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CloudFerro to provide NSIS-Cloud services for Poland

CloudFerro to provide NSIS-Cloud services for Poland - shutterstock 1120900790 1200pxCloudFerro to provide NSIS-Cloud services for Poland - shutterstock 1120900790 1200px

CloudFerro, a leading provider of cloud computing services for the space sector in Europe, has signed 4,76 million EUR contract with the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) to deliver cloud NSIS-Cloud platform services for the Polish National Satellite Information System (NSIS). The services will be provided on Poland’s largest public cloud - CloudFerro’s cloud, located in Poland.

Satellite systems generate vast amounts of data every day. Earth Observation specialists require robust resources – not only access to data but also significant computing power – to process and transform the data into valuable insights. This enables them to develop, implement, and share advanced applications and solutions based on satellite data with decision-makers. Emerging technologies, such as AI, offer extensive analytical capabilities but demand seamless access to Earth Observation datasets and high-performance computing. NSIS-Cloud is the answer to these challenges. 

NSIS-Cloud stands for Poland's digital sovereignty and security 

NSIS-Cloud integrates a satellite data repository for Poland with a scalable computing environment. The NSIS-Cloud service is a strategic Polish project that marks a milestone in the development of satellite observation data usage in Polish public administration, science, and business. CloudFerro, the largest company in the Polish space sector, will begin providing the NSIS-Cloud service later this year. 

In an era of geopolitical uncertainty and a market dominated by big tech, Poland must develop its own competencies in digital services. NSIS-Cloud is a cloud computing environment integrated with a repository that holds the complete archive of Copernicus Programme data along with national satellite resources for Poland. Importantly, it also ensures autonomous access to high-performance cloud infrastructure, including cutting-edge graphics processors necessary for advancing AI models. 

The service provided by CloudFerro is based on open-source technologies, making it independent of services, technologies, or software supplied by other entities or subject to licensing restrictions. The services are operated by an engineering team based in Poland and across Europe. Notably, the entire NSIS-Cloud infrastructure, including all IT system components, is fully owned by a Polish provider and located within Poland. This ensures a high level of technological and operational security while supporting the further development of autonomous solutions. The project aligns with the Polish national digitalisation strategy announced last year, which promotes open data access to support innovation and enhance administrative efficiency. 

NSIS-Cloud will provide Poland with complete autonomy in accessing and using Earth Observation satellite data. This will, in turn, drive innovation across various economic sectors. Additionally, it will be a key step in the advancement of the space sector and in strengthening Poland’s technological security and independence. 

"NSIS-Cloud is one of the most important initiatives undertaken by POLSA to support the development of the space sector. Making this platform available to creators of solutions based on satellite data opens up new possibilities. It has been comprehensively equipped with modern services and tools, designed in line with the latest standards and technologies. This will not only enhance the quality and scope of research but also increase the availability of innovative products, services, and applications. Both public administration institutions and private enterprises will benefit from it. It is a unique combination of a space for presenting cutting-edge technologies, achievements, and the offerings of the national space sector, as well as a place where researchers and manufacturers can operate in an independent, dedicated, modern, and secure environment with a broad range of functional and technical capabilities," says Jolanta Orlińska, Director of the Earth Observation Department at the Polish Space Agency (POLSA). 

Modern tools, applications and access to key information 

NSIS-Cloud will provide an efficient environment for leveraging satellite data to conduct advanced analyses, train AI models, as well as develop and share innovative applications. Experts will be able to create advanced tools for monitoring climate change, assessing vegetation health, and analysing the effects of natural disasters. The service will ensure the efficient and continuous delivery of essential information and analyses, supporting supervisory and control functions, as well as the management of social and economic activities. Additionally, this data can contribute to security and defence operations. 

The new platform will significantly enhance the functioning of public administration by enabling user-friendly and efficient use of cloud-based tools for analysing satellite data, including from the Copernicus Programme and, in the future, from planned Polish observation satellites. NSIS-Cloud users will gain access to advanced analytical tools, including systems for large-scale satellite data processing across the entire country and tools for developing AI applications. The system will also facilitate collaboration between public administration entities and the scientific community on joint projects. This will open up new opportunities in environmental monitoring, geographical analysis, crisis management, and scientific research. Additionally, it will contribute to promoting space technologies and the further development of innovative solutions based on satellite data analysis in Poland. 

"NSIS-Cloud is not just a computing cloud but, above all, an advanced environment that will enable users to fully harness the potential of satellite data. On one hand, this environment will provide access to pre-processed data, while on the other, it will serve as a platform for developing and deploying advanced analytical applications. Ultimately, it will ensure that decision-makers have access to the information generated by these applications," explains Dr Maciej Krzyżanowski, CEO of CloudFerro.

NSIS-Cloud – the foundation of the national satellite information ecosystem 

The NSIS-Cloud platform will be the main component of the National Satellite Information System (NSIS) ecosystem. NSIS-Cloud will be implemented in six phases, including the development of the concept, the launch of cloud infrastructure, the integration of satellite data, the integration with the existing pilot NSIS Platform, and the provision of platform operation services and user support for 21 months. GISPartner, a company specialising in geospatial solutions and Geographic Information System (GIS), is also participating in the project as a consortium member. 

"We bring our modern GIS solutions and technologies to the project, including our proprietary iMapCLOUD platform, which will provide a stable, secure, and scalable environment for storing, analysing, and visualising satellite data. As part of the project, we will deliver marketplace software, a data cloud for applications, and tools for analysis and processing, while ensuring data interoperability. The system will be an open platform, offering users flexibility in accessing resources," says Andrzej Szostek, CEO of GISPartner. 

The data available on the NSIS-Cloud platform will include: 

  • Optical and radar data from Sentinel-1, -2, -3, -5P, and -6 satellites for the territory of Poland with a 500 km buffer. 
  • Copernicus service products for the territory of Poland with a 500 km buffer, e.g. high-resolution CLMS VHR mosaic from 2012 and 2018. 
  • A monthly cloud-free NDVI index mosaic derived from Sentinel-2 imagery for the territory of Poland with a 500 km buffer. 
  • Digital terrain models SRTM and Aster GDEM. 
  • Selected products acquired from US missions such as Landsat, MODIS, and VIIRS. 
  • Meteorological and atmospheric data supporting climate modelling. 
  • Analytical products such as land cover change maps, soil moisture analyses, and vegetation indices (NDVI, LAI). 
  • Data for crisis management and hazard monitoring, including floods and wildfires. 
  • A repository of historical data and archived satellite imagery, enabling long-term trend analysis. 
  • Statistical and economic data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), administrative boundaries, land records, and building registers. 

As part of the project implementation, in addition to the NSIS-Cloud platform, an access portal, a data repository for the Copernicus Programme and national data, and a computing environment will be developed. Tools for downloading, indexing, searching, visualising, and sharing data – including via APIs and web services will also be created. The platform will provide tools for systematic and large-scale processing of satellite data, with the capability to implement complex processing chains and, ultimately, to fully process raw data (CADU) from planned Polish observation satellites. The entire system will be integrated with the pilot NSIS Platform, ensuring comprehensive service, user support, and training. 


The launch of NSIS-Cloud marks a significant milestone for Poland in developing a robust and independent satellite ecosystem. The platform’s implementation will maximise the potential of Earth Observation and establish a strong foundation for future investments in Polish space technologies.