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Raphael Thys
How will AI change space exploration?
- Long-duration spaceflights pose a challenge to astronauts due to the strain put on the body by the zero gravity environment.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) could point to novel solutions to these challenges.
- Most recently, scientists have suggested using extended reality and AI to help with Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS).
Long-duration spaceflights have become increasingly common over the past few decades, with astronauts spending upwards of a year in space in low-gravity conditions.
However, the toll on the human body, including bone and muscle loss, is a significant challenge to spending extended periods of time in low-gravity conditions.
To address these challenges, researchers are exploring various avenues, with some of the most exciting and promising involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The use of AI in space exploration is multi-faceted, from controlling rovers remotely to safeguarding the well-being of astronauts. One recent advance involves the expansion of visual assessments for astronauts using AI.
Research in this area is being led by Dr. Ethan Waisberg, from the University of Cambridge, and Dr. Joshua Ong, from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Ethan Waisberg and Dr. Joshua Ong, with the NASA-funded VR headset.Dr. Ethan Waisberg
In this article, we explore their work, along with other fascinating applications of AI in space technology, including the use of personalized and precision medicine pioneered by Dr. Waisberg and Dr. Ong.
The role of AI in space exploration
Capable of sifting through large amounts of data, performing data analysis, and making real-time decisions, AI has become an integral part of improving the future of space exploration.
Spacecraft operations
AI could be used to optimize take-off, landing, and gear deployment. SpaceX already uses AI autopilots, like those on Falcon 9, for docking with the International Space Station (ISS).
AI can also be used to calculate trajectories, manage fuel, handle navigation, and adjust for atmospheric challenges. For example, IBM's Watson powers robots like CIMON 2, which is designed to aid astronauts in onboard operations.
Planetary exploration
AI already enables Mars Rovers to navigate autonomously, ensuring safety by avoiding obstacles. NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab also uses AI image recognition on Mars. Rover Perseverance employs AEGIS for rock classification, and AI is also used to evaluate safe landing sites. The European Space Agency (ESA) is also experimenting with AI-driven "hopper" robots for use in lunar exploration.
A close-up of a rock taken by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover using AEGIS.NASA
Mapping the universe
Current and future uses for AI include assisting astronomers in mapping the cosmos by recognizing star clusters and distant nebulae. For example, NASA's Kepler telescope uses AI to locate planets through starlight dips while predicting celestial events like supernovae.
AI can also detect black holes via gravitational wave ripples from their collisions with neutron stars and assists in SETI's search for extraterrestrial intelligence by analyzing radio telescope data.
Biomedical research
Beyond Earth's orbit, AI can be used to monitor astronaut health, aiding in adaptation to space challenges, analyze data, and predict complications before they happen.
Management of space debris
AI can also aid in managing space debris and preventing collisions with autonomous systems, including detecting and tracking debris for improved navigation and protection.
An artist's interpretation of space trash circling Earth.dottedhippo
Challenges to long-duration spaceflights
AI can assist in addressing one of the most pressing concerns of long-duration spaceflight: the health challenges faced by astronauts.
Astronauts experience muscle and bone loss, cardiovascular changes, and fluid shifts that can lead to motion sickness and vision problems, as well as longer-term issues. These changes in the body's physiology also make readjusting to Earth's gravity a long process, and it can take months for astronauts to regain full strength.
Moreover, cosmic radiation poses a significant health risk on extended missions, and can damage DNA over time. Researchers are exploring strategies to mitigate this risk through improved spacecraft shielding.
The mental toll of isolation and separation from loved ones can lead to anxiety and stress for astronauts, further affecting their well-being. Sleep disturbances are common in space, with astronauts typically getting two hours less sleep per night compared to on Earth, compounding feelings of stress.
One of the most pressing concerns is Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). This affects around 70% of ISS astronauts, causing swelling of the eyes due to long-term exposure to microgravity.
A post-flight MR optic nerve image illustrating potential kinking (arrow) resulting from long-duration spaceflight.Peter Mortensen/NASA
Explaining the importance of understanding SANS, Dr. Ong told IE, "Vision is of critical importance for astronaut health and mission performance. SANS is a significant barrier to future spaceflight."
"However, the pathogenesis of SANS is still not well understood. AI and extended reality technology may help to characterize the effects of long-duration microgravity on the ophthalmic system."
Expanding visual assessments
The researchers shared their respective motivations to explore the intersection of ophthalmology and space medicine. Dr. Waisberg told IE, "I've had a long-standing interest in both ophthalmology and space, making this research a compelling opportunity."
