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In-Space Physical AI Workshop


We are excited to announce the InSpace Physical AI Workshop on November 6-7, 2025. This event will bring together industry leaders, government agencies, and academia to explore the cutting edge of AI in space exploration.

The workshop will include sessions on:

  • AI-enabling mission to Mars

  • AI-magnified strategic economic presence in cis-lunar space

  • Defending the homeland

  • International collaboration

  • Short pitches and posters: Startups/commercial vendors

Presentations by leading space AI startups and government sponsors will highlight the latest advancements and future directions.

Organized by Rice Nexus in collaboration with Purdue, Vanderbilt, and NASA.

Workshop Program

Day 1: November 6
Time Duration Session Description
8:30 – 9:0030 minRegistration, Tea/Coffee (Continues through lunch)
9:00 – 9:1515 minWelcome & Introduction
9:15 – 10:00 45 min Inaugural Address / Keynote
Featuring keynote speaker Matt Ondler, Chief Strategy Officer, Axiom Space
10:00 – 11:15 75 min Enabling Missions to Mars – Part I: Using AI independently of humans
This session brings NASA, industry, and university experts together to address the use of AI for autonomous robotic operations, repair, maintenance, logistics of systems during long periods of time without crew presence...
11:15 – 11:4530 minShort Pitches & Poster Highlights: Startups / Commercial Vendors
11:45 – 12:4560 minLunch + Poster Session / Demos
12:45 – 14:00 75 min Strategic Economic Presence in LEO & Cis-Lunar Space – Part I: AI for Computing and Data Center
This session brings together NASA, industry leaders, and university researchers to examine the pivotal role of AI in advancing computing and data infrastructure for space...
14:00 – 15:15 75 min Physical AI for Defending the Homeland – Part I: Golden Dome
This session brings industry, defense agencies, and academia experts together to identify critical In-Space Physical AI capabilities and needs for the nation’s Golden Dome initiative...
15:15 – 15:4530 minTea/Coffee Break
15:45 – 17:30 105 min International Collaboration in Space: The increasing role of AI in multilateral, interdisciplinary, and commercial space environments
This session brings together a number of representatives from government, business and academia to discuss how AI is influencing conversations and decision-making around space activities and operations...
18:00 – 20:00120 minWelcome Reception & Networking
Day 2: November 7
Time Duration Session Description
8:30 – 9:0030 minTea/Coffee (Continues through lunch)
9:00 – 9:1515 minWelcome
9:15 – 10:00 45 min Keynote / Fireside Chat
Featuring keynote speaker Steve Smith, Director, Flight Systems at Blue Origin
10:00 – 11:15 75 min Enabling Missions to Mars – Part II: Using AI to support humans in space
This session will bring together Subject Matter Experts to address the use of AI to aid astronauts in complex tasks during which they would historically have had MCC-based assistance...
11:15 – 11:4530 minFeatured Speaker: Government / Industry / Academia
11:45 – 12:4560 minLunch + Poster Session / Demos
12:45 – 14:00 75 min Strategic Economic Presence in LEO & Cis-Lunar Space – Part II: AI for Healthcare
Featuring confirmed speakers: This session explores the expanding role of AI in healthcare for LEO and cis-lunar space...
14:00 – 15:15 75 min Physical AI for Defending the Homeland – Part II: PAI augmented operations
This session focuses on integrating robust, verified Physical AI systems to advance autonomous operations in space defense...
15:15 – 15:3015 minClosing & Wrap-Up
15:30 – End ~30+ min Writing Session:
– Create/Review AI Summary of Meeting
– Summary of Insights and Next Steps