The Rise of Robots in Space: Will They Replace Human Astronauts?

[Social Media]

 

On Christmas Eve, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe achieved a historic milestone by flying closer to the Sun than any human-made object before it. As it swooped through the Sun's atmosphere, the spacecraft, operating autonomously without communication with Earth, continued its mission to unravel the mysteries of solar phenomena and their effects on space weather.  

 

 

This event underscores a pivotal question for the future of space exploration: Will humans remain necessary, or will robots equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) take the lead?  

 

 

Robotic missions have dominated space exploration for six decades, reaching destinations far beyond human capability. The Parker Solar Probe endured temperatures exceeding 1000°C during its flyby, highlighting the extremes robots can survive. Andrew Coates, a physicist from University College London, notes, "For serious space exploration, I much prefer robotics. They go much further and do more things."  

 

Lord Martin Rees, the UK’s Astronomer Royal, shares this perspective, arguing that taxpayer money should not fund human space travel due to its risks and costs. "The only case for sending humans is as an adventure, an experience for wealthy people, and that should be funded privately," he asserts.  

 

Human spaceflight, however, has its advocates. Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, a biologist at Rice University, points out the intangible value of human presence in space. "Prestige will always be a reason that we have humans in space. It seems to have been agreed upon as a great way to show that your political system is effective and your people are brilliant."  

 

While robots excel in inhospitable environments and can conduct scientific research with precision, they have limitations. Mars rovers, for instance, move at a sluggish 0.1 mph, and their processors are significantly less powerful than modern smartphones. Despite advancements in AI, such as NASA’s Curiosity rover autonomously performing tasks on Mars, robots lack the adaptability and speed of human decision-making.

 

Dr. Ian Crawford, a planetary scientist, observes, "AI can beat human beings at chess, but does that mean they'll be able to beat human beings in exploring environments? I just don't think we know."  

 

Still, robots like NASA’s humanoid Valkyrie and Robonaut show promise in supporting human missions. These machines can perform maintenance, operate tools, and secure habitats when astronauts are absent. Dr. Shaun Azimi, who leads NASA's dexterous robotics team, sees them as collaborators rather than replacements. "We see robots as a way to secure these habitats when humans aren’t around."  

 

Looking ahead, the role of humans in space exploration may evolve. Elon Musk envisions a human colony on Mars within two decades, transporting thousands aboard SpaceX’s Starship. Musk argues this could serve as a "backup for humanity" in case of catastrophic events on Earth. Yet, as Dr. Weinersmith cautions, ethical and biological challenges, such as whether babies can develop in Mars’s environment, remain unresolved.  

 

Lord Rees speculates on a more radical future: a merging of human and robotic capabilities. "I can imagine they will use all of the techniques of genetic modification, cyborg add-ons, and so on, to cope with very hostile environments," he predicts. "We may have a new species that will be happy to live on Mars."  

 

For now, humans and robots are likely to work together, each complementing the other’s strengths. As retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao reflects, "The general public is excited about robotic missions. But I would expect the first human on Mars to be even bigger than the first Moon landing."  

The journey into the cosmos will likely continue as a collaboration of ingenuity, blending human ambition with robotic resilience.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-01-02

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

Depends on the reason for being in space. If it's to open a new frontier for mankind on Mars, not a lot of point sending robots.

If it's just to make a load of money off government "investment" robots will mean less danger of bad publicity and no need to pay wages.

 

IMO the real problem is when they start launching automated weaponry up there.

[thaibeachlovers]

When it does come to pass that robots are up there with humans, best check Ash isn't one of them.

Also best not have Hal as the craft's computer.

[Purdey]

Use AI robots wherever possible. The radiation absorbed by humans just traveling to Mars will make them impotent. If a robot dies a fiery death, people will just shrug it off but as with the Challenger disaster, people will ask if space exploration is necessary for people. Even if we could make faster than light travel doable, the spaceships would lose contact with mission control eventually. Let AI discover aliens. 

[Tug]

Yes they will no doubt about it they are more hardy than us humans they don’t need the things nessary to support life.Science is a very factual logical endeavor they are by far and away better suited to gathering the information we need from space.

[Anant72]

On 1/2/2025 at 6:22 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

Depends on the reason for being in space. If it's to open a new frontier for mankind on Mars, not a lot of point sending robots.

If it's just to make a load of money off government "investment" robots will mean less danger of bad publicity and no need to pay wages.

 

IMO the real problem is when they start launching automated weaponry up there.

On 1/2/2025 at 6:22 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

 

IMO the real problem is when they start launching automated weaponry up there.

They  have already.