NASA names David Salvagnini as its chief artificial intelligence officer

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson Named on Monday David Salvagnini As the agency’s new chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer, effective immediately. The role is an expansion of Salvagnini’s current role as Chief Data Officer.

A wide variety of AI tools are being used by NASA to benefit humanity by supporting missions and research programs across the agency, analyzing data to reveal trends and patterns, and building systems capable of autonomously supporting space shuttles and flights.

„Artificial intelligence has been used safely at NASA for decades, and as this technology expands, it will accelerate the pace of innovation,” Nelson said. „It is important that we remain at the forefront of progress and responsible use. In this new role, David will lead NASA’s efforts to guide our agency’s responsible use of AI in space and on Earth to benefit all of humanity.”

The appointment is an arrangement by President Biden Executive order on the safe, secure, and reliable development and use of artificial intelligence. Salvagnini is now responsible for aligning the strategic vision and planning for AI use across NASA. He serves as a champion for AI innovation, supporting the development and risk management of tools, platforms and training.

In his expanded capacity, Salvagnini will continue NASA’s collaboration with other government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners and other experts.

Salvagnini joined NASA June 2023 After more than 20 years of working in technical leadership in the intelligence community. Prior to his role at NASA, he served in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as Director and Chief Architect of the Architecture and Integration Group.

Salvagnini has worked at various companies leading enterprise-level IT research and development, engineering and operations improvement data, information technology and artificial intelligence projects. David retired after 21 years in the Air Force May 2005 As Communication and Computer Systems Officer.

From NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope searching for data on planets outside our solar system to identifying areas of interest through Earth science imagery, NASA continues to develop recommendations for using emerging AI technology to better serve our goals and missions. Persistence Mars Rover and more through the Deep Space Network.

Before Salvagnini’s appointment, the agency’s chief scientist Kate Calvin Served as NASA’s Executive Responsible AI Officer.

Learn more about Artificial Intelligence at NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/artificial-intelligence