Benefits of AI in Space Exploration
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming
numerous industries, and space exploration
is no exception. As we venture deeper into
the cosmos, AI becomes more critical in
overcoming the challenges of long
communication lags, handling massive
datasets, and enabling autonomous robotic
planetary exploration systems.
Some of the major benefits of AI in space
exploration are:-
I. Avoiding Obstacles: Rovers on the mars
such as the Perseverance and the
curiosity rover and rovers on the moon
such as the chandrayaan rover on the
moon cannot wait for commands to come
from the earth for it to function because
it takes a very long time for the radio
waves to travel to and fro from the earth
to the rover due to their tremendous gap,
so in the case of an emergency it will
have to react on its own with the help of
AI. Hence AI is crucial in the exploration
of the surface of other planets and
moons.
II. In satellites: AI is revolutionizing how
satellites are operated, providing more
efficient, smarter, and faster solutions for
managing satellite operations. For
example: SpaceX uses AI-driven
algorithms to help its navigation
satellites avoid collisions with others in
orbit. The algorithms use a combination
of data from the satellite’s sensors,
including its position and velocity, to
identify potentially hazardous
manoeuvres and take evasive action. AI
can also optimize the process of
manoeuvrings satellites into their correct
orbits, reducing the fuel required and the
period needed to achieve the desired
orbital position.
III. Star Mapping: Astronomers can map the
universe in unprecedented detail thanks
to AI-based algorithms that can detect,
classify, and recognize patterns in star
and galaxy clusters. These algorithms
allow astronomers to accurately identify
stars and galaxies in space and even
understand their physical properties
(such as mass age, etc). And, by using AI
to predict the behaviour of stars and
galaxies, over time scientists can make
new discoveries that can be used for the
future mapping and exploration of star
and galaxy clusters
IV. Planetary Geology (Astrogeology):
Using AI, scientists can now detect and
classify geological features on planets
and moons, such as craters, volcanoes,
and other surface features. This
technology can also be used to generate
detailed 3D models of planetary surfaces,
which can help scientists better
understand a planet or moon’s
environment and history.
V. Aiding astronauts in space: The German
Aerospace Centre (DLR) has been
developing AI methods for space and
Earth applications for many years and in
2021 set up an Institute of Artificial
Intelligence Security. In 2018 DLR
launched an AI assistant to support its
astronauts in their daily tasks onboard
the ISS. Fully voice-
controlled CIMON (Crew Interactive
Mobile Companion) is able to see, speak,
hear, understand and even fly! CIMON
returned after 14 months, but CIMON-2
arrived in December 2019 to replace it.
Overall AI's role in space exploration is
transformative, processing vast data from
celestial bodies and predicting risks like
solar storms and space debris. It enhances
spacecraft autonomy, reduces human
reliance, and aids astronauts with operations,
navigation, and satellite monitoring.
We can conclude this project by saying that
without the help of AI we would never have
been able to explore space so much and that
it is a crucial part of space exploration for
our species.
