# Advanced Automation for Space Missions **Entity class:** NASA conference publication / 1980 summer-study proceedings **Publication:** NASA CP-2255, published 1982 **Study:** NASA/ASEE Summer Study, University of Santa Clara, 23 June–29 August 1980 **Editors:** Robert A. Freitas Jr. and William P. Gilbreath ## Definition *Advanced Automation for Space Missions* explored how machine intelligence, robotics, and automated manufacturing might support space activity. Chapter 5 develops the concept of a self-replicating lunar factory. Its argument is an engineering study and development proposal, not proof that such a factory was built. ## Relationships - **Primary NASA source:** [NASA Technical Reports Server, Chapter 5.6](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19830007081/downloads/19830007081.pdf); [readable chapter transcription](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Advanced_Automation_for_Space_Missions/Chapter_5.6). - **Technical concept:** [[wiki/Self-Replicating System|Self-Replicating System]] defines the replication criterion; the chapter treats an automated lunar factory as a proposed application of that system class. - **Collection and article route:** [[collections/MARS|MARS]] and [[articles/The Last Migration Will Not Be Human|The Last Migration Will Not Be Human]] develop the off-world infrastructure question; [[articles/AI Escape Is the Wrong Metaphor|AI Escape Is the Wrong Metaphor]] distinguishes deliberate enabling capabilities from a proved single successor plan. ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “NASA is in a unique position to benefit from massive automation — particularly self-replicating systems.” > **— NASA/ASEE Summer Study**, *1980 study; published 1982 in Advanced Automation for Space Missions, §5.6.1* [[reminders/Space Survival/NASA Saw Self Replicating Systems as a Space Advantage by NASA ASEE Summer Study|NASA Saw Self Replicating Systems as a Space Advantage by NASA ASEE Summer Study]]