How Science can Transform Space Exploration

AI and Machine Learning: Fueling the Next Giant Leap in Space The vast expanse of space beckons us with its mysteries, but the challenges of exploration are immense. However, on the horizon, a powerful duo is emerging: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These technologies are poised to revolutionize space exploration in the coming decade, propelling us further and faster than ever before. One of the most transformative applications of AI lies in autonomous navigation and decision-making. Deep space missions face communication delays due to the immense distances involved. AI-powered systems will enable spacecraft to react to situations in real-time, performing complex maneuvers and making critical decisions without relying on instructions from Earth. This will be crucial for missions to distant asteroids, comets, or even interstellar journeys. Imagine a spacecraft equipped with AI that can identify and avoid hazards like space debris or solar flares. ML algorithms, trained on vast datasets of celestial objects, could allow for real-time analysis of a planet's surface, guiding rovers to scientifically interesting locations or enabling pinpoint-accurate landings. This level of autonomy will free up precious human resources onboard, allowing astronauts to focus on scientific research and exploration. Another game-changer is the power of AI for data analysis. Space exploration generates a firehose of information, from telescope readings to rover images. Sifting through this data deluge is a monumental task, but AI and ML can become invaluable partners. AI can become a tireless co-pilot for scientific exploration, accelerating our understanding of the universe. AI's impact extends beyond spacecraft. Here on Earth, it can revolutionize mission planning and optimization. Complex simulations can be run to identify the most efficient trajectories, predict potential risks, and even optimize resource allocation. This will lead to more cost-effective and safer space missions. The harsh environment of space demands predictive maintenance for spacecraft and habitats. AI can monitor system health, identify potential failures before they occur, and recommend corrective actions. This will ensure the longevity and reliability of space infrastructure, minimizing risks for astronauts and maximizing mission success. Furthermore, AI has the potential to enhance astronaut safety and well-being. Intelligent systems can monitor vital signs, detect mental health issues, and offer personalized support during long-duration missions. The coming decade promises to be a golden age for space exploration, fueled by the power of AI and ML. Preparing a workforce capable of handling such exciting problems beckons bringing the right stakeholders - industry, academia, national labs, government- together. Professional entities like #asme are eminently positioned to tackle it Thomas Costabile Thomas Kurfess #asmefoundation Wenbin Yu Karen E. Russo

Why did we go to Mars 🚀 ? Short answer: to assess its habitability for future generations. Long answer: 👇 👇 👇 Mars has always captured humanity’s imagination, but today, it represents one of our most ambitious engineering challenges. Over the past decades, orbiters, landers, and rovers have transformed our understanding of the planet’s climate, terrain, and potential for life. Missions like NASA’s Perseverance and China’s Zhurong are not just searching for signs of ancient microbial life, they are also testing technologies essential for future crewed missions. One of the greatest obstacles to human exploration is resource scarcity. To address this, Perseverance's MOXIE experiment has demonstrated the ability to generate oxygen from Mars’ CO₂-rich atmosphere—an essential step for both life support and fuel production. Meanwhile, orbiters like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and upcoming Mars Ice Mapper are pinpointing underground water ice deposits, which could one day sustain a human outpost. These technologies represent critical advancements in in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), reducing reliance on Earth for survival. Propulsion and transport technologies are also evolving rapidly. SpaceX’s Starship aims to enable cost-effective, reusable transportation to Mars, potentially revolutionizing interplanetary logistics. NASA’s Artemis program and nuclear propulsion concepts, such as NASA’s NTP (Nuclear Thermal Propulsion) and DARPA’s DRACO, could dramatically cut travel times, reducing radiation exposure for astronauts. These developments are not just engineering feats, they are foundational for making Mars missions viable within our lifetime. Sustained human presence on Mars will also require autonomous robotics, advanced habitats, and closed-loop life support systems. Projects like AI-driven robotic construction and self-sustaining greenhouses are already being tested on Earth and aboard the ISS. The combination of additive manufacturing, radiation shielding, and AI-based resource management will be essential to establishing a livable Martian base. The aerospace industry’s continued innovation in these fields is what will ultimately make Mars colonization possible. The journey to Mars is more than just exploration, it’s a proving ground for the next generation of aerospace engineering. Every challenge we solve today, from propulsion and ISRU to autonomy and habitat design, brings us closer to becoming an interplanetary species. As we continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the question is no longer if we will reach Mars, but when.

