Artificial Intelligence Virtual Flight Controller (AIVFC)

We propose to leverage the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) extended mission as a testbed to develop an AI Virtual Flight Controller (AIVFC) tool for anomaly resolution. The ground-based AIVFC will analyze IRIS spacecraft core systems telemetry, provide real-time recommendations to human controllers, and advance the TRL of AI-based Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR) methods. No direct commanding to the spacecraft will be performed by AI in this initial effort. The AIVFC framework will be made available to other missions and will serve as a surrogate model to infuse the design of future AI autonomy tools for Earth Independent Operations (EIO) under the Mars Campaign Office (MCO). The AIVFC tool will use 12+ years of IRIS core systems telemetry and simulation data to train AI models for anomaly detection, prediction, and resolution. The tool will be deployed in the IRIS Mission Operations environment as a ground-based decision support system that monitors real-time telemetry, alerts operators to anomalies, and recommends corrective actions. Flight controllers will validate tool performance during real-time operations, enabling rapid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement from laboratory demonstrations to operational validation (TRL 6) within 2 years. This activity establishes an AI operations framework to enable cost-effective reuse of AI methods across missions. The project directly addresses the need for increased autonomy in future exploration missions where Earth-based intervention is limited, such as the Mars Campaign Office Earth Independent Operations (MCO EIO). By demonstrating AI-enabled anomaly resolution in IRIS extended operations, this effort will reduce labor costs, improve operational resilience, and build confidence in AI adoption for NASA flight projects.

This activity establishes an AI operations framework to enable cost-effective reuse of AI methods across missions. The project directly addresses the need for increased autonomy in future exploration missions where Earth-based intervention is limited, such as the Mars Campaign Office Earth Independent Operations (MCO EIO). By demonstrating AI-enabled anomaly resolution in IRIS extended operations, this effort will reduce labor costs, improve operational resilience, and build confidence in AI adoption for NASA flight projects.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.