The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in space exploration is opening new realms of possibilities. Researchers are leveraging AI to go beyond the confines of human-led missions and into a new era of space understanding.
NASA, along with other space exploration organizations, has been at the forefront of utilizing AI in their missions. They’ve implemented AI systems to manage and control spacecraft, for data analysis, prediction systems, and even to help ascertain habitable planets.
1. AI in Spacecraft Management and Control: NASA’s Mars rovers, including the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, use AI for navigation and scientific decision-making. These rovers are designed to analyze the Martian environment and make decisions autonomously, reducing the need for extensive commands from Earth. (https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/feature/Artificial_Intelligence_Aids_Science_From_Mars)
2. AI in Data Analysis: The vast amounts of data generated from space missions exceed human capacity for analysis. To tackle this, NASA uses an AI system known as AEGIS (Autonomous Exploration for Gathering Increased Science), which helps scan and analyze data with efficiency. (https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-mars-rover-decides-which-targets-to-study-on-its-own)
3. AI in Prediction Systems: AI and machine learning are being used for prediction systems like early warning systems for solar particles. This system called Solar Stormwatch uses ML algorithms to predict solar particle storms that could potentially damage satellites and disrupt communication systems on Earth. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200205090819.htm)
4. AI in Detecting Habitable Planets: Kepler Space Telescope has used AI to find planets outside our solar system, also known as exoplanets. Google and NASA have collaborated in this domain, using machine learning to sift through vast amounts of data gathered by the telescope to identify potential planetary candidates. (https://ai.googleblog.com/2017/12/exploring-planets-with-machine-learning.html)
In the quest for galaxy exploration, NASA announced the launch of the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) mission, which will use AI to interpret the massive amounts of data anticipated from observing the brightest stars near our solar system.
As AI technologies continue to advance, they will play an even larger role in space exploration, aiding in everything from spacecraft navigation to galaxy formation research, space weather prediction, and potentially even the search for extraterrestrial life.