Machine Learning in Space: Extending Our Reach

A Special Issue of Machine Learning

Amy McGovern and Kiri L. Wagstaff, guest editors

Call For Papers (Second Call): Submissions Due: March 31, 2008

Machine learning can be used to significantly expand the capabilities of remote agents operating in space missions. For example, spacecraft could intelligently filter their observations to make the best use of available bandwidth or rovers with learning capabilities could more thoroughly and more quickly explore new environments. Autonomous robots can play a key role in creating a successful human presence on the Moon and Mars, both before humans arrive and in collaboration with them once humans are on site. However, care must be exercised in applying and developing techniques which will truly operate without human intervention. The risks and possible safety implications need to be well understood.

The purpose of this special issue is to collect recent advances in machine learning for remote space or planetary environments and to identify novel space applications where machine learning could significantly increase capabilities, robustness, and/or efficiency.

Key topics of interest include:

In case this CFP looks familiar: We solicited papers for this special issue earlier this year. To avoid conflicts with relevant conference paper deadlines, we extended the revision period for those papers enough that we can now consider additional novel submissions. All accepted papers will be combined into a single special issue. If you would like to submit, please email us with a brief summary of the paper concept for feedback.

Submissions are expected to represent high-quality, significant contributions in the area of machine learning algorithms and/or applications. Authors should follow standard formatting guidelines for Machine Learning manuscripts.

Administrative notes:

Schedule

Submission Deadline:March 31, 2008
Send Papers to Reviewers: April 15, 2008
Reviews Due Back to Editors: July 15, 2008
Decisions Announced:August 1, 2008
Camera-Ready Due:September 30, 2008
Print Publication: End of 2008 or early 2009