AI is revolutionizing our ability to train cars to drive safely and to respond to unexpected events. | Shutterstock/Scharfsinn

An authority on autonomous robotic systems talks about the impact of AI on his field here on Earth and growing aspirations for autonomy in space.

The future of autonomous vehicles

Space deployment comes with a series of significant engineering challenges for the electronic and electrical systems that are going to be utilised. Engineers must therefore specify components for their designs that have all the necessary properties – particularly in relation to coping with the harsh environments they are going to be situated in, alongside the acute size, weight and power (SWAP) constraints involved. In this article, we will look at exactly what this will entail and give a detailed use case example to illustrate the points raised too.<h2 dir="ltr">Unique aspects of the application setting</h2>Though this must still be adequately addressed, it is not actually space itself that poses the biggest threat to component reliability. Instead, it is the process of getting it there that is likely to be the problematic part. During launch, a rocket’s payload can easily be subjected to 4-5g accelerations. On top of that, there are certain to be intense vibrational forces experienced. There is the potential for hardware to be exposed to very high levels of heat too. Should any damage occur at this stage, then the space deployed equipment might not be able to carry out its assigned functions as intended and the mission will end up being a failure.&nbsp;Once the hardware is finally in orbit, there will be other considerations. Among the most prominent is the temperature cycling that components will have to deal with – going from severe cold when traversing the dark side of the Earth, followed by periods in the Sun’s harsh thermal radiation. Another consideration is whether the chosen components will be detrimentally affected by the vacuum of space. Outgassing means that chemical substances could be emitted from these components, due to seepage from cracks or internal gaps. This might result in delicate instrumentation in close proximity to them being impaired in some way by the presence of unwanted contaminants. Once again, the mission could be jeopardised, meaning that all the expense and engineering effort that had gone into it would count for nothing. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Sourcing interconnects for space&nbsp;</h2>The various factors just described make it very clear that the connectors and cabling being selected for space deployment must have superior operational characteristics. Consequently, it is vital that they are able to withstand prolonged mechanical stresses (in terms of both shock and vibration), as well as extreme temperatures. The remote nature of the application of course means that once deployed there is no opportunity to replace faulty interconnects. This is why chances cannot be taken on choosing anything other than a solution with the highest degrees of reliability and resilience to the most challenging of ambient environments.Having collaborated on a multitude of different projects in this sector over several decades, Harwin offers an extensive portfolio of space-qualified connectors and cables. Each of these has a heavy duty construction, so that prolonged reliability is assured. They can be provided with built-in shielding (both backshells and braids) to protect them from cosmic radiation.<h3 dir="ltr">Use case example</h3>A recent venture, on which Harwin worked with the Group of Astrodynamics for the Use of Space Systems&nbsp;(GAUSS), underlines the need for sourcing appropriate connectors and cabling. GAUSS is an established provider of microsatellite deployment solutions, as well as designing and manufacturing its own satellite hardware. The Italian company’s UNISAT platform enables the in-orbit-release of third-party pico/nano-satellites, with numerous CubeSats and PocketQubes being carried into space on each mission and then getting deployed directly from a purpose-built spacecraft. This approach has made it much more convenient and cost-effective for academic research groups to undertake space-based experiments and monitoring work, as they can reduce the upfront expense normally associated with ‘rideshare’ activities.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729852467851-wendy-1.jpg" style="width: 832px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 1: The UNISAT-7 pico/nano-satellite deployment platform from GAUSS (images courtesy of Gauss Srl)When the GAUSS team embarked upon the development of their latest UNISAT spacecraft, there were some key objectives that they wanted to achieve. The most important of these was to be able to expand the payload capacity. This would mean that a greater quantity of CubeSats and PocketQubes could be deployed. The engineering team at GAUSS looked at ways that they could make UNISAT-7 construction more lightweight than the previous models, so more of the assigned launch mass could be taken up by the payload.&nbsp;For it to be accommodated in the rocket, the UNISAT-7 spacecraft’s overall volume had to be kept as low as possible. Its total launch mass had to be kept down to no more than 32kg. All of the constituent electronics would be contained within an aerospace-grade aluminium honeycomb framework of 50mm x 50mm x 50mm dimensions. This would have carbon fibre sheets attached to it. The spacecraft’s power would be generated by banks of photovoltaic panels mounted onto its exterior.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729852521555-wendy+3.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 2: View of rocket used to deploy multiple satellites (image courtesy of GK Launch Services)Given that the UNISAT-7 needed to remain operational for up to 5 years, the ongoing integrity of the interconnect technology had to be beyond doubt. After sampling and testing connectors from a variety of different manufacturers, GAUSS engineers decided that going with units featured in the Harwin Datamate series would be the best tactic. Datamate and Datamate Mix-Tek connectors have shown themselves to be very effective when used in spaceborne equipment. These high-reliability (Hi-Rel) components are robust enough to cope with the difficult conditions posed by space launches. They can withstand 20G vibrations and 100G shocks, plus up to 125°C temperature levels. Their compact form factor means that they take up only minimal board space, leaving plenty of room for other devices.The 4-finger Beryllium Copper contacts incorporated into Harwin Datamate connectors allow them to always maintain a connection with their corresponding mating surfaces. The contacts in a standard Datamate mating pair carry up to 3A of current, while Datamate Mix-Tek contacts are 40A rated. The advanced locking features employed mean that industry-leading interconnect retention is attained.The low outgassing that these connectors exhibit is another important benefit. For instance, the moulded plastic used in them has a 1.01% total mass loss (TML) and a collected volatile condensable material (CVCM) figure of less than 0.01% when placed in the vacuum of space.Complementing their low profile, the availability of right-angle configuration Datamate versions addresses limited gaps between PCBs in space hardware designs. It means that connectors can be positioned at the edge of these PCBs, thereby avoiding the need for cabling to reach further into these boards. The upshot is that cables and connectors are much easier to access when the hardware is being assembled. Furthermore, cables do not need to be bent to such great angles – with less chance of them breaking in the process. &nbsp;Having been successfully trialled out by GAUSS, the selected Harwin connectors would play an integral role in the communication and data processing elements of the UNISAT-7, allowing all the related data to be transported. They would also prove essential to the spacecraft’s power systems.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729852579004-wendy+4.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 3: Connectors visible in the PCB stack of a small satellite (image courtesy of Gauss Srl)<h2>Conclusion</h2>Space hardware must be able to rely on the quality of interconnect technology that has been specified for it. Any cutting of corners here could lead to projects that may have taken years to prepare for and large amounts of money to fund falling short of the goals that they were originally set and not meeting expectations. That is why engaging with an expert in this area is definitely advised. This will mean the connectors and cabling can be recommended that are fully optimised for such purposes.

Space deployment presents significant engineering challenges for electronic and electrical systems, requiring engineers to specify components with properties suited to harsh environments and acute size, weight, and power (SWAP) constraints.

