Infobip and ESA Team Up for Faster Response to Space Threats with Voice Calls
Infobip has joined forces with the European Space Agency to enhance how quickly experts can react to potential asteroid impacts. This partnership integrates Infobip’s Voice API into ESA’s Planetary Defence Office operations. It replaces slower email alerts with automatic voice calls that reach staff instantly no matter the time or their location. The system ensures critical notifications arrive within minutes of detecting a threatening object. Recent tests proved the setup works flawlessly every time it was needed.
The core of this collaboration focuses on modernizing alerts for near-Earth objects. ESA’s Planetary Defence Office tracks asteroids that could pose risks to our planet. In the past, relying on emails meant delays if team members were asleep or away from their devices. Now, when telescopes spot a high-probability impactor, the Meerkat Asteroid Guard system triggers voice calls through Infobip’s platform. This shift cuts response times dramatically and allows scientists to analyze the object’s path and characteristics sooner. During testing, alerts went out in under five minutes for two small asteroids with predicted entry points.
Those test cases involved minor space rocks that burned up harmlessly in the atmosphere. Even so, the rapid notification enabled teams to gather valuable data about their composition and behavior. Such information helps refine models for larger threats in the future. Asteroid impacts have shaped Earth’s history with devastating effects, so every second counts in planetary defense efforts. Infobip’s reliable cloud-based voice technology turns everyday communication tools into a lifeline for space monitoring.
Richard Moissl, who leads ESA’s Planetary Defence Office, highlighted the value of this approach. He explained that the innovation supports more effective reactions and helps collect priceless data on natural hazards from space. The partnership shows how commercial tech can serve ambitious scientific missions. It bridges the gap between global communication platforms and deep-space observation networks. Teams now stay connected around the clock without missing urgent developments.
Mirza Hadžić from Infobip’s European sales team emphasized the broader impact. He noted that instant voice calls demonstrate mobile technology’s role in advancing scientific objectives. When decisions hinge on split-second timing, these alerts protect planetary safety. The solution operates independently of traditional limitations and delivers consistent performance. This reliability builds confidence in using cloud tools for high-stakes scenarios.
The integration fits into ongoing efforts to protect Earth from cosmic dangers. By automating voice notifications, ESA gains an edge in early detection and assessment. Infobip’s expertise in global messaging ensures the calls reach the right people reliably. This collaboration highlights the potential for tech companies to contribute to space exploration and defense. It sets a strong example for future initiatives blending communication innovation with astronomical vigilance.
What are your thoughts on using voice calls to speed up alerts for asteroid threats? Share them in the comments.
