Booz Allen blasts generative AI into space

Booz Allen Hamilton, a federal-focused management and technology consulting firm, has deployed a generative AI large language model (LLM) on the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab.

The LLM is on Hewlett Packard Enterprise's (HPE) Spaceborne Computer-2, and is believed to be the first one deployed in space.

“If we can deploy generative AI in space, we can deploy it anywhere,” said Dan Wald, principal AI solutions architect for space applications at Booz Allen.

The HPE Spaceborne Computer-2 provides the international scientific community with an AI Edge-focused compute platform in space and constrained environments.

Developed in approximately eight weeks, Booz Allen’s LLM application is a proof-of-concept that can play a role in providing remote data ingestion and retrieval-augmented generation. It aims to one day help astronauts use GenAI without the use of Earth-bound internet.

“Generative AI in space is truly the new frontier and this capability unlocks the potential for on-orbit generative AI to integrate and develop mission-critical solutions and is aligned with Booz Allen’s mission to build human-led AI solutions from which our nation will thrive,” said Chris Bogdan, EVP at Booz Allen and leader of the firm’s space business.

Booz Allen has worked as a space program partner for defense, intelligence, and civil agencies for over 60 years. The McLean, VA-based firm last year won a seven-year, $630-million, single-award contract with the US Space Force.