Developing Artificial Intelligence for Noncooperative Space Operations Using Kerbal Space Program

Abstract

With nearly 9,000 active and inactive satellites in orbit, space has become more crowded and competitive than ever before. Solving nascent problems in this domain — such as avoiding collision with debris or servicing malfunctioning satellites — requires more than just knowledge of orbital mechanics and spacecraft control.

In the popular video game Kerbal Space Program (KSP), a team at the Laboratory saw a sophisticated multi-physics simulator capable of modeling all aspects of the aerospace domain. The team used the game engine to develop an open-source library and challenge suite, Kerbal Space Program Differential Games (KSPDG), designed to spur development of AI for a wide range of problems within the orbital domain.