Evolution of Satellites
- The Space Age began with the launch of Sputnik (1957) — satellites were passive tools (e.g., GPS, communication, Earth observation).
- Now, AI integration is transforming satellites into autonomous, intelligent machines capable of real-time decision-making and self-operation.
Relevance : GS 3(Space ,Technology)
Features of AI-Powered Satellites
- Satellite edge computing enables onboard processing and decision-making.
- Key capabilities:
- Automated space operations (docking, refuelling, debris removal).
- Self-diagnosis and repair of faults.
- Route planning for orbital optimization.
- Real-time geospatial intelligence and disaster detection.
- Combat support, including threat identification and engagement.
Emerging Risks and Challenges
- AI hallucinations could lead to misclassification of threats (e.g., mistaking commercial satellites as hostile).
- Autonomous reactions (e.g., evasive manoeuvres) could trigger diplomatic crises or near-collisions.
- AI decisions may occur without human oversight, creating serious accountability gaps.
Legal and Regulatory Vacuum
- Existing space laws — Outer Space Treaty (1967) and Liability Convention (1972) — assume human control.
- Key legal challenges:
- Fault attribution: Who is liable — the launching state, the operator, the developer, or the AI?
- Jurisdictional complexity: Multinational development, operation, and registration of satellites complicates legal responsibility.
- Authorisation and supervision under OST becomes vague in AI contexts.
Need for Legal and Technical Solutions
- Legalreforms:
- Categorise levels of autonomy, similar to autonomous vehicles.
- Mandate meaningful human control for high-risk decisions.
- Develop global certification standards for satellite AI behaviour (fault response, manoeuvre logs, etc.).
- International frameworks could emulate aviation and maritime insurance and liability models (e.g., HNS Convention, Montreal Convention).
Ethical and Geopolitical Imperatives
- Dual-use concerns: Satellites could be used for autonomous weapons, raising fears of an arms race in space.
- Ethical data governance needed to manage massive data collection, privacy, and surveillance issues.
- Risk of escalation from AI-triggered errors underscores the need for international cooperation.
Call for a New Regulatory Architecture
- AI-driven autonomy in orbit demands intelligent, adaptive legal frameworks.
- Historical analogy: just as cars needed traffic laws, AI satellites need space governance reforms.
- Shared orbits mean shared responsibilities — requiring multilateral collaboration and technological foresight.
