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Artificial Intelligence in Space Exploration: Enabling Autonomy, Discovery, and Sustainability

Swaraag Hebbar N, Shashank Ravindra, Shivaprasad V T, Samanyu Manohar

Abstract


Space travel is changing because smart systems now handle tasks without needing constant direction from people back home. Previously, controlling a spaceship meant waiting for instructions from Earth – a slow process given distance, spotty connections, and challenging conditions. Now things move faster. Venturing farther into space – to places like Mars or distant asteroids – exposes how inadequate current systems have become. Artificial intelligence offers a solution, allowing spacecraft to make sense of information, spot problems, choose what’s scientifically important, then fix things on their own. We look at how AI is being used with robots on planets, managing satellites, keeping spacecraft healthy, plus furthering deep-space research. Notable examples include NASA’s early work with remote control experiments, self-directed science projects, and automated targeting; similarly, we examine ESA’s operational satellite and problem-finding initiatives. AI cuts expenses while boosting discoveries, making space travel to distant planets more achievable. It does this by combining smart tech - like systems that learn, ”see,” keep running despite problems, and plan routes well. This report also looks at ideas for long-term space work; things like robots working together, using fewer resources, connecting devices across space, and employing new kinds of computing to build structures on other worlds – all powered by artificial intelligence shaping how we explore.


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