AI and Space Science Promise Breakthroughs: LLMs May Help Solve Unanswered Questions

The world of science and technology is witnessing transformative developments. From the possible discovery of a ninth planet in our solar system to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven scientific breakthroughs, the coming months could bring unprecedented progress. Advances in solar energy, carbon emission reduction, self-healing infrastructure, and ambitious space missions are set to redefine the scientific landscape.

A Ninth Planet?
After Pluto lost its planetary status, Neptune remained the outermost recognized planet. However, in late December 2025, Japanese astronomers using infrared imaging from satellites (taken in 1983 and 2006) reported an object that appeared to have shifted position over 23 years. Estimated to be 7–17 times the mass of Earth, this icy body could potentially be the solar system’s ninth planet.

AI Agents Revolutionizing Research
The biggest buzz in technology is surrounding AI. AI agents—programs that leverage multiple large language models (LLMs)—are now assisting scientists in finding reliable answers to unsolved problems. Countries including India are actively exploring this frontier, and 2026 may well witness AI-driven scientific discoveries becoming a reality.

Tackling Carbon Emissions and Expanding Solar Power
While the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement aimed to halve global carbon emissions by 2035, progress has been slow. Yet, in 2025, renewable energy output from solar panels and wind turbines matched that of coal and gas, and China—the world’s largest emitter—managed to curb emission growth.

Innovations such as perovskite-tandem solar cells, which combine chemical coatings with traditional silicon panels, have exceeded 34% efficiency and generate power even in low sunlight. Paired with affordable and compact batteries, these developments mark a major milestone in renewable energy.

Quantum Computing and Fusion Energy
Quantum computing breakthroughs also made headlines, with Microsoft’s Majorana-1 chip hailed as revolutionary. Meanwhile, Germany achieved a fusion plasma at 10 million Celsius for half an hour, a step toward building 500 MW fusion powerhouses projected for 2035.

Self-Healing Infrastructure
Another major advancement is in self-healing infrastructure. Bridges, pipelines, and large machines often fail due to hidden cracks or minor construction flaws, costing society an estimated $250 billion annually. The combination of IoT, self-healing materials, and controlled-release mechanisms now offers a practical solution to significantly reduce such losses.

Moon Missions on the Rise
2026 is also being called the year of lunar missions. NASA’s Artemis 2 will send four astronauts around the Moon in the Orion spacecraft for a ten-day mission. China’s Chang’e-7 aims to land near the lunar south pole to explore water resources. India’s Gaganyaan mission is set to launch a robot passenger into space between January and March to study the effects of space travel on the human body.

With AI, renewable energy, self-healing technology, and ambitious space programs converging, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for science and innovation.