For years, researchers have built AI-powered models to simulate virtual scenarios of the planet. The concept, known as Earth’s “digital twin,” leverages a wealth of real-time data gleaned from satellites, drones and other means, to encompass everything from security issues and climate dynamics to the very systems that drive global supply chains. Reams of data are then captured, processed and parsed to identify subtle, real-time shifts, all in the name of optimizing decisions through simulation.

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David Ariosto is co-host of the Space Minds podcast on SpaceNews, and author of the upcoming Knopf book, “Open Space.”