Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

How Is Artificial Intelligence Used In The Space Industry?

Author: Amit Kataria
by Amit Kataria
Posted: Jan 06, 2021

Gain expertise in the Artificial intelligence domain through artificial intelligence training in Delhi by Madrid Software Trainings.

In the field of interstellar space, long before modern computers became reality, science fiction brought us a multitude of examples of artificial intelligence and smart robots. While astronauts are trained to deal with extreme space situations physically and mentally, living in a confined space without gravity can often be stressful and can hinder their decision-making processes. Artificial intelligence comes into the picture here.

Traditionally, machine learning algorithms have been used for spacecraft tracking, autonomous spacecraft navigation, control systems, and intelligent detection of objects along the path. And now, AI-based assistants are being developed to support astronauts in their journeys to Mars and beyond, in an attempt to aid astronauts.

Building satellites and spacecrafts -

Complex and costly pieces of equipment to bring together are satellites and spacecraft. There are routine and complex activities within spacecraft manufacturing operations that need to be conducted with exacting precision measures and also have to be performed in clean rooms with little exposure to possible contamination.

To assist the manufacturing process, AI-enabled systems and robotics are being used. In addition, the use of collaborative robots ('cobots') as part of the manufacturing process helps to minimize the need for clean-room human staff and to take more efficient, error-prone production steps.

Enhanced imagery from spacecraft and satellites -

Every minute of the day, satellites produce thousands of pictures. Every day, satellites process about 150 terabytes of data. Such photos capture everything from images and data of the weather and atmosphere to images down to just inches of every inch of the planet. Capturing Earth photos immediately poses a range of problems and possibilities in which AI helps.

The ability of deep learning and AI-enabled identification provides considerable power to analyze images and to study the millions of spacecraft-generated images. On the other hand, artificial intelligence will examine the images as they are taken and decide whether there are any problems with the images. AI does not need to rest or take breaks, unlike humans, so it can process a lot of data easily. Using AI to capture images of Earth often removes the need to examine photos and decide if a new photo needs to be taken for vast quantities of contact to and from Earth.

Predictions and accurate information about weather and natural disasters -

To evaluate natural disasters from space, satellites are now being used. A satellite's accurate imagery will allow those on the ground to see casualties assess the path of the tragedy and more. To help accelerate the response of satellites to natural disasters, artificial intelligence is being used. Satellites are able to identify where a natural disaster is located and guide to that location with the assistance of the onboard AI.

Space exploration -

AI devices are also being used to help analyze data obtained from deep space probes to see if they can support life. The AI looks at world trends to help decide if they are inhabitable or if they have some form of life. For further study, possible planets are then sent to humans. AI, also for the space industry, has put itself as a game-changer. For a long time, governments and organizations have leveraged AI technologies to collect imaging data related to space exploration. Government agencies are also seen to be using Robotics to perform modern surveillance, detect and reduce threats, and also to evaluate the plethora of data collected.

Wireless networks use, which is a process of increasing the spectrum efficiency of communication through real-time changes, is another important use of AI in the space industry. In the case of space exploration, while satellites can understand to transmit data using the necessary frequencies, this communication can be simplified by deep learning technology.

NASA is increasingly making strides towards AI applications in order to effectively manage space travel. In 2018, NASA awarded $330,000 to a team to build an AI to guide ships in space amidst the debris as a research proposal. NASA's Frontier Development Lab (FDL) and Intel, in collaboration, have provided guidance to space astronauts. NASA named a few researchers to develop an AI system in this program that will model the surface of the moon and then equate it with the local climate.

With millions of moon photographs, the AI would be trained and would then use a neural network to create a virtual moon. NASA also began to solve two obscure planets, Kepler-90i and Kepler-80g, with the help of Google's qualified model.

Keeping eye on the health of satellites and spacecrafts -

Satellites are intricate hardware components to run. There are several possible concerns, from equipment malfunctions to conflicts with other satellites, that may occur. AI is used to track the health of satellites in order to help keep satellites operating properly. AI will keep sensors and equipment under constant watch, provide warnings, and, in some cases, take corrective action. For instance, SpaceX uses AI to prevent its satellites from clashing in space with other objects. To monitor the navigation of satellites and other spacecraft, AI is also used. The AI is capable of looking at other satellites, planets, and space debris patterns. If the AI has noticed the patterns, it can adjust the craft's course to prevent any collisions.

About the Author

Amit is the Digital Marketing head at Madrid Software Trainings. Madrid Software Trainings is the fastest growing Ed-Tech company in India.Madrid Software Trainings

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Amit Kataria

Amit Kataria

Member since: Apr 23, 2020
Published articles: 9

Related Articles