Artificial Intelligence in Space

As super computers have become a reality, science fiction caters to several examples of artificial intelligence, machine learning, or smart robots in outer space. From star wars to hitchhikers’ guide to the galaxy, it seems that AI and space go hand in hand. Since these are fiction, we are trying to find examples in the real world which make use of artificial intelligence to help in commercializing space.

Astronauts were trained both physically and psychologically for dealing with extreme space situations. Living in a confined space without gravity could be stressful and might hamper the decision making processes. This is where artificial intelligence which came into the picture.

Multiple years after the first moon landing, experts are looking for emerging technologies to realize space exploration in a better way. And recent breakthroughs and discoveries have led to show the immense potential in space exploration like global navigation, earth observation, and other communication from both sides. Machine (Learning) algorithms have been used in monitoring the spacecraft, controlling systems, autonomous navigation of the spacecraft, controlling systems, and smartly detecting objects in the road path. Hence in this way, to help astronauts meet their goals to in reaching mars and beyond, AI-based assistants are created. These assistants are primarily created to understand and predict the crew’s needs and apprehend the astronaut’s emotion and mental health.

What emerges as a Game Changer in Space Exploration?

Artificial Intelligence has positioned itself as a game-changer in the present society and also the space industry. Government and agencies have been leveraging artificial intelligence technologies for a long time to gather imaging data related to space explorations. Robotics has been utilized by government agencies to conduct modern surveillance, identify and mitigate risks for by analyzing a substantial amount of data collection.

The European Space Agency (ESA) report reveals that satellites could produce more than 150 terabytes of data every day. Now, with the use of artificial AI technologies, one could reduce the mission’s costs, extend battery (any other form of resource) life, and analyze massive amount of imaging data which is produced by the satellites.

Another significant utilization of artificial intelligence in the space industry is the process of increasing the spectrum efficiency and connectivity through real-time adjustments. So, in this case of space exploration, as the satellites could learn to transmit data using the appropriate frequencies, deep learning technology could simplify the communications furthermore. Reports reveal that AI technology is utilized for RLAN to reduce the chance of interference and increase spectral efficiency.

These technologies would aid in telemetry and controlling the geostationary orbit as well as non-geostationary orbit’s frequency and physical coordination. Deep learning technologies are not only meant to reduce the interference burden for satellite networks but also avoiding co-channel interference at various stages of the satellite orbit.

Artificial Intelligence on the basis of Exploration

For navigating space travel profoundly, NASA is continuously making strides towards artificial intelligence applications. Moreover, NASA has also developed an AI update, which aids in automating the laser-firing capabilities of the rover. Hence, with an increased pace in data collection, a trained AI system is a perfect match for monitoring the spacecraft and lowering the downtime and possible risks.

Also, with the help of Google’s trained model, NASA manages to discover other planets like Kepler-90i & Kepler-80g.

European aerospace company Airbus has introduced artificial intelligence in space exploration. AI-powered 3D printed spherical robots (Crew Interactive Mobile Companion CIMON) were also being developed for helping astronauts and their accuracy in everyday tasks at the International Space Station with uniform empathy level of human. A second version of this technology was developed with various extended functionalities and capabilities known as CIMON 2.

Artificial intelligence led by Space Race

The modern space race, with the help of artificial intelligence, is different from the 20th-century completion between two Cold War rivals, namely the Soviet Union and the United States, who gave their first spaceflight capabilities.

According to reports, the space industry is set to reach a worth of 1 trillion USD by 2040 and become one of the most prominent businesses in the world. And big names like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson.

Conclusion

The space technology would be secure with the influence of artificial intelligence. It will also show clear potential for exploring the interstellar space with multiple innovative machines and projects. For each and every innovation, technology is coming a step closer to provide newer insights and proving a major advantage.

About Data Labeler

Data Labeler caters to world-class annotation services. From offering bounding boxes, polygons, points, texts to select or multi-select services, Data Labeler provides advanced quality training data sets for using a knowledgeable workforce. We also cater excellent data services for building data sets that you need to power your algorithms.

Originally published at https://www.datalabeler.com on February 16, 2021.