AI is becoming a common field in space exploration. The human living in space needs sophisticated tools, and AI can potentially help in the development of effective implements and intelligent machines. Technological development has not only assisted in the evolution of computer applications that help in data processing during space programs across the globe, but the developed software will also be used in every aspect of space settlement through advanced intelligence. In the present day, the scope of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in the field of space exploration extends to space examinations for navigation, routing the safest path for the spacecraft, data collection, planning of future space missions, determination of space weather, and more.
Various space research organizations around the globe including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) employ AI technologies in space research. ISRO utilizes AI assistance for observational purposes, satellite navigation, meteorology, and space assistance, structural health monitoring through classification of strain patterns, respond basket-capacity building program, geospatial technology-based services, earth observation, and forest conservation monitoring system.
Applications of AI in Space Exploration
AI can assist in the collection and processing of data for effective analysis
AI can be incorporated in Earth observation satellites to collect and process large troves of data. It also pierces the data together for effective analysis. There are evident use cases of AI in the estimation of heat storage in urban locations and prediction and detection of wind speed by combining meteorological information obtained from satellite imagery. Additionally, AI has helped to provide solar radiation estimation using geostationary information from satellites. Furthermore, AI techniques aid in remote satellite health monitoring, detect technical issues, predict satellite wellbeing and performance and offer visualization to the crews to make informed decisions.
AI-based research is being conducted for the development of astronaut assistant robots
Researchers are working on robots that will be helpful to astronauts on space missions. These are aimed to allow astronauts to better manage operations, lifestyle and research during deep space missions. A recently developed virtual assistant is capable of detecting dangers or malfunction in lengthy space missions, such as changes in the spacecraft’s atmosphere. It also suggests ways to inspect and fix the problem.
AI is helpful in the overall designing and planning of the mission
AI can help in the overall designing of the mission by managing tasks such as development of the vehicles, equipment and plans. New space missions utilize the knowledge acquired from previous studies. Also, AI can answer complex questions with relevant and reliable information to support early design and planning stages for new space missions. Research is also being conducted on the development of design engineering assistants to help reduce the required turnaround time. For instance, Daphne is one such assistant, which is used to design Earth observation satellite systems.
AI can be used to deal with space debris and avoid collisions
Innovative ideas are being shaped to tackle the issue of space debris, including satellites that re-enter Earth’s atmosphere if deployed within low Earth orbit, where they will disintegrate in a controlled way. Additionally, researchers developed a new method to design collision avoidance maneuvers using machine learning techniques to prevent more space debris. Work has also been done to train machine learning models to transmit them from the spacecraft already in orbit. This will keep the danger of in-orbit collision to a minimum.
AI is also useful in the development of autonomous navigation and maneuvering
Autonomous navigation allows spacecraft to travel in space and perform complex moves to arrive and land on distant planets and other objects. At times the spacecrafts cannot wait for human commands and the situation requires immediate action. Thus, AI and machine learning can be used to guide the spacecraft for efficient operations. ML tools can also provide space situational awareness and conjunction events to the crafts prevent collisions. Hence, AI and machine learning are making it easier to explore further into our galaxy.
AI helps to monitor and mitigate risks associated with the effects of space flight on human physiology
AI has been increasingly used to develop solutions that will potentially assist in the monitoring and mitigation of various physiological effects of space flight on human health. A variety of wearable technology such as wrist-worn actigraphs, electronic skin and other body organs, and spacesuits are being developed to ensure astronauts' well-being during space flight. ML is being used in the development of biosensors that tend to be more invasive forms of monitoring and are used in the evaluation of metabolites, blood, urine, hair, feces, muscle and saliva. Augmented reality and virtual reality are suggested to relieve the neurologic and psychological challenges by creating audiovisual stimuli after sensory deprivation in space. Other applications of AI include diagnostic and interventional imaging and telemedicine and telesurgery.
Challenges to the Application of AI in Space Research
AI requires more technological advancement to undertake complex tasks
The ability to implement AI reliably for complex tasks in software in space exploration is a challenge. For instance, cooperative Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) whose main task is to search and track objects of interest tend to lose track of extreme targets and then they move out of sight during missions. This issue can be resolved by improving the linkage between sensors and converting data to information.