Implementing Effective Interconnects into Space System Designs

For humans throughout history, the sky has evoked thoughts of a vast emptiness, of a great vacant dome punctuated during the day by the sun, and at night by numerous tiny spots of light (and, periodically, by the moon). As we have ventured into space, both physically, with spacecraft, and optically, with a range of telescopic technologies, we now know that there is quite a lot of stuff up there.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPXj6pBBrD0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>Simulations at Caltech model a new way for autonomous spacecraft to avoid collisions. This technology holds promise for autonomous vehicles on Earth as well as in space. Credit: James RaganThis discovery has profound implications for the aerospace industry. Imagine, for example, a multibillion-dollar autonomous spacecraft that has been carefully designed and engineered for years is launched into space with precision calculations only to lose one of its thrusters and go sailing into an asteroid.Historically, engineers have dealt with the possibility of equipment failure on board spacecraft in two main ways: First, by having a "safe mode" in which the spacecraft can do the least amount of damage to itself while scientists on the ground look at the data, make a diagnosis, and develop a solution; and second, by equipping autonomous vehicles with redundant systems. These allow a spacecraft to, for example, shut off a malfunctioning thruster and start using backup thrusters.However, dangerous situations may crop up in space with little warning and insufficient time for space-to-ground communications. And though redundant systems have been quite effective, they add to the expense and heft of autonomous spacecraft.This is why experiments are being conducted in the laboratory of Soon-Jo Chung, Bren Professor of Control and Dynamical Systems and senior research scientist at JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA, to streamline emergency features on autonomous vehicles such that they can diagnose and safely respond to encounters with other objects in real time. With new algorithms on board, spacecraft can test their own equipment and predict which future actions are most likely to keep them operating safely.As one of the supervisors for this project, Fred Hadaegh, research professor in aerospace at Caltech and former JPL chief technologist, explains: "Having redundant systems is not always practical. It means the spacecraft has to be bigger, heavier, and more expensive than it would be otherwise. So, the idea here is that when a spacecraft encounters a problem, it can figure out what's not working and correct or adapt to that specific fault."Chung's lab houses, among other things, an advanced multispacecraft dynamics simulator facility. "The simulator occupies a large room with a really flat floor," explains James Ragan, a PhD student in the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories of the California Institute of Technology (GALCIT) and lead author of this paper. "The model spacecraft uses air bearings so that it moves across the floor with near zero friction. At rest, it seems to be floating, and if you push it in one direction, it will keep going until it hits something, which is what space dynamics are like."Ragan has programmed the robotic spacecraft simulator with what he and his co-authors call s-FEAST: Safe Fault Estimation via Active Sensing Tree Search. "Our s-FEAST algorithm rapidly 'dreams' about numerous possible futures that could result from actions it takes now," Ragan says. "Because the system is noisy, these futures are uncertain. There are multiple possible outcomes, which leads to a tree of possible branching futures. Each branch represents one possible way the future might happen, based on things the spacecraft controls—the test actions it selects—and also things it doesn't, such as observations coming from faulty sensors."Chung adds: "What is innovative about our s-FEAST method is that we systematically solve the chicken and egg problem of estimating vehicle states, such as positions and velocities, and inferring failures or degradations, which are intrinsically coupled to one another."When the spacecraft detects unexpected data, it turns to the s-FEAST algorithm, which runs test actions "similar to how you might carefully test your muscles when you feel an unexpected pain, and you want to figure out just what hurts and how to avoid actions that might further injure you," Ragan explains.s-FEAST simultaneously spins out a range of possible futures and from those selects the course of action that appears most likely to diagnose what went wrong and also to avoid danger. In the case of this model, danger amounts to a collision course with an asteroid.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aJ04dlgaP0o?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>"The key idea here is that s-FEAST isn't replacing all spacecraft operations. It's your emergency response," Ragan says. "The spacecraft receives an internal signal that something is wrong, so s-FEAST takes over all the spacecraft's computing power to quickly assess what's going on and take remedial action. Once the danger is pinpointed and addressed, s-FEAST hands control back to the spacecraft's ordinary computing environment."s-FEAST can also be used proactively. Say an autonomous spacecraft is about to take on a particularly risky or mission-critical action; s-FEAST can run a testing cycle to ensure that all systems are working properly before this action.Chung and his co-authors envision that the proposed method will establish a new way of making expensive space exploration safer and more cost effective. "Space systems make autonomous operations necessary since we cannot grab and fix spacecraft and Mars helicopters operating in a world far away from us," Chung says. "Space is our ultimate ‘proving ground' for any autonomy research we do for Earth-based vehicle systems."Not surprisingly, the s-FEAST algorithm that worked on the spacecraft simulator was adapted by the team to work on a ground track vehicle as well. Both experiments were successful, so s-FEAST technology holds great promise for autonomous vehicles on Earth as well as in space."<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adn4722" target="_blank">Online Tree-based Planning for Active Spacecraft Fault Estimation and Collision Avoidance</a>" is published in&nbsp;Science Robotics as an online feature article. A preliminary version of this paper received the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eas.caltech.edu/news/jimmy-ragan-and-benjamin-rivi%C3%A8re-receive-2023-aiaa-guidance-navigation-and-control-best-graduate-student-paper-award" target="_blank">2023 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Guidance, Navigation, and Control Best Graduate Student Paper Award</a>. Co-authors are Ragan, Caltech postdoc Benjamin Rivière (PhD '24), Hadaegh, and Chung. This work is funded by the Aerospace Corporation, JPL, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Learning Introspective Control program, and the Technology Innovation Institute.

Simulations at Caltech model a new way for autonomous spacecraft to avoid collisions. This technology holds promise for autonomous vehicles on Earth as well as in space.

A New Approach to Autonomous Vehicle Safety

On 5 September 2024 at 03:50 CEST (22:50 local time), the new Sentinel-2C satellite was successfully launched from Kourou, French Guiana, aboard the last Vega rocket in its original configuration.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1726012698757-image-2000-9ce0a3184832e9d2b679e4ad8caf68f9.jpeg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The Sentinel-2C satellite is lifted out of its transport container at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana&nbsp; Sentinel-2C is equipped with an optical multispectral instrument with a high resolution of up to 10 metres, that scans a swath 290 kilometres wide. This makes the satellite ideally suited for detecting changes in vegetation, compiling crop forecasts, mapping forests and determining the growth of wild and cultivated plants. The instrument is also used to monitor algae growth in coastal and inland waters, for example, as well as track sediment input in river deltas. Credit: ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–S. MartinThe Sentinel-2 mission consists of two identical satellites in the same Earth orbit. They complete one full orbit every 100 minutes, capturing all land surfaces as well as inland and coastal waters every five days. Sentinel-2C now replaces Sentinel-2A, which has been in space since 2015, making the satellite a crucial component in the long-term data provision for numerous applications.&nbsp;In Germany, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is the principal authority responsible for Copernicus. The German Space Agency at DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) supports the European Earth observation programme on behalf of the BMDV at the European level and promotes its utilisation in Germany through specific measures. The Sentinel-2C satellite was built by Airbus in Germany.Sentinel-2C is equipped with an optical multispectral instrument offering a high resolution of up to 10 metres and scanning a swath 290 kilometres wide. This makes the satellite ideally suited for detecting changes in vegetation, enabling crop forecasting, mapping forests and determining the growth of wild and cultivated plants. The instrument is also used to monitor algae growth in coastal and inland waters, as well as track sediment input in river deltas.<h2>Researching climate change, improving disaster protection</h2>The data collected by Copernicus is crucial for researching and monitoring climate change, as well as supporting key areas such as disaster management and security policy. The data also serves as a foundation for significant international agreements on environmental and climate protection, for example as part of the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conferences and Sustainable Development Goals.Volker Wissing, Germany's Federal Minister for Digital and Transport emphasises the programme's range of applications: "With the launch of Sentinel-2C, Germany is demonstrating its leading role in global Earth observation. Its innovative instrument will play a crucial role in understanding climate change, combating it and dealing with its consequences. Our commitment to the Copernicus programme is an investment in cutting-edge technology and a sustainable future, as the satellite's precise data will support decision-makers worldwide in environmental policy measures."Walther Pelzer, DLR Executive Board Member and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR, adds, "Copernicus is the largest and most successful Earth observation programme in Europe today, demonstrating the efficient cooperation between the European Union, European Space Agency (ESA) and national space agencies. With Sentinel-2C, we are securing its future and at the same time strengthening Germany's lasting position in the space sector."<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1726012832312-ezgif-7-5fa2653c65.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Snow and a calving glacier in Greenland&nbsp; This Sentinel-2 image shows an icy glacier tongue extending into a fjord (left). The mountainous landscape of northern Greenland is only partially covered by snow and ice, with ice floes breaking off from the glacier and floating on the water. Also clearly visible are the brownish, sediment-rich tributaries flowing into the fjord (right side of image). Due to the low position of the Sun at these high latitudes, even in summer, dark mountain shadows can be seen (left side of the image). Monitoring snow and ice masses is crucial for understanding climate change and predicting potential sea level changes. The image was captured on 21 July 2024. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2<h2>Copernicus – an EU and ESA partnership</h2>Copernicus is a collaborative initiative between the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Through Copernicus, the EU operates satellite-based information services for land (CLMS), oceans (CMEMS), atmosphere (CAMS), disaster and crisis management (CEMS), climate change (C3S) and civil security (CSS). An increasing number of German government agencies, researchers and innovative companies are also working with Copernicus data. The foundation of these applications and services lies in six satellite constellations, known as the Sentinels – meaning 'guardians' – operated by ESA in collaboration with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). In addition, a further six missions are currently being prepared, which will gradually expand the Copernicus fleet over the coming years. Among these is the Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Mission (CO2M), set to measure global greenhouse gas emissions from 2026 onwards. Copernicus also integrates satellite data from third parties, including from the German satellites TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X. Data portals such as the Copernicus Data and Exploitation Platform – DE (CODE-DE for short) ensure users have easy access to Earth observation data and processing tools.

On 5 September 2024 at 03:50 CEST (22:50 local time), the new Sentinel-2C satellite was successfully launched from Kourou, French Guiana, aboard the last Vega rocket in its original configuration. Sentinel-2C is equipped to recognise changes in vegetation, enabling crop forecasting, forest mapping and determining the growth of wild and cultivated plants, as well as monitoring algae growth in coastal and inland waters, as well as tracking sediment input in river deltas. Credit: ESA–S. Corvaja 

On 5 September 2024 at 03:50 CEST (22:50 local time), the new Copernicus Sentinel-2C satellite was launched from Kourou, French Guiana. Sentinel-2C is the third of four Sentinel-2 satellites and will replace Sentinel-2A, which is now almost ten years old.

