AI’s Potential in Space: A New Frontier for Satellites

TL;DR:

• AI in space faces challenges like power consumption, radiation, and software modifications.
• Onboard AI offers benefits such as real-time data processing, autonomous decision-making, and improved spacecraft performance.
• Companies are developing creative solutions, like space-qualified chips and hardware protection, to bring AI to space.

The Challenge of AI in Space

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have the potential to revolutionise space applications. However, integrating AI onboard satellites is a complex task. Sylvester Kaczmarek, Chief Technology Officer at OrbiSky Systems, a London-based startup focused on AI edge operations, explains, “Running AI in space is like running a marathon on the moon — impressive if achieved, but limited by the environment.”

Power consumption is a significant challenge. Advanced processors used for AI are power-hungry, requiring large solar panels and extra batteries. Additionally, “radiation in space can fry electronics,” says Kaczmarek. Power management is another hurdle, as AI devices demand high currents at low voltages, which is new to the space industry.

Software modifications are also necessary. Kaczmarek states, “Space missions demand AI techniques that can crunch data with limited power and memory.” Ralph Grundler, Aitech Systems’ Director of Space Business Development, emphasises the challenge: “Space loves AI, but AI doesn’t seem to love space.”

The Benefits of Onboard AI

Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of onboard AI are too significant to ignore. AI can process data in real-time, enabling satellites to transmit the most important datasets first and compress the remaining data for onboard storage. This capability is crucial as the latest remote-sensing satellites gather far more data than they can quickly downlink.

Onboard AI can also improve spacecraft performance. Andrew Haslehurst, Chief Technology Officer at Surrey Satellite Technology, suggests that if a satellite experiences a latchup, a type of short circuit, the onboard AI could identify the problem and remedy it through power cycling or other means.

Creative Solutions for AI in Space

To help satellites take advantage of AI, companies are developing innovative solutions. Mercury Systems, for example, co-developed a space-qualified processing board for field programmable gate arrays with Ball Aerospace. OrbiSky is creating new components for AI processing on spacecraft and drones, referred to as “high-performance, secure AI brains for machines” by Kaczmarek.

Singapore-based Zero Error Systems produces hardware and software for space-based electronics. Their Latchup Detection and Protection system monitors commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) integrated circuits and resets the power when a latchup is detected.

Mission-Dependent Approaches

The best approach to integrating AI onboard satellites depends on the mission. Satellites in low-Earth orbit could utilise the latest commercial-off-the-shelf electronics. However, satellites in geostationary or cislunar orbit may require space-qualified parts, shielding, or other creative solutions to mitigate radiation’s impact

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