| Summary |
|
China has introduced a new AI assistant on board its Tiangong space station, giving astronauts a digital companion to support daily work and long missions, reported Xinhua News Agency. The system, named Wukong after the Monkey King from Chinese folklore, arrived in mid-July 2025 aboard the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft and has been helping the three-person crew ever since.
Tiangong, which was fully assembled in 2022, circles Earth at an altitude of about 400 kilometers. Astronauts typically stay for six months at a time, carrying out scientific research while maintaining the station. With Wukong now active, crews can turn to an onboard system built to speed up routine tasks, reduce mistakes, and provide conversation during months of isolation.
The AI works through a chat window where astronauts ask questions about schedules, repairs, or equipment. It can list step-by-step instructions, highlight safety checks, and prepare timelines.
During a recent six-hour spacewalk, the crew used Wukong to organize their plan for replacing debris shields and inspecting exterior panels. Astronauts say this cut preparation time and lowered the risk of error.
Beyond logistics, Wukong also offers light conversation to ease stress and monotony during long stays in orbit. It can connect with ground teams when required, giving astronauts an additional layer of support.
The system runs on two linked parts: one installed on the station for fast responses and another on Earth for more detailed analysis. This hybrid setup helps it operate in an environment where power is limited and internet access is not available.
Wukong was developed using Chinese AI technology and trained on aerospace data, including flight records, maintenance guides, and environmental models. Unlike tools that depend on constant updates from Earth, it adapts to each mission’s needs and remains functional with limited outside input.
China sees this project as part of its push to improve astronaut safety and efficiency. Human fatigue is one of the biggest risks in spaceflight, and officials say Wukong is the first large AI model tested in orbit specifically to support crews. The International Space Station (ISS) has trialed AI in research settings, but Wukong is aimed directly at daily astronaut tasks, from planning to communication.
So far, astronauts have reported positive results, especially when preparing their new generation of space suits that arrived with the Tianzhou-9 cargo ship. China has broader plans for Tiangong, including adding new modules and training for future missions to the Moon.
Engineers believe Wukong could eventually assist in building lunar bases or managing long flights beyond Earth orbit. For now, it is focused on life aboard Tiangong, where its first month of service has shown that artificial intelligence can already function as a working partner in space.
