How NASA is Introducing AI Technologies Usage on Earth and in Space Exploration

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just changing the way we do things on Earth, it’s also transforming how we approach the universe. NASA has been exploring the power of AI for years and recent developments are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration and scientific discovery even further. From autonomous rovers on Mars to AI-enhanced efforts to find new exoplanets, our understanding of space is increasingly powered by machine learning and automation.

AI in Space Exploration: Mars and Beyond

One of the most notable examples of NASA’s AI capabilities is the Perseverance rover on Mars. Unlike earlier rovers that relied more on manual human input, Perseverance relies heavily on AI to navigate the Martian surface independently and in real-time. It’s equipped with an instrument called PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry) that uses AI to search for signs of ancient life by targeting and analyzing rock samples based on curated data from previous missions. 

NASA’s Curiosity rover also uses AI to operate its laser, selecting targets for chemical analysis autonomously. This is crucial for missions where human intervention is less feasible or more time-consuming.

Beyond exploring our closest planetary neighbor, AI is also helping scientists find planets light-years away. NASA’s ExoMiner deep learning system recently identified 301 new exoplanets by analyzing data from the Kepler Space Telescope. ExoMiner works by recognizing patterns in vast amounts of data, sifting through noise to spot planets that would otherwise be overlooked, and making decisions that are more accurate than human and machine combined.

NASA’s telescopes collect massive amounts of data about deep space every day, and AI can help process this data faster and allow for more accurate analysis. For example, machine learning models can analyze light curves to predict cosmic events like supernovae and gamma ray bursts. AI has also been used to identify gravitational waves caused by massive cosmic events, quickly analyzing data from observatories like LIGO and Virgo.

Using AI for Smarter Spacecraft, Satellites, and More

AI is making spacecraft and satellites more autonomous and efficient. NASA’s ASPEN (Automated Scheduling and Planning Environment) system helps plan and adjust mission operations. AI algorithms monitor spacecraft health, predict system failures, and even automate repairs when possible.

The U.S. Space Force has also embraced AI for satellite operations that automate data collection, detect anomalies, and improve satellite positioning. AI-driven models are also tracking orbital debris to help protect satellites and spacecraft from impending collisions. Similarly, the European Space Agency is using AI to control satellite constellations and filter data before transmission, reducing the burden on ground station personnel and increasing mission efficiency.

Beyond space missions, NASA’s AI research is also improving life on Earth. Through a partnership with IBM, NASA uses AI to analyze climate patterns and predict extreme weather events to better prepare us before a disaster strikes. AI is also being used in cybersecurity operations to protect against threats and mitigate damage from successful attacks.

A Vision for 2040 and Beyond

NASA is setting its sights on the future with the NASA 2040 AI Track, an initiative focused on advancing AI in space exploration. Launched in 2024, this effort aims to enhance AI’s role in autonomous decision-making, spacecraft navigation, and scientific discovery.

To support these goals, NASA established the AI Strategy Team, which focuses on integrating AI more deeply into missions. The team is working to develop AI systems that can handle complex, real-time scenarios such as adjusting a rover’s path on a distant planet or responding to unexpected hazards. By developing these capabilities, NASA is positioning AI as a key partner in future space missions, ensuring more efficient and autonomous operations in deep space exploration.

“It is important to see AI not as a threat that will replace the work of humans but as a tool to make our work easier and more efficient.” —David Salvagnini, Chief Data Officer and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, NASA

Exploring New Frontiers in Space and AI at Capitol Tech

Capitol Technology University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Astronautical Engineering that prepare you for an impactful and long-lasting career in the field. Our student centers and labs, as well as our on-campus ALPHA Observatory, provide hands-on experience with satellite ground stations and balloon payloads, imparting the technical skills students need to succeed.

Our degree programs in AI, including the first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Science in AI in Maryland, prepare you to explore the many facets, skills, and ethics involved in this new technology, as well as the many ways AI is being used across a spectrum of industries. Our AI Center of Excellence also fosters a wider and more dynamic ecosystem for research, education, and industry collaboration.

Want to learn more? We invite you to attend our GreyCon Conference on July 15 as an opportunity to explore this new frontier in technology emerging at the intersection of space, AI, and cybersecurity. 

To discover our academic programs, contact our Admissions team or request more information.