太空旅行的未來：機器人真的能取代人類太空人嗎？

On Christmas Eve, a remarkable event took place in space when NASA's Parker Solar Probe, an autonomous spacecraft, flew closer to the Sun than any human-made object ever has. This mission aimed to gather vital information about the Sun and its influence on space weather, which can have significant effects on Earth. The Parker Solar Probe accomplished this incredible feat entirely on its own, executing pre-programmed tasks without any direct communication with Earth. This achievement marks a significant milestone for humanity, showcasing the capabilities of robotic technology in space exploration. For over sixty years, robotic probes have been sent throughout the solar system, reaching destinations that are beyond the reach of human astronauts. The Parker Solar Probe faced extreme temperatures, soaring to 1000 degrees Celsius, demonstrating the resilience and effectiveness of robotic missions. However, the success of these autonomous spacecraft, combined with advancements in artificial intelligence, raises important questions about the future role of humans in space exploration. Some scientists, like Lord Martin Rees, the UK's Astronomer Royal, argue that the need for human astronauts is diminishing. He states, 'Robots are developing fast, and the case for sending humans is getting weaker all the time. ' Rees believes that taxpayer money should not be spent on sending humans into space, suggesting that such missions should be funded privately for the sake of adventure. Andrew Coates, a physicist from University College London, shares a similar perspective, emphasizing that robots are more suitable for serious space exploration. He argues that robots can travel further and accomplish more tasks than humans, and as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, robots will become even more capable. This raises a thought-provoking question for aspiring astronauts: what will their future hold? Are there certain tasks that only humans can perform in space that robots, no matter how advanced, will never be able to replicate? Robotic spacecraft have successfully visited every planet in our solar system, as well as numerous asteroids and comets. In contrast, humans have only ventured to two locations: Earth's orbit and the Moon. Since Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space in 1961, approximately 700 people have traveled to space, with most of these journeys involving orbiting the Earth or brief suborbital flights. Dr. Kelly Weinersmith, a biologist at Rice University, highlights the significance of human presence in space, stating, 'Prestige will always be a reason that we have humans in space. ' She believes that having humans in space serves as a demonstration of a nation's capabilities and achievements. Beyond the desire to explore, humans also conduct essential research and experiments in space, particularly on the International Space Station. Robots can contribute to this scientific research by accessing locations that are inhospitable to humans, utilizing specialized instruments to study and analyze atmospheres and surfaces. Dr. Weinersmith points out that while humans are more versatile and can accomplish tasks more quickly, they are also challenging and costly to sustain in space. In her award-winning novel, she poetically describes robots as entities that do not require hydration, nutrients, or sleep, making them easier to manage in the harsh environment of space. However, there are limitations to robotic capabilities. Many robots operate slowly and methodically; for instance, the rovers on Mars move at a mere 0. 1 miles per hour. Dr. Ian Crawford, a planetary scientist, questions whether artificial intelligence can truly match human exploration capabilities. He believes that we still have much to learn about the potential of AI in exploring complex environments. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that AI algorithms could enhance the efficiency of rovers. Technology can also play a crucial role in supporting human space travel by automating certain tasks, allowing astronauts to concentrate on more critical research. Dr. Kiri Wagstaff, a computer and planetary scientist, explains that robots can help alleviate the fatigue and loss of focus that humans experience during long missions. However, the challenge lies in the substantial power requirements needed to operate advanced systems, such as large language models, which are not yet feasible for Mars rovers. NASA has developed humanoid robots, like Valkyrie, designed to perform tasks traditionally carried out by humans. These robots can utilize the same tools as astronauts and execute intricate tasks that may be too challenging for other robotic systems. Valkyrie represents a growing trend of human-like machines with enhanced capabilities. Some robots are already functioning on other planets without human intervention, making autonomous decisions. For example, NASA's Curiosity rover explores Gale Crater on Mars and can perform scientific tasks independently. It can take pictures, analyze rocks, and send data back to Earth while humans are still asleep. However, the slow pace of rovers like Curiosity limits their effectiveness. Additionally, humans possess a unique ability to inspire people on Earth in ways that machines cannot. Leroy Chiao, a retired NASA astronaut, emphasizes that people connect with human endeavors in space. He believes that the first human landing on Mars will generate even more excitement than the first Moon landing. Since the last Apollo mission in 1972, humans have not traveled beyond Earth's orbit, but NASA plans to return astronauts to the Moon soon through its Artemis program. This initiative aims to send astronauts around the Moon in 2026 and land them on the lunar surface in 2027. The Chinese space agency also has ambitions to send astronauts to the Moon. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, envisions establishing a colony on Mars, arguing that it could serve as a backup for humanity in case of catastrophic events on Earth. However, there are numerous unknowns regarding living on Mars, and many technical challenges remain unresolved. Dr. Weinersmith advocates for a cautious approach, suggesting that we should take our time to address these issues. Lord Rees envisions a future where human and robotic exploration converge, potentially leading to a new species capable of thriving in hostile environments through genetic modifications and cyborg enhancements. Until that future arrives, humans will continue to take small steps into the cosmos, following the path paved by robotic explorers.