International Generative AI Conclave; 'Skywalker' Steve Lee Smith opens up

KOCHI: "No need to worry at all. Sunita Williams will come back," said former NASA astronaut and technologist Steve Lee Smith. Kerala will make a huge leap in AI.

Steve Lee Smith, who came to Kochi to participate in the International Generative AI Conclave, opens up.

The nickname Skywalker

Don't call me Skywalker, please. Steve Smith, Astronaut. I have travelled 16 million miles in space four times for NASA. I've also been to space seven times, including for repairing the Hubble Space Telescope.

Earth view from space?

My first space flight and all the sight is still before my eyes. Earth as a single island in an ocean that shines like sapphire blue. The view is very beautiful. Even when I went to space in 2014, the beauty of Earth was the same. I want to go again but I don't know if I can.

AI impact on space missions?

Gen AI will benefit all sectors. Humans cannot be replaced by computers or robots in space technology. The best machine is man. AI has the upper hand in all other studies and observations.

Space defence and aliens?

Situations that could lead to a collision with Earth can be diverted with the help of satellites. Research for this is in progress in collaboration with various countries. I believe there are no aliens. There may be discoveries leading up to this.

Possibilities of space tourism?

Although space tourism is the smallest part of space science, the possibilities are huge. Now 1000 private companies have come into the field of research. Tens of thousands of satellites have been launched.

Confidence in Sunita Williams' return?

The return journey of those including Sunita Williams is delayed due to technical reasons. They are trying hard to solve problems. They will be back soon. An astronaut is happier staying in space than staying on Earth.