Evolved Antenna
Abstract
The 2006 NASA ST5 spacecraft antenna. This complicated shape was found by an evolutionary computer design program to create the best radiation pattern. It is known as an evolved antenna.
Bonkler Asset Attributes
1. Auction 2. Reality 3. Contemporary 4. Historical 5. Rare
Conceptual Valence
Evolution vs. Design / Design *by* Simulation of Evolution
- Contrast between form and function of living organisms and human engineered machines - Random mutation, selection, and evolution would explore a much larger space of solutions than any human engineer could conceive of. This is due to the limits of human intelligence which is often driven by imitation and a very limited repertoire of engineering prototypes
Communication
- Communication between autonomous machines is one of the most fundamental functions. - Autonomy in space - space vehicles are among the most challenging of autonomous systems ever developed - Electromagnetic Radiation / Schumann Resonances / The Wired - This object is optimized to radiate EM waves at a specific frequency or band of frequencies in a specific direction taking into account the reflections and impedance of the spacecraft as well as the internal impedance of its own electronics and amplifiers
The impossibility of explaining the function of evolved objects
- Is there any theoretical reason which justifies this shape? - Is it a unique solution, or are there many equally performant solutions? - Are there general principles which could be learned from this design?