Generative AI on the Space Station
A new kind of AI has been operating on the International Space Station since mid-July.
Booz Allen Hamilton revealed that they’ve deployed a large language model (LLM) for an experiment up in space. This model helps astronauts by understanding and generating human language.
Dan Wald from Booz Allen explained that instead of astronauts spending endless hours training to fix things, they can now ask the AI for instructions and get quick answers. “Right now, astronauts train for many hours to be able to conduct repairs of machinery and onboard systems. However, having the ability to ask the instruction manuals questions and receive relevant and rapid responses could augment their efforts so they can fix problems at an accelerated pace,” he said.
The AI runs on the HPE Spaceborne Computer-2, which has been aboard since February 2021. This computer is there for complex experiments involving AI and machine learning. It processes data in space and sends only the important results back to Earth, cutting down transmission times.
Spaceborne Computer-2 has been part of many studies like DNA sequencing, image processing, disaster recovery, 3D printing, and even 5G tech.
“Generative AI in space is truly the new frontier,” said Chris Bogdan from Booz Allen. “Booz Allen is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI and other mission-critical technologies in space.”
I think it’s cool how they use this tech in space.
