Is AI technology being widely used for mission control and ground operations?
There are very few other AI tools used in spacecraft operations; MEXAR2 is a trailblazer in bringing AI technology to spacecraft operations. The effectiveness of the tool and the benefits it has provided are therefore significant accomplishments in themselves. MEXAR2, MAPGEN and other tools used by mission controllers on the ground have shown that AI technology is already applicable to space missions and offers great benefits. The reason is that the notion of ‘intelligent decision-making’ based on analysis and evaluation, a key element of Artificial Intelligence, turns out to be very useful in mission control. Can AI-based tools provide benefits, in general, to any space mission – such as future Moon or Mars missions? Yes; AI-based tools offer benefits in many areas, but in particular to space missions. The benefits of AI for distant spacecraft and surface rovers in difficult environments have long been clear; having intelligent decision-making capability on board these spacecraft will
