The fields of space travel, exploration, and observation present some of the most intricate and risky scientific and technical procedures ever undertaken, resulting in issues that are ideally solved with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI).
As a result, professionals who are responsible for exploring and mapping space, such as astronauts and scientists, are utilizing machine learning (ML) more and more to confront the routine and exceptional obstacles they encounter. From directing rockets in space to analyzing the surface of remote planets, determining the magnitude of the cosmos, and computing the paths of astronomical objects, there are numerous fascinating and thrilling examples of AI’s applications in space.
During spacecraft takeoff and landing, AI is employed to automate engine activities and oversee functions like landing gear deployment to improve fuel efficiency.
SpaceX utilizes an AI autopilot system that allows its Falcon 9 craft to conduct self-directed operations, including docking with the International Space Station (ISS), where it is responsible for transporting cargo for NASA. The system evaluates the rocket’s path in space, factoring in variables like fuel usage, atmospheric disruption, and internal engine liquid movements referred to as “sloshing.”
Airbus has developed a robot known as CIMON 2, which functions as a movable virtual assistant similar to Amazon’s Alexa for astronauts in space. Using IBM’s Watson AI system, the robot navigates through spacecraft interiors using fans and serves as a hands-free database, computer, and camera. It can even identify an astronaut’s emotional state by analyzing stress levels in their voice.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory employs AI in mission planning to simulate and evaluate a broad range of mission variables, aiding in the comprehension of different choices and possible outcomes. The information acquired is utilized to inform design and engineering for future spacecraft. The gathered data is also used to forecast hypothetical missions, including the exploration of Venus and Europa, an icy moon orbiting Jupiter.
AI is used to ensure the safety of spacecraft by SpaceX and the UK Space Agency. SpaceX’s satellites use autonomous navigation to detect and avoid hazards in real-time. The UK Space Agency plans to launch an autonomous spacecraft in 2025 to clear up space debris. Mars rovers are able to navigate the planet’s terrain autonomously using ML algorithms, and image recognition tools are used to study pictures captured by the rovers. The Rover Perseverance has a computer vision system called AEGIS to detect and classify different types of rocks on Mars. AI algorithms coordinate the movement and balance of the legs on the European Space Agency’s “hopper” robots.
AI is used by astronomers to map the universe, predict the behavior of stars and galaxies, and identify the location of planets. SETI@Home uses AI algorithms to search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. AI was used to construct the most accurate images of a black hole, and is also being used to study what lies within the interior of a black hole. Finally, AI is being used to measure the universe and predict features beyond our current limitations.