A new era for Copernicus: the Sentinel-2C satellite launches

Nearly 15 years ago, a relatively small spacecraft about the size of a polar bear launched into space with a big mission: to map the entire sky at infrared wavelengths with a sensitivity up to hundreds of thousands of times better than previous surveys. The NASA mission, called <a href="https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/project/wise" target="_blank">WISE</a> (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer), far exceeded expectations, scanning the skies not once but twice and leaving behind a massive trove of data covering more than 740 million asteroids, stars, galaxies, and other cosmic objects. Ultimately, the telescope ran out of the coolant needed to chill its sensitive infrared detectors and was put into hibernation in 2011.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ay0iJYabcc?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>This video celebrates the legacy of NASA's NEOWISE mission, which has retired after more than a decade of discovering, tracking, and characterizing near-Earth objects.But that was not the end of the story for the little telescope that busted open the infrared skies. After WISE's coolant ran out and it warmed up, two of the spacecraft's four infrared-wavelength bands still worked—bands that exceled at finding faint near-Earth asteroids and comets. So, in 2013, after nearly three years of hibernation, NASA woke WISE back up. The spacecraft was given a new name—<a href="https://neowise.ipac.caltech.edu/" target="_blank">NEOWISE</a> (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer)—and a new goal: to aid planetary defense by surveying and studying asteroids and comets that stray close to our neck of the solar system."I remember a bunch of us huddling around a terminal in 2009 as the first WISE images came in," says Roc Cutri, lead scientist and task lead for NEOWISE at Caltech's IPAC astronomy center. "And then I remember doing the same thing when NEOWISE turned back on in 2013. We were thrilled all over again."<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1723854091746-NextLight-WEB.max-500x500.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Team members crowd around a computer to watch the first NEOWISE images come in, after the spacecraft was reactivated in 2013. Amy Mainzer can be seen looking at the screen, with Roc Cutri to the right and Beth Fabinksy below. Davy Kirkpatrick is in the foreground and Tim Conrow is behind the computer screen. Credit: Elaine CutriNow, those enduring infrared eyes, which faithfully scanned the entire sky a whopping 23 times and observed more than 190,000 solar system objects, have closed for good. Solar activity is causing NEOWISE to fall out of orbit. Explosive flares and other eruptions on our Sun cause Earth's upper atmosphere to heat up and expand, which has slowed the satellite down."The Sun is waking up again after being quiet for a long time," says Cutri, referring to our Sun's current solar maximum. "We appreciate the cooperation of the Sun because it's given NEOWISE more time to operate, but the spacecraft is destined to reenter our atmosphere and burn up." Mission specialists say this is likely to occur near the end of this year.Teams at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which manages the mission, and Caltech's IPAC, the center responsible for data processing and archiving, are now preparing for the mission's end. On July 31 of this year, the spacecraft stopped collecting images of the sky. After collecting the final images and returning the spacecraft to hibernation, NEOWISE engineers at JPL issued a final command to turn off the transmitter on August 8."This is a bittersweet moment. It's sad to see this trailblazing mission come to an end, but we know there's more treasure hiding in the survey data," said Joe Masiero, NEOWISE's deputy principal investigator and a scientist at IPAC, in a <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-neowise-celebrates-10-years-plans-end-of-mission" target="_blank">JPL news story</a>. "NEOWISE has a vast archive, covering a very long period of time, that will inevitably advance the science of the infrared universe long after the spacecraft is gone."During its decade-plus run, NEOWISE captured nearly 27 million infrared images. It discovered 215 near-Earth objects and observed thousands more (NEOs are defined as asteroids and comets that pass within 28 million miles of Earth's path around the Sun). In addition to near-Earth asteroids, it found tens of thousands of asteroids in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter.The mission spotted <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-wise-finds-earths-first-trojan-asteroid" target="_blank">Earth's first known Trojan asteroid</a>, which is an asteroid that rides along in the same orbit as our planet, and it discovered the celebrated <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/comet-c2020-f3-neowise-over-utah/" target="_blank">comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE</a>, which adorned the night skies for onlookers in the Northern Hemisphere in the summer of 2020.What's more, the mission's legacy will live on in a new mission currently in development. NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/near-earth-object-surveyor" target="_blank">NEO Surveyor</a> (Near-Earth Object Surveyor), scheduled to launch in late 2027, will be the first purpose-built infrared space telescope dedicated to hunting hazardous near-Earth objects."When I first started working on the original WISE mission in 2003, it was clear that it would teach us a lot about asteroids and comets, but it wouldn't be able to see huge numbers of Earth-approaching near-Earth objects," says Amy Mainzer, a professor at UCLA and the principal investigator of both NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor. "We've leveraged what we've learned from WISE and its extension, NEOWISE, to develop a new mission, NEO Surveyor, that is optimized for finding the most dangerous asteroids and comets. While we're getting ready to say goodbye to NEOWISE, we're looking forward to getting its powerful successor up into space in a few years."<h2 data-block-key="18mj">Early Days</h2>Originally proposed as the Next Generation Sky Survey, WISE was selected for flight in 2004 and given its current name. It was designed to succeed past infrared sky surveys with a dramatically improved level of sensitivity, and to ultimately unveil hundreds of millions of hidden cosmic objects that had never been seen before.Infrared light, which has longer wavelengths than visible light, is invisible to our eyes. Our bodies are aglow with infrared light that we can't see. Many objects in the cosmos—asteroids, comets, cool stars, dusty planetary disks of debris, remote galaxies, and powerful quasars—shine brightly in infrared light but remain faint and hard to see in visible light. These objects tend to be older, cooler, obscured in dust, or hiding in the remote universe. Infrared surveys of the sky allow us to cast a wide net and catch these cosmic wonders.Caltech's first infrared sky survey, called the Two-Micron Sky Survey, scanned the skies from a telescope atop Mount Wilson in the late 1960s. The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) followed next, surveying the skies in infrared light from space in 1983. Later, from 1997 to 2001, the Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) mapped the whole sky from the ground. Caltech and IPAC, including the so-called <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/celebrating-50-years-infrared-astronomy-48629" target="_blank">Infrared Army</a>, a group of scientists who pioneered infrared astronomy, played a key role in these groundbreaking projects."Caltech has a great history in infrared astronomy, so it was natural for us to be involved in WISE," says Cutri, who remembers working on WISE mission proposals in the late 1990s with the mission's principal investigator, Ned Wright, an astronomy professor at UCLA.<h2 data-block-key="dpcgs">Rare Gems</h2>The two defining goals of the WISE mission were to find the closest stars to the Sun as well as the most luminous galaxies in the universe, both of which it achieved. In 2013 and 2014, astronomer Kevin Luhman of Penn State University used data collected by WISE to discover the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/closest-star-system-found-in-a-century" target="_blank">third</a>- and the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-spitzer-wise-find-suns-close-cold-neighbor" target="_blank">fourth</a>-closest star systems to Earth, lying 6.5 and 7.2 light-years away, respectively. Both systems contain cool stars known as brown dwarfs, and the fourth closest star, called WISE 0855-0714, also happens to be <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-spitzer-wise-find-suns-close-cold-neighbor" target="_blank">the coldest known brown dwarf</a> with temperatures nearly as cold as ice.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1723854129495-First-Brown-Dwarf-WEB.max-500x500.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Peter Eisenhardt, Davy Kirkpatrick, and Ned Wright happily inspect the first spectroscopically confirmed brown dwarf discovered by WISE. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Beth FabinskyIn total, the mission found more than half of the known 582 brown dwarfs in our solar neighborhood, or specifically within 65 light-years of the Sun. (Nearly 20 percent of those 582 brown dwarfs were found by citizen scientists using WISE/NEOWISE data in a program called <a href="https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/marckuchner/backyard-worlds-planet-9" target="_blank">Backyard Worlds</a>.) Before WISE, little was known about these celestial orbs, which form like stars but lack the mass to sustain the fusion that powers stars. The first brown dwarf was discovered in 1994 by a team led by Caltech's Shri Kulkarni using the 60-inch telescope at Palomar Observatory."We knew WISE was looking at the right infrared wavelength to bust the field open," says Davy Kirkpatrick, the IPAC lead for the WISE/NEOWISE quality assurance team and a WISE science team member.Kirkpatrick remembers well the day he first laid eyes on <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-wise-mission-discovers-coolest-class-of-stars" target="_blank">the coolest class of brown dwarfs</a>, called Y dwarfs. Previously, these extra-feeble stars had only been theorized."Mike Cushing [an astronomer at the University of Toledo] and I rented a condo in Hawai'i near the Keck telescope to follow up on brown dwarfs identified by WISE," Kirkpatrick recalls. "I was reducing a good-looking spectrum, and then my mouth just hung open. The chemical signatures of the first Y dwarf were right there. I yelled, 'Mike come here, we got one!' and he came running over."Since then, the mission has discovered a total of 50 Y dwarfs, some of which were found during the NEOWISE phase of the mission (NEOWISE primarily focuses on asteroids and comets, but its data have also been used in a range of astronomy studies).<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1723854154435-06-WISE-YDwarf-PIA14720-WEB.max-1000x1000.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Artist's concept of a Y dwarf. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. HurtFarther from home, <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-wise-survey-uncovers-millions-of-black-holes" target="_blank">WISE uncovered tens of millions of actively feeding supermassive black holes</a>, also known as quasars (Caltech's <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/caltech-mourns-the-passing-of-maarten-schmidt-1929-2022" target="_blank">Maarten Schmidt</a> discovered the first quasar in 1963). These monstrous cosmic entities are often buried in dust, rendering them invisible to optical telescopes. But the growing black holes warm their cloaks of dust, causing them to glow at the infrared wavelengths seen by WISE."WISE has shown that many, and perhaps most, quasars are buried in smoky cocoons," says Peter Eisenhardt, project scientist for WISE at JPL. "Our largest catalogs of quasars now come from WISE." Among these objects are rare and particularly warm and bright ones nicknamed hot DOGs, for hot Dust-Obscured Galaxies. One of these is likely the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-wise-spacecraft-discovers-most-luminous-galaxy-in-universe/#:~:text=The%20new%20study%20reports%20a,incredible%20outpouring%20of%20infrared%20light." target="_blank">most luminous galaxy ever seen</a>, shining with the light of 350 trillion suns."IRAS showed us that the most powerful nearby galaxies shine brightest in the infrared because they contain a lot of dust," Eisenhardt says. "As soon as we began mapping the sky with WISE, we tried all kinds of ways to find the most luminous galaxies in the universe with its four infrared bands, but we weren't finding much. Then, in April of 2010, we came across an extremely powerful galaxy that showed up only in WISE's two longest wavelengths: the first hot DOG. We adopted that technique and six months later found the most luminous galaxy of them all."<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1723854176958-Most_Luminous_galaxy.max-1000x1000.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">This artist's impression shows galaxy WISE J224607.55-052634.9, likely the most luminous galaxy ever discovered. Credit: (NRAO/AUI/NSF) S. DagnelloIn addition to Y dwarfs, quasars, and hot DOGs, the WISE and NEOWISE catalogs are being used by astronomers around the world to study everything from comets and asteroids to distant clusters of galaxies. "WISE and NEOWISE data are now part of the astronomy landscape and are being used in over a thousand papers per year," Eisenhardt says.<h2 data-block-key="9aof1">Surprise Asteroid Hunter</h2>When mission specialists turned the spacecraft back on in 2013, they did not expect it would still be going strong more than 10 years later. A mission designed to survey the whole breadth of the cosmos both near and far will be remembered for a decade of asteroid discoveries.Thanks to NEOWISE's infrared vision, it will also be remembered for revealing a population of near-Earth objects that are extremely dark, like pieces of charcoal, and large, measuring hundreds of meters across, and in some cases larger. The mission's observations showed that such objects constitute a sizeable part of the overall NEO population."The dark objects make up a substantial fraction of the population, roughly a third, posing a challenge for ground-based telescopes searching for them in visible light" Mainzer says. "But they pop out in heat-sensitive infrared wavelengths."To find more of these hidden dark rocks orbiting in our solar system as well as many other asteroids left to uncover, the NEOWISE team developed the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/near-earth-object-surveyor" target="_blank">NEO Surveyor</a>."One of the goals for NEO Surveyor is to find the medium-size asteroids, which could still be hazardous to our planet," Cutri says. According to NASA, only 44 percent of these medium-size asteroids (140 meters and larger) have been found. "The motto has been to find them before they find us."Like NEOWISE, NEO Surveyor's background data will also be used to study stars, galaxies, and other cosmic objects throughout the universe."When we started in the late '90s on this mission, if you told me that this spacecraft would still be taking data when I turned 60, and that we'd be working on a successor to the mission, I would have said, 'You are nuts,'" says Kirkpatrick, who plans to use the mission's data to look for even closer and cooler brown dwarfs than those discovered by WISE. "If anything, WISE and NEOWISE have taught us that just when you think you have reached the limit of what you can find, it is just the limit of the survey. More is out there to be found."<h2 data-block-key="37ubl">More about the Mission:</h2>NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor support the objectives of NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The NASA Authorization Act of 2005 directed NASA to discover and characterize at least 90% of the near-Earth objects more than 140 meters (460 feet) across that come within 30 million miles (48 million kilometers) of our planet's orbit. Objects of this size can cause significant regional damage, or worse, should they impact the Earth.JPL manages and operates the NEOWISE mission for PDCO within the Science Mission Directorate. The WISE principal investigator was Edward Wright, a professor at UCLA. The NEOWISE principal investigator is Amy Mainzer, also a professor at UCLA. The Space Dynamics Laboratory in Logan, Utah, built the science instrument. Ball Aerospace &amp; Technologies Corp. of Boulder, Colorado (now BAE Systems), built the spacecraft. Science data processing, archiving, and distribution is done at IPAC at Caltech. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.

