Seaton discussed the challenges of managing IT for the space agency, including the need for multi-factor authentication, encryption, and system patching to protect against threats. He also highlighted the importance of human validation in the use of generative AI and the ongoing IT preparations for Artemis, NASA's program to return humans to the Moon. Seaton's efforts have landed him on Forbes' CIO Next List.
Key takeaways:
- Jeff Seaton, NASA’s chief information officer, is responsible for managing 113 petabytes of data, overseeing a billion-dollar budget, and leading 700 employees across the organization.
- Seaton has been focusing on modernizing NASA’s digital infrastructure, including revamping NASA's web presence and rolling out a streaming service, NASA Plus.
- NASA has been using AI for years in its missions, including using AI to explore the lunar surface, navigate Mars rovers, and analyze data and images collected from spacecraft.
- Seaton and his team are building IT capabilities for Artemis, the NASA program aiming to return humans to the Moon, and are working with partners to ensure a sustainable presence on another body in the solar system.