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WASHINGTON — NASA Administrator Bill Nelson tapped an internal executive to be the organization’s first C-suite AI leader.
NASA named David Salvagnini as its chief AI officer, effective immediately, according to the agency this week.
Salvagnini is responsible for aligning the strategic vision and planning for AI use across NASA.
NASA said the position is an expansion of Salvagnini's current role as chief data officer.
“Artificial intelligence has been safely used at NASA for decades, and as this technology expands, it can accelerate the pace of discovery,” Nelson said. “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.”
The appointment supports President Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.
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NASA uses a wide range of AI tools: to support missions and research projects; analyze data to reveal trends and patterns; and develop systems capable of supporting spacecraft and aircraft autonomously.
Salvagnini will serve as a "champion" for AI innovation, supporting the development and risk management of platforms, tools and training.
He'll also "continue" NASA’s collaboration with government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners and other experts to ensure the agency is on the "cutting edge" of AI technology.
Salvagnini joined NASA last year after working in technology leadership in the intelligence community for over 20 years.
Prior to NASA, he served as director of the architecture and integration group and chief architect at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Previously, Salvagnini worked in various roles leading enterprise-level IT research and development, engineering and operations — advancing data, IT and AI programs. He also served in the Air Force for 21 years, retiring in 2005 as a communications and computer systems officer.
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