NEOWISE's enduring infrared eyes, which faithfully scanned the entire sky a whopping 23 times and observed more than 190,000 solar system objects, have closed for good

NASA's Infrared Survey Telescope Ready to Retire

Accenture is at the forefront of technological innovation with a focus on developing next-generation computing technologies. In a recent podcast, Dr. Eric Gallo, a senior principal at Accenture Labs, shared insights into the promising field of neuromorphic computing. This technology mimics how the human brain processes information and offers significant advantages in power efficiency and real-time data processing.&nbsp;As industries increasingly rely on edge computing, neuromorphic systems present a unique solution to the challenges of energy consumption and integration in smart devices. This episode of the BrainChip podcast explores Accenture's initiatives in neuromorphic computing. They also explore its applications in various sectors and the potential it holds for the future of edge intelligence.<h2 dir="ltr">The Rise of Edge Computing and the Need for Heterogeneous Computing</h2>Edge computing is rapidly gaining traction as industries increasingly rely on real-time data processing and intelligence at the edge of the network. As the industry matures, there is a growing understanding that a heterogeneous set of computing devices is necessary to achieve optimal results.Traditional computing architectures will continue to play a role, but they will make way for other specialized architectures that excel in different situations and locations. This will create a continuum where edge architectures, cloud architectures, and other specialized architectures work together to provide the right amount of compute power where it's needed most.Companies with edge devices are actively examining their AI strategies to avoid being left behind. While computing power is readily available, the ability to perform inference very close to the edge is a key focus for many organizations. This is where neuromorphic computing shines, offering a low-power solution for real-time data processing at the edge. This energy efficiency is not just a minor improvement; it’s a game-changer.&nbsp;Dr. Gallo highlighted how neuromorphic technology could potentially achieve power savings of up to 100,000 times compared to current methods. This opens up new possibilities for developing intelligent devices that can operate in environments where power is limited, such as in remote locations, wearable devices, or even deep space missions. Neuromorphic computing is still in its early stages, but its potential to transform industries is immense.<h2 dir="ltr">The Power of Neuromorphic Technology</h2>One of the most significant advantages of neuromorphic technology is its remarkable energy efficiency. Traditional computing systems often require a large amount of power to perform complex tasks. However, neuromorphic systems can achieve the same results while using only a fraction of that energy. This makes them ideal for applications where power is a critical concern.Dr. Eric Gallo explained that this technology could be a game-changer in various fields. For example, in defense, neuromorphic chips could be used to create advanced situational awareness systems for soldiers. These systems could process vast amounts of data in real time, helping soldiers make better decisions in the field without the need for bulky, power-hungry equipment.Neuromorphic technology could also enhance the intelligence of factory equipment in industrial settings. Machines equipped with neuromorphic chips could adapt to changing conditions on the fly, improving efficiency and reducing downtime. These chips can also be powered by small batteries or energy harvesters, making them suitable for environments where access to power is limited.As this technology continues to develop, its impact on different sectors will also grow. This will lead to more efficient and intelligent solutions.<h2 dir="ltr">Accenture's Neuromorphic Computing Initiatives in Space</h2>Eric Gallo believes that neuromorphic architectures can enable smart satellites and other space devices without the significant power and thermal constraints of traditional computing systems.Accenture is working towards demonstrating real-time neuromorphic computing in space. By leveraging the low-power capabilities of neuromorphic chips, Accenture aims to make space devices more intelligent and responsive.The space industry has traditionally relied on less advanced computing technologies due to the challenges of power and heat dissipation. However, with the emergence of neuromorphic computing, there is a sudden realization that space systems can be made much smarter without the usual constraints.<h2 dir="ltr">Accenture's Partnership with BrainChip</h2>Accenture has formed a strong partnership with BrainChip, a leader in neuromorphic computing technology. This collaboration uses the neuromorphic chip to explore practical applications in various industries. Dr. Eric Gallo, who leads Accenture's neuromorphic initiatives, has shared valuable insights from their work with this advanced technology.The chip stands out for its ability to save power compared to traditional computing systems. In practical tests, Accenture observed that systems using the chip consumed only a fraction of the power—about one-fifth—compared to conventional setups. This efficiency is important for applications where power resources are limited, such as edge devices and satellites.Working with BrainChip has allowed Accenture to access cutting-edge neuromorphic technology and gain practical experience in real-world environments. The partnership has been characterized by strong support and collaboration that enables both teams to tackle challenges and continuously improve their systems.<h2 dir="ltr">The Future of Neuromorphic Computing: Spanning Material Spaces and Scales</h2>One of the most exciting aspects of neuromorphic computing is its potential to span a wide range of material spaces and scales. Dr. Gallo envisions the possibility of creating tiny, biodegradable neuromorphic sensors that can be used in applications like water quality monitoring. These sensors could transmit data to small neural networks, which could then determine if there is a need for concern.At the other end of the spectrum, neuromorphic architectures are enabling large-scale neural networks like Spike GPT. These advanced systems demonstrate the versatility of neuromorphic computing, which can be applied from the smallest sensors to the most powerful artificial intelligence systems.Dr. Gallo emphasizes that anyone, even those without expertise in computing architectures, can get involved and contribute to the advancement of neuromorphic computing. The field is open to new ideas and innovations, and there are many opportunities for individuals to make meaningful contributions.<h2 dir="ltr">Final Words</h2>Looking ahead, the future of neuromorphic computing appears bright. Its ability to span a wide range of materials and scales opens doors for anyone interested in contributing to this exciting field. As organizations like Accenture lead the charge, we can expect to see more practical implementations that harness the power of neuromorphic technology, ultimately making our world smarter and more efficient. To learn more about the future of neuromorphic computing watch the full podcast above!

