Maximum science

Artificial intelligence is set to play a major role in future space missions. More automation can reduce ground operations, costs and eventually risks.

The next ESA astronaut in space, Alexander Gerst, will take it to the next level. He will be testing an intelligent mobile crew assistant in 2018.

In this image, Alexander follows instructions from the computer to set up a workbench microscope in the Kibo laboratory during his mission to International Space Station in 2014.