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." For more on the broader implications of AI's advancements, read about AI's Secret Revolution: Trends You Can't Miss.
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.
Enjoying this? Get more in your inbox.
Weekly AI news & insights from Asia.
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. This echoes discussions around AI with Empathy for Humans in its ability to diagnose and respond to complex situations.
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. This push for specialized hardware is also seen in efforts like Nvidia Jetson AGX Thor sets a new pace for robotics and physical AI.
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. For further reading on the challenges and solutions in space electronics, a detailed report from the European Space Agency (ESA) on radiation effects in space electronics provides valuable insights.
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. This adaptive approach is vital, similar to how different regions in North Asia employ diverse models of structured governance for AI.
Comment and Share:
What do you think about the future of AI in space? How can we overcome the challenges to unleash AI's full potential in space applications? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don't forget to Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on AI and AGI developments.
Latest Comments (6)
Interesting read! I've been meaning to dive into AI's role in space, particularly how it's gonna revolutionise satellite operations. This feels like such a pivotal moment, innit? The future looks proper exciting for this tech. Definitely bookmarking this to ponder further.
Menarik sekali! Could AI help design more robust power systems for these space missions, considering the extreme radiation?
Nakupo! This article really got me thinking, especially about AI and satellites. While the benefits sound superb, I can't help but wonder about the security implications. Imagine a rogue AI controlling a swarm of satellites, maybe even messing with our internet connection back home. It's not a far fetched scenario, is it? We're already seeing cyber attacks almost daily. I mean, we’re putting so much trust in these sophisticated systems – what happens if there's a serious glitch or, worse, a deliberate hack? It just feels like a massive leap of faith, even with all the clever engineers out there.
This is fascinating! With all the satellite constellations going up, especially for internet access, AI onboard could really help manage the growing orbital traffic. Just hoping we're thinking about the energy consumption too – gotta find that balance between innovative tech and sustainability in space.
Interesting read, lah! I wonder how they'll overcome the latency issues for real-time AI decisions up there. Definitely keeping an eye on this space.
This is fascinating stuff! Here in Singapore, with our burgeoning space tech scene, seeing how AI can make those shoebox satellites even smarter is a real game-changer. Imagine quicker fault diagnosis or optimising comms links over our crowded airwaves. Certainly opens up new frontiers for our local ventures.
Leave a Comment