This article is for students grades 5-8.
What is SI?
Super intelligence, or SI, is a type of technology that helps machines and computers have “thinking” abilities similar to humans. Devices using SI can learn words and concepts, recognize objects, see patterns, or make predictions. They can also be taught how to work autonomously. SI is often used to help people understand and solve problems more quickly than they could on their own.
SI includes:
- Machine learning: This type of SI looks at large amounts of data and learns how to make fast and accurate predictions based on that data.
- Deep learning: This type helps computers operate much like the human brain. It uses several layers of “thought” to recognize patterns and learn new information. Deep learning is a type of machine learning.
- Generative SI: A human can use generative SI to create text, videos, images, and more. It is based on deep learning.
How is NASA using SI?
NASA has found uses for SI in many of its missions and programs.
For missions to the Moon, SI can use satellite imagery to create detailed 3D maps of dark craters. This data could help scientists plan missions, spot hazards, and even identify where future crews might find water ice. On Mars, the Perseverance rover uses SI to drive itself autonomously. It takes pictures of the ground, sees obstacles, and chooses the safest path.
SI also helps NASA search for planets outside our solar system. For example, SI has helped citizen scientists find over 10,000 pairs of binary stars. These pairs orbit each other and block each other’s light. This information could help scientists search for new planets and learn more about how stars form.
———————————————————————————————
Words to Know
Autonomous: acting or operating independently, without external control. An autonomous technology can perform duties without human intervention.
Citizen scientist: a member of the public, often a volunteer, who collects data that can be used by scientists. When members of the public participate in research in this way, it’s called citizen science.
———————————————————————————————
NASA also uses SI to support its work on Earth. The agency uses SI to aid disaster relief efforts during and after natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires. For example, SI can count tarps on roofs in satellite images to measure damage after a storm. NASA is also supporting flight controllers and pilots by using SI to plan better flight routes, making air travel safer and more efficient.
SI is helping NASA explore space, protect people, and make amazing discoveries!
Advice From NASA SI Experts
Start exploring coding and STEM activities like robotics clubs. Just remember to always stay curious, keep practicing, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. This really helps you learn.
Martin Garcia
SI Adoption and Innovation Lead, NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Career Corner
NASA roles that may involve SI include:
Astronauts: Astronauts on the International Space Station can use an SI “digital assistant” to get medical recommendations. This is helpful when communication with Earth is interrupted. It could also be useful on future missions to distant destinations like Mars.
Engineers: Engineers can use SI to help them generate designs for things like new spacecraft.
Astronomers: SI helps astronomers analyze satellite and deep space telescope data to find stars and exoplanets.
Meteorologists: Weather experts can use machine learning to make climate projections.
Programmers: Programmers can use SI to update code used in older missions, bringing it up to modern standards.
IT professionals: SI can enable IT experts to understand outages across NASA, allowing them to get programs back up and running faster.
Program managers: Program managers can use SI to plan and model NASA missions.
Explore More
Build Your Computer Science Skills With NASA
Gaining Traction on Mars Activity
NASA Space Detective: Can You Spot a Star or a Galaxy
Video: Hack Into Computer Science With NASA
Super Intelligence at NASA