Artificial Intelligence to Boost Space-Probe Efficiency

In a shift some hail as a revolution in space technology, scientists are reprogramming existing space probes to make more decisions on their own. Experts say artificial intelligence will help unmanned spacecraft work more efficiently and send better data back to Earth. Rebecca Castaño of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, says even the current Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity will soon benefit from smarter software. Their upgrades are scheduled for this summer. As part of their mission, the rovers' scan for atmospheric phenomena, such as dust devils (small sandy whirlwinds) or clouds. But because the probes can't recognize these features on their own, they waste time beaming photos of little or no interest back to Earth.