# NASA Explores Edge AI for Space Missions

NASA is exploring edge AI for autonomous Moon and Mars missions, including navigation, fault management, surface mobility, data selection, and coordination among multiple agents. The technology needs identified include radiation-tolerant AI-capable flight computers and neuromorphic processors, along with AI verification, representative training data, and flight-software security. NASA has identified no specific solicitation, contract value, or acquisition timeline.

- Hardware suppliers can assess whether their radiation-tolerant flight-computing and neuromorphic processor capabilities address the needs described for autonomous missions.
- AI, software, and data providers may find relevant capability areas in verification, representative training data, and secure flight software; these are stated needs, not announced contract requirements.
- Because no acquisition or solicitation has been identified, contractors should treat this as an early technology signal rather than a current bid opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

### Key Quotes
> There is a significant gap between what currently exists and what is needed to carry out AI-enabled autonomous space missions.
> — Carolyn Mercer, Chief Technologist at NASA

### Sources
- [NASA Eyes Edge AI for Autonomous Moon, Mars Missions | GovCIO Media & Research](https://govciomedia.com/nasa-eyes-edge-ai-for-autonomous-moon-mars-missions) - GovCIO Media & Research