OpenAI's internal model Astra solved ten open math problems untouched for over a decade

Ten advances in mathematics and theoretical computer science

OpenAI published ten new results in math and theoretical CS produced by its internal model Astra. The problems—untouched for at least a decade—include high-dimensional sphere packing, existence of non-sofic groups, a disproof of Connes's rigidity conjecture, and polynomial-factor hardness for the closest vector problem. All arguments were formalized in Lean, and the model's reasoning traces are released. Total token cost was roughly $2,000 at Sol API rates. OpenAI states the mathematical arguments were generated by the system; humans only prepared manuscripts and formalized proofs, and authorship should reflect that.

Why it matters: OpenAI's Astra model produced verifiable advances on ten decade-old math problems, all formalized in Lean. A landmark for AI in hard science, but pure theory is distant from product/agent impact — policy deducts 10–15, landing at 78.