Space Agent Traveler AI

According to a press release, the company's Space Agent Traveler (SAT) VR helmet uses artificial intelligence to "help astronauts on space missions survive and thrive." It does so by "stimulating their cognitive and neuropsychological functions."

A new era of space mindfulness

The SAT VR helmet's design combines AI and VR to provide VR therapy for astronauts who are very far from home. According to Coreod Space, it will essentially offer an AI companion for astronauts – though think less HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey and more a space mindfulness coach.

Coreod Space says its solution is highly versatile. It "can be integrated into any VR helmet, adapts to every user, and is suitable for all isolated, confined, and extreme environments (I.C.E.)."

The company has revealed little in the way of specifications. However, in an interview with EuroNews, Dr Elise Jabes, CEO and founder of Coreod Space, said, "Our main and huge step is that we are preparing an AI as a psychologist for astronauts for Mars."

This is a big ask, seeing as psychology is an inherently human field that may be resistant to the surge in artificial intelligence solutions. Still, out in space, an AI therapist may be the only solution, and it may alleviate tensions and offer astronauts respite from interactions with the same small set of crew members.

Coreod Space's AI-powered VR space helmet

Coreod Space says its SAT software is based on 10 years of neuropsychological studies carried out at the Space Neuropsychology Lab (LIRNAS), which is affiliated with the company.

The "AI-powered VR helmet aims to stabilize the mind and emotions through tailormade digital therapies," the company explains in its press release. It "implements neuropsychological protocols based on the principles of neuroplasticity which allow the brain to adapt and restructure its neuronal connections in response to a simulated environment."

According to the firm, tests in simulated I.C.E spaces at LIRNAS have shown a 42 percent sleep improvement, a 45 percent reduction in anxiety and stress, and a 37 percent improvement in mental relief.

In the company's statement, Dr. Elise Jabès explained, "After more than 10 years of research and tests in neuropsychology, we are pleased to launch our AI-powered VR solution that will help astronauts stay in space longer by managing their stress and improving their cognitive functions in small, isolated habitats. It is crucial to ensure the success and safety of missions, from Earth to the Moon and on to Mars."

"SAT fundamentally embodies our mission: to enable individuals to conquer themselves through mastering their emotions and enhancing their potential," she added.

Coreod Space isn't the first organization to propose the use of AI in space. Last year, NASA announced it was also considering the idea of developing a system that would allow astronauts to use a natural-language ChatGPT-like interface aboard its Lunar Gateway orbital station.

Though many Hollywood movies have portrayed AI as an untrustworthy assistant in space, language models and machine learning may help to alleviate an even scarier prospect – the immense isolation of space.