In space I had to float around Robonaut in a wide arc. It had to do with the highly sensitive sensors. If I got too close, it would immediately go into hibernation mode for safety.
Robonaut was the “fourth” crew member on my expedition: an experimental robotic astronaut who would take over boring or dangerous tasks from future astronauts. It was also one of the first experiments with artificial intelligence aboard the space station.
Robot measures mood on plane
Robonaut isn’t the only robot with artificial intelligence on board the ISS. CIMON (Crew Interactive MObile companion) is a small, 3D-printed robot. It floats autonomously through the space station with the help of tiny propellers. CIMON can talk, listen, assist with procedures, and even measure the mood of astronauts.
CIMON-2 tests human-machine interaction in space
Smart rover drives autonomously on Mars
One of the most important applications of AI in space is autonomous navigation. We’ve only recently tested self-driving cars on Earth, but this has been happening in space for some time. Rovers on Mars decide which path to take and how to deal with obstacles based on AI.
ESA’s new Hera mission (more on that soon) also uses AI. Hera automatically designs the asteroid it will explore, then makes independent decisions about the ideal flight path.
looking at the ground
The possibilities for AI are endless. From space telescopes that self-select exoplanets (planets outside our solar system) to swarms of small satellites working together. And then there are applications for Earth observation.
Artificial Intelligence Test
SpaceX will soon launch the European Space Agency’s latest mission, Φsat-2, into space. The shoebox-sized satellite will test the capabilities of artificial intelligence for Earth observation applications over the next three years.
Data processing in space
Earth observation satellites send gigabytes of data back to Earth every day. But do we really need all that raw data? Small experimental satellites, like the Dutch Hyperscout and soon the European Φsat-2, are using artificial intelligence to process data in space.
Self-learning satellites automatically detect oil spills at sea, illegal fishing vessels, and large forest fires. They create maps so emergency services know where to drive after a natural disaster. The algorithm filters out non-cloud-based, and therefore usable, data.
Safety comes first
AI development is happening at lightning speed on Earth, and it’s no different in space. Safety comes first, just as it did with Robonaut back then. People must always be in control and able to intervene if there’s a risk of something going wrong.
Curious about more from Kuiper and the universe? For example, he tells you about Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket, Hubble’s artwork and the question of whether space tourists are astronauts.
Do you have advice for Kuipers and the universe or a question about the universe, space travel or sustainability? Send an email to [email protected]. André Kuipers answers most of the original posts in this section every month.
Astronaut André Kuipers (1958) lived and worked in space for 204 days. He is trained as a doctor, but he advises against consulting him. You can call him with questions about space travel, astronomy, and sustainability. He speaks on these topics in books, on television, and on stage. He is your perfect guide to extraterrestrial life, a subject that has fascinated him his entire life.
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