China’s AI-Powered Taikonauts Prep for Spacewalks with Wukong AI
Science 2 days ago
China’s Tiangong space station has welcomed its first AI assistant, Wukong, designed to support taikonauts during critical missions. The system, based on a domestic open-source model, provided real-time guidance for a recent spacewalk, generating work schedules and troubleshooting advice. Its dual Earth-space functionality allows for deep analysis on the ground and rapid problem-solving in orbit.
The historic spacewalk marked the 20th use of a durable Chinese-designed spacesuit, exceeding its 15-mission lifespan. Eleven taikonauts have relied on this suit since its deployment, though two upgraded models recently arrived at Tiangong. The new suits promise enhanced safety, longevity, and comfort for upcoming station expansion projects, including module installations.
While Wukong represents China’s first orbital AI, it follows similar international efforts like the ISS’s LLM deployment last year. The Tiangong system specializes in aerospace protocols, offering chat-based interfaces for both routine and complex tasks. As China prepares to expand its orbital presence, such AI-human collaboration could redefine extraterrestrial operations.