Russia Is Sending an AI Assistant to Space—To Boost Satellite Vision and Help Cosmonauts Think Faster

Russia is gearing up to launch not just spacecraft—but an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to support cosmonauts aboard orbital stations

Developed in collaboration between Sberbank and Roscosmos, the system was unveiled at the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, and it’s got a very specific mission: make space smarter.

At its core is a neural network built on Multi-Image Super Resolution (MISR) technology. The assistant’s first task? Enhancing satellite imagery with AI—turning noisy, low-res visuals into high-definition, high-precision maps of Earth’s surface. For space-based Earth monitoring and atmospheric analysis, that means sharper insights, faster responses, and better data for everything from climate tracking to emergency response.

But this digital crewmember isn’t just a glorified image filter. The assistant is also being trained to help cosmonauts automate routine tasks, including updating regulatory documentation and optimizing workflows aboard the station—freeing up time for mission-critical science.

And the ambitions don’t stop in orbit. The agreement between Sber and Roscosmos also includes a push into robotics and autonomous control systems for long-duration missions. Machine learning will drive everything from satellite autopilots to the next generation of spacecraft design—shifting Russia’s space industry from legacy engineering to deep-tech dominance.

The message is cosmic and clear: Russia isn’t just keeping pace in the space race—it’s plugging in AI, boosting resolution, and future-proofing its orbital game.