In the past 10 years, satellite-based monitoring has been breaking barriers. Back in 2014, monitoring started off with one satellite in a single constellation (Pipeline integrity management from space, Jan Ridder, PTC 2014); the latest operational deployments use over 100 satellites (Gasunie and Orbital Eye - Operational assessment of satellite-based right-of-way inspections, Alexander Blauw, PTC 2024). The growing number of satellites has gone hand in hand with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Satellites have the capability to monitor all pipeline networks in the world. However, a solid system is necessary to translate these vast amounts of data into insights all the way down to the operators. This study breaks down the necessary technical developments of COSMIC-EYE (Combined-Sar-Multi-spectral-Change detection) in the past years into a scalable system for the future to integrate satellites in the day-to-day workflow of operators all around the world.

A reflection is provided on the technology backbone of COSMIC-EYE and how it has integrated different satellite sources over time to monitor the earliest signs of potential threats. A study of different operational deployments with operators is provided. Multiple threats are discussed that were followed up in the field by operators when satellite-based monitoring was integrated into their routine. These activities highlight why the mix of radar, multi-spectral, and high-resolution optical satellites is necessary to create a scalable solution.

The number of satellites in the foreseeable years keeps increasing, and therefore, the reliability of satellite-based monitoring will also increase. Conventional aerial patrols are becoming increasingly expensive as costs go up and sustainability disrupts the Right-of-Way monitoring industry. Satellite-based monitoring is already a proven alternative in the industry operating on networks over 10,000 kilometers. Especially, the scalability of the presented solution with the network size is shown to be a key driver for success.