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At Hadean, we’re focused on how our technology can not only simplify but significantly improve our lives, from enhancing everyday experiences to solving the world’s most complex problems. Our expertise lies in making scalability cost-effective and transforming complex challenges into simple solutions. So, today, on US National Space Day, we’re reflecting on how to extend our solutions much further than life on earth, and harness our technology to also enhance life in space – making it safer, more secure, and increasingly accessible.
Huge advancements in space exploration have been made since man first looked skywards. We already find ourselves in the ‘Space Age’. The commercial space industry has rapidly expanded, marked by a surge in launches and an increase in satellites orbiting Earth. This growth opens up new business opportunities and enhances our ability to monitor the environment and human activities. However, the commercial space rush presents unique challenges that add increasing layers of complexity to our national security, space traffic, regulations, and more. In response, the US Department of Defence published its inaugural Commercial Space Integration Strategy with a mission to develop a ‘safe, secure, stable and sustainable space domain.’
It’s clear that we are entering the ‘Spatial Age’, where spatial technology and AI will drive the future of space exploration – here’s how:
Enhanced mission training and simulation. Spatial computing can revolutionise training for astronauts by creating more immersive and realistic simulations. Using VR, trainees can experience lifelike scenarios that mimic the complexities of space missions, from spacewalks to emergency responses, providing invaluable experiential learning without leaving Earth.
Remote manipulation and robotics. Controlling robotic assets in space is a challenging task due to communication delays and operational risks. Spatial computing can provide intuitive interfaces for earth-based operators to control robots and drones, improving precision and safety in extraterrestrial operations. Extra spatial data allows for better visual acuity and therefore offers more accurate decision data (more on that later).
Strengthening international alliances. Space exploration is fragmented by differing laws, regulations, and technological standards, which can hinder collaboration. By adopting advanced spatial computing and AI technologies, countries can enhance cooperation on joint initiatives like satellite constellations and space situational awareness. These technologies provide a unified platform for data sharing, analysis, and visualisation, improving communication and coordination among international teams, and facilitating more effective collaboration on space missions.
Improved data visualisation and analysis. The vast amount of data collected from space missions can be overwhelming. Spatial computing technologies like AR can overlay this data onto real-world views, making it more accessible and understandable for scientists and engineers. This capability is crucial for real-time decision-making in missions and enhances our understanding of the space domain.
Test and evaluation of space assets in context. Space exploration is notoriously costly, with every component requiring meticulous engineering to withstand harsh space conditions. To manage this, leveraging advanced modelling and simulation is essential. These technologies allow engineers to test virtual models in diverse scenarios, reducing the need for costly physical prototypes, mitigating risks, and accelerating development times. By embracing modelling and simulation, the space industry can enhance efficiency, decrease costs, and make the ambitious goals of space exploration more sustainable and achievable.
Rethinking interaction in zero gravity. The challenges posed by microgravity offer us a unique opportunity to fundamentally rethink interaction designs for computing interfaces. The solutions we develop could potentially set new standards for user interface design, applicable not just in space, but in other dynamic environments on Earth – under the sea, in the air, and beyond.
The sky’s not the limit
It’s clear that the ‘Spatial Age’ is fast approaching. Government and commercial agencies must integrate cutting edge technologies such as spatial computing and AI to gain a strategic advantage and reinforce national security in an increasingly crowded space environment.
Join Hadean in shaping the future of space exploration.