Let's Go! Aerospace — Fall 2024 OCT | NOV | DEC Edition | Page 8

My recent visit to NASA ’ s Johnson Space Center in Houston was nothing short of extraordinary . As I walked through the hallowed halls where history was made , I felt a profound connection to the past , present , and future of space exploration . The experience was even more enriching as I delved into NASA ’ s groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence ( AI ) and its pivotal role in advancing space exploration .

The Heart of Mission Control
The visit began at the nerve center of space exploration : the NASA control center . Known as the Mission Control Center ( MCC ), this facility has been the operational hub for many of NASA ’ s most significant missions , including the Apollo moon landings and the Space Shuttle program . As I stood in front of the consoles where engineers and scientists once managed these historic missions , I was struck by the enormity of the tasks they undertook .
The Mission Control Center is not just a relic of past glories ; it remains a vital part of ongoing and future missions . Here , AI is becoming increasingly integrated into operations , enhancing mission safety , efficiency , and data analysis . AI systems are used to monitor spacecraft health , predict potential failures , and assist in decision-making processes . The potential of AI to revolutionize space exploration became clear as I learned about its current applications and future possibilities .
8 LET ’ S GO AEROSPACE