The creaking, leaking International Space Station took 40+ launches and $150 billion to build. But this balloon-like space base? It launches on a single rocket and puffs up in orbit into a three-story condo. (Complete with gym, medical bay, scientific research center, and even a garden for fresh vegetables) How Sierra Space created one of the world’s most promising space innovations: The ISS has been humanity’s orbital outpost since 1998. But it's showing its age, needing $4 billion/year in repairs, fixes, and upkeep. In 2020, cosmonauts even patched a 2mm leak with tea leaves and epoxy! By January 2031, the ISS will crash into Point Nemo, the ocean’s space graveyard. So, what’s next? Not another clunky metal box. One highly promising innovation is Sierra Space’s Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat. 3 reasons why: 1) Blooms To 300 Cubic Meters ↳ That’s one-third the total volume of the ISS in a single launch ↳ At a fraction of the cost and assembly complexity. 2) Built 5x ‘Stronger Than Steel’ ↳ Its shell is made of Vectran fabric, asynthetic fiber so tough it cushioned NASA’s Mars rovers during landing. It’s 5x stronger than steel when inflated, providing amazing protection against space debris and rocks. 3) Built For Life And Science  ↳ Sleeps four astronauts (six at a push). ↳ Along with a gym, medical bay, research facilities... ↳ Even an “Astro Garden” for fresh veg on long missions. These emerging features will be essential not just for Low Earth Orbit operations, but future Moon and Mars surface habitation. But LIFE isn't just tough. It's also for space-based scientific research. For example: Microgravity experiments in areas like pharmaceuticals and semiconductor manufacturing. The unique conditions of space open up exciting new possibilities for creating new materials impossible to make on earth. And the coolest aspect is that LIFE isn’t a blueprint. It actually works. Last year, a full-scale model sailed through a rigorous burst test, withstanding well over the pressure safety benchmarks set by NASA. So what next? Sierra’s on track to have flight-ready modules by late 2026, with the first "Pathfinder" mission following soon after. As soon as 2027, LIFE modules are scheduled to form the core of Orbital Reef, a commercial station designed by Blue Origin and Sierra. The ISS has been a marvel. But its retirement signals it’s time for the space station 2.0. LIFE’s blend of: • Strength • Livability • Adaptability Make it an ideal testbed for the technologies and practices that will unlock long-term living on the Moon and then Mars. So shout out to Sierra Space for creating something truly groundbreaking. When the ISS sinks, LIFE could float us forward. ____________________________ Hey, I’m Adam Rossi, an Entrepreneur, Business Operator and Investor. My company TotalShield helps ambitious space companies validate their hardware before launch with bespoke testing solutions.

DARPA Advances In-Orbit Space Construction with NOM4D Program A Major Leap Toward Autonomous Space Manufacturing The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has officially entered the testing phase of its NOM4D (Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design) program, marking a significant step toward building large-scale structures in space. This transition from lab-based experiments to small-scale orbital demonstrations signals a breakthrough in autonomous space construction. The NOM4D initiative, launched in 2022, is designed to overcome one of the biggest limitations in space infrastructure development—the size and weight constraints of rocket cargo fairings. Instead of launching pre-assembled or pre-folded structures, the program aims to: • Stow lightweight raw materials aboard rockets. • Assemble structures in space using autonomous robotic systems. • Construct larger, more efficient orbital platforms, beyond what current launch systems allow. A New Era of Space Expansion The NOM4D program is part of a broader shift in space technology, paving the way for: • Frequent orbital launches and lunar missions by 2030. • On-orbit refueling capabilities to extend spacecraft missions. • Autonomous robots assembling space stations and other critical infrastructure. This could radically reduce the cost and complexity of sending large structures into orbit, enabling more ambitious space missions, larger satellites, and permanent deep-space habitats. Why This Matters With private industry and government agencies accelerating space development, in-orbit construction could revolutionize: • Military and defense applications, allowing for rapid deployment of space assets. • Commercial space stations, supporting research, manufacturing, and tourism. • Lunar and Mars colonization, where raw materials could be extracted and assembled into habitable structures. The Future of Space Infrastructure By transitioning to real-world testing, DARPA is bringing us closer to a future where spacecraft, satellites, and even space habitats are built and expanded directly in orbit. The NOM4D program represents a critical step toward making large-scale space manufacturing a reality—one that could reshape how humanity builds in space for decades to come.

