Earth’s Problems Solved from Space
If you solve for space, then you solve for earth. That’s the thinking of Craig Pritsky, a specialist in new technologies, now focusing on outer space. Pritsky is working at the intersection of space and Artificial Intelligence, pivoting from his 20 years in high-tech startups. Before he specialized in the medical field but now believes the time is ripe for advances in AI-enabled space exploration. Pritsky says the convergence of the two are opening up a new world of opportunities.
The topic came into focus during the WeeklyWed Discussion put on by the Business School of AI. Pritsky titled it “How AI Will Create Opportunity in the New Space Economy.” He immediately addressed criticism from those in the public sector who say money should be spent fixing problems here on earth rather than spending billions of dollars putting people into orbit. Pritsky points to advances in a variety of fields brought on by space exploration, believing much more good is yet to come.
The First Global Environmental Issue
The hole in earth’s ozone peaks Prisky’s interest. “This was the first global environmental issue we faced, and we only found out about it through space.” The ozone layer in earth’s atmosphere is credited by scientists with absorbing most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the ground. World leaders ended up addressing the issue of an expanding hole in the earth’s ozone layer in 1987 by banning hydrofluorocarbons in aerosol sprays, an example of what can be done to address issues on a macro scale. Now with Artificial Intelligence Pritsky believes exciting things are on the horizon including possible solutions for climate change.
In fact, the only way you can solve problems like climate change according to Pritsky is through space, citing Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation, advocating for space technology and education, for the quote: “If you solve for space, then you solve for earth.” Those who are trying to dissuade us to do otherwise “have it wrong,” Pritsky says. Another angle in the debate involves a reduction in the cost of space exploration brought on by privatization. The United States has moved dramatically in recent years towards privatization with the likes of the companies SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic. With competition helping reduce costs while also fueling innovation, the time is now to “get involved in the immense possibilities” brought on through the convergence of space exploration and AI.
Note: Craig Pritsky, a former Stanford Continuing Studies student of Sudha Jamthe’s Autonomous Vehicle Bootcamp appeared on WeeklyWed, a speaker series of @Sudha Jamthe’s student community @businessschoolofai hosted by data scientist @yashaswini.cse
The Author: Henry Mulak is a journalist and teacher in Silicon Valley covering the technology sector, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
