Safety first: NASA pledges to use AI carefully and responsibly.

### NASA Embraces AI with a Focus on Safety and Accountability

NASA is gearing up to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) while emphasizing safety, transparency, and accountability. This approach was outlined by NASA officials during a recent AI town hall, where they discussed both the potential benefits and the inherent risks of AI technology.

#### The Growing Role of AI at NASA

Artificial intelligence is advancing at a breakneck pace, as evidenced by the emergence of sophisticated tools like ChatGPT. NASA sees immense potential in AI to drive transformative discoveries across its various missions. However, the agency is acutely aware of the potential pitfalls if AI is not employed responsibly.

"There's a lot of risk with AI, because if it's employed in ways that are not for the betterment of humankind, then it could be disastrous," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated during the town hall on May 22. He emphasized that while AI can make NASA's work more efficient, it must be approached with the same principles that have always defined the agency: safety, transparency, and reliability.

#### A Longstanding Relationship with AI

NASA is no stranger to AI. The agency has utilized AI technology in various capacities for decades, according to Nelson. However, given the rapid improvements in AI capabilities, NASA is stepping up efforts to better understand, develop, and deploy this technology.

One significant step in this direction is the appointment of NASA's first-ever AI chief, David Salvagnini, who previously served as the agency's chief data officer. Salvagnini's mission is to increase AI literacy across NASA's workforce, starting with an initiative aptly named the "Summer of AI."

"Part of what we'll be doing — and you'll see the announcement soon — is the 'Summer of AI,' which is a training initiative where everyone at NASA is going to have an opportunity to learn more about AI," Salvagnini said during the town hall. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive training, ensuring that NASA employees are well-versed in AI and its applications.

#### Emphasizing Responsible AI Use

Salvagnini also highlighted the importance of responsible AI use, advocating for a mindset that keeps humans at the center of AI applications. He suggested rebranding AI as "assistive intelligence" to reinforce the idea that humans remain accountable for decisions made with the aid of AI.

"AI is a resource that I now have access to that can help me in my decision process," Salvagnini explained. "The AI is not accountable for the outcome. The person is; the human is."

He drew an analogy to weather forecasting, where models predict potential hurricane tracks, and forecasters use their judgment to present multiple scenarios. Similarly, AI should be used to assist in decision-making while acknowledging its limitations and capabilities.

#### The Promises and Potential of AI

While safety and accountability were key themes, the town hall also underscored AI's promising potential. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy highlighted AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently, potentially leading to significant discoveries in fields like heliophysics, Earth science, and astronomy.

"AI is going to help us in so many areas," Melroy said, noting that AI can uncover new insights by analyzing old data in innovative ways. Furthermore, AI can take over mundane, labor-intensive tasks, allowing NASA employees to focus on more complex and challenging problems.

Melroy concluded her remarks with a balanced endorsement of AI. "It is a powerful, ingenious, and very exciting tool," she said. "But if we don't manage it responsibly, we're going to open ourselves up to a world of risk that jeopardizes our credibility and our mission."

#### Conclusion

As NASA continues to integrate AI into its operations, the agency remains committed to a responsible approach that prioritizes safety, transparency, and human oversight. The "Summer of AI" initiative and the appointment of an AI chief reflect NASA's proactive stance in ensuring that AI serves as a beneficial tool for advancing space exploration and scientific discovery, while minimizing risks and maintaining public trust.