VISIMO, a Pittsburgh-based technology firm, is gearing up to assess its autonomous AI system designed to support decision-making in spacecraft. This evaluation is set to take place on an impending mission by ABOVE Space Development Corporation, a key player in the development of adaptive space platforms for both commercial and defence purposes. The testing will primarily take place from Los Angeles, California, commencing on 11 October 2024.
In the realm of deep-space exploration, space missions often encounter a myriad of challenges that require spacecraft to autonomously manage unforeseen issues and system failures. Due to the vast distances in space, communication delays with Earth make it imperative for spacecraft to operate independently to a greater extent. Decision support systems are instrumental in facilitating crew operations, enabling them to manage missions effectively and addressing unexpected problems with minimal ground control intervention.
VISIMO's sophisticated system, referred to as Graceful Architecture for Mitigation of System Failures (GRAMS), is underpinned by a NASA Phase II contract. The GRAMS system is specifically engineered to cater to long-duration space missions by managing autonomously operated systems. Its modular cognitive architecture is adept at detecting, adapting to, and recovering from both familiar and unfamiliar failures. This reduces human intervention and bolsters the spacecraft's mission resilience.
Alex Heit, Vice President of Government Markets and Growth at VISIMO, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We're excited to partner with ABOVE and potentially its customers on upcoming missions to use our Cognitive Architecture (CA) platform to identify and mitigate systems failures, having already completed earth-based testing." He further highlighted the future goal of empowering spacecraft to transmit comprehensive data including avionics, telemetry, power consumption, payload health, and, in future manned missions, astronaut vital signs.
Rhonda Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer of ABOVE Space Development Corporation, echoed the sentiment of progress, indicating, "ABOVE is executing on our strategy to provide hosted payloads, space system services, and consulting, as well as automated platforms for customers like VISIMO, who are providing critical state-of-the-art analytics from orbit." She pointed out the potential for customers to leverage VISIMO's platform to enhance their mission evaluations and facilitate real-time data transfer from space.
VISIMO's Cognitive Architecture (CA) is intricately linked with significant NASA missions, including those to the International Space Station (ISS), the Moon to Mars initiative, and the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES). These connections underscore the pivotal role of the CA system in advancing space exploration capabilities.
The upcoming tests of the GRAMS system mark a step forward in autonomous space technology, aiming to fortify spacecraft operational independence and enhance the safety and efficiency of deep-space missions.
Source: Noah Wire Services