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Exploring the Latest AI Breakthroughs in Space
Welcome back, fellow meat computers! This week, we're tracking major advancements, starting with Elon Musk's Colossus supercomputer and its impact on AI-driven applications. We'll also dive into new partnerships and innovations, from reshaping satellite tasking to using AI for disaster response.
There's a lot to cover as AI continues to push the boundaries of what's possible. We're excited to have you along as we explore these evolving frontiers.
Ad Astra et Ultra, Cum AI 🤖🚀
— Brian Berger, SpaceNews editor-in-chief
P.S. If you haven't signed up for the SpaceNext: AI newsletter yet, now's the time! Soon, this newsletter will be available exclusively to our opt-in subscribers—don't miss out on staying informed about the latest in space and AI. Sign up today!
| | |  | | | ☢️ Good News, Everybody! When it comes to launching a nuclear strike, major world powers agree: Humans, not AIs, should be in control.
This was the consensus reached by major world powers at the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul this week. The "Blueprint for Action," endorsed by 60 nations, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and South Korea, stresses the importance of human oversight in critical military decisions like nuclear weapon deployment.
While the blueprint is non-binding, it lays down essential ethical guidelines for using AI in the military. Notably, China and Russia did not endorse the document, signaling ongoing global divides on AI governance.
| | | The Colossus of Memphis: Elon Musk's AI Supercomputer Powers Up
A city synonymous with Elvis and B.B. King has a new headliner: Colossus.
Unveiled over Labor Day weekend, Elon Musk's Colossus supercomputer—a powerhouse featuring 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs—is now up and running.
Built by Musk's year-old xAI venture in just 122 days, the supercomputer is housed in an Electrolux appliance factory in southwestern Memphis that closed amid the pandemic.
Musk plans to double Colossus's capacity in the coming months with an additional 100,000 GPUs, half of which will be the more advanced Nvidia H200 GPUs.
🖥️ What's it doing?: Colossus is intended to supercharge Grok, Musk's deliberately "spicy" AI chatbot handy for spreading political disinformation on X (formerly Twitter), including the kind of deepfakes and provocative political images competitors like ChatGPT have throttled ahead of November's U.S. presidential election.
⚡Power Hungry and Very Thirsty: Colossus draws 150 megawatts of power—enough for 100,000 homes—and uses 1 million gallons of water daily to stay cool. To keep it running while Tennessee's power grid catches up, xAI has reportedly installed 18 portable methane-fueled generators on-site without the necessary air permits.
🎲 "Table Stakes": While already one of the most powerful AI systems in the world, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman downplayed Colossus as "table stakes" in Musk's bid to catch up with AI leaders like Meta, which aims to have 600,000 GPUs in service by the end of 2024.
🚀 Space Applications?: Beyond its immediate role in helping Musk and other Grok users put the AI in Agitprop, Colossus could indirectly benefit SpaceX and other Musk ventures. The advanced AI models it helps train could eventually improve spacecraft autonomy, satellite constellation management, and mission planning for future space missions.
| | | 🍔 An 'Uber Eats' Model for AI Satellite Tasking
Singapore-based startup Eartheye Space recently raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to grow its innovative satellite-tasking platform, which its founder likens to the "Uber Eats" of Earth-observation data. Just as Uber Eats lets users order from a variety of restaurants, Eartheye Space allows customers to access over 475 satellites across multiple sensor types, combining them within the same workflow.
"We can combine any of the 475-plus satellites across all the sensor modalities," founder and CEO Shankar Sivaprakasam told SpaceNews. "You task them together in the same workflow." This flexibility sets Eartheye Space apart, allowing users to rapidly gather the information they need from a diverse array of satellites
Key Points: Data sources: Eartheye Space partners with major satellite providers, including Maxar Technologies, Planet Labs, Capella Space, ICEYE, GHGSat and Spire Global. These sources cover multispectral, hyperspectral, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), thermal infrared and radio frequency data.
Use cases: Tracking transshipments or monitoring deforestation.
Expansion plans: The company plans to expand into Africa and the Middle East in 2024, with the U.S. market targeted for 2025.
Investors: The $1.5 million funding round includes tech investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals such as hedge fund founder Sir David Harding and startup advisor Joshua Kennedy-White. 💡 Reader Feedback: Will AI-driven satellite tasking redefine Earth observation? What challenges do you see? Tell us here.
| | | 🛰️ CGI and ESA Partner to Use AI for Civil Security
Global IT firm CGI and the European Space Agency (ESA) are partnering to enhance civil security using AI and satellite data. Their Civil Security from Space Hub will integrate AI with Earth observation and satellite communication to improve responses to natural disasters like wildfires and floods. The project aims to provide real-time insights for first responders across Europe through a centralized digital marketplace.
What's Next: A prototype of the Civil Security from Space Hub is expected by mid-November 2024. The hub will offer a digital marketplace where users can access integrated space-based solutions for rapid disaster response. Why it matters: This partnership demonstrates how AI and space technology can work together to tackle global challenges, enhancing Europe's ability to respond to disasters and protect critical infrastructure.
🚨 Reader Feedback: How can AI and satellite data improve disaster response in space missions? Let us know here.
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About SpaceNext AI
SpaceNext AI is a weekly newsletter that explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the space industry. We provide concise and insightful coverage on AI's impact on space exploration and technology.
How We Use AI
While we use AI tools to streamline research and drafting, every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed and refined by me. I think of AI as an assistant that helps gather information and identify trends, but every insight and decision is guided by my editorial judgment. I'm here to ensure that our content remains accurate, engaging, and focused on what matters most to our readers. |
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Explore more stories and in-depth coverage on SpaceNews.com, and follow our live updates on X and LinkedIn. Stay informed by following our coverage on how AI continues to redefine what's possible in space. Tips or feedback? Let us know here.
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