A.I. Helps NASA Improve Mars Rovers

NASA has shared an update on how scientists have used A.I. for nearly three years to improve NASA’s Mars rovers’ efficiency. The improved A.I. assists scientists with detecting the minerals within rocks one of the rovers is discovering while on Mars. 

The rover, Perseverance, employs Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL), “a micro-focus X-ray fluorescence spectrometer mounted on the robotic arm of NASA’s Perseverance rover.” PIXL helps scientists see if rocks the rover discovers could have previously aided microbial life on Mars.

“Ultimately, it helps us gather the best science more quickly,” stated Peter Lawson, one of the leading PIXL samplers at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 

Another one of NASA’s Mars rovers, Curiosity, integrates a new form of A.I. that allows the rover to “zap rocks with a laser based on their shape and color,” according to NASA. This practice allows scientists to view and study the rock’s chemical compositions.  

A.I. will continue to assist scientists at NASA in improving their research on Mars. “Mars is a great place to test out AI since we have regular communications each day, giving us a chance to make tweaks along the way,” NASA scientist David Thompson said.