This is the first time an artificially evolved object will have flown in space.

The software also may invent designs that no human designer would ever think of.

We told the computer program what performance the antenna should have, and the computer simulated evolution, keeping the best antenna designs that approached what we asked for. Eventually, it zeroed in on something that met the desired specifications for the mission.

The AI software examined millions of potential antenna designs before settling on a final one. Through a process patterned after Darwin's 'survival of the fittest,' the strongest designs survive and the less capable do not.

We anticipated a budget deficit, so this will give us some breathing space. Because it's a one-time infusion and not a sustainable resource, we are going to be really careful with the money.

That's the one thing about (Popovich). He will use the players on his bench, at any time in the game.