Overreliance on AI systems would expose telecommunication and navigation to space damages
An overreliance on autonomous space infrastructures might expose remote telecommunication and navigation infrastructure to damages by space weather, such as solar storms and space debris collisions. Such events will become capable of disrupting facilities such as transport and the internet resulting in social unrest. Furthermore, human life support systems on space stations may also be compromised.
AI-enabled space infrastructure may promote geopolitical tension
Geopolitical tensions have already extended to space, as demonstrated by the Russia-Ukraine War where satellite jamming has been used as a military tactic. The militarization of space may escalate to space-to-Earth and space-to-space warfare with potential deployment of space weapons, targeting mass destruction of humans on Earth, in space stations or space settlements.
The challenge of the establishment of an ideal trajectory path
Another vital challenge to consider is the designing of a trajectory path for space missions. The mission should not escape the Earth’s gravitational field and requires the use of AI systems that are implicated with the limited and more complex algorithms. This is important as the spacecraft which escapes the trajectory path leads to the fuel and maneuver costs.
Consideration for Incorporating AI in Space Explorations
Avoiding technical faults to check major catastrophes
Errors in the AI models, data gaps, and restrictive empirical testing in space exploration can have disastrous economic, environmental and loss of life repercussions, such as non-identification of a threat by an autonomous planetary defense system or non-execution of an asteroid redirect sequence leading to killing large numbers of human and non-human organisms on Earth or in space settlements on other planets. Thus, it is essential to develop AI systems that are scientifically and technically robust. Data should be evaluated for errors and statistical biases by neutral third parties. Additionally, algorithms must also be subject to scrutiny by subject matter experts.
Development of regulatory principles related to AI in space should be mandated at all levels
Regulatory and policy structures are necessary for responsible deployment and risk management. A poorly governed dual AI-space race can potentially leave humanity exposed to cataclysmic hazards arising from system vulnerability, compromise and intentional misuse. This requires action at the national level to regulate industry, at the bilateral level to accelerate cooperation amongst allies, and at the international level to aid coordination between competing nations. Governmental and intergovernmental bodies should also invest more into space wargaming. Clear definitions regarding the ownership of the AI systems should be established regarding corporate, national and global ownership. Furthermore, rules regarding liability in the case of damage should be developed.
Quality Assurance of AI parallel to certain finite standards must be practiced
The quality and provenance of information, models and systems must be tested in accordance with predetermined standards prior to the implementation. It requires the laying down of clear mechanisms for the level of human oversight in space missions including human-in-command (high intervention) to human-in-the-loop (medium intervention), human-on-the-loop (low intervention) and then human-out-of-the-loop (no intervention). For instance, programming the AI system to switch to a cautionary rule-based procedure or seek human guidance before further action in particular circumstances, such as when a ML satellite positioning system experiences a degraded environment due to a solar flare or where an artificial astronaut comes into first contact with extraterrestrial life.
AI systems should be subject to rigorous risk assessments
AI based space exploration systems should be subject to a structured approval process. Design risk assessments should be undertaken by practitioners specific to the level of AI application, such as, considering their ability to violate civil rights, human rights or undermine security. Operational risk assessments and technical maintenance checks should be performed routinely to ensure that AI is fit for purpose and will not compromise integrated systems. A centralized governing body should be developed to ensure regular independent audit for identifying safety issues, updating requirements and designing enhancement opportunities.
Miscellaneous ethical considerations
Hard ethical limits are essential to AI autonomy. For instance, medium to high levels of human interventions should be maintained for AI applications with potentially lethal outcomes. These might include civilian applications where AI controls vital life-sustaining infrastructure or non-civilian applications where AI oversee military systems. Kill switch mechanisms should be in place to initiate an effective full system shutdown in the event of a major security compromise. Early warning systems should be in place to alert human response in line with rigorous disaster risk management (DRM). Similarly, while it may be tempting to strive toward aspirational developments of artificial astronauts, it would be prudent to prioritize the application of AI toward space economy self-sufficiency and sustainability, including techniques such as origami engineering.
In a nutshell, with applications ranging from decision-support to navigation in long-duration missions, AI can significantly support human capabilities, such as in on-orbit constructions, and secure human health and well-being. But, at present space and AI are both rife with unknowns, and their convergence poses serious risks. This validates the requirement of technically robust, responsibly governed AI systems that are underpinned by moral reasoning. Furthermore, proactive national, bilateral and international cooperation is needed to develop, ratify and enforce the technical, governance and moral related mechanisms.