NASA is implementing a terminology change across its communications, publications and digital infrastructure after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on September 29. According to Space, the directive requires federal agencies to substitute 'super intelligence' and 'SI' for artificial intelligence and AI in official communications, without acknowledging the previous terminology.
An internal implementation plan from NASA's communications and information technology offices outlines four phases of work running through December. The changes cover agency websites, publications, employee communications and external materials. One planned technical modification could disrupt existing software integrations.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has supported the administration's direction, and one employee told Space that leadership pressure is accelerating the rollout. The agency is also instructing staff to replace related expressions, including 'generative AI,' while retaining technical terms such as machine learning and large language models where appropriate.
Some employees have warned that the revised language could confuse researchers and the public because artificial intelligence and super intelligence traditionally describe different concepts. NASA maintains that its existing technologies and the federal definition of AI remain unchanged under the order.
NASA told Space that it is coordinating the transition across communications and digital resources while seeking to preserve system accessibility and functionality. The agency also said it would continue presenting its research and technological developments accurately and transparently.