In the future, intelligent tools will enhance or replace human competencies in various fields. AI is the intelligence displayed by software or machines. It is the sub-branch of computer science. AI is becoming a standard field in space exploration. Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows the inbuilt software or machines to act like human beings, enabling these tools to reason, make decisions, talk, analyze data, perceive and act. Humans living in space need sophisticated tools, and effective implements are intelligent machines. Just as the application of computers for data processing has become pervasive in space programs across the globe, the developed software will be used in every aspect of space settlement for which advanced intelligence is an investment.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has used AI for various purposes. One of the milestone achievements is the role AI played in the launch of Chandrayaan-3. Unlike Chandrayaan-2, Pragyaan (the land rover) operates as a communicating agent for Chandrayaan-3 but without an orbiter. The AI integration with spacecraft enables the astronauts to communicate with Vikram lander regarding safe landing, navigation, & tracing resources. The specific use of motion technology with an advanced version of the rover guides the space team to take static images of the surface and send them to Earth for further testing. 

AI algorithms and deep learning models help astronauts have safe landings and timely decisions backed with insights. The information from the lunar surface about geological studies and other celestial facts needs deep exploration. The ML algorithm with AI ensures an insightful survey of the facts, leading to data-driven decisions. 

Indeed, AI marks a new flag of victory in space exploration that humans would have failed to do. From evaluating cosmic occurrences to tracing black holes, AI transforms space industry operations. With such developments, the future of the space industry seems bright. The day is not far when AI-based assistants will join the astronauts in their space missions.

New Satellites

In light of the enhanced role of AI in space exploration, ISRO is planning to launch a fleet of fifty new AI-powered satellites. These satellites will be launched over five years. The satellites will be able to interact with each other in space to gather geo-intelligence and will be able to beef up the country's border surveillance from the sky manifold. 

Speaking at the IIT Bombay event, 'Techfest', ISRO chairman S Somanath said that the country's overall satellite fleet, with its current strength of 54, is insufficient for a country like India. With the capability of this new 'eyes in the sky', it was essential to improve the ability of satellites to detect changes to bring in more AI-related and data-driven approaches to analyze data, reduce data downloads and get only the information. He said these upgraded satellites will be able to interact with each other to gather 24/7 intelligence data along with the brother. If India can launch satellites at this scale, threats to the country can be better mitigated. 

New domain

According to the Chief, ISRO has found a way by which a layer of satellites can be launched starting from GEO (geostationary equatorial orbit) to LEO (lower earth orbit) and also in shallow earth orbit where we need a very critical assessment of some situation. The communication between satellites will be beneficial so that if some satellite detects something at GEO at 36,000 KM, it can task another satellite in the lower orbit to check much more carefully and then give more information. This, according to the chief, provides enormous potential.