National Space Society | NSS Space Forum - November 30, 2023 - Is Space Development Best Left to AI-Enhanced Robots? @NationalSpaceSociety | Uploaded 7 months ago | Updated 13 hours ago
National Space Society Space Forum, November 30, 2023
Debate Proposition: Space Development is Best Left to AI-Enhanced Robots
Enjoy this very special space forum featuring the NSS Space Ambassadors Stevan Akerley, Bryce Meyer and Jim Plaxco as they debate the proposition “Space Development is best left to AI-Enhanced Robots.” Space development is at the forefront of the National Space Society’s mission and vision. How to best make that happen is an open question that will consume policy makers, scientists, engineers, space industry leaders and even ethicists in the years to come as we move closer to achieving these goals.
This debate centers on the idea that leveraging AI in robotic systems is more effective and efficient than human-led space exploration and development. We know that robotic exploration of the solar system and the planets has been very successful, and that robots have proven they can endure the harsh conditions of space and execute complex tasks at lower risk and cost than human exploration. But we also know that they cannot replace the role of human intuition, creativity and adaptability needed for space exploration and settlement. The Space Ambassadors explore these issues and engage in a give-and-take exchange of ideas and arguments in support of or opposition to the proposition.
Stevan Akerley is a retired aerospace engineer from Pratt & Whitney, UTC (now RTX), with 40 years of manufacturing and engineering experience with automated N/C equipment and measurement sensor systems in manufacturing applications. He also has experience in precision manufacturing, machine measurement, CAD CAM software development, quality assurance, and tool and equipment design. Stevan was involved in project and program management on multiple engine programs. He holds an AA degree in liberal arts, a BS degree in industrial technology, and an MBA degree in Management Information Systems and International Business. He also holds a Computer Information Technology Certificate from Central Connecticut State University and is currently serving as a Space Ambassador and a member of the Board of Directors with the National Space Society.
Bryce Meyer is an experienced engineer and on his own time develops and designs farms for space settlement, focusing on mass flow and energy use. He has a graduate degrees in engineering and biology, and very practical experience working on Earth farms. He is writing a textbook on the topic of space farms, in addition to numerous publications in AIAA and NSS conferences and journals, and Children’s STEM books on Space Settlement. He lives in Missouri and is part of the St. Louis Space Frontier Chapter of NSS, and chair of the Space Settlement Technical Committee of AIAA.
Jim Plaxco is a digital artist and computing professional who has been a space activist since the mid-80’s when he became a member of the National Space Institute. He has served as the Director of Information Systems for the National Space Society. He is also the Webmaster, a Director, and President of the Chicago Society for Space Studies. Mr. Plaxco also created the CSSS Speakers Bureau. He additionally serves as a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, a National Space Society Space Ambassador, and the National Space Society Space Ambassador’s Economics Subject Matter Expert. Mr. Plaxco has previously served as both a director and a Vice President of the National Space Society and as both a Director and a Vice President of the Planetary Studies Foundation. He has been a judge in a variety of space art contests, including art contests sponsored by NASA. He also served as the manager of the Enterprise in Space Orbiter Design Contest and as the National Space Society Space Settlement Art Contest.
National Space Society Space Forum, November 30, 2023
Debate Proposition: Space Development is Best Left to AI-Enhanced Robots
Enjoy this very special space forum featuring the NSS Space Ambassadors Stevan Akerley, Bryce Meyer and Jim Plaxco as they debate the proposition “Space Development is best left to AI-Enhanced Robots.” Space development is at the forefront of the National Space Society’s mission and vision. How to best make that happen is an open question that will consume policy makers, scientists, engineers, space industry leaders and even ethicists in the years to come as we move closer to achieving these goals.
This debate centers on the idea that leveraging AI in robotic systems is more effective and efficient than human-led space exploration and development. We know that robotic exploration of the solar system and the planets has been very successful, and that robots have proven they can endure the harsh conditions of space and execute complex tasks at lower risk and cost than human exploration. But we also know that they cannot replace the role of human intuition, creativity and adaptability needed for space exploration and settlement. The Space Ambassadors explore these issues and engage in a give-and-take exchange of ideas and arguments in support of or opposition to the proposition.
Stevan Akerley is a retired aerospace engineer from Pratt & Whitney, UTC (now RTX), with 40 years of manufacturing and engineering experience with automated N/C equipment and measurement sensor systems in manufacturing applications. He also has experience in precision manufacturing, machine measurement, CAD CAM software development, quality assurance, and tool and equipment design. Stevan was involved in project and program management on multiple engine programs. He holds an AA degree in liberal arts, a BS degree in industrial technology, and an MBA degree in Management Information Systems and International Business. He also holds a Computer Information Technology Certificate from Central Connecticut State University and is currently serving as a Space Ambassador and a member of the Board of Directors with the National Space Society.
Bryce Meyer is an experienced engineer and on his own time develops and designs farms for space settlement, focusing on mass flow and energy use. He has a graduate degrees in engineering and biology, and very practical experience working on Earth farms. He is writing a textbook on the topic of space farms, in addition to numerous publications in AIAA and NSS conferences and journals, and Children’s STEM books on Space Settlement. He lives in Missouri and is part of the St. Louis Space Frontier Chapter of NSS, and chair of the Space Settlement Technical Committee of AIAA.
Jim Plaxco is a digital artist and computing professional who has been a space activist since the mid-80’s when he became a member of the National Space Institute. He has served as the Director of Information Systems for the National Space Society. He is also the Webmaster, a Director, and President of the Chicago Society for Space Studies. Mr. Plaxco also created the CSSS Speakers Bureau. He additionally serves as a NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, a National Space Society Space Ambassador, and the National Space Society Space Ambassador’s Economics Subject Matter Expert. Mr. Plaxco has previously served as both a director and a Vice President of the National Space Society and as both a Director and a Vice President of the Planetary Studies Foundation. He has been a judge in a variety of space art contests, including art contests sponsored by NASA. He also served as the manager of the Enterprise in Space Orbiter Design Contest and as the National Space Society Space Settlement Art Contest.