In this episode of the “This is Our Mission” podcast, Sean Hehir interviews Dr. Eric Gallo, a Senior Principal at Accenture Labs. They discuss the advantages of neuromorphic technology and its impact on edge computing, as well as advancements in SpaceTech. 

BrainChip Podcast Epi 34: The State of Neuromorphic Computing

In the world of high reliability connectors, those destined for spaceflight face the toughest conditions. Missions can last years and travel huge distances with no chance for repairs. Connectors need to provide secure communications, even in the harsh environments found outside the atmosphere.The exploration of space is very much in the news. &nbsp;One of the largest programs in recent space history is the Artemis program. This program will see humanity return to the Moon, and its launch vehicle is the Space Launch System. &nbsp;Completing its first successful mission in December 2022, the SLS forms the largest component of the program. However, the latest steps in our return to the Moon are not the only exciting initiatives in space.The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched late in 2021. It is still sending us detailed images of galaxies born in the earliest days of the universe. &nbsp; The information that JWST has gathered is providing new insights into how stars and galaxies are formed. Its advanced capabilities will pave the way for some truly remarkable discoveries in the future. &nbsp;In addition to scientific missions, the last few years have also seen the beginning of an entirely new industry. Some of the richest people on Earth have offered tempting visions of commercial space tourism.&nbsp;These high-profile events, while they capture the imagination of the public, represent just a small part of the picture. &nbsp;The exploration and exploitation of space is an everyday activity. There were more than 220 space launches in 2023 alone [1], carrying science missions and satellites into orbit and beyond. &nbsp;<h2>The Toughest Environment</h2>Even though spaceflight has become more common, the conditions in which these systems must perform are unlike any other. Space represents possibly the single most demanding environment known to engineering. &nbsp;Any equipment used in spaceflight is exposed to a whole range of extremes, from high and low temperatures and harsh radiation to the rigours of launch [2] and the vacuum of space. &nbsp;The lack of atmosphere is especially unforgiving. On Earth, our atmosphere serves as a protective blanket that provides pressure, thermal insulation, and safety from harmful radiation. In space, this protection is stripped away, exposing equipment to potential damage.Without the atmosphere to protect it, an object in space receives the full force of the sun’s radiation. &nbsp;When equipment is bombarded by direct sunlight, its temperature can quickly become dangerously high. In contrast, the parts of a spacecraft that remain in shadow are very cold. &nbsp;These extremes of temperature need to be considered when selecting the materials to be used aboard space vehicles. &nbsp;There are other sources of radiation, including galactic cosmic rays which are highly ionizing. &nbsp;These can harm delicate instruments or sophisticated electronic circuits.<img width="602" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIxMzg2NzIwNjA2LTE3MjEzODY3MjA2MDYuanBlZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" alt="A large white object with a metal frameDescription automatically generated with medium confidence" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Connectors have been providing reliable service in space for decades &nbsp;Image credit: Author<h2>The Dangers of Outgassing</h2>The lack of atmospheric pressure also causes materials to behave in unique ways. &nbsp;Outgassing [3] is a process in which a gas that has become trapped inside another material is released. &nbsp;This is a common problem when plastic is exposed to a vacuum during spaceflight, but it is not limited to plastics alone. &nbsp;Some metals are also prone to sublimation in vacuum conditions, including zinc and cadmium, both of which are commonly used in conventional equipment design. &nbsp;&nbsp;In both cases, the gas that is released can cause damage. &nbsp; It may condense onto cold surfaces such as the optics and sensors of scientific equipment. &nbsp;This can degrade or even negate their effectiveness and put the entire mission at risk. Components also need to be mechanically robust as launching satellites, probes and spacecraft into orbit exposes them to acceleration and vibration that can cause damage that might be undiscovered for months or years. Plastic components need to be manufactured of materials that exhibit high stability, even in vacuum conditions. &nbsp;To provide solutions for these demanding conditions, connectors designed for spaceflight connectors are amongst the most advanced in the industry. &nbsp;Manufactured to stringent standards and tested to prove their performance even in the vacuum of space, they are the very definition of high reliability connectors.<h2>Maximizing Endurance</h2>If the spaceflight environment is not tough enough, there is one additional aspect that contributes to the challenges of designing for spaceflight, and that is endurance. &nbsp;Missions to space, whether they are intended for commercial purposes or scientific, can last for years. &nbsp;If a piece of equipment fails, it is impossible to gain access to fix the problem. &nbsp; In these circumstances, designers and engineers depend on the reliability of each of the components that make up the equipment, no matter how small.Endurance also plays a key role in power planning. A long-range probe operates on a very strict power budget, and a component that introduces unwanted electrical resistance will risk jeopardizing the mission. &nbsp;The electrical contacts used in space-rated connectors will be made from the finest materials and manufactured to the closest tolerances. &nbsp; Contacts will be plated with gold to a thickness rarely seen in even the most demanding applications back on Earth. &nbsp; Gold plating ensures that the contact resistance is kept as low as possible to reduce power loss.Contacts with a low electrical resistance are important for other reasons. &nbsp;Despite the sophistication of the instruments mounted to space probes, the measurements being taken can be tiny. &nbsp;When scientists are looking for minute fluctuations within magnetic fields or are trying to isolate a radiation signature from the noise of interplanetary space, unwanted electrical resistance can prevent a critical signal from being collected.&nbsp;This is also the reason that manufacturers go to the trouble of reducing the magnetic signature of the components themselves to prevent interference with precision scientific experiments. Connectors designed for spaceflight applications use materials that provide the best possible performance. &nbsp;In just one example, the key feature of the D-subminiature connector is the trapezoidal shell that provides protection to the contacts and ensures correct mating. &nbsp;Traditional D-subs use shells made of steel, but versions destined for spaceflight use brass to minimize their magnetic signature. &nbsp;The shell also provides protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) [4]. &nbsp;In the vacuum of space, unprotected by a blanket of atmosphere, equipment is exposed to solar radiation which can interfere with scientific observations or even damage sensitive instruments. &nbsp;The shells of many spaceflight connectors are gold-plated in the same way as the electrical contacts to provide the best possible protection against EMI.<img width="601" src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIxMzg2NzIwNjE3LTE3MjEzODY3MjA2MTcucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" alt="Several different types of computer connectorsDescription automatically generated" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Spaceflight Connectors &nbsp;Image credit: Glenair <h2>Conclusion</h2>Connectors play an often-overlooked role in spaceflight applications. Space vehicles are typically manufactured from sub-assemblies which are brought together before launch. Connectors provide the vital interface between each system, during both the extensive testing regime before launch and the demanding conditions found in space. Spaceflight connectors are designed to some of the highest standards in the interconnection industry and, as a result, represent some of the most capable products available today.<h3>References</h3><ol start="1" type="1"><li><a href="https://www.spaceworks.aero/recap-of-all-global-launches-for-2023/" target="_blank">https://www.spaceworks.aero/recap-of-all-global-launches-for-2023/</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/Rocketology/2016/02/25/think-youre-stressed-try-being-a-rocket/" target="_blank">https://blogs.nasa.gov/Rocketology/2016/02/25/think-youre-stressed-try-being-a-rocket/</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://blog.samtec.com/post/what-is-outgassing-and-how-is-it-tested/" target="_blank">https://blog.samtec.com/post/what-is-outgassing-and-how-is-it-tested/</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/electromagnetic-interference" target="_blank">https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/electromagnetic-interference</a>&nbsp;</li></ol>

Delivering the performance demanded by today’s space missions requires the ultimate in high-reliability connectors.

High Reliability Connectors in Space

In this episode, we discuss how MIT researchers are leveraging a state of the art 3D printer to create much more efficient field electron emitters which could unlock huge potential for ion propulsion in space travel!

