Conference 7.286::space

510.0. "Some AI Replacing Humans at NASA" by MTWAIN::KLAES (N = R*fgfpneflfifaL) Tue Mar 07 1989 09:51

VNS COMPUTER NEWS:                            [Tracy Talcott, VNS Computer Desk]
==================                            [Nashua, NH, USA                 ]

 Artificial Intelligence - "'Smart' Machines Ready To Assume Many NASA Duties"

   Within the next five years, all of the current top- and mid-level engineers,
 managers, and scientists at NASA could retire. Fortunately for NASA, dozens of
 projects exploring the use of artificial intelligence have been underway for
 some time, and in some cases, the computers have done better jobs than the
 humans.  Among the jobs being performed by AI machines are shuttle fueling,
 analyzing trouble during shuttle countdowns, controlling probes to the distant
 planets, and helping allocate viewing time on complex orbiting instruments. In
 the next year or so, a computer at Kennedy Space Center will not only monitor
 the shuttle launching pad, but also take control of it, sending electronic
 commands to some of the pad's key equipment. 
          
	{Article summarized and distributed by DEC's Market Information
	 Services Group (MISG)}

	{The New York Times, 6-Mar-89, p. A1}

  <><><><><><><>   VNS Edition : 1770     Tuesday  7-Mar-1989   <><><><><><><>