Inspiration
16 Psyche is an asteroid that is closer to Earth than ever and is the buzz with deep space enthusiasts. We wanted to create a simulation that will predict the path a rocket will take to get to 16 Psyche using 3D modeling and AI rendering.
What it does
This is a simulation that will show the mission of launching a rocket, landing on 16 Psyche, mining materials, and returning to Earth. The path it follows uses machine learning from NASA's public data in its astrophysics data system. We taught the AI to calculate the path, speed, distance, and other factors based on information we give it like the mass of the rocket, materials, and elements on the asteroid, and other important data for the rocket to complete its journey. The AI also renders the simulation based on the data it receives and given the data only updates every 5 seconds, the AI must render and predict the path using machine learning.
How we built it
Using CAD to develop the 3D model of our rocket, we began calculations on the force, time, and other variables needed for the AI to predict the path. We developed an AI using python and C++ to receive data from NASA's API and store those values and calculations in cockroachDB.
Challenges we ran into
We had a hard time training the AI with our sensor data and API data. In the beginning, we had no clue how to model in 3D or have an AI predict the movements from data. Also displaying the information every 5 seconds on the web app was difficult.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud that we developed an AI that will simulate an entire mission using machine learning. From the information it gathered and learning from the other simulations we ran, we were able to create a smooth animation entirely rendered by the AI.
What we learned
We learned how to use the google cloud platform to host our web app and the integrated tools of machine learning and linking the SQL database from cockroachDB to use the information to solve complex math equations and render that output to the web app.
What's next for astro-miner.space
We hope we can run more simulations using more data like g-forces, the gravity of bodies, and other data we couldn't figure and solve the equations for.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.