AI and Robotics: The Future of Mars Exploration with Super Astronauts

Published Date : 10/09/2025 

As humanity looks to explore and potentially settle Mars, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is becoming increasingly significant. Experts like Pascal Lee from the SETI Institute are envisioning a future where 'artificial astronauts' could enhance or even surpass human capabilities in space exploration. 

Mars beckons. While human explorers can maximize the science output for unraveling the complex nature of the Red Planet, that task may well also fall to humanoid robots.

'Artificial astronauts' could fly as actual crew members on human missions to Mars, and elsewhere in space. These rugged, space-rated artificial humans offer great advantages, advocates say. For example, they would not require the large amounts of consumables needed to support humans. They could also perform spacewalks without a life-support system.

While not everyone will agree on the predicted rate of development of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), the idea is that progress will be fast, commensurate with timescales over which Mars campaigns are planned and implemented, unlike in the past.

'This is forcing careful strategic thinking about what planetary exploration capabilities and systems to develop and include on missions, versus those that will mature anyway via broader societal advancements in robotics and AI,' explained Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist at the SETI Institute in California. Lee is also chairman of the Mars Institute and director of the NASA Haughton-Mars Project at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley.

As we enter the 'Age of AI,' robotics and AI are making strides to achieve the first artificial humans, androids given the same physical traits and mobility as humans and equipped with artificial general intelligence (AGI). Lee broached the topic at a Space Robotics Workshop held in late July, labeling his talk 'Humans To Mars in the Age of AI.'

Further down the road, Lee told Space.com, as we achieve the creation of 'artificial super humans' (artificial humans animated with artificial super intelligence (ASI) — we could have 'artificial super astronauts' who would be better in all respects than humans at the exploration of space, including journeys to Titan, a moon of Saturn, and outward to the stars.

It is important to realize that once we achieve artificial humans, let alone artificial super humans, our relationship with androids will change. We will no longer think of them as just machines but as our offspring. We will be proud of them, like proud parents, and will live vicariously through their extraordinary adventures, including interstellar travel.

Rather than sending multigenerational interstellar starships, Lee envisions just sending interstellar ships with artificial super astronauts carrying and safekeeping human DNA to hospitable exoplanets.

For now, in the near future, the impact of AI on space exploration is that we have to rethink how we will plan our human journeys to, and exploration of, Mars. Beyond thinking of robots as just specialized assistants, Lee advises that we have to consider the possibility that, within the next few years and decades, we will see the emergence of a new entity, the artificial astronaut.

I think humans will still go to space and explore Mars and beyond, but we will be in interesting company, Lee concluded.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk is of like mind. Earlier this year, Musk said that the company aims to launch a small, uncrewed fleet of its Starship megarockets toward Mars in late 2026, carrying Tesla vehicles and other equipment. This optimistic vision aligns with the broader goal of leveraging advanced AI and robotics to enhance the efficiency and safety of space missions. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What are artificial astronauts?

A: Artificial astronauts are advanced humanoid robots equipped with artificial intelligence, designed to perform tasks in space that are typically done by human astronauts. They can operate in harsh environments, perform spacewalks, and require fewer resources compared to human astronauts.

Q: How will artificial astronauts benefit Mars missions?

A: Artificial astronauts can reduce the need for large amounts of consumables, perform spacewalks without life support, and operate continuously without rest. They can also handle dangerous tasks, reducing risks to human astronauts.

Q: What is the role of artificial general intelligence (AGI) in this context?

A: AGI refers to AI that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, similar to human intelligence. In the context of artificial astronauts, AGI would enable these robots to make complex decisions and adapt to unforeseen situations during space missions.

Q: Who is Pascal Lee and what is his role in this discussion?

A: Pascal Lee is a planetary scientist at the SETI Institute and chairman of the Mars Institute. He is also the director of the NASA Haughton-Mars Project. Lee is a leading advocate for the development and use of artificial astronauts in space exploration.

Q: What is SpaceX's role in the development of artificial astronauts?

A: SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is working on developing advanced technologies for space exploration, including the Starship megarocket. While not directly developing artificial astronauts, SpaceX's advancements in space technology align with the broader goal of using AI and robotics to enhance space missions. 

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