NASA is refining its approach to artificial intelligence applications for deep space exploration with updates to its Foundational Artificial Intelligence for the Moon and Mars (FAIMM) program. The initiative, designed to integrate researchers into teams developing AI models for lunar and Martian science, recently underwent corrections and released additional resources for potential applicants. This program represents a significant investment in leveraging AI to unlock new discoveries on the Moon and Mars, and aims to broaden participation in this emerging field.
The FAIMM program, outlined in ROSES-2025 Amendment 37, seeks to harness the power of large, general AI models – known as Foundation Models (FMs) – to transform scientific exploration. These models utilize extensive datasets to tackle a wide range of AI and Machine Learning (ML) tasks, and NASA is actively working to expand the expertise contributing to their development. Notably, prior AI/ML experience is not required for participation, lowering the barrier to entry for researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds. The total budget allocated for new awards under this program is approximately $1 million, according to recent updates.
On March 10, 2026, several revisions were made to the official FAIMM documentation. These included the addition of a paragraph to Section 2 detailing how to express interest in focusing on either the Moon, Mars, or both celestial bodies. Minor edits were also implemented in Section 2.3, and Section 3.1 was corrected to reflect that proposals will be evaluated based on two, not three, factors. These changes, detailed with bolded new text and struck-through deletions in the program documentation, aim to clarify the application process and evaluation criteria for prospective researchers. You can identify the updated documentation at https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2025table2 and https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2025table3.
To support potential applicants, NASA hosted a webinar on February 23, 2026, providing an overview of the FAIMM opportunity and addressing community questions. The presentation slides, along with updated responses to submitted questions, and a recording of the webinar are now publicly available on the NSPIRES page for C.12 FAIMM under the “Other documents” section. This resource offers valuable insights into the program’s goals and expectations.
Researchers interested in participating in FAIMM have until April 28, 2026, to submit proposals. A key feature of this program is the streamlined application process; neither a Notice of Intent (NOI) nor a Step-1 proposal is required. This direct path to proposal submission is intended to encourage broader participation and accelerate the development of AI-driven exploration tools. For any questions regarding the announcement, researchers can contact Rebekah Dawson-Rigas at [email protected].
The FAIMM initiative underscores NASA’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into its ambitious plans for lunar and Martian exploration. By fostering collaboration between AI experts and domain scientists, NASA hopes to unlock new possibilities for data analysis, resource identification, and a deeper understanding of our solar system. As the April 28th deadline approaches, the agency anticipates a strong response from the research community, paving the way for innovative AI applications in the next era of space exploration.
What impact will these AI tools have on the speed of scientific discovery on the Moon and Mars? Share your thoughts in the comments below.