Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Rwanda’s Space Policy: A Strategic Imperative for Digital-Era Development

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1.   Introduction

In recent years, space has become a powerful tool for national development, with countries across the world integrating it into their socio-economic strategies. The development of space technologies has enabled advances in communication, agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring. Space is now another tool to be used in ensure the social economic development of Rwandans. The space policy in Rwanda emphasizes the importance of space for Rwanda lies in its potential to drive the country’s socio-economic development.

 

2.    The Role of Space in Socio-Economic Development

One of the four guiding principles of the Rwandan space policy is Build. The policy explains this principle as to develop and expand space capabilities and ecosystem.[1] The Space Policy frames the country’s vision and ambitions in the space domain and the key policy directions for the concerned entities. The Policy is in line with Rwanda’s broader development goals, which prioritize the use of technology and innovation to transform the economy, improve the lives of its citizens, and drive socio-economic development.[2]

Innovation can mean different things among them the use of artificial intelligence. Space has been explored for decades and for research purposes and development in space sector it has been used as a tool to achieve desired improvement.

 

3.    The Global Use of AI in Space Programs

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in the United States of America, has been using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to support and optimize its work across the agency, both on Earth and in space. NASA uses AI to help plan and schedule missions for planetary rovers, analyze satellite datasets, diagnose and detect anomalies, develop autonomous systems, and much more.[3]

NASA[4] has been safely using artificial intelligence for decades to plan and schedule missions for planetary rovers, analyze satellite datasets, diagnose, and detect anomalies, and more. AI tools used at NASA sometimes involve machine learning, which uses data and algorithms to train computers on making classifications, formulating predictions, or uncovering similarities or trends across large datasets. AI tools can automate time-consuming processes like program and project reviews, allowing NASA to streamline decision making, save resources, and leverage the full potential of its workforce.

NASA has been very involved in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in several ways, particularly for more traditional means. Predominantly, these technologies have been used in science work to assist in the discovery of objects in solar system or distant solar systems. One example is a capability called ExoMiner, which uses AI trained by machine learning to identify exoplanets and even planets and distant solar systems. Interestingly, this used data collected as far back as 15 years ago and, through the AI models, was able to identify objects that had not previously been discovered.[5]

NASA’s 2024 AI Use Case Inventory showcases the agency’s broad and growing integration of[6] artificial intelligence (AI) across its missions. AI is being applied in key areas such as autonomous navigation, mission planning, environmental monitoring, data management, and air traffic control optimization. AI enhances NASA's operational efficiency, decision-making, and scientific discovery both in space and on Earth. Importantly, NASA follows Responsible AI principles to ensure transparency, ethics, and safety in AI deployment. As technology advances, NASA aims to expand AI use further, reinforcing its leadership in ethical and innovative space exploration.

Even though the National Space Policy of the United States of America does not talk about the use of AI in particular, but there is another policy tool. Space Force published 2025 Data, AI strategic action plan[7], which provides a clear, actionable path toward becoming a more data-driven and AI-enabled. Aimed at supporting the Department of Defense's mission to deter and defeat adversaries, the plan emphasizes the importance of data and AI in achieving space superiority. Key goals include: Promoting data and AI literacy among Guardians, fostering a culture of innovation, Equipping personnel with cutting-edge technologies, ensuring data is accessible, trustworthy, and secure. The plan is structured around four main lines of effort: Enterprise-wide data and AI governance, Cultural transformation toward data and AI fluency, Rapid adoption of analytics and AI technologies, Strengthening partnerships with; government, industry, academia, and international allies.

The European Space agency has put efforts in research and AI use innovation. In 2022, ESA Discovery funded 12 projects that explored whether we can apply the latest developments in AI and advanced computing paradigms to make satellites more reactive, agile and autonomous. They were selected through the Open Space Innovation Platform ‘Cognitive cloud computing in space’ call for ideas. The hope was to generate new practical applications that support life on Earth and our exploration of other planets. Some of the projects researched how AI-equipped satellites could directly improve our lives on Earth, for example by more effectively detecting methane leaks and managing disasters from space. Others looked at how these smarter satellites could support more sustainable exploration of the Moon and make lunar rovers more independent.[8]

 

4.    Gaps in Rwanda’s Space Policy

Rwanda’s space policy talks of building space capability ecosystem, but it leaves out the use of AI. AI has been used to ensure effective data collection, and machine training. Not seeing AI use projected in an important document about space, it shows lack of willingness to use AI, yet it has been helpful in development of space discovery.

The call for the review of the Rwandan space policy to include the use of Artificial Intelligence is inevitable. The desire to develop and expand space capabilities and ecosystem won’t be easily attained without the use of AI.

 

5.    Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a current necessity in space innovation and exploration. As demonstrated by NASA and the European Space Agency, AI enhances mission efficiency, data analysis, autonomous navigation, and satellite responsiveness. While Rwanda’s Space Policy emphasizes building capabilities and ecosystems, its omission of AI reflects a significant gap in strategy. To fully realize its ambition of socio-economic transformation through space technology, Rwanda must revise its Space Policy to integrate AI as a foundational tool. Doing so will not only align the country with global trends but also strengthen its capacity to use space for national development.


[1] Republic of Rwanda, ‘’National Space Policy’’, March 2025. Accessed June 11, 2025. Available here

[2] IDEM

[3] Innovation news network, ‘’How NASA is utilizing AI technologies on Earth and in space’’, 21st May 2025. Accessed June 11, 2025. Available here

[4] NASA, ‘’NASA safely uses a wide variety of artificial intelligence tools to benefit humanity’’. Accessed June 11, 2025. Available here

[5] IDEM

[6] NASA,’’ NASA’s AI Use Cases: Advancing Space Exploration with Responsibility’’, Jan 07, 2025. Accessed June 11, 2025. Available here

[7]Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, ‘’Space Force publishes 2025 Data, AI strategic action plan’’, March 19, 2025. Accessed June 11, 2025. Available here

[8] European space agency, ‘’ Artificial intelligence in space’’.  Accessed June 11, 2025. Available here

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