# Using Artificial Intelligence for Space Challenges: A Survey
## 3 Challenges in Space Applications  
In this section, we discuss and analyze the current challenges in space applications that AI is helping to address. Over the years, humans have tried to address several challenges in space and for space. In this process, the collaboration between humans and machines, along with enabling and innovative technologies, has been crucial and has made discoveries and innovation possible. If, on the one hand, there is a necessity to expand the presence of humans in space, on the other hand, it is the task of humans to manage the constraints of in-space resources. Therefore, all efforts lead to two common goals: (i) to push toward space exploration and scientific discoveries; (ii) to improve life on Earth. Human beings play an essential role in all this, such as specialists who work on the objectives of space missions, astronauts who experience challenging conditions in space, and ordinary citizens involved in the achievement of these challenges, particularly those of improving life on Earth. In this survey, we have investigated the above challenges, starting from the mission execution level. We live in the age of the Internet of Everything, where connections between objects enable services and improve processes. Indeed, in designing and planning a space mission, several connected entities collaborate to carry out the mission, including robots in space, smart architecture and construction in space, wearable devices, and apps [18]. Such systems work through data and, at the same time, produce data in large quantities. For example, these data concern satellites' critical and vital conditions, so it is necessary to work on systems capable of generating reliable responses to these parameters. Furthermore, it is necessary to identify tools to improve access to information in the mission-design and planning phases to manage the information necessary for its success. These tools are called design engineering assistants and can support decision-making for complex engineering problems such as initial input estimation, assisting experts by answering queries related to previous design decisions, and offering new design options. For the success of a mission, the psycho-physical conditions of the astronauts are crucial. Some challenges regard the mitigation of adverse effects of space environments on human physical and behavioral health with the help of intelligent assistants able to optimize human performance in space or provide helpful information on the health of astronauts. On the mission object level, we come to the challenges linked to reducing the threat to spacecraft from natural and human-made space debris and developing capabilities to detect and mitigate the risk of these objects as possible catastrophic threats to Earth. For this reason, it is necessary to seek solutions that are able to improve the accuracy and reliability of space situational awareness (SSA) and space surveillance and tracking (SST) systems. Concerning space exploration, the community requires more reliable and accurate techniques to learn about the universe and collect, analyze, and distribute information. For example, robot exploration needs to be enhanced by tools to produce better maps of planets' surfaces. These tools can also enhance the accuracy of technologies used to observe planetary bodies. Space applications can help improve its condition and future directions for life on Earth. The main challenge is developing systems and technologies that can detect, analyze, and support decision-making in high-stress situations on Earth, such as emergencies and disasters, thanks to data or images coming from satellites. The applications are broad and include Sustainable Development Goals [19] that have to be carried out according to the 2030 Agenda: improving life on the land, estimating and reducing the effect of climate change, protecting the biodiversity on Earth, and assisting in clean water and atmosphere. We discuss such challenges in terms of three main categories, which are presented in the following sections.