MATTHEW SHEEHAN
2 min readJun 19, 2024

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AI in space exploration and satellite technology is becoming more apparent as the technology advances.

With space agencies and private sector enterprises venturing into Space and increasing the use of outer space, artificial intelligence (AI) is a developing supporting technology. AI systems for space applications are advantageous because they can learn, identify patterns, and make decisions independently without the need for astronauts' supervision.

In space exploration, AI can assist in finding paths for Mars rovers, spotting regions of interest in imagery captured by a craft, and even tuning instruments to function at their best. For instance, NASA uses AI in the Mars 2020 project to enhance image interpretation and collaborate with the roving vehicle Curiosity and the lander InSight based on image data and surface information. ExoMars, the rover that the European Space Agency will launch, will also use AI in its navigation to enhance its decision-making.

AI is likewise helpful for telemetry data from satellites and for identifying abnormalities. Even without direct instructions from the satellites, machine learning algorithms trained to analyze normal satellite behaviour can identify patterns that indicate a potential problem, such as a breakdown or a collision. It is also noted that the development of AI planning algorithms can be helpful in managing a large number of satellites, with which at least some of them must cooperate. In satellite communications, we use AI to allocate the bandwidth to the customers, detect hackers, and improve the signal quality.

AI and machine learning will become core parts of space missions in the upcoming years, especially as they analyze data received from sensors and imaging systems. AI agents could allow for more detailed preprogrammed operations during missions to far-off destinations in the solar system where direct human guidance would be impractical because of the delay in signal transmission. Automated planning systems, computer vision, and robotics have considerable potential for future manned and uncrewed space missions and operations on celestial bodies, such as building space habitats and utilizing space resources available in Space.

The unique data-intensive environment of Space has provided the ideal conditions for the development and application of AI. As the volume of data collected during missions continues to increase, AI will be crucial in maximizing the research output of space operations and ensuring the reliability of satellite technologies for international communications and navigation. The combination of orbital sensors, instrumentation, and intelligent data analysis is set to usher in a new era of intelligent autonomous systems, paving the way for increased Space utilization.

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