Meta's AI Models Head to Space with ISS Deployment

Meta is working with Booz Allen to deploy its AI model, Llama 3.2, on the International Space Station for astronauts to use for problem-solving and content generation. The model, dubbed "Space Llama," is fine-tuned using NVIDIA CUDA software and can process multiple inputs to provide AI-based recommendations and assessment. Meta sees this as a showcase for its open-source AI approach and a key example of American innovation, highlighting the need for the U.S. government to clear guardrails on AI development to maintain its competitive edge.

Meta Platforms Inc. and Booz Allen Holding Corp. have joined forces to deploy an advanced AI system, named "Space Llama," on the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. The initiative leverages Meta's Llama 3.2 language model series, fine-tuned for space operations, and is designed to support a variety of scientific projects and operational tasks aboard the ISS.

The collaboration, announced today, involves integrating Meta's AI model with Booz Allen's AI for Edge Environments, Hewlett Packard Enterprise's (HPE) Spaceborne Computer-2, and Nvidia's (NVDA) GPUs for accelerated computing. This tech stack allows the AI to function directly on the ISS, bypassing the need for constant Earth-based internet connectivity. The system can process multiple inputs, including technical reference documents, and provide AI-based recommendations and assessments.

Meta's Vice President of generative AI, Ahmad Al-Dahle, emphasized the potential of open-source AI models like Llama to drive innovation in space exploration and research. He noted that the AI system can assist astronauts by replacing paper-based documentation and reducing reliance on ground-based instructions. This initiative is seen as a critical step for lunar and Mars exploration, enabling modern satellite and drone capabilities, and advancing the next generation of autonomous systems.

The deployment of Space Llama comes at a time when Meta's stock has declined nearly 10% in 2025 but remains up 23% over the past year. Booz Allen's stock, meanwhile, is down 7% year-to-date and has dropped 18% over the same period. This collaboration underscores the importance of American innovation in AI development and the need for the U.S. government to clear guardrails on AI development to maintain its competitive edge.

References:
[1] https://siliconangle.com/2025/04/25/meta-booz-allen-develop-space-llama-ai-system-international-space-station/
[2] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/meta-booz-allen-launch-nvidia-hpe-enabled-space-llama-ai-program/chQp1qQRbWU