The following are examples of AI-enabled spacecraft:
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NASA’s Mars Rovers: The Mars rovers from NASA, including Curiosity and Perseverance, employ AI-driven navigation systems for accurate guidance during their exploration missions.
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SpaceX’s Falcon 9: SpaceX has implemented an AI autopilot system in its Falcon 9 craft to carry out autonomous operations such as docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering cargo for NASA.
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ESA’s OPS-SAT: Managed by ESA, the OPS-SAT spacecraft employs artificial intelligence for a range of tasks including enhancing image quality, identifying features on Earth’s surface, and managing spacecraft orientation via reinforcement learning.
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DLR’s CIMON: Developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), CIMON is an AI assistant designed for astronauts aboard the ISS that possesses capabilities to see, speak, hear, comprehend, and fly autonomously.
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JAXA’s Epsilon Rocket: JAXA, the Japanese space agency has incorporated artificial intelligence into its Epsilon rocket to autonomously oversee its performance during launches.
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NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope: The James Webb Space Telescope from NASA relies on AI to process enormous amounts of data produced during observations to augment scientific analysis.
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ESA’s Autonomous Rovers: The European Space Agency (ESA) is testing “hopper” robots that navigate using legs instead of wheels; these movements are coordinated by AI algorithms for balance and motion.
These examples illustrate how artificial intelligence is progressively being employed in diverse space missions and exploration efforts to boost efficiency, autonomy, and decision-making abilities in spacecraft operations.
