Economic contributions of artificial intelligence to space systems

Enough experience has been gained in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to spacecraft missions to permit prediction of the contributions of AI to cost reductions during system integration and test and during operations. The authors present a model and several examples based on case histories and indicate that the decision to use AI can be made from a business perspective as well as from a technical perspective. It is noted that planned reuse and therefore design for reuse are important factors influencing the magnitude of the savings. AI software developed for use during system integration and test can be reused during the operational phase and shows promise of migrating onto the spacecraft itself. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that AI software can be designed to be used across multiple subsystems of a spacecraft.<>