How AI is transforming Space Exploration

How AI transforming space exploration

The use of AI in space exploration is increasing at an unprecedented pace, with the market being valued at a staggering $2 billion and still growing. There are literally more stars in space than there are grains of sand on Earth, and each of those stars could harbor life or have a potentially habitable planet. Even if all humans were to unite under one umbrella and study each of those stars, they’ll run short on time.

There has to be a faster, better, and more efficient solution that can take care of all the grunt work: enter artificial intelligence. This is how we could one day make interplanetary and even interstellar travel, a real possibility. At the forefront of innovation in AI is Bosch with its advanced acoustic sensors, more notably, the SoundSee AI algorithm.

This article is authored by Ronald van Loon, and sponsored by Bosch and it will investigate the use of AI in space exploration.

AI is Changing the Nature of Space Exploration Government agencies and private organizations alike are working to overcome barriers that block progress in learning more about space. Despite space being a limitless expanse of almost empty void, there is always potential for real danger out there, whether it is in the form of cosmic radiation, earth-shattering meteors, or colossal galactic events.

In order to have any chance of learning more about outer space so we can one day traverse safely across this exciting frontier, we have to better understand the environment and risks. Human beings cannot realistically explore every facet of space. This is why governments have set up multiple programs that make use of AI and ML to search for potentially dangerous risks and events in space.

Scientists have also used AI in charting unmarked galaxies, supernovas, stars, blackholes, and studying cosmic events that would otherwise go unnoticed without using machine learning algorithms. One particularly interesting use of AI in astronomy is the ability to recognize and classify rocky worlds that are similar to the ones in our own solar system. These ‘exoplanets’ are discovered by recognizing how light behaves as it passes through their atmosphere.

This allows scientists to determine what the general ‘consistency’ of the planet is in terms of elements that could support life, such as oxygen and methane.

Then there is the use of deep learning to simulate galaxy formation and using it to classify galactic images seen from the Hubble Space Telescope.One advantage of AI is that it never tires and can grade consistently.

Another important area that has only recently picked up momentum is the use of acoustics in space to identify problems. Astronauts are trained psychologically and physically to deal with the extreme environments in space under no gravity conditions. To put things in perspective, the whole universe is a potential danger– be it cosmic radiation, extreme temperature, and even space debris! This is why it is important to identify and troubleshoot problems before they arise.

Bosch’s acoustic sensors can prove to be helpful by identifying problems in space before they occur. This process is made easier with help from the SoundSee algorithm on board the Astrobee.

AI is Changing Life for Astronauts

Life as an astronaut aboard the International Space Station can be hard work. There are far too many jobs to perform, not enough gravity, dwindling provisions, and the ever impending threat of being stranded out in space!

Artificial intelligence takes some of the load off astronaut’s feet and gives them a moment of respite. Perhaps more noteworthy is the use of the CIMON robot to make the life of astronauts less of a chore, and maybe even entertaining. CIMON was sent to ISS using the Falcon 9. This ‘flying robot’ uses voice commands and touch screens to communicate with astronauts.

Then there is the super helpful Astrobee, which looks like it was pulled straight out of a science fiction film. This cube shaped flying machine helps astronauts with routine tasks and uses AI and machine learning to reduce the time astronauts spend on relatively mundane tasks such as identifying faults in machinery on the space station. These dexterous robots are also equipped with Bosch’s SoundSee technology.

It can continuously record operating sounds from equipment on board the space station and send them back to Earth for evaluation by scientists. More importantly, SoundSee uses AI-based sound analysis to evaluate the performance of critical machines by detecting subtle irregularities in their

noise patterns. This can be crucial aid for astronauts and help them troubleshoot problems before they arise.

And the best part? Astrobee floats silently without making a noise and never gets in the personal space of astronauts as they go about their daily routine, unless it is needed!

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