This article is intended for students in grades 5-8.

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a type of technology that helps machines and computers have “thinking” abilities similar to humans. Devices using AI can learn words and concepts, recognize objects, see patterns or make predictions. We can also teach them to work autonomously. AI is often used to help people understand and solve problems faster than they could on their own.

It includes:

• Machine learning: This type of AI examines large amounts of data and learns to make quick and accurate predictions based on that data.
• Deep learning: This type helps computers work much like the human brain. It uses multiple levels of “thinking” to recognize patterns and learn new information. Deep learning is a type of machine learning.
• Generative AI: A human can use generative AI to create text, videos, images and more. It is based on deep learning.

How is NASA using AI?

NASA has found uses for AI in many of its missions and programs.

For missions to the Moon, AI can use satellite imagery to create detailed 3D maps of dark craters. This data could help scientists plan their missions, spot hazards and even identify places where future crews might find water ice. On Mars, the Perseverance rover uses AI to control itself autonomously. It takes photos of the ground, sees obstacles and chooses the safest path.

AI also helps NASA search for planets outside our solar system. For example, AI has helped citizen scientists find over 10,000 pairs of binary stars. These pairs rotate around each other and block each other’s light. This information could help scientists search for new planets and learn more about star formation.

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Words to know

Autonomous: acting or functioning independently, without external control. A autonomous technology can perform tasks without human intervention.

Citizen Scientist: a member of the public, often a volunteer, who collects data that can be used by scientists. When members of the public participate in research in this way, it is called citizen science.

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NASA is also using AI to support its work on Earth. The agency uses AI to aid relief efforts during and after natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires. For example, AI can count tarps on roofs in satellite images to measure damage after a storm. NASA also supports flight controllers and pilots by using AI to plan better flight routes, making air travel safer and more efficient.

AI helps NASA explore space, protect people and make amazing discoveries!

Advice from NASA AI experts

“AI is a great field for people who love solving problems, building things, or asking questions about how the world works. People use AI to help doctors understand diseases, to teach robots to explore space, and to help communities prepare for events like floods or wildfires. If you love using technology to help people and discover new things, AI could be a great career for you!” – Krista Kinnard, NASA Deputy Director of AI

Career corner

NASA roles that may involve AI include:
Astronauts: Astronauts on the International Space Station can use an AI “digital assistant” to get medical recommendations. This is useful when communication with Earth is interrupted. It could also be useful in future missions to distant destinations like Mars.
Engineers: Engineers can use AI to help them generate designs for things like new spaceships.
Astronomers: AI helps astronomers analyze data from deep space satellites and telescopes to find stars and exoplanets.
Meteorologists: Weather experts can use machine learning to make climate projections.
Programmers: Programmers can use AI to update code used in older missions, bringing it up to modern standards.
IT professionals: AI can enable IT experts to understand outages within NASA, allowing them to return programs to service more quickly.
Program managers: Program managers can use AI to plan and model NASA missions.

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