Meta and Booz Allen Hamilton deploy AI in space for scientific research

In the United States, on April 25, 2025, Meta and Booz Allen Hamilton announced the deployment of the 'Space Llama' project at the International Space Station's National Laboratory. This groundbreaking initiative utilizes Meta's open-source AI model, Llama 3.2, which has been fine-tuned specifically for this application. The AI will assist astronauts in conducting scientific experiments in low Earth orbit, marking a significant advancement in space research capabilities. The project also relies on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Spaceborne Computer-2 and Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) to enhance the performance of the AI model. The 'Space Llama' initiative aims to improve research efficiency and reduce the reliance on Earth-based support by enabling astronauts to manage tasks more autonomously. By replacing traditional paper documents and minimizing the need for constant communication with mission control, astronauts can focus on their crucial experimentation and data collection efforts. Meta's Vice President, Ahmad Al-Dahle, emphasized the transformative potential of open-source AI models like Llama in advancing space exploration and research, highlighting the importance of such innovations to drive further scientific discovery. This effort also builds on previous accomplishments, such as Booz Allen Hamilton's deployment of the first-known large language model in space less than a year earlier. Both companies see the integration of AI into space research as a method to address unique challenges posed by environments with limited bandwidth and connectivity, which are often present in such missions. As part of this initiative, the team anticipates being able to respond more swiftly to maintenance issues or anomalies that may occur in the spacecraft, thus enhancing mission safety. The broader implications for the aerospace industry are substantial. This partnership signifies the growing role of AI in enhancing various aspects of flight operations, safety, and efficiency. The aerospace sector is rapidly adopting AI technologies, which are being integrated into aircraft systems for automating processes and providing real-time decision support. AI-driven solutions are also transforming air traffic management practices, leading to more precise predictions of traffic patterns. By embracing AI, the industry is not only optimizing performance but also ensuring the highest safety standards for passengers and crews alike.