What quantum computing do for space exploration?

[ruard_1999]

Hey guys im back with another question for my school assignment, What can quantum computing do for Space exploration? searching through large amounts of data?

 

Also if you want to, please state your option on what you think quantum computing can do for gaming?:

Thanks heaps 
Ruard

[NumLock21]

Quantum computers would not have exist without space.

[spartaman64]

first of all it is probably easier to operate a quantum computer in the vacuum of space than on earth as you dont have to work as hard keeping it cool. and the benefits are the same as having a really scalible computer i guess. for example if there was a planet with really harsh weather being able to make more accurate weather models with more variables is probably going to help a lot and a quantum computer will start to handle better than a regular computer the more variables you throw at it. 

[ThomasD]

The answer depends on what you mean by quantum computing. 

 

If you refer to the theoretical improvements in performance - ie. hyper computation then the advances will probably not be so much in the computations directly necessary for space exploration (navigation, engineering, etc.) but through new technologies that will be developed via the massive scale of computing - ie. protein folding, metallurgy, and other materials sciences leading to new forms of propulsion, or more capable exploration devices that are smaller, lighter, require less power, etc.

 

If you are referring to the actual computational devices that might eventually perform quantum computing then who the heck knows what the limits are.  It is conceivable that quantum computers might prove capable of more than just mathematical/algorithmic processes.  In which case we might actually realize artificial intelligence.  At which point the computer itself may be all that is necessary to explore the universe.