On August 23, 2023, India made history by becoming the fourth nation to achieve a lunar surface landing with the successful touchdown of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. This momentous achievement was celebrated across the country and drew the attention of various space agencies intrigued by the water ice potential at the Moon’s lunar south pole
Artificial Intelligence (AI) played a significant role in Chandrayan 3
Artificial Intelligence (AI) played a significant role in facilitating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s moon landing mission. AI-driven sensors were crucial to the Chandrayaan-3 landing safely on the moon’s surface. The technology allowed for quick analysis of data, provided predictive insights, autonomous navigation, optimized mission operations, and detected anomalies, among other uses.
This incredible feat is all thanks to the country’s top minds. Over a thousand engineers and scientists have worked on this mission, with reportedly Rs 618 crores (approximately $75 million) being spent on it. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was helmed by ISRO Chairperson Sreedhara Panicker Somanath–an aerospace engineer who helped design the “Bahubali rocket” that lifted Chandrayaan-3 into orbit.
This achievement is not only a milestone for Indian scientists but also showcases the immense potential of AI technology in space exploration. With its successful landing, India has joined an elite group of nations that have achieved this feat and has demonstrated its technological prowess on a global stage.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) utilized cutting-edge AI technology to facilitate this historic mission. AI-driven sensors played a crucial role in ensuring a secure landing on the Moon’s surface. The technology allowed for quick analysis of data, provided predictive insights, autonomous navigation, optimized mission operations, and detected anomalies, among other uses
ISRO Chairman, S Somnath, unveiled a technological breakthrough, highlighting a sensor array comprising velocimeters and altimeters. These instruments provide vital data on the lander’s speed and altitude, while a suite of cameras (including a hazard avoidance camera and inertia-based cameras) capture crucial visuals. These data streams are seamlessly integrated using advanced computer algorithms to generate a comprehensive image pinpointing the lander’s precise location.
AI will also play a significant role during the rover’s lunar exploration phase. AI algorithms will provide guidance in terms of locating and mapping intriguing lunar features, as well as charting the rover’s optimal route for efficient exploration. As the spacecraft collects invaluable data, AI will take center stage in the analysis phase. AI will help bring insights that might remain concealed through conventional approaches.
