NASA Appoints First-Ever Chief of Artificial Intelligence

For the first time in history, NASA has appointed a top manager responsible for artificial intelligence. The new position of Director of Artificial Intelligence will be held by David Salvanini, who will also continue his current role as Director of Data Operations. Salvanini’s main objective will be the responsible use of AI in space and on Earth, in line with US President Joe Biden’s directive for the safe, secure, and reliable development and use of artificial intelligence, according to NASA.

"Artificial intelligence has been used safely at NASA for decades, and as this technology evolves, it can accelerate the pace of discoveries. It is crucial that we remain at the forefront of progress and responsible use. In this new role, David will lead NASA's efforts to responsibly use artificial intelligence in space and on Earth for the benefit of all humanity," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

In his new role, Salvanini will continue NASA's collaboration with other government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and experts to ensure the agency remains at the cutting edge of AI technology.

NASA notes that the agency currently employs a wide range of AI tools to support missions and research projects, analyse data to detect trends and patterns, and develop systems capable of autonomously supporting spacecraft and aircraft.

The Gaze previously reported that in partnership with NASA, SpaceX launched a rocket to the mysterious South Pole of the Moon.

It is believed that the Malapert Massif (an unofficial name), where the IM-1 spacecraft was headed, is a remnant of the edge of the South Pole-Aitken basin, which formed over 4 billion years ago. Recently, this majestic peak was selected as a candidate landing site for Artemis III.

Among other things, the IM-1 mission’s lander is equipped with NASA’s scientific and technological instruments to study the plume-surface interaction, space weather/lunar weather, surface interactions, radio astronomy, precision landing technologies, as well as a communication and navigation node for future autonomous navigation technologies.