Beginning in 2003 and continuing through 2007 several space missions will be carrying artificial intelligence (AI) software to perform decision-making onboard based on science goals. The EO-1 Spacecraft (eo1.gsfc.nasa.gov) will use onboard image analysis, mission planning, and robust execution software to autonomously perform science. It will use this AI software to detect and track science phenomena including: volcanic activity, breakup of glacier ice, and Aeolian features (wind-influences sand features). The Three Corner Sat constellation of three spacecraft, originally scheduled launches in August 2003 and will use 6 cameras to capture stereoscopic images of high altitude clouds (threecornersat.jpl.nasa.gov). The Techsat-21 mission (ase.jpl.nasa.gov) will use onboard autonomy software to conduct its mission.
This talk will describe how onboard AI software will dramatically increase the science return on these missions, with an emphasis on EO-1. Onboard science software will detect events (such as volcanic eruptions and floods) an enable onboard mission planning to enable autonomous decision-making and response. We will also briefly discuss how these technologies might be used in future missions such as an Io volcano observer or a cryobot to explore the subsurface oceans of Europa.