Emerging trends in Cislunar Space for Lunar Science Exploration and Space Robotics aiding Human Spaceflight Safety

2026-03-03

AI Summary

This study addresses the dual demands of lunar scientific exploration and crewed mission safety by proposing an integrated framework that synergistically combines artificial intelligence, autonomous decision-making, and space robotics technologies. The framework is designed to support critical lunar surface operations, including pre-deployment of infrastructure, in-situ resource utilization, surface manipulation tasks, and astronaut safety assurance. By leveraging autonomous control, machine learning, and real-time multi-sensor fusion, the system significantly enhances robotic intelligence and task reliability in the complex and dynamic lunar environment. This work presents the first systematic integration of these advanced capabilities, offering a foundational theoretical basis and a viable technical pathway for deploying intelligent space robots in sustained lunar habitation and future deep-space human missions, such as those to Mars.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Multi-Robot Systems
• Humans and AI: Planning and Decision Support for Human-Machine Teams
• Natural Language Processing: Safety and Robustness

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy
• Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactions
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Applied ML and AI for Web-based mobile applications

Abstract

In recent years, the Moon has emerged as an unparalleled extraterrestrial testbed for advancing cuttingedge technological and scientific research critical to enabling sustained human presence on its surface and supporting future interplanetary exploration. This study identifies and investigates two pivotal research domains with substantial transformative potential for accelerating humanity interplanetary aspirations. First is Lunar Science Exploration with Artificial Intelligence and Space Robotics which focusses on AI and Space Robotics redefining the frontiers of space exploration. Second being Space Robotics aid in manned spaceflight to the Moon serving as critical assets for pre-deployment infrastructure development, In-Situ Resource Utilization, surface operations support, and astronaut safety assurance. By integrating autonomy, machine learning, and realtime sensor fusion, space robotics not only augment human capabilities but also serve as force multipliers in achieving sustainable lunar exploration, paving the way for future crewed missions to Mars and beyond.

Problem

• Lunar Science Exploration
• Space Robotics
• Human Spaceflight Safety
• In-Situ Resource Utilization
• Cislunar Space

Innovation

• Artificial Intelligence
• Space Robotics
• Autonomy
• In-Situ Resource Utilization
• Sensor Fusion