AstroForge Hands Spacecraft Control to Onboard AI
TL;DR: Asteroid-mining startup AstroForge intends to let an AI take command of its next spacecraft, Autonomy-1.
Key points
- AstroForge named its next probe Autonomy-1, with an AI model set to take charge of spacecraft operations.
- The onboard system is reportedly a small, transformer-based AI model rather than a large one.
- The design gives the AI direct control over the space probe.
Why it matters
In deep space, long communication delays make real-time ground control impractical. An onboard AI that can make its own calls widens the room for autonomous navigation and situational response. It is also a notable attempt to put transformer-style models into an operational commercial space mission.