The Urgency of AI Adoption in the Space Industry

COLORADO SPRINGS — As the space industry braces itself for a new era, experts from both the government and industry are ringing the alarm bells about the need for faster adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). “If we don’t act quickly, we risk falling behind,” they warned during a recent symposium hosted by the Universities Space Research Association and George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute.

The Evolving Role of AI in Space Missions

AI has been part of space missions for decades, albeit in a rudimentary form. Today, however, advancements in large language models and machine learning are reshaping the landscape. Steve Chien, a senior research scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, pointed out how software now enables space telescopes to autonomously skip or reorganize observations. “Twenty years ago, you would absolutely call that AI,” he remarked. “Now, you would say, maybe not.”

Chien, along with many other experts at the symposium, is pushing for a more robust integration of AI technologies in spacecraft and space-based data applications. He stressed, “The aerospace sector has not been as fast as it needs to be. We need to change.”

AI: A Standard Expectation

In an era where AI is omnipresent, not adopting these technologies is becoming increasingly uncommon. Rupak Biswas, director of exploration technology at NASA’s Ames Research Center, commented, “Everyone is doing AI. If you say that you’re not, people think you’re very strange.” He highlighted AI’s capacity to analyze large datasets, unearthing insights that would be impossible for human analysts to find alone.

Defense officials are also recognizing the imperative of AI in future programs. Bryan Dorland, principal director for space technology in the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, noted that AI is critical for improving space domain awareness and autonomy, especially in cislunar space where latency can be an issue. “It’s gotten beyond the point where humans can be in the loop in processing information,” he said regarding potential applications.

Innovations from Tech Giants

Many companies creating AI technology are encouraging the space sector to embrace it more wholeheartedly. John Platt, a fellow at Google focusing on climate science, shared how Google is applying AI at the intersection of space and environmental studies—like analyzing imagery to optimize solar panel placements and developing FireSat, a constellation aimed at monitoring wildfires.

Meta is also leaning into AI with its Llama open-source models. Laura McGorman, director of Meta’s “Data for Good” initiative, shared how one project utilized Llama for spacecraft navigation and another for counting trees globally using Earth observation data. While she acknowledged that awareness is a barrier, she emphasized the potential of these models: “You have this huge awareness problem at the top of the funnel, and it’s possibly the biggest barrier right now.”

The Divide: Startups vs. Traditional Companies

Chien observed that startups are generally more willing to utilize AI than traditional space companies, who often remain cautious. “They’re running ahead with AI,” he said of the startups. “AI is now a branding.” This willingness to experiment is crucial as it fosters innovation in an industry that has traditionally been risk-averse.

Platt urged researchers to take the plunge: “I want you to feel excited. No one really knows what we can do for any particular application. It’s so new!” His message resonated with many attendees, igniting a spark of curiosity.

Conclusion: The Path Ahead

As the conversations at the symposium wrapped up, the consensus was clear: the future of the space industry hinges on its ability to embrace AI technologies. The rapid pace of innovation offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and development, and those willing to adapt will lead the charge.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.