Space Exploration: The Future is Now

Beyond the stars and suns of our galaxy, there lie many great forces unlike anything humanity has ever experienced. From the abyssal, dark gravitational fields of black holes to the massive, luminous explosions of supernovas, the cosmos alone is the domain of the scientific supernatural. Regardless of this, our current technology has become so advanced that we’ve arrived at the checkpoint where the discovery and observance of powerful astronomical phenomena have become a daily task for astronomers around the globe. One of the most remarkable tools that has assisted humans through this process is artificial intelligence. Just think about it—AI is helping us uncover the deepest mysteries of space in ways we never thought possible.

NASA's Solar Imagery Breakthrough:

To kick things off in 2021, solar scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration needed an efficient solution for calibrating images of the Sun taken by ultraviolet telescopes. Due to the constant exposure to the Sun’s electromagnetic radiation, telescopes such as the Atmospheric Imagery Assembly and Helioseismic Magnetic Imager deteriorate over time, rendering images low-quality. To tackle the problem, scientists first used machine learning (the process of repeatedly training an AI with specific algorithms) to compare solar structures to data gathered by the telescopes. The AI could then determine the necessary amount of image correction to apply to generate much clearer and more accurate images. This was a game-changer, allowing scientists to consistently produce high-quality imagery—a far cry from the old method of using sounding rockets for calibration.

European Space Agency's (ESA) Response:

As dominant as they are, NASA hasn’t been the only company to leverage AI to push the boundaries of space exploration; the European Space Agency (ESA) has also taken AI to the next level. Ever heard of the hit shoot ‘em up game Space Invaders? Well, instead of battling aliens, the ESA’s Hera has been conducting a planetary defense mission to redirect asteroids that threaten the Earth. It’s like the AI is the spacecraft’s brain, using sensors and technology similar to the ones found in self-driving cars to make decisions about where the spacecraft should go.

AI's Expanding Role in Space Exploration:

The use of AI isn't just limited to solar imaging and planetary defense. Here are a few extraordinary ways AI is being used:

1. LeoLabs, a company set on low-orbit machinery, is using radar-based AI to network the movement of space debris to prevent collisions with spacecraft and rockets.

   
   

2. D-Wave and IBM have been exploring the use of quantum computing and AI to improve communication and orbital calculations for space missions.

   
   

3. SpaceX and Lockheed Martin are using generative AI to analyze the objective and create spacecraft models to meet mission requirements.

   
   

4. Maxar Technologies and Planet are monitoring the Earth’s patterns of natural and manmade events using AI imagery tech.

The Future of AI in Space:

All in all, the journey of bringing artificial intelligence to the top of the cosmic playing field has yet to be secured. The trials of AI in ESA’s HERA software and NASA’s solar telescopes have changed the seemingly unattainable depths of space into a probable opportunity. The future of aeronautics automated by AI is inevitable. The possibilities are endless, and as more space and technology companies develop stronger, safer, and more reliable innovations, we may soon find ourselves living in a world where humanity isn’t confined to Earth.

Sources

“AI-Driven Advancements in Space - NSTXL.” NSTXL.org, 23 Sept. 2024,

nstxl.org/ai-driven-advancements-in-space/.

European Space Agency. “Artificial Intelligence in Space.” Esa.int, 31 Mar. 2022,

www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Discovery_and_Preparation/Artificial_intelligence_in_space.

Hatfield, Miles, and Susannah Darling. “Artificial Intelligence Helps Improve NASA’s

Eyes on the Sun - NASA.” NASA.gov, 23 July 2021, www.nasa.gov/missions/sdo/artificial-intelligence-helps-improve-nasas-eyes-on-the-sun/.

Papandreou, Timothy. “AI Is Unlocking the Multitrillion-Dollar Space Economy.”

Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/timothypapandreou/2024/08/01/ai-driven-innovation-unlocking-the-multi-trillion-dollar-space-economy/.