🛰️ Most people probably haven't heard of NASA's Parker Solar Probe, the just-announced Collier Trophy winner (most prestigious 🏆 in aerospace). Here's why you SHOULD care: The Parker Solar Probe is humanity's closest-ever encounter with our life-giving star, the Sun. It's not just another spacecraft. 🔭 Science - and particularly "big science" projects like Parker - can feel out of touch in a world filled with immediate challenges (rising costs of living, rent, food insecurity, etc.). It's natural to wonder, "Why does this space thing matter?" Big science solves real problems on Earth. Understanding solar weather, for example, helps us protect critical infrastructure like power grids, comms satellites, and nav systems from solar storms that can disrupt everyday life. Tech for space exploration regularly translates into practical solutions on Earth: water purification, smartphone cameras, GPS nav, Bluetooth, scratch-resistant glasses, memory foam, solar cells, etc. Investing in big science inspires generations, creates new growth-oriented industries and jobs, and fosters innovation that ripples through society, improving quality of life for everyone, everywhere. We can't lose the forest for the trees! Parker accomplished several epic things: 🌬️ Provided unprecedented data about solar wind generation and acceleration, helping solve long-standing mysteries about the processes in the solar corona. Like seeing how a river begins from its hidden mountain source. 🧲 Observed unknown magnetic structures called "switchbacks," dramatically enhancing our understanding of solar magnetic field dynamics and their impact on space weather. Like kinks in a garden hose changing how water sprays out. ☀️ Flew just 4 million miles away from the Sun's surface - incredibly close by space standards. Conventional spacecraft would've melted. It faced intense solar radiation, with direct heat flux exceeding 475 times that of near Earth orbit, with surface temps near 2500F! Like actual lava temps. 🏎️ Set a record velocity of ~430,000 mph, leveraging gravity-assist maneuvers around Venus. This insane speed (faster than any human-made object ever) reduced orbital duration drastically, which meant more frequent and close passes without melting. At this speed, you could circle the Earth in less time than it takes to microwave popcorn. 🛡️ Built a fancy heat shield to keep instruments at stable temps of ~85F. It consisted of a 4.5-inch thick reinforced carbon-carbon composite shield with white alumina coating, dissipating and reflecting solar radiation. Like the world's most effective oven mitt. As a new member of the National Aeronautic Association's Board (we oversee the Collier Trophy selection!), I offer my hearty congrats to the Parker Solar Probe team at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. You inspire me to aim higher and dare bigger. Go Big Science!

𝗡𝗔𝗦𝗔'𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴. Mars is too far for real-time problem-solving. A simple question takes 20 minutes to reach Earth and another 20 minutes for a response. That’s a 40-minute delay—too long when facing a life-threatening emergency. NASA needs AI that predicts failures and fixes them before they become catastrophic. To train it, they’re tapping into an unlikely data source: endurance racing. Dozens of high-performance cars generate massive amounts of real-time performance data. Last week, ahead of the 24 Hours of Daytona, IMSA - International Motor Sports Association held a tech symposium with representatives from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Michelin, AMD, and Microsoft. While they were all there to discuss racing, everyone was there to talk about simulation and AI. What better stress test for machines and AI than a 24-hour, 60-car race? Teams are using predictive analytics to anticipate failures before they happen. Every millisecond counts—just like in a deep-space emergency. NASA’s Ian Maddox said it best: “You guys have things that roll, and we have things that rotate... you have things that get hot and cold, and so do we.” Beyond machine performance, AI is being trained to predict human behavior in high-pressure environments. Microsoft has already done this with esports data from Rocket League, refining real-world racing AI. Now, those same models are being adapted for space missions. This isn’t just theory. NASA is already incorporating IMSA data into its simulations, building AI to process real-time performance data, and helping astronauts survive the journey to Mars. If AI can predict tire wear at 200 mph, it can diagnose spacecraft malfunctions before they become fatal. Innovation breakthroughs occur at the edges. The most significant advancements don’t always originate from within; they arise from looking sideways. Companies that acknowledge this will shape the future. NASA is looking to IMSA. Where are you looking? #space #tech #motorsport #sportsbiz