Podcast: 3D Printed Mini Thrusters For Space Travel

Edge AI leader BrainChip recently held its quarterly investor podcast, addressing key developments and answering burning questions from shareholders. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, with a growing focus on processing power at the "edge" of networks. This means less reliance on centralized cloud computing and more emphasis on on-device intelligence.&nbsp;In this article, we dive into the highlights from the podcast, covering BrainChip's successful conference participation, exciting space deployment, and its approach to securing commercial partnerships.<h2 dir="ltr">Insights from the Embedded World Conference</h2>The Embedded World Conference in Frankfurt, Germany, served as a crucial platform for BrainChip to showcase its innovative AI solutions and engage with industry leaders. CEO Sean Hehir's participation at the conference showed a landscape buzzing with discussions on AI at the edge, a theme resonating strongly throughout the event.&nbsp;BrainChip's presence at the conference was met with success, evident from the tremendous booth traffic and the strategic positioning within the tiny ML Pavilion. Noteworthy demonstrations, including an emotion detection offering in collaboration with Inviso and the VVDN Edge Boox, garnered significant interest from investors, existing clients, and potential prospects.&nbsp;The conference provided a valuable networking opportunity and set the stage for promising collaborations and future growth opportunities for Brain Chip in the dynamic field of AI technology.<h3 dir="ltr">AI Technology in Space</h3>A landmark moment for BrainChip occurred on March 5th, 2024, when their AI technology, Akida, was launched into space aboard the ANT-61 spacecraft. While a formal ASX announcement wasn't made due to specific criteria, the launch represents a significant validation of Akida's capabilities in harsh environments where low power consumption and offline processing are crucial.&nbsp;This event represents a significant milestone, showcasing BrainChip’s advancements in neuromorphic computing and highlighting the robustness of their technology in extreme environments.Despite the magnitude of this achievement, some shareholders questioned the absence of an ASX announcement to commemorate this historic event. In response, CEO Sean Hehir clarified that while the company adheres to ASX guidelines, the space launch did not meet the criteria for a standalone announcement.&nbsp;Emphasizing the importance of this venture, Hehir highlighted BrainChip's neuromorphic technology's unique capabilities in space environments, as evidenced by a blog from <a href="https://brainchip.com/neuromorphic-computing-making-space-smart/" target="_blank">Accenture</a> and a press release from the <a href="https://brainchip.com/european-space-agency-talks-spacetech-challenges-and-opportunities/" target="_blank">European Space Agency</a>.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Remuneration Report and Commercial Engagements</h2>The 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) saw BrainChip receive a first strike against its remuneration report, prompting the company to make substantial changes to its policies to address the concerns raised by proxy advisors and institutional investors.&nbsp;CEO Sean Hehir acknowledged the possibility of a second strike at the upcoming 2024 AGM. He stated that the company has made prudent preparations to handle such a scenario if it were to occur effectively. However, Hehir expressed optimism that the significant improvements made to the remuneration report would prevent a second strike.<h2 dir="ltr">Akida Edge AI Box on Track: Pre-Orders, Partnerships, and Sales Strategy</h2>Investors eager for updates on the Akida Edge AI Box won't be disappointed. The podcast provided valuable insights into this exciting product:<h3 dir="ltr">1. Pre-Orders Progressing Well</h3>News regarding pre-orders for the Akida Edge AI Box was positive. While specific figures weren't disclosed, CEO Hehir confirmed that pre-orders are in line with expectations. This indicates strong initial interest from potential customers.<h3 dir="ltr">2. Partnering for Success</h3>BrainChip clarified its sales strategy for the Akida Edge AI Box. The primary sales channel for larger-volume purchases is through their established partner, VVDN. For smaller quantities, BrainChip's website handles pre-orders. It also gathers valuable customer feedback and identifies potential use cases. This two-pronged approach ensures efficient sales while providing useful insights for product development.<h3 dir="ltr">3. Securing Commercial Contracts</h3>A central focus for BrainChip is securing commercial contracts. CEO Hehir expressed confidence in BrainChip's competitive edge. The company hasn't lost to competitors yet and is engaged in deep discussions with potential clients.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Engagement with Institutional Investors and Proxy Advisors</h2>During the first quarter of 2024, BrainChip's CEO, Sean Hehir, engaged in a series of crucial meetings with institutional investors and proxy advisors in Sydney and Melbourne. These meetings played a significant role in shaping the company's strategic direction and investor relations.&nbsp;Proxy advisors, in particular, are essential in influencing voting outcomes at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by guiding institutional investors on critical resolutions related to corporate governance, remuneration, and ESG matters.&nbsp;By actively engaging with proxy advisors, BrainChip aims to gain valuable insights into investor sentiments and expectations, ensuring alignment with best practices and transparency in corporate governance.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion: A Look Ahead for BrainChip</h2>The BrainChip quarterly investor podcast provided a comprehensive overview of the company's landscape and vision. Overall, the podcast paints a positive picture of BrainChip's path forward. By capitalizing on market opportunities, attracting top talent, and fostering strong investor relations, BrainChip appears well-positioned to become a leader in the burgeoning edge AI revolution.&nbsp;Listen to the full podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTRkO9DFtn4&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fbrainchip.com%2Finvestor-podcast-ep-5-insights-into-brainchips-latest-developments%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ&feature=emb_imp_woyt" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="isPasted">here.</a>Investors interested in learning more about BrainChip's exciting developments are encouraged to visit the company's website at <a href="https://brainchip.com/" target="_blank">https://brainchip.com/</a>.&nbsp;

Explore BrainChip's latest advancements by tuning into Episode 5 of their Quarterly Investor Podcast. CEO Sean Hehir addresses critical topics for shareholders, including the successful Akida space launch, takeaways from the Embedded World Conference, and updates on the Akida Edge AI Box. 

Investor Podcast Ep 5: Insights into BrainChip's Latest Developments

Continual advancements in space technology are reshaping our capacity to manage Earth's affairs with precision and efficiency. Amidst the complexities of urbanization, climate change, and global connectivity, the need for sophisticated infrastructure has become increasingly apparent.&nbsp;Satellites, with advanced functionalities, have emerged as indispensable tools for data acquisition, analysis, and communication, which are crucial for informed decision-making on Earth.With their high-resolution cameras, multispectral sensors, and robust communication capabilities, we can capture and transmit data from a wide range of Earth-related activities, from urban planning and disaster management to agricultural monitoring and environmental protection.By continuously orbiting the Earth, satellites capture detailed images and other sensor data covering the whole planet’s surface. We can use this data to track changes in landscapes, monitor weather patterns, and observe natural disasters like forest fires, floods, and hurricanes in real time.This data is collected and transmitted back to Earth, where it can undergo rigorous analysis. Machine learning algorithms, data analytics, and other advanced computing techniques allow us to interpret the data with ease. For example, predictive modeling is utilized to forecast weather changes or track the migration patterns of endangered species. The ability to process real-time data enables quick decision-making, which is especially crucial during responses to natural disasters and emergencies.&nbsp;Communication is another critical functionality of satellites. They ensure communication lines are able to remain open, even in the most remote parts of the world. This facilitates global connectivity, allowing data, voice, and video communication to be transmitted across diverse geographical landscapes.<h1 dir="ltr">Maintenance in space</h1>On Earth, if something breaks down in a factory or a power plant, we don’t build a replacement. Instead, we send a repair team with spare parts, and even better yet, we monitor the components' wear and replace them before they break down. This preventive maintenance approach minimizes downtime and reduces the costs associated with sudden breakdowns.This methodology is critical in industries where reliability and uptime are essential. By continuously monitoring equipment health through sensors and predictive analytics, we can identify potential problems before they lead to operational failures. However, this approach faces unique challenges in space, where sending a repair team is not feasible due to the vast distances and extreme conditions.The transition from Earth-based maintenance to space requires innovative solutions to overcome these challenges. The harsh space environment, including vacuum conditions, microgravity, and cosmic radiation, makes traditional maintenance methods impractical. Additionally, the delay in communication between Earth and spacecraft further complicates real-time interventions, necessitating a more autonomous approach to maintenance and repair operations in space.<a href="https://www.ant61.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ANT61&nbsp;</a>develops autonomous robots that enable the maintenance of satellites without the need to put human lives at risk. ANT61 is providing solutions for both: their Beacon product allows satellite operators to understand what went wrong with their satellites and restore them back to operation.For larger and more expensive satellites, they are building robots that will dock, refuel, and, in the future, refurbish satellites, prolonging their useful life. At the core of these robots lies ANT61 BrainTM, the innovative devices that combine machine vision and decision-making technology, enabling the autonomy of these maintenance robots. Autonomy is very important as, due to the speed of light limitations, it won’t be possible to control every movement of these robots remotely from Earth.<h3 dir="ltr">BrainChip AkidaTM&nbsp;: A revolutionary neuromorphic processor for edge AI applications</h3>The first generation of the ANT61 Brain uses the <a href="https://brainchip.com/akida-neural-processor-soc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BrainChip AkidaTM</a> chip for power-efficient AI and is currently on board the Optimus-1 satellite, which was deployed recently by the SpaceX Transporter-10 mission. ANT61 will test the ANT61 Brain later this year and perform training and evaluation of various neural networks that we will use for future in-orbit servicing technology demonstrations.The BrainChip Akida™ chip is a groundbreaking advancement in neuromorphic computing, designed to mimic the neural architecture of the human brain. This technology stands out for its ability to process data directly at the point of acquisition, greatly enhancing efficiency by reducing the reliance on distant cloud-based systems for data processing.Akida's unique capability lies in its event-based neural processor, which processes data only when needed, using data sparsity to significantly reduce the number of operations required. This leads to lower power consumption and heat dissipation, making it highly suitable for the demanding conditions of space. Each Akida node consists of four Neural Network Layer Engines (NPEs), which can be configured for various functions, such as convolutional layers or fully connected layers, and support incremental learning and high-speed inference. This configuration flexibility allows the chip to efficiently handle a wide range of AI tasks without needing constant connectivity or high power draw.Akida's scalable architecture enables the chip to support up to 256 nodes in a mesh network, boosting computational power while maintaining a small footprint. This scalability is crucial for space applications where efficiency and performance are vital. The entire neural network can be embedded directly within the Akida fabric, eliminating the need for frequent data transfers that consume significant power and reduce system responsiveness.Another key feature of the Akida chip is its on-chip learning capability, which allows it to adapt and improve its performance over time without external intervention. This feature is particularly beneficial in space, where conditions can change rapidly and autonomy is crucial. By processing and learning from data locally, Akida enhances the autonomy of satellite maintenance robots like those developed by ANT61, enabling them to perform complex tasks with minimal latency and enhanced reliability.The ANT61 team chose to partner with BrainChip because they believe that neuromorphic technology will bring the same exponential improvement in AI as 20 years ago. The shift from CPU to GPU opened doors to deep neural network applications, which are at the core of all AI technologies today. Neuromorphic technology is also perfect for space: the lower power consumption means less heat dissipation, and we can get up to five times more computational power for the same electrical power budget.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1715339791069-Akida_1000_chip-1.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Akida AKD1000 is a reference chip implemented with TSMC at 28nm<h1 dir="ltr">The ANT61 vision for the future</h1>Humanity’s expansion to the cosmos requires infrastructure that can only be built by robots. With its in-orbit servicing experience, ANT61 aims to become the main supplier of the robotic workforce for Moon and Mars installations. This will enable companies from Earth to project their ambition to space, providing valuable services and resources for future off-world factories and cities.Neuromorphic computing, exemplified by technologies like the BrainChip Akida™ chip, is set to play a pivotal role in this spacefaring era. This form of computing brings several advantages crucial for space applications, such as low power consumption, high efficiency, and the ability to perform complex computations needed for autonomy. By mimicking the human brain, neuromorphic processors can process large volumes of sensor data efficiently, making real-time decisions without the need to send data back to Earth for processing.The integration of neuromorphic computing into space robotics promises to significantly improve these machines' capabilities. Robots equipped with advanced AI processors can better handle the unpredictable nature of space environments, adapting to new challenges autonomously and performing tasks ranging from construction to maintenance and repair. This capability ensures that space habitats are built efficiently and can be sustained with minimal human oversight.ANT61's vision of utilizing these technologies to support human expansion into space reflects a forward-thinking approach that will not only facilitate the construction of off-world establishments but also ensure their long-term sustainability and success.&nbsp;

