Abstract: The development of reusable space transportation system constitutes the foundation for large scale space exploration and utilization. With the rapid development of reusable launch vehicle, the door to low Earth orbit (LEO) space development and utilization represented by mega constellations has been fully opened amid fierce competition. The exploration and exploitation of medium high orbit and deep space is bound to become the next competitive frontier, which necessitates the development of reusable space transfer transportation system. Operating on orbit for long duration and tasked with diverse and complex missions, reusable space transfer transportation system differ markedly from launch vehicles. It is worthwhile to investigate how to guarantee their reliable and efficient execution of intricate space mission. This paper proposes empowering reusable space transfer transportation system with artificial intelligence technology to transform them into space embodied intelligence transportation system. Firstly, requirements and missions for future space transfer transportation are analyzed. On this basis, six categories of mission scenarios for AI empowered space transfer transportation are investigated, and six relevant technical challenges are summarized, providing references for the design of reusable space transfer transportation system.

Key words: On-orbit Transportation System, Artificial Intelligence, Reusability, Space transportation System, Launch Vehicle