NASA’s AI Doc: Elevating Health Care to Outer Space
The Futuristic GP?
NASA’s engineers are attempting to utilize AI to assist astronauts with medical issues during their lengthy trips in deep space. This virtual physician has been dubbed the Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistant (CMO-DA). It draws its capabilities from RamaLama, a device supported by Red Hat to ensure AI models operate more seamlessly than a pint on a weekend. While it’s not yet at the level of Star Trek, it might be the ideal resource for space travelers feeling unwell far from the nearest GP.
Early Departures No Longer
Earlier this year, Crew-11 had to leave the International Space Station (ISS) prematurely due to a medical setback. As missions navigate toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond, a quick return to Earth won’t suffice. Additionally, with the delays in space communications, contacting a GP on Earth might require more patience than usual.
Technology at the Edge of Space
Red Hat notes that the CMO-DA underwent a significant evolution, transitioning from relying on the cloud like a Geordie during winter, to operating independently at the edge of space. It functions on a Spaceborne Computer equivalent here on Earth. Capable of processing images and words, it performs all necessary tasks without a connection back to the UK.
What Lies Ahead
Before it earns its astronaut credentials, it’s undergoing trials on Earth. Red Hat is eager to demonstrate to NASA leaders that this AI doc is top-notch. The Spaceborne project has entered its third upgrade on the ISS. Equipped with technology from HPE, it is prepared for machine learning and AI assignments. Plans are underway to deploy Red Hat Enterprise Linux AI for the next iteration of the CMO-DA. Unfortunately, there’s no chance of a holographic Robert Picardo appearing to offer guidance.
Conclusion
Space Physicians: More Like Doc Brown Than Dr. McCoy
So, that’s the update. NASA is exploring AI to maintain the health of our astronauts. They may not have a holographic doctor just yet, but progress is being made. In the meantime, the CMO-DA could be the nearest thing astronauts have to a home visit, albeit without the home.
