How the ESA Is Using AI to Improve Rocket Manufacturing

Artificial intelligence might power your preferred chatbot, but it's also proving useful in improving rocket manufacturing. The European Space Agency has released a breakdown of several intriguing ways it's leveraging new technologies to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of German-based MT Aerospace, helping unlock next-generation launch vehicle components and designs.

"Artificial Intelligence, or AI, promises many benefits in all domains, and rocketry is no different," the ESA said in a statement. "The European Space Agency's Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) is investigating the use of AI to develop better processes and even whole new shapes in materials that could be used on rockets or spacecraft of the future."

The first technique discussed is shot peen forming, where metal isn't bent into shape by heating but by impacts from fast-firing miniature balls. This is a technique used in creating the dome heads for the Ariane 6 rocket's ...