NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the appointment of David Salvagnini as the agency’s new Chief Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer, a role that will build on his current position as Chief Data Officer. This appointment is effective immediately and signifies NASA’s commitment to advancing AI technologies across its missions and research projects.
AI at NASA: Accelerating Discovery
NASA has been at the forefront of utilizing AI technologies to benefit humanity, applying these tools to a wide range of tasks. AI is integral to NASA’s operations, from supporting space missions and research projects to analyzing vast datasets and developing autonomous systems for spacecraft and aircraft.
“Artificial intelligence has been safely used at NASA for decades, and as this technology expands, it can accelerate the pace of discovery,” said Nelson. “It’s important that we remain at the forefront of advancement and responsible use. In this new role, David will lead NASA’s efforts to guide our agency’s responsible use of AI in the cosmos and on Earth to benefit all humanity.”
Aligning with National Directives
Salvagnini’s appointment aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. In his new capacity, Salvagnini will be responsible for setting the strategic vision and planning for AI use across NASA. He will champion AI innovation, support the development and risk management of AI tools and platforms, and oversee AI training programs.
Salvagnini’s role will also involve continuing 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.
A Veteran Leader in Technology and AI
David Salvagnini joined NASA in June 2023, bringing over 20 years of technology leadership experience from the intelligence community. Before joining NASA, he served as the Director of the Architecture and Integration Group and Chief Architect at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. His extensive career also includes leading enterprise-level IT research and development, engineering, and operations to advance data, IT, and AI programs. Salvagnini served in the Air Force for 21 years, retiring in 2005 as a Communications and Computer Systems Officer.
Future AI Initiatives at NASA
NASA continues to explore the potential of AI to enhance its missions and goals. This includes leveraging AI to analyze Earth science imagery, identify areas of interest, search for exoplanetary data using the James Webb Space Telescope, and manage communications for the Perseverance Mars rover via the Deep Space Network.
Prior to Salvagnini’s appointment, NASA’s Chief Scientist Kate Calvin served as the agency’s acting Responsible AI Official, guiding the agency’s AI initiatives during the transition.
With Salvagnini at the helm as the new Chief AI Officer, NASA is poised to further integrate AI technologies in its quest for discovery and innovation, ensuring these advancements are used responsibly to benefit all of humanity.