Remote satellite maintenance is crucial to critical data acquisition and global communication


Advancing Earth Management Through Neuromorphic Computing Powered Satellites

This article was discussed in our <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;<iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/6a4f3fbe-6635-431f-ac15-738583132aab?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> The full article will continue below.<hr>The printing of conductive inks is changing the additive electronics market, and is also opening up exciting new areas of scientific research that could have major implications in a number of industries. Alex Kachkine and Luis Fernando Velásquez-García of MIT recently published an <a href="https://www.mtl.mit.edu/news/velasquez-groups-work-additively-manufactured-vacuum-electron-sources-win-best-paper-award" target="_blank">award-winning paper</a> that showed how <a href="https://www.voltera.io/nova?utm_campaign=Wevolver&utm_source=Blog&utm_content=NOVA" target="_blank">Voltera NOVA</a>, a materials dispensing system that utilizes direct-ink writing technology to additively print conductive materials, could be used to fabricate field emission electron sources that can help with the propulsion of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).This article looks at how Kachkine and Velásquez-García devised a novel method involving two separate rounds of sonification to create an ink densely packed with carbon nanotubes, allowing them to obtain remarkably high performance from their printed field emission devices. In the article, we look at how additive manufacturing offers major advantages over traditional semiconductor fabrication methods, as well as the potential impact of the researchers’ work in aerospace, spectrometry, and other fields.<h1 dir="ltr">What is Field Electron Emission?</h1>Field electron emission is when an electrostatic field induces the emission of electrons, typically from a solid surface into a vacuum. The process is an important area of study in quantum mechanics and can be explained by the phenomenon of quantum tunneling, in which an electron passes through a barrier despite lacking the required energy (according to classical mechanics) to actually do so.Field emission electron sources have several practical applications, from field electron microscopy to electric spacecraft propulsion. However, fabricating them can be challenging: use of semiconductor cleanrooms is expensive, slow, and comes with significant environmental costs.<h1 dir="ltr">Printed Carbon Nanotube Electron Sources</h1>The additive manufacturing of field emission electron sources shows promise for overcoming major limitations in traditional fabrication processes. Direct-ink writing (DIW), a form of additive printing suitable for electronic devices, is a low-cost, low-waste process compatible with a broad range of inks and substrates. It is also highly portable, and could potentially be deployed on spacecraft for in-situ printing.Nonetheless, DIW has its own limitations. Today, most DIW field emission sources cannot match the peak emission currents of their cleanroom-made counterparts, while they also require greater startup voltages. This limits their practical use, as performance ultimately dictates the fabrication method to a greater extent than cost, speed, or environmental concerns.In their recent study, the MIT researchers attempted to create an ink containing the highest possible concentration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in order to break through the current limitations in peak emission currents for 3D printed emitters. Their strategy was to use an unusual two-pronged sonication technique, which helped to prevent unwanted evaporation of solvents during ink preparation. The first round of sonication, during which water was used as a coolant to prevent evaporation, took place after the mixing of CNTs and N,N-Dimethylformamide. The second round took place after the filtering of undispersed CNT clumps and the introduction of ethyl cellulose.Using this innovative technique, the researchers prepared the inks and stored them in thermally stable cartridges. They then loaded their chosen ink cartridge and a standard FR4 substrate onto the NOVA printer to begin the printing process. The machine was able to print a spiralized CNT trace to act as the emitting electrode, offset from a conventional PCB copper trace functioning as the extractor electrode. The printer could accurately print in the gaps between the pre-existing copper trace via optical alignment and surface probing, completing each print in just 30 seconds.<h2 dir="ltr">The Results of the Study</h2>During their research, the team made a number of ink formulations with a CNT concentration ranging from 0.1 wt% to 4.0 wt% and an ethyl cellulose concentration ranging from 0 wt% to 50 wt%, storing each different formulation in its own printable cartridge. The idea behind making a number of different inks with different ratios of their components was to test how concentrated they could make the ink (how many CNTs could be packed into it) before it became impossible to print.While inks with a 4.0 wt% of CNTs resulted in nozzle clogging due to solvent evaporation, making printing impossible, slightly lower concentrations produced highly promising results. Analysis revealed that the devices had a field emission startup voltage of ~40 V and an aggregate peak current of up to ~100 μA/cm2 (beyond which the devices would heat up and stop working) — a higher level of performance than state-of-the-art emitters currently available, and better than previous attempts to make printed emitters of this sort.The researchers noted that the affordability of the NOVA system used in the study could open up the number of potential users and applications for the technique while also commenting on how the printer’s integrated surface mapping and optical alignment enabled precision printing of the spiralized CNT trace.<h1 dir="ltr">Potential Applications of 3D Printed CNT Electron Sources</h1><h2 dir="ltr">Space Propulsion</h2>Different spacecraft have different methods of propulsion, and one form of electric propulsion — more propellant-efficient than chemical rockets — is the ion thruster. An ion thruster makes a cloud of positive ions from a neutral gas via ionization, with electricity used to accelerate the ions and create thrust.Electric propulsion requires the use of a neutralizer to neutralize the gas and allow it to disperse into space. Without a neutralizer, the spacecraft itself could become charged, potentially damaging fragile onboard equipment. Fortunately, field emission electron sources are ideal neutralizers, particularly in low Earth orbit where there is poor vacuum due to residual oxygen.<h2 dir="ltr">Mass Spectrometry &amp; Beyond</h2>Another application of densely packed 3D printed CNT field emitters is in mass spectrometry of gasses, in which the mass-to-charge ratio of ions is measured. Electron impact ionization can provide better signal clarity than corona discharge approaches, which are destructive. The development of 3D printed CNT emitters holds plenty of promise for this field, as it requires lower pressure from the ionizer, which can make the spectrometer more portable.Other fields that could benefit from printed electron sources made using high-concentration CNT inks include X-ray imaging and electron beam lithography (EBL), a technique for drawing custom shapes on electron-sensitive films, known as resists. In both of these fields, a significant reduction in power consumption and the ability to work in poor vacuum makes printed field emission electron sources preferable to their mainstream thermionic emission counterparts.<h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>This latest study is not the first undertaking by members of MIT’s Velásquez Group — specialists in miniaturized devices — to harness the power of a Voltera printer to make a field emission electron source. In 2019, Velásquez-García and lead author Imperio Anel Perales-Martinez fabricated the first ever 3D printed CNT field emission electron sources using a <a href="https://www.voltera.io/v-one?utm_campaign=Wevolver&utm_source=Blog&utm_content=V-One" target="_blank">Voltera V-One</a>. That work laid the foundations for this latest study, with its development of an electron source characterized by a much higher peak current and lower startup voltage.This latest round of exciting findings from the Velásquez Group shows the enormous potential of direct ink writing for the additive manufacturing of critical components in a range of disciplines, from aerospace to healthcare. Overcoming challenges such as unwanted solvent evaporation and nozzle clogging at very high CNT concentrations could further enhance the performance of printed emitters.

Researchers at MIT used a Voltera NOVA to successfully print field electron emitters with a high-concentration carbon nanotube ink. The research has exciting implications for small satellites.