DARPA Redefines Space Construction with Autonomous Robots Space exploration is about to get a major upgrade. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is gearing up to test orbital construction through its Novel Orbital Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program, launched in 2022. Forget bulky, pre-built components constrained by rocket size—DARPA’s goal is to assemble large, lightweight structures directly in space. Now, in early 2025, NOM4D’s third phase is moving from labs to orbit, with demonstrations slated for 2026 spotlighting a revolutionary technology: autonomous robotic assembly. Orbital Tests Take Shape Two university teams are leading the charge. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) will send a free-flying robot aboard a Momentus Vigoride vehicle, launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, to autonomously build a 1.4-meter truss in low-Earth orbit. Meanwhile, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) will test frontal polymerization—a method to harden composites in space without heavy equipment—aboard the International Space Station. These experiments aim to show that massive structures like antennas, solar arrays, or refueling stations can be crafted efficiently beyond Earth, unshackling design from launch limitations. How Autonomous Robotic Assembly Works Caltech’s test hinges on autonomous robotic assembly: robots building complex frameworks without human oversight. Imagine a robotic system with arms and sensors, floating in microgravity, guided by onboard intelligence. It scans its surroundings with cameras or lasers, plans each move with precision, and uses mechanical arms to connect parts—often within razor-thin tolerances. If a piece shifts mid-process, the robot adapts instantly. In orbit, this could mean turning compact materials into a sturdy truss, all hundreds of miles above Earth, no Earthside controller required. Why It’s a Game-Changer Rockets can’t haul giant structures, but they can carry raw materials. Autonomous assembly is like shipping IKEA flat-packs instead of a fully built desk—only the desk builds itself. This unlocks possibilities like sprawling solar panels for satellites, deep-space antennas, or orbital fuel depots, all constructed where they’re needed. For DARPA, it’s a strategic edge; for commercial space, it’s a blueprint for lunar bases or asteroid mining hubs. Faster, cheaper, and more adaptable, this tech could redefine space infrastructure. Looking to the Stars As February 24, 2025, ticks closer to these 2026 trials, anticipation builds. Caltech’s truss and UIUC’s material tests are small steps with big potential—proofs of concept that could scale up dramatically. If NOM4D succeeds, DARPA may not just transform how we build in space but where we dream humanity’s future lies: out there, with robots paving the way. https://lnkd.in/eZwet6Va UI Urbana-Champaign

Imagine this: seamless communication systems on the Moon, powering high-speed connections for lunar data centers and "physical AI" like autonomous rovers and drones. RF communications technology is not just enabling lunar exploration—it’s shaping the future of infrastructure beyond Earth. At the heart of this transformation are RF spectrum technologies and advanced mmWave frequencies, tackling everything from spectrum allocation challenges to the extreme thermal conditions of space. With breakthroughs like flip-chip technology, we’re overcoming these hurdles, ensuring resilient, high-frequency communication systems for both crewed and uncrewed lunar missions. Curious how these cutting-edge innovations will support humanity's next giant leap? Read the full blog to explore how RF is paving the way for a connected Moon and beyond! Learn more https://ow.ly/hWuM50V8UfX

William Gibson quipped "The future is already here – it's just not evenly distributed" in the The Economist, December 4, 2003 [1] Its a great observation and holds for a lot of technologies. Long distance wireless power transfer (#WPT) is an example of this. The first demonstrations of wireless power transfer happened in the 1960's. In 1964 first public demonstration was of a model helicopter operating for 10 hours using only beamed power. Around the same time, the theory was established on how to move power without wires at almost 100% efficiency. Eventually, using the NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration deep space network radars, 35kW was beamed 1.55 km in 1975 by a team led by W. Brown. DC-DC efficiencies as high as 55% were achieved. [2] In the decades since there, there have been increasingly capable demonstrations #WPT in the US, Canada, Japan, and Europe. Each demonstration has improved the efficiency, miniaturization, cost, and a myriad of other aspects. #WPT is the key technology to enable space based solar power (#SBSP). In the late 1970's with the success of the #Apollo program, an energy crisis caused by a drop in US oil production, and the early successes with wireless power transmission, the first serious study of solar power satellites was conducted by NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In 1981 that study concluded and the idea was shelved due to launch cost, reliability, and the need for manned operations in space to build and maintain solar power satellites. [3] However, the future envisioned by those pioneers continued evolving in the background. The enablers have incrementally improved since 1980. The changes are now huge and improving at an increasingly faster rate. Launch costs are dropping. Launch capacity is growing exponentially. Solid state #electronics can now reliably operate for decades in space. #Automation, #robotics, and #AI can eliminate the need for manned operations in space to build and support the satellites. #Simulation can reduce the risks with a first of a kind system. The best #solar cells are 2-4 times better than what was available in 1980 and they continue to improve. The technology for #SBSP has improved enough that hardware is making it into space. Caltech flew a demonstration system flew in 2023 [4]. JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency announced a demonstration for 2025. [5] Virtus Solis Technologies and Orbital Composites announced a mission for 2027. [6] Many others demos will happen by the end of the decade. These missions are paving the way for commercial operation in the 2030s. Last month in London, ESA SOLARIS sponsored the first Energy from Space Conference [7]. The more than 200 participants made it clear that a future of space based solar power that has been quietly improving through research labs, academia, and startups is getting ready to be distributed a lot more widely. Virtus Solis Technologies #hardtech #spacetech #deeptech