During the Supercomputing Conference, or SC2024, NASA‘s Associate Administrator for Science Mission Directorate, Nicola Fox, spoke about new computing tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These tools are designed to improve space science.
During the event, Fox explained that he plans to use large language models (LLMs) in NASA’s science divisions. Let’s see what this means for you.
NASA to create computational tool based on artificial intelligence
The new NASA tool is supported by models related to Earth science, astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, biological and physical sciences. The new strategy was illustrated using a basic heliophysics model. In particular, this model uses extensive data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory to predict solar wind events. It also helps to track the activity of sunspots.
Fox also emphasized the achievements of NASA’s Voyager missions, which were launched in the 1970s. The Voyager mission was an important milestone in the development of computer technology for space exploration. This spacecraft worked with early semiconductor memory and helped make unique discoveries. These include the discovery of additional satellites of Saturn and Jupiter’s faint ring.
In addition, the Voyager mission succeeded in demonstrating the possibilities for future computational breakthroughs in space science. Since then, NASA’s computing needs have expanded, and now more than 140 petabytes of data are stored and shared as part of its open science policy. This huge amount of data allows scientists from all over the world to access and benefit from NASA research. The use of AI can help to quickly process this huge amount of data.
The way forward
In addition, real-time data and Earth observation can be improved with AI. Fox said that NASA’s ongoing research into extraterrestrial life could be accelerated through the use of artificial intelligence. Recent exoplanet explorations, such as LP 791-18d, underscore this new research. NASA’s observatories, including the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), will also help in this research. It has contributed to the discovery of thousands of exoplanets. In addition, the use of AI and computing power can help in the search for conditions that can support life beyond Earth.
By launching the artificial intelligence tool, NASA aims to harness the power of AI in processing huge amounts of data. It stated that both AI and computing can play an important role in analyzing the huge amounts of data collected during NASA missions. This can help the space organization explore questions that could not be studied or understood before.