How Precision 3D Printing Enables Miniaturized Electric Space Propulsion

Space exploration has captivated humanity for decades with its promise of adventure and scientific discovery. But venturing beyond our atmosphere comes with immense challenges. This is where a new wave of technology is poised to revolutionize the space industry: artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.&nbsp;This episode of the BrainChip podcast is a conversation between BrainChip CTO Dr Tony Lewis and Mikhail Asavkin, founder of Australian space tech company ANT61. They talk about how AI and intelligent robots are no longer science fiction but the key to unlocking the future of space exploration.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Reusable Rockets and the Democratization of Space</h2>Over the past decade, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation propelled by innovation and the rise of private industry in the space sector. The ability to recover and relaunch rockets has dramatically reduced the cost of space access, opening the door for a new era of private space exploration companies.&nbsp;This democratization of space has spurred innovation and ignited a global race to push the boundaries of what's possible. Mikhail Asavkin, drawing from his extensive experience in space engineering, sheds light on this evolutionary journey and explains how companies like ANT61 are now able to focus their resources on cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics, thanks to the more affordable launch options provided by reusable rockets.&nbsp;This shift has fundamentally changed the landscape of space exploration, making it a more accessible and dynamic field.<h2 dir="ltr">The Impact of AI on Space Exploration</h2>Mikhail Asavkin and Dr Tony Lewis also discuss the transformative role of AI in space exploration. Here's why AI is the silent hero propelling us further into the cosmos:<ul><li dir="ltr">Due to the speed of light, communicating with robots on the Moon or Mars in real time is impossible. This is where AI steps in. By enabling robots to make autonomous decisions based on sensor data and their surroundings, AI eliminates the need for constant human intervention from Earth.</li><li dir="ltr">Space exploration demands more than just following pre-programmed instructions. Robots must be able to perceive their environment, identify objects, and navigate complex situations. Advancements in AI, particularly image recognition and deep learning, allow robots to "see" and understand their surroundings, enabling them to perform intricate tasks and make critical decisions independently.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Neuromorphic Computing in Space</h2>The limitations of traditional AI systems, particularly their high power consumption, pose a significant challenge for space exploration. Here's where neuromorphic computing enables new ways of exploring space.&nbsp;Inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, neuromorphic chips are designed to process information similarly. This translates to a dramatic reduction in power consumption compared to traditional AI hardware like GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). For spacefaring robots, this is a game-changer.Neuromorphic technology offers a multitude of benefits for space AI:<ul><li dir="ltr">Neuromorphic chips enable this dream by requiring significantly less power to perform complex tasks like object detection and real-time decision-making.</li><li dir="ltr">Neuromorphic chips excel at real-time processing, allowing robots to make critical decisions without delay. This is essential for tasks like navigating hazardous terrain or performing delicate scientific operations.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Training AI on the Go</h2>Traditionally, training AI models involves massive datasets downloaded from Earth and meticulously labeled by humans – a time-consuming and impractical process in the vast expanse of space.Neuromorphic computers, with their ability to learn and adapt in real time, make this possible. The AI model can continuously improve its capabilities and decision-making abilities by processing sensor data and surroundings. By training on-site, the AI model can adapt to specific situations and environments, making its tasks more robust and efficient.However, the podcast also discusses a significant challenge that remains: ensuring the safety and well-being of human explorers venturing into the unknown. This necessitates further advancements in AI, particularly in areas like risk assessment, anomaly detection, and real-time decision-making.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion: New Era in Space Exploration</h2>From enabling autonomous robots to construct lunar habitats to empowering AI models to learn and adapt on the fly, these technologies are revolutionizing how we venture beyond our planet. As we look towards a future where humanity establishes a presence on other celestial bodies, AI and robotics will be our indispensable companions.Listen to the full podcast <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyVWVjYM-nQ&t=3s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here.</a>

In this episode, ANT61 Founder and CEO Mikhail Asavkin joins BrainChip CTO Dr. Tony Lewis to discuss the evolution of Space Technology and its impact on daily life. 

BrainChip Podcast: Robotics in Space discussion with ANT61 Founder Mikhail Asavkin

Have you ever wondered how the next generation of space exploration would be powered? The answer might lie in artificial intelligence (AI), and a new frontier is emerging: AI in space.&nbsp;This episode of the Brain Chip podcast explores the vital role of BrainChip in pushing AI to new frontiers through Akida, which was recently launched into space aboard the Transporter 10 spacecraft, alongside Dr. Tony Lewis, BrainChip’s CTO, and experts from the European Space Agency (ESA) Laurent Hili and Luis Mansilla.<h2 dir="ltr">The Rise of New Space&nbsp;</h2>The podcast begins by highlighting the dramatic shift in space exploration. Gone are the days of solely government-driven endeavors. Private companies like SpaceX are making space more accessible, leading to a new era of "New Space." This increased activity necessitates advancements in spacecraft autonomy and mission efficiency.One solution gaining traction is AI. Implementing AI systems directly on spacecraft can automate complex tasks, freeing human astronauts for critical decision-making and exploration activities. Additionally, onboard AI can analyze data in real time, enabling faster responses to unforeseen situations and optimizing mission parameters. However, the podcast emphasizes the challenges of using traditional AI hardware in space.<h2 dir="ltr">Neuromorphic Computing: A Promising Path Forward</h2>The podcast also explores the complexities of implementing AI in space. One of the most significant hurdles is power consumption. Traditional AI hardware can be power-hungry, a major constraint for spacecraft with limited energy resources. As discussed, traditional computing struggles with the power constraints of space.&nbsp;This is where neuromorphic computing emerges as a game-changer. Unlike conventional processors that rely on the von Neumann architecture, neuromorphic computing takes inspiration from the human brain.Here's how neuromorphic computing breaks the mold:<ul><li dir="ltr">Mimic the brain's structure for parallel processing and potential efficiency gains.</li><li dir="ltr">Consume significantly less power, which is crucial for space where every watt counts.</li><li dir="ltr">Can be tailored for specific AI tasks, further boosting efficiency.</li></ul>While still young, neuromorphic computing holds immense promise for space AI.This is where AI comes in. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize space exploration by enabling:<ul><li dir="ltr">Onboard decision-making: AI algorithms could analyze sensor data and make real-time decisions without relying on constant communication with Earth, which vast distances and time delays can hinder.</li><li dir="ltr">Autonomous operations: Spacecraft equipped with AI could perform tasks like navigation, anomaly detection, and even scientific data analysis with minimal human intervention.</li><li dir="ltr">Data reduction and filtering: AI can sift through vast amounts of data collected by space instruments, identifying valuable information and reducing the amount that needs to be transmitted back to Earth, saving precious bandwidth.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">ESA's Multifaceted Approach to AI in Space</h2>The podcast goes beyond just neuromorphic computing, showcasing the multifaceted approach of the European Space Agency (ESA) to integrating AI into various space missions. As highlighted by ESA, they are exploring AI applications across different departments, including:<ul><li dir="ltr">Beamforming and anti-jamming technologies for improved communication and signal strength.</li><li dir="ltr">Maritime applications such as ice bear detection for environmental monitoring.</li><li dir="ltr">Earth observation tasks like analyzing data from the new SC of the Cloud.</li></ul>They also discussed ESA's adoption of the NASA Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system to assess the maturity of AI technologies for space use. This standardized approach helps prioritize development efforts and ensures that technologies are adequately tested before flight.<h2 dir="ltr">BrainChip's AK100</h2>The podcast discusses BrainChip's AK100 chip and its potential role in ESA's space missions. BrainChip reveals that the AK100 chip is currently at TRL 3, indicating it's in the early stages of development. Further work is required to harden the technology for space environments, including rigorous testing for radiation resistance and mitigation strategies.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion: A Collaborative Future for AI in Space</h2>The BrainChip podcast episode offered a glimpse into the exciting and complex world of AI in space. While challenges remain, particularly regarding power consumption and technology validation, the potential benefits of AI for space exploration are undeniable. The collaboration between ESA and BrainChip exemplifies the innovative spirit driving this new frontier.

Listen in as Dr. Tony Lewis, BrainChip's CTO, Laurent Hili (Microelectronics Engineer), and Luis Mansilla (AI Expert) discuss the growing role of AI in space exploration, ESA's investments in this technology, and how BrainChip's Akida chip contributes to this exciting frontier

BrainChip Podcast: Insights on SpaceTech With European Space Agency ESA.

One day the SpaceHopper will be deployed on space missions to explore relatively small celestial bodies such as asteroids and moons. These are thought to contain valuable mineral resources that could be of use to humankind in the future. The exploration of these bodies could also give us insights into our universe’s formation.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1712911128036-imageCarousel.imageformat.lightbox.1854501007.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The project was launched two and a half years ago as an ETH focus project for Bachelor’s degree students. It is now being continued as a regular research project by five Master’s degree students and one doctoral student. One particular challenge of developing exploration robots such as these is the very low gravity prevailing on small celestial bodies –in contrast to larger bodies such as Earth. For this reason, the researchers have tested their robot in zero gravity scenarios on a European Space Agency parabolic flight.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8I4fe9VaQQg?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-9="true" id="588287812" title="Using a hopping robot for asteroid exploration"></iframe>

The prototype of the SpaceHopper developed by ETH students. (Photograph: Dominik Lindegger)

As part of the SpaceHopper project, ETH Zurich students are developing a robot that can navigate very low gravity environments using a jumping-​like mode of locomotion.

Using a hopping robot for asteroid exploration

space

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