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Completed TRL 5 (started at 1, targeting 6)
We will develop, integrate with sensors, and test a science-focused artificial intelligence (AI) framework that ‘learns’ about the environment during a mission, updates onboard science data analysis algorithms on-the-fly based on new observations, prioritizes data collection based on mission priorities, and adapts to new requirements. Our development and testing plan fosters rapid prototyping and refinement for extensible mission architectures that cross Science Directorates.
Our proposed Science AI framework would be a new capability for spaceflight, enabling new missions with long communication delays (e.g., outer solar system, subsurface) and enhancing science data collection for missions through rapid data analysis and real-time response. The extensibility aspect of our proposed work would be the first to assess requirements for redirecting and collaborating science (instrument) assets (ground-based or space-based) for use in a new, short-term mission outside of each asset’s originally-intended purpose.
Our work addresses a critical need outlined in the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032 (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), 2021) for “autonomy…[for the] achievement of science objectives through goal-seeking and optimization.” The AI technology and autonomous science operations we will test are relevant to the 2015 NASA Astrobiology Strategy and the 2019 (NASEM) Astrobiology Strategy key research themes related to exploring and characterizing habitable environments.”
Our rapid prototyping plan will enable us to deliver a Science-Focused AI capability that will be sufficiently matured with flight-like resources within 2 years; this will make our technology a prime candidate for the next Planetary Flagship mission, the Uranus Orbiter and Probe, as well as competed NF 5 proposals (anticipated release 2026).
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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