Using the autonomous science robots will make the investigations on solar system simpler. The engineers are progressively giving the spacecraft the capability to make independent decisions. For a long time, the space robots have been used to control some onboard systems such as the power usage regulation. Today, with the artificial intelligence, the planet rovers and orbiters are able to collect and analyze the science data, then make concluding decision on the kind of information to send to the Earth without the human intervention or input.
Since last year, NASA has carried out trials on a Curiosity Rover, an autonomous system that would accelerate the scientific breakthroughs. The new system, known as the Autonomous Exploration for Gathering Increased Science (AEGIS), is now artificially intelligent to make its own independent decisions about the data collected.
The Artificial Intelligence systems are increasingly opening up new opportunities for space explorations. Currently, the satellites tracking the Earth have the ability to analyze the collected images and detect any unusual occurrences such as the volcano eruptions, floods, or fires by taking up to date images and data on events. Spacecraft will not be waiting for commands from the Earth hence; the scientists will be able to collect sufficient data on short-lived incidences such as the dust devils on Mars and others in a short period of time.
The latest spacecraft will now analyze and interpret the data collected and decide on the relevant information to send back to the Earth on their own. According to NASA, the move is intended to reduce the idle time and open up new approaches for studies. In the near future, the orbiters, aerial vehicles, and rovers will have the ability to autonomously organize and coordinate discoveries in very distant worlds.
Without robotic autonomy, it would be impossible to explore other worlds such as the Europa which has an inner ocean that could potentially sustain life. The moon is very distant from the Earth and it orbits around Jupiter. It takes a lot of time to access it than Mars and the radiations on Europa are more harsh for spacecraft hence the robots are better suited for such studies.
