SpaceX has integrated the Grok AI model, developed by xAI, to identify foreign object debris within rocket components. The system analyzes borescope footage to detect stray items, such as metal shavings or misplaced fasteners, that could compromise mission safety.
According to SpaceX, the AI model achieves a 99.9% accuracy rate in debris detection, surpassing the approximately 94% accuracy rate typically maintained by human inspectors. The company implemented this technology on November 9, 2026.
The inspection process utilizes a hybrid approach where human technicians operate the borescope, while the AI independently reviews the video feed. SpaceX noted that this method increases inspection speed without sacrificing quality.
In addition to debris detection, SpaceX has automated visual inspections for Starlink hardware. These checks, which previously required hours or days, are now completed in seconds or minutes. The company acquired xAI earlier in 2026 to integrate these AI capabilities directly into its engineering workflows.
