AI in Space: Exploration, Research, Innovation, and Inclusivity

By Dr. James Barney  |  12/31/2024

Imagine a future where computers run by artificial intelligence (AI) pilot spaceships and explore space, but the benefits of such groundbreaking technology do not benefit millions of ordinary people. Similarly, imagine classrooms fill with children who, despite technological advances, are still educated using methods from the nineteenth century.

In 2023, SpaceX launched a satellite equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enables autonomous navigation, marking a significant step forward in the use of AI in space. This technology allows spacecraft to participate in deep space missions and demonstrates the growing synergy between AI, education, legal studies, and space studies.

While there has been a great deal of excitement over the possibilities raised by AI and space, educators must also be cognizant of the dangers posed by emerging technologies and trends. There is a need to bridge the growing digital divide that may harm academia and deprive ordinary people across the world from the benefits derived from space exploration and AI.

Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Space Exploration

AI involves a wide collection of technological tools, such as machine learning (ML), that seek to simulate human functions that required human cognition in the past. These functions include:

• Problem solving
• Learning
• Reasoning
• Understanding and communicating in human language

Explaining how AI technologies can simulate human cognitive functions requires some understanding of nearly a century of experimentation into machine learning models and deep learning. However, it is safe to say that artificial intelligence now has the capability to complete complex tasks.

Artificial intelligence in many ways mimics human intelligence. For example, in the past, a scientist who wanted to analyze data needed to employ a team of other scientists to crunch the numbers, which took a great deal of time and effort.

However, AI tools now exist that enable scientists to analyze large amounts of data in seconds and provide interpretations of that data. For instance, the German Aerospace Center has used artificial intelligence to perform complex tasks like analyzing launch trajectories. As a result, artificial intelligence has saved significant time and effort for humans.

Artificial Intelligence Has Revolutionized Space Exploration and Research

The use of artificial intelligence tools has revolutionized various types of science, including space exploration. From Earth-based research of celestial bodies to space mission planning, the widespread use of AI in space exploration and research has transformed every aspect of space studies.

Space studies is an interdisciplinary field. It includes subjects such as:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Math
• Ethics
• Politics
• History
• Law
• Public administration and policy

Space studies intersect with legal studies in significant ways. Industries tied to space exploration – including satellite systems and aerospace – are already worth billions.

As these sectors are projected to grow into trillion-dollar industries later this century, the need for complex legal frameworks becomes essential to regulate both the space industry and the role of artificial intelligence within it.

Space Observation and Data Analysis

AI has transformed the field of astronomy. Astronomers use artificial intelligence to analyze their observations and identify changes and patterns in the space environment.

Scientists have also used artificial intelligence as a tool to understand and combat climate change. For example, scientists currently analyze space data from satellite images to detect changes in weather patterns and assess the impact of climate change on coastal communities in developing countries.

Similarly, artificial intelligence has been used by astronomers in recent years to interpret information obtained by telescopes, which has provided deeper insight into the universe. For example, AI has been used to identify candidate exoplanets.

Exoplanets are celestial bodies that have the potential to be identified as a planet. However, the classification of exoplanets requires detailed analysis of data and observations, made easier using AI technology.

Processing Large Datasets and Improving Weather Forecasting

AI has also been used to process massive datasets. For example, weather forecasting requires analyzing massive amounts of data related to temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, and other measurements. This information is essential to predict weather patterns, note changing environmental conditions, and provide warnings for people who may be impacted by weather events like torrential rain and flooding.

AI can potentially improve weather warning systems and save lives. For instance, warning systems helped to alert people about deadly floods in Spain in 2024.

Maneuvering Satellites in High-Stake Situations

Space technologies, such as rockets and satellites, now rely heavily upon AI. As a result, the risk to human lives has decreased.

In the past, missions to launch satellites often required human pilots to deal with high-stakes situations during launch and reentry. However, satellites can now avoid space debris and other hazards in space because AI can use sensors to assess whether objects are threats.

AI technology is also playing a critically important role in the exploration of the moon and other planets. Deep space missions are now more possible because AI-powered autonomous navigation tools can mimic the decision-making skills previously assumed by human pilots.

Space Missions and Automation

Today, AI’s role in space missions is paving the way for deeper exploration of Mars, Venus, and other planets. Onboard AI can simulate the actions of human pilots, making it possible to pursue missions that were once beyond human reach.

Similarly, it is possible for AI-equipped space stations to conduct research and space missions without human astronauts. Also, AI devices will allow researchers on the Earth to conduct research projects on distant planets.

The Key Players Shaping the Field of AI and Space

While governments and governmental agencies like National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) in the past had a monopoly on space exploration, private companies have become big players in space exploration. These companies include Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, and similar companies.

Using AI systems and tools, these private companies have rapidly driven down the cost to launch satellites. That decreased costs has leveled the playing field in space and allowed for more players and competition in space exploration.

The Overlapping of Legal Studies, Space Studies, and Education

There is often an inaccurate tendency to view developments in space exploration, AI, and education as separate and unrelated issues. However, these fields are more connected than they seem, each shaping the other in ways that aren't always obvious but are undeniably powerful.

Legal studies and space studies are linked because activities in space raise a collection of legal and ethical issues addressed by the legal system.

