Scientists in Britain creating AI-controlled satellites

As more satellites are sent into orbit, engineers are exploring ways to make them autonomous using artificial intelligence (AI), Euronews writes.

At a startup in a London-based laboratory, engineers are testing algorithms and robotic satellites to help satellites in space dock, refuel, and repair each other without human control.

“We use AI for visual-based navigation,” said Haaris Khan, an engineer at the startup Lunasa. “This is kind of like a self-driving car. Whereas a self-driving car would drive itself on the road using AI, we use the same kind of AI in order to pilot satellites in an autonomous way.”

The system works by teaching machines to interpret images and make decisions. Using cameras and sensors, a satellite estimates the distance and angle of its target, for example another spacecraft.

AI then processes that information and generates instructions on how a satellite can move safely towards it.