NASA uses AI to design spacecraft parts

Plus: 'Moonlight': World's first force-controlled parallel robot is here. Feb 21, 2023 [Blueprint]( [NASA’s new parts]( look a little out of this world. …and they were designed by AI. The agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland has been using commercially available AI software to design specialized, bespoke parts, called “evolved structures,” for its missions. Starting with the mission's requirements, a computer-assisted design specialist draws the surfaces where the part connects to the instrument or spacecraft; then, the AI software connects the dots to produce complex structure designs in as little as an hour or two. Nifty. But before you gaze at those, cast your eye over [this video](. It shows the world's first force-controlled parallel robot, and it's pretty impressive. Good morning. I’m Alice, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let’s dive in. [Rise of AI: Google wrestles OpenAI's ChatGPT in a no holds Bard match.]( [premium] This is Google wrestling OpenAI's ChatGPT in a no holds Ba rd match (geddit?). This is the future people. [Play]VIDEO OF THE DAY ['Moonlight': World's first force-controlled parallel robot is here.]( ['Moonlight': World's first force-controlled parallel robot is here.]( C3PO has really evolved… [Must Read]MUST READ [‘They look alien’: NASA uses AI to design complex spacecraft parts.]( [‘They look alien’: NASA uses AI to design complex spacecraft parts.]( NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland has been using [commercially available AI software to design specialized, bespoke parts]( called “evolved structures,” for its missions. And it’s fair to say they look a little out of this world. “They look somewhat alien and weird,” Research Engineer Ryan McClelland said, “but once you see them in function, it makes sense.” Starting with the mission's requirements, a computer-assisted design specialist draws the surfaces where the part connects to the instrument or spacecraft; then, the AI software connects the dots to produce complex structure designs in as little as an hour or two. According to Ryan McClelland, who pioneered the design of the parts, the evolved structures can save up to two-thirds of the weight compared to standard components and reduce the risk of failure. → The evolved structures can tolerate higher structural loads, weigh less, and can be produced in as little as a week. They also need less help from people, which gives designers more time to work on other parts of the mission. 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Do you think AI will be the catalyst for a raft of monumental space travel advancements? [Yes, it’s inevitable]( [No, AI isn’t exactly new]( [It’s possible I suppose]( [I am unsure either way]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Yesterday, we asked you why you think the new Blue Origin solar power development hasn’t been shouted about more, and it looks like you all had differing reasons as to why. 31% Something else entirely 28% They’re trying to play it down 23% NASA has bigger stories to tell 19% It isn’t that big of a deal [QUOTE OF THE DAY]QUOTE OF THE DAY “I'm urging NASA to foster the development of what I call 'runway landers.' No, that's not the name of a high-stakes gambler from Vegas. It's a type of spacecraft that flies to orbit like the retiring Shuttles but then glides to a landing like an airplane on a runway. Just like the Shuttles do.” Buzz Aldrin. 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