurement and ensures that organizations can harness satellite intelligence without extensive technical expertise or infrastructure investment.

In Conversation with Sebastian Chaoui, Co-Founder & CEO of Arlula

What inspired you to start Arlula?

I have always been fascinated by space technology and the potential it has to improve life on Earth. During my time working with space agencies and research institutions, I saw how difficult and expensive it was for organizations to access satellite data. I knew that if we could simplify that process and make satellite imagery more affordable, we could unlock countless opportunities for industries that rely on geospatial intelligence. That’s what drove me to start Arlula—to break down the barriers that prevent people from leveraging this valuable resource.

How does Arlula make satellite imagery more accessible?

We built a platform that connects users directly to satellite operators, eliminating the need for lengthy negotiations, complicated licensing agreements, and expensive infrastructure. Instead of waiting weeks or months to acquire imagery, our system enables users to search, order, and receive satellite data in a matter of hours or even minutes. By automating much of the procurement process, we’ve made it easier for businesses, researchers, and governments to get the data they need without unnecessary delays or costs.

What industries benefit the most from your technology?

A wide range of industries use our platform, including agriculture, environmental science, defense, insurance, and urban planning. For example, farmers and agronomists rely on satellite imagery to monitor crop health and optimize yields, while environmental agencies use it to track deforestation and climate change. Disaster response teams also depend on timely imagery to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. Any organization that needs up-to-date, high-resolution Earth observation data can benefit from what we offer.

How does automation improve access to satellite data?

Traditionally, acquiring satellite imagery involved multiple manual steps—requesting quotes, negotiating contracts, and processing data. We’ve automated much of that workflow so users can browse available imagery, place orders, and receive data quickly. This reduces costs and makes it feasible for smaller organizations to use satellite intelligence in ways that were previously out of reach.

What challenges did you face in building Arlula?

One of the biggest challenges was establishing partnerships with satellite operators. The industry has historically been built around high-cost, long-term contracts, so convincing operators to embrace a more flexible and accessible model took time. Another challenge was designing a platform that could handle the complexity of satellite data while still being user-friendly. We had to balance technical sophistication with simplicity to ensure that anyone, regardless of their background, could access and use the imagery effectively.

How did you overcome those challenges?

It required persistence and a clear vision. We focused on proving the value of our model by demonstrating how opening up access to satellite data benefits both providers and users. By gradually building trust and refining our technology, we were able to create a system that aligns with the needs of both sides. We also worked closely with early adopters to refine our platform and ensure it delivered a seamless experience. Listening to user feedback has been critical in shaping our approach.

How does Arlula support businesses that are new to using satellite imagery?

We provide an intuitive platform that removes much of the complexity traditionally associated with satellite data. Users don’t need to have expertise in remote sensing or data processing—we handle that for them. We also offer guidance on how to integrate satellite imagery into their workflows and provide tools that make analysis easier. Whether it’s a startup looking to monitor environmental changes or a logistics company optimizing supply chains, we help them get up to speed quickly.

What role does artificial intelligence play in your platform?

AI helps automate data processing, making it easier for users to extract meaningful insights from satellite imagery. For example, AI-driven algorithms can detect changes in land use, identify specific objects, or analyze environmental conditions without requiring manual interpretation. By integrating AI, we’re able to enhance the usability of satellite data, allowing users to focus on decision-making rather than data management.

What excites you most about the future of satellite technology?

The rapid advancements in satellite technology are opening up new possibilities that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Satellites are becoming more powerful, imaging capabilities are improving, and costs are dropping. This means that even small businesses and startups can now leverage space-based data to drive innovation. The democratization of satellite intelligence is something I find incredibly exciting because it has the potential to solve real-world problems at scale.

What are your long-term goals for Arlula?

We want to continue expanding access to satellite imagery and making it as easy to use as any other form of digital data. Our goal is to integrate more automation, improve AI-driven analysis tools, and establish even stronger partnerships with satellite operators. We also want to work with governments and international organizations to support global initiatives such as climate monitoring, disaster response, and infrastructure planning. The potential applications are limitless, and we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

Sebastian Chaoui, Co-Founder & CEO, Arlula

We built a platform that connects users directly to satellite operators, eliminating the need for lengthy negotiations, complicated licensing agreements, and expensive infrastructure.