The choices made today by educators, astronauts, and tech innovators are part of a larger story. Their decisions are the building blocks of the future, and they will define the opportunities and challenges faced by future generations, which require a legal and ethical framework.

In September 2024, I was on a panel at the Fourth Annual Space Education and Strategic Applications Conference, co-sponsored by the University. My short presentation argued that it is essential for all academics, especially instructors in space studies and legal studies, to advocate for a collection of proactive measures to prevent disparities in access to AI and other forms of technology.

Without initiatives to close these gaps, these fields risk losing the rich and diverse talent that drives innovation and growth. Moreover, without solid legal and ethical frameworks in place, the fields of space and AI will not naturally serve the interests of the greatest number of people.

AI's Impact Inside the Space Studies and Legal Studies Classrooms

In addition to exploring space systems and research, AI can have a tremendous impact inside of the space studies and legal studies classrooms.

The same AI tools that allow scientists to engage in space exploration are now available in classrooms. Leveraging AI in their research can help students improve their learning and become more knowledgeable, capable professionals prepared for tomorrow’s space exploration.

While there is the tendency to think that space exploration and research are exclusively for science students, the space research and exploration into space also raises a wide collection of legal and ethical issues.

AI Access: Challenges and Disparities

While AI has ushered in a new era in our society, it is important not to downplay how large segments of the population – both in the U.S. and overseas – lack access to the internet. As a result, these underserved populations cannot enjoy AI's benefits.

The COVID-19 era illustrated the existing digital divide in many countries. In the United States, a sizeable percentage of people in rural and minority communities often lack access to the internet, due to the lack of network coverage and the financial insecurity of low-income populations.

There have been efforts over the past decade to expand internet access. However, AI adoption is burdened by factors such as the lack of internet infrastructure and the high costs of AI technology.

The Digital Divide and the Waste of Valuable Student Talent

The internet and AI are increasingly necessary in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. While STEM subjects are not often linked to legal studies, future lawyers will need a stronger grasp of STEM and the legal issues surrounding technological and scientific advancements. Without internet access, students from underserved communities risk being left behind in this rapidly evolving landscape

The digital divide in the United States and abroad also deprives academic fields like space studies and legal studies of a diverse talent pool. For example, diversity of thought and experiences brings fresh insights to academic fields that would be missed if the field were dominated by individuals with similar backgrounds.

Opportunities for Inclusivity in Space Studies and Legal Studies Classrooms

There have been some efforts to bridge the digital divide include SpaceX's efforts to expand internet access in Africa, but much more work is needed. Academics and concerned citizens can take several steps and advocate for several initiatives to improve the digital divide.

These initiatives include:

• Advocating for public and private partnerships to provide access to AI and the internet via subsidies to underserved schools in the United States and across the world
• Highlighting the problems caused by the digital divide
• Advocating for equitable access to AI as a human right by Intergovernmental and supra-governmental agencies
• Leading community initiatives to improve everyone’s access to artificial intelligence tools and the internet
• Creating partnerships between academic institutions and tech companies to provide free education for underserved communities
• Conducting ethics training into space studies and legal studies curriculums to highlight the inequality and injustices created by disparities in the digital divide

Equitable access to AI and the internet requires collaboration between educators, individuals, companies, and governments, as solutions to the digital divide will likely stem from joint efforts. Likewise, universities must continue to provide students affordable, accessible, and high-quality education that incorporates the latest technologies like AI.

Ordinary People Will Ultimately Craft a More Equitable Future

Though there are a number of solutions, it is ultimately up to ordinary people to shape the future and ensure that technological advances benefit as many people as possible worldwide.

While I believe that investment by both governmental and non-governmental organizations into underserved communities is essential, the solutions to address the deepening digital divide will ultimately be the product of cooperation between various stakeholders including ordinary citizens from all over the world.

Looking Forward to the Future

AI is rapidly transforming space exploration, space research, education, and many other fields. However, academics should not downplay how changes in technology may have several potential unintended consequences. Advances in technology, especially in space exploration and AI, have the potential to deepen the digital divide.

We all must work to close the digital divide. Given the risks posed to all academic fields by a deepening digital divide, it is important for instructors in various academic fields to cooperate and promote inclusivity and diversity. Ultimately, the benefits of space exploration and research and AI should benefit people from all over the world.

Educators must work with governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure that their respective fields reflect the great diversity of the world. That way, the benefits of space exploration and artificial intelligence tools will be shared by the greatest number of people across the world  and hopefully create a better future for everyone.

Legal Studies Degrees at American Public University

For students interested in studying space law, the U.S. legal system, and other areas of the law, American Public University (APU) provides three degrees:

• An online associate degree in legal studies
• An online bachelor’s degree in legal studies
• An online master’s degree in legal studies

Courses in these programs cover a wide variety of topics, including legal writing, civil practice and procedure, family law, and criminal law. Other courses involve legal technology, tort law, the criminal justice process, property law, and contract law.

The courses for these degree programs are taught by instructors who have in-depth experience of the legal field. For more information, visit our security and global studies program page.

Note: The associate and bachelor’s degrees in legal studies do not award professional paralegal certification or any other certification, but they may be helpful in preparing to seek certification. The master’s degree in legal studies does not allow you to sit for the bar exam in any state.

Although some states do not require a Juris Doctor for bar entry, the master’s program does not prepare you for the practice of law or admission to the bar of any state based solely on completion of this program.