How Space Technology Adopts AI
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With the progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, space technology is advancing at lightning speed. AI’s diverse applications are elevating space exploration efforts, allowing scientists to gather detailed data and make precise calculations.
AI’s autonomous navigation capability may be the greatest function to date. AI algorithms enable spacecrafts to navigate without human intervention. This is a critical component of unmanned explorations and can help ensure space missions are completed safely and efficiently. This includes navigation tasks such as avoiding obstacles, collecting data, taking pictures, gathering samples, and deploying payloads. Spacecrafts can use AI algorithms to make decisions based on their environment, course correct, and remain operational even when communication with Earth is lost or disrupted.
The solar system is vast, but AI can help us learn more about the resources and mysteries of deep space. AI-powered robots, like NASA’s Curiosity Rover, are able to explore planets and moons in ways that humans never could. These robots collect data, take pictures, and even analyze soil samples for potential signs of life. With advanced sensors and sophisticated algorithms, these robots are able to detect things humans may miss.
Scientists have also developed AI algorithms that identify objects on Earth’s surface via satellite imagery with remarkable accuracy, including buildings, roads, and waterways. This type of data is invaluable for disaster relief efforts or agricultural planning projects.
Other data collected during space exploration is often varied and complex, but, AI data programs can quickly process large amounts of data and identify patterns or anomalies that could otherwise remain undetected by humans. This allows researchers to gain insights into the space environment and better understand what they are
observing in and from space.
Finally, artificial intelligence algorithms can also be used to automate mission control operations. Automated mission control systems use AI algorithms to monitor a variety of data streams from satellites or other motor-craft to ensure that operations are running smoothly. These systems can provide alerts when something unexpected occurs, such as an error or malfunction on board a spacecraft, allowing mission control teams to respond quickly if necessary.
From autonomous navigation systems to automated mission controls, AI technologies have already improved both safety and efficiency in exploring the universe. Continued AI advancements will only make space exploration more accessible and discovery more probable in the years to come.
Reference Resources
Bandivadekar, D., & Berquand, A. (2021, January 25). Five Ways Artificial Intelligence can help space exploration. The Conversation. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://theconversation.com/five-ways-artificial-intelligence-can-help-space-exploration-153664
European Space Agency. (n.d.). Artificial Intelligence in space. ESA. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Discovery_and_Preparation/Artificial_intelligence_in_space
Serrano, I. (2021, October 8). How artificial intelligence is advancing space efforts. Geospatial World. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/how-artificial-intelligence-is-advancing-space-efforts/
Shekhtman, S. (2019, November 15). NASA applying AI technologies to problems in space science. NASA. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2019/nasa-takes-a-cue-from-silicon-valley-to-hatch-artificial-intelligence-technologies
