Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are helping humans solve problems faster. AI was a welcome upgrade from traditional computing, which didn’t offer data backups and recovery options.
Advances in AI made it useful for a wide range of scientific fields. From packaging robots to machine learning, AI is helping humans make progress in several disciplines.
But, the benefits of using AI are not limited to applications on this planet. Below are some examples of how AI is advancing current space efforts.
Supports mission design and planning
AI is making it easier for mission design engineers to plan missions outside the planet.
New space missions rely on knowledge gathered by previous studies. But, limited data can make it challenging for current scientists to plan missions.
AI can resolve this by providing anyone with authority access to all space missions. With AI, mission design engineers can access these relevant data with only a few clicks.
One example of this solution is Daphne. Daphne is an intelligent assistant for creating Earth observation satellite systems.
Systems engineers in satellite design teams use Daphne to receive access to data. This data includes feedback and answers to specific mission-related questions.
Aids in satellites and Spacecraft manufacturing
Engineers create complex satellites and spacecraft using expensive pieces of equipment.
This process involves repetitive and complex tasks that need precision. Often, engineers need special rooms to manufacture satellites and spacecraft. This is to avoid potential contamination.
This is where AI-enabled systems and robotics come in. Scientists use AI and robots to lighten their burdens. This way, humans can focus on the tasks that computers can’t do.
AI can help speed up the process of assembling satellites. AI-enabled systems can also analyze the process to identify areas of improvement.
Scientists also use AI to look at the work and ensure that everything is correct.
Cobots, or collaborative robots, also help in satellite and spacecraft development. Cobots interact with humans, within a mutual workspace.
They help reduce the need for human workers in clean rooms. They perform reliable manufacturing tasks and help reduce human error.
Helps process satellite data
Earth observation satellites provide tremendous amounts of data. Ground stations receive this data in chunks over time.
Artificial intelligence can support this effort by providing detailed satellite data analysis. AI is an effective tool for big data analysis.
Scientists use AI to estimate heat storage in certain areas. It can estimate wind speed by combining meteorological data with satellite imagery.
It can also estimate solar radiation through geostationary satellite data.
Assists navigation systems
On Earth, people use Google Maps, which relies on GPS or other navigation systems. In contrast, there are still no navigation systems in space.
But, scientists can use images from observation satellites. One of these satellites is the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The LRO is a recon satellite that provides data to support future lunar missions.
In 2018, NASA and Intel used LRO data to create an intelligent navigation system. The system used AI to generate a map of the moon.
Monitors satellite health
Operating satellites involves complex processes. Equipment malfunctions and satellite collisions can happen anytime.
To resolve this, satellite operators use AI to track satellite health. AI-enabled systems can check on sensors and equipment. They can also alert scientists when something needs their attention.
In some cases, AI-enabled systems can even perform corrective action.
Scientists use AI to control the navigation of satellites and other space assets. AI uses previous data to recognize satellite patterns. After this, AI systems can change the path of the craft to prevent collisions.
AI can also support communication between Earth and space.
This form of communication can be challenging because of interference. The disruption may come from other signals or other environmental factors.
Luckily, AI can help control satellite communication to address potential transmission problems. AI-enabled systems can determine the amount of power needed to send data back to Earth.
Enhances satellite imagery
Satellites produce several images every minute. They process huge amounts of data each day.
These data include weather and environmental imagery. These satellites also capture images of the Earth, which comes with several challenges.
AI helps interpret, analyze, and understand satellite images. With AI, humans have the ability to review the millions of images produced by space assets.
AI can analyze satellite images as they are being taken. It can even identify issues with the images if there are any.
Another advantage of using AI is that, unlike humans, AI does not need breaks. This means that AI can process more data faster.
Using AI for this purpose also removes the need for large amounts of communication to and from Earth. This can reduce processing power and battery usage while streamlining image gathering.
These are the ways how AI is advancing space exploration efforts.
This proves that AI doesn’t only improve the quality of life on Earth. It can also make space exploration possible.
It also proves that the various benefits of AI in space enable the safe venture into the unknown.
