AI For Rockets?

In an attempt to lower the cost of launching and operating rockets, the Japanese space agency is pursuing building artificial intelligence into launchers. Current rockets are covered with sensors that send data back to mission control, where perhaps hundreds of humans make the decisions about the flight. An AI system built into the rocket could make some of those decisions itself, improving rocket performance and cutting the number of support personnel required, thus lowering launch costs.

Japan hopes the fly the first AI launcher in 2013 and build sophistication and reliability into the system over the years.