AI can help us overcome some of the challenges and enhance some space exploration opportunities

Space exploration is one of the most challenging and exciting endeavors of humanity. It requires combining scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and human courage. However, many limitations and risks are involved in sending humans and spacecraft to the vast and unknown regions of the cosmos. That's why artificial intelligence (AI) is essential in discovering new worlds and expanding our horizons.

AI is the branch of computer science that deals with creating machines and systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. AI can help us overcome some of the challenges and enhance some space exploration opportunities. Here are seven amazing applications of AI in space exploration:

Astronaut Assistants

AI can help astronauts perform various tasks on board the spacecraft or the space station, such as monitoring systems, controlling devices, conducting experiments, or providing companionship. For example, CIMON is an AI assistant that can interact with astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) using voice and facial recognition. CIMON can assist astronauts with procedures, answer questions, or play music. Another example is Robonaut, a humanoid robot that can work alongside or instead of astronauts in hazardous or routine missions.

Mission Design and Planning

AI can help design and plan space missions more efficiently and effectively by using large amounts of data from previous missions and simulations. AI can also optimize the mission parameters, such as launch date, trajectory, payload, and budget. For example, ESA has developed an AI system called MELIES that can assist mission analysts with designing interplanetary trajectories using genetic algorithms.

Spacecraft Autonomy

AI can enable spacecraft to operate autonomously without relying on human intervention or communication from Earth. This is especially useful for deep space missions, where the communication delay can be significant. AI can help spacecraft navigate, avoid obstacles, adapt to changing environments, or respond to emergencies. For example, NASA's Mars 2020 rover Perseverance uses an AI system called Terrain-Relative Navigation to analyze images of the Martian surface and adjust its landing position accordingly.

Data Analysis

AI can help analyze the massive amounts of data collected by space missions, such as images, signals, spectra, or telemetry. AI can process data faster and more accurately than humans, discovering patterns or anomalies that humans might miss. For example, NASA's Kepler space telescope used an AI system based on neural networks to discover new exoplanets by detecting their transit signals.

Space Communication

AI can help improve the communication between spacecraft and Earth or between spacecraft. AI can optimize the communication bandwidth, frequency, power, or modulation. AI can also enhance the security and reliability of communication links by detecting and correcting errors or interference. For example, NASA's Deep Space Network uses an AI system called Deep Space Network Now that can monitor and predict the status and availability of the communication antennas.

Space Debris Removal

AI can help reduce the problem of space debris, which are defunct or discarded objects orbiting Earth that pose a threat to operational spacecraft. AI can help track and catalog space debris using radar or optical data. AI can also help design and control missions to remove or deorbit space debris using robotic arms or nets—for example, ESA's e.The deorbit mission plans to use an AI system that can autonomously capture a derelict satellite using a robotic arm.

Astrobiology

AI can help search for signs of life beyond Earth by using biosignatures or biomarkers that indicate the presence of living organisms or their products. AI can help identify habitable planets or moons by analyzing their physical and chemical characteristics. Using spectroscopy or microscopy techniques, AI can also help detect possible life forms. For example, NASA's Dragonfly mission plans to use an AI system to fly a drone-like rotorcraft on Saturn's moon Titan and collect samples for signs of prebiotic chemistry.