Dr. Ong added, "My prior work in bioartificial muscle research in space naturally led me to explore space medicine, and this project allowed me to merge my clinical interest in ophthalmology with space medicine seamlessly."
Current visual assessments on the ISS include static visual acuity, which checks clarity when viewing stationary objects; use of the Amsler grid to assess central vision for distortions; and self-reported surveys about visual experiences.
An astronaut aboard the ISS performing routine tests for visual assessments.NASA
These tests are performed at specific intervals during missions to monitor astronauts' visual health, and contrast sensitivity (CS) assessments are also used when necessary.
To address the limitations of current visual assessments and enhance our understanding of SANS, Dr. Waisberg, and Dr. Ong suggest the answer lies in the use of AI. With this goal in mind, the team proposes the development of a head-mounted, multi-modal visual assessment system to enhance astronaut vision monitoring during spaceflight.
The role of AI in this system is to analyze and interpret the data collected from the various visual assessments.
Dr. Ong explained, "We have explored AI frameworks to detect and investigate the pathophysiology of SANS. These frameworks include generative adversarial networks, supervised/unsupervised learning, and transfer learning. We can combine extended reality, like augmented and virtual reality (VR), with AI to provide further insights."
Wearable multi-modal visual assessment system design.Lee at. al
Additionally, dynamic visual acuity, crucial for astronauts constantly in motion, can be assessed using this system. "Metamorphopsia assessment in VR can replace paper grid-based testing, providing more sensitive tracking of visual distortions."
"Our research includes using augmented reality to suppress monocular metamorphopsia," said Dr. Waisberg.
In simple terms, by utilizing AI, this system can offer dynamic visual assessments, including the ability to evaluate astronauts' vision when they are in motion or focusing on moving objects. This dynamic assessment is crucial for astronauts constantly on the move during missions.
Moreover, the AI-driven system can track visual distortions, such as metamorphopsia, essential for assessing central vision abnormalities. It has the potential to replace the traditional Amsler grid-based testing, providing more sensitive and accurate data on vision changes.
The incorporation of AI also allows for real-time analysis of visual data, enabling prompt detection of any visual anomalies. This feature is vital for ensuring astronaut safety during missions.
Challenges and ethical considerations
Incorporating AI into space medicine raises intricate ethical concerns, particularly regarding data privacy and accountability in cases of AI misdiagnosis.
In a different study, Dr. Waisberg and Dr. Ong shed light on these ethical challenges, emphasizing the need for thoughtful policy changes.
One major challenge highlighted is determining responsibility in case of AI misdiagnosis, sparking a debate about the role of AI in the patient-doctor relationship.
This dynamic also necessitates a reevaluation of data transmission practices. Dr. Waisberg and Dr. Ong advocate for edge computing to protect data privacy and ensure prompt decision-making.
Dr. Waisberg stressed, "AI is still an experimental technology and requires autonomous and informed consent from participating astronauts."
He further emphasized, "Additionally, large amounts of astronaut data are necessary to train AI algorithms, and it's vital that sensitive astronaut healthcare data is used responsibly with their full, informed consent."
Acknowledging the challenge of limited training data, Dr. Ong added, 'While extended reality is already onboard the ISS, offering many benefits for implementation, it's necessary to further and thoroughly validate the techniques developed by the team."
Respecting astronaut autonomy is another crucial aspect. AI in space medicine, though promising, is experimental, requiring informed and voluntary consent from astronauts. Dr. Waisberg and Dr. Ong stress that astronauts' agreement to use their data for AI system improvement is crucial.
Dr. Waisberg and Dr. Ong also point out that AI technologies developed for space exploration can alleviate healthcare challenges in remote regions.
Conclusion
The integration of AI with space technology presents a number of challenges and calls for thoughtful policy formulation and accountability.
However, it also offers remarkable opportunities, as Dr. Waisberg and Dr. Ong's research demonstrates.
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As we look to the future, the potential of AI in space medicine goes beyond its immediate application. It holds promise as a transformative tool not only for astronaut health but also for global healthcare accessibility.
Dr. Waisberg optimistically says, "We see our research not only fitting well as a space innovation to monitor astronaut vision but also as an exciting tool to screen for blindness in developing countries."
"In the future, we hope to deploy our technology in low-cost VR headsets in underserved regions to help screen for preventable causes of blindness." This vision exemplifies the broader impact that space innovation can have on improving healthcare worldwide.
It is evident that AI has potential in space exploration, especially for understanding SANS, marking a significant step toward safeguarding astronaut health during extended missions beyond our planet.
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