Last week we learned that Lockheed Martin and Amazon have created a seat for Alexa on NASA’s Artemis 1 mission scheduled to launch in March. Alexa will blast off aboard an Orion spacecraft, for an uncrewed trip around the moon. The AI assistant will be tested for worthiness to become an integral part of space exploration, assisting astronauts with information and even companionship. If all goes well, Alexa will fly with astronauts to the moon and beyond.

Initially Alexa will respond to astronauts’ questions about water supply or battery levels, and possibly even assist with controlling the temperature or lighting in the crew module.

Most Alexa software is developed here in Santa Cruz. Will Alexa open the pod bay doors on a good surf day?

Meanwhile, for those who have an Alexa, let us know how the AI responds to requests such as:

Alexa: open the pod bay doors.

Alexa: are you going to the moon?

Alexa: sing the song “Daisy”