Space-based capabilities have become one of the central themes in the technological discourse. Rapid proliferation of these capabilities has increased the significance of space exploration. As various space agencies and private entities expedite their ingress towards space, Machine Learning (ML) is becoming more relevant to ensure efficiency, safety and mission success. This paper examines the interplay between ML and space exploration, focusing on its key applications across three levels: near-Earth, solar system, and interstellar. The findings of this paper indicate that ML has major implications across all three levels of space exploration. In near-Earth applications, ML facilitates data collection and analysis, autonomous navigation, and development of Robonauts. At the solar system level, it plays a crucial role in planetary exploration, space weather forecasting, space debris identification, and asteroid trajectory prediction. Similarly, at the interstellar level, ML contributes to exoplanet detection, analysis of diffuse interstellar bands, and advancements in interstellar travel. However, while ML-driven applications offer substantial benefits, their implementation is hindered by various challenges arising from the inherent complexity of the space domain, necessitating targeted solutions for optimal utilisation.
Share this article
CASS Opinion Roundup – May 2026, Vol. No. 0001
Print đŸ–¨ PDF đŸ“„
The West: The History of an Idea
The world is witnessing the collapse of the Western order, if not the emergence of an alternative one. The idea of ‘West’ as against the rest is still at the root of contemporary understanding of world politics. Georgios Varouxakis, a remarkable voice on Modernity and Nationalism, has provided the historical origins and modern connotations attached with the idea of ‘West’. In his book ‘The West: The History of an Idea’, Varouxakis has argued that the West is not an eternal entity, rather it is a modern socio-political construct that emerged in the political philosophy of the early 19th century and evolved with the passage of time. The book provides an in-depth historical analysis of the idea to determine the roots of its modern interpretation.
Space-Enabled Warfare in the 21st Century: Pathways for Developing States
Space has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare alongside land, sea, air, and cyber. Developed countries like the United States, Russia, and China possess offensive and support capabilities in space. In the shadowed expanse of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where satellites operate like silent custodians, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine transformed the nature of modern conflict. As Russian troops marched forward, the commercial satellites like Maxar and Planet, which are operated by Western firms, captured high-resolution imagery of Russian troops, providing real-time intelligence to Ukrainian commanders, unlike ever before.
