From Observation to Autonomy: AI and the Future of Space Exploration
Abstract:
Astronomy has entered a machine era. Modern surveys rely on AI to analyse billions of galaxies while future missions to the Moon, Mars and asteroids must operate autonomously beyond real-time human control. This talk explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping both how we observe the universe and how we physically explore it.
Run down:
19:00 Doors open
19:30 Lecture begins
20:15 Q&A
21:00 to open end Drinks, networking, and more thinking
About the Speaker:
Dr. Niraj Welikala is an astrophysicist and computer vision researcher whose work has focused on galaxy formation and applying this to enable high-precision weak gravitational lensing measurements. He led galaxy modelling for cosmic shear measurements in ESA’s Euclid mission, which is designed to map dark matter and constrain dark energy through measurements of billions of galaxy shapes. A former Beecroft Fellow at Oxford and Builder in the Euclid Collaboration, he is currently founder of an early-stage venture at the intersection of AI and space robotics.
About Think and Drink
Think and Drink is a new event series where we bring scientists and academics out of the lab and into the bar. Each session features a short lecture on emerging technologies and future trends that will shape the industries of tomorrow, followed by an open discussion with the audience, and, of course, plenty of drinks. With Think and Drink, we want to create a space where researchers, scientists, and technology enthusiasts can exchange ideas in a relaxed setting; where serious topics can be discussed in a chill atmosphere with a drink in hand.
About the sponsors
pdm and its innovation arm, CortX Labs, run Germany’s largest online business directories Das Telefonbuch, Gelbe Seiten, and Das Örtliche. Both pdm and CortX Labs are keen on exploring how advances in science and research might impact the future of the digital economy and the businesses we serve.
Merantix Capital is a Berlin-based venture capital firm and a unit of Merantix, a group of companies and initiatives driving AI forward in Europe.
pluto is a collective for founders choosing the harder path: turning complex, physical prototypes into funded companies.
!Please note that a photographer will be present at this event; by registering, you consent to being photographed, and if you prefer not to appear in photos, please contact the organisers!