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

TL;DR

This paper discusses how AI and robotics are transforming lunar exploration and supporting human spaceflight safety, emphasizing their role in enabling sustainable lunar and interplanetary missions.

Contribution

It identifies two key research domains—AI and robotics in lunar science exploration and manned spaceflight support—and highlights their transformative potential for future space endeavors.

Findings

AI and robotics redefine space exploration frontiers

Robotics enhance astronaut safety and surface operations

Integration of autonomy and sensor fusion enables sustainable lunar missions

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.