AstroForge is putting AI in command of its next spacecraft
Autonomy-1 will have a small, transformer-based AI model taking charge of a space probe.
TL;DR
- AstroForge is developing an AI system named "Solo" for autonomous spacecraft control.
- The company plans its first autonomous mission in 2027, launching with Stoke Space.
- Past prototype missions faced communication and control issues, leading AstroForge to explore onboard AI solutions.
- Solo is a transformer-based model designed to handle anomaly resolution and spacecraft operations without constant Earth intervention.
- The 2027 mission aims to gather scientific data about the Sun.
- AstroForge's third vehicle, DeepSpace-2, will test Solo in "shadow mode" before the Autonomy-1 mission.
- The Autonomy-1 mission may forgo Earth communication radios entirely, signifying a commitment to full autonomy.