This site is no longer being updated. Please visit the new Science Mission Directorate website. NASA transformed its organization in the summer of 2004, uniting the former Earth and Space Science Enterprises. The Science Mission Directorate will carry out the scientific exploration of the Earth, Moon, Mars and beyond; chart the best route of discovery; and reap the benefits of Earth and space exploration for society. A combined organization is best able to establish an understanding of the Earth, other planets and their evolution, bring the lessons of our study of Earth to the exploration of the Solar System, and to assure the discoveries made here will enhance our work there.

Thousands of years ago, on a small rocky planet orbiting a modest star in an ordinary spiral galaxy, our remote ancestors looked up and wondered about their place between Earth and sky. Today, we ask the same profound questions:

• How did the universe begin and evolve?
• How did we get here?
• Where are we going?
• Are we alone?

Today, after only the blink of an eye in cosmic time, we are beginning to answer these questions. Space probes and space observatories have played a central role in this process of discovery.

Our missions and research generate most of the coolest news coming out of NASA. We are responsible for all of NASA's programs relating to astronomy, the solar system, and the sun and its interaction with Earth. Our science stretches from the middle levels of Earth's atmosphere to the beginning of the universe, billions of light years away.

Our web site serves our science community, educators, government decision-makers, and the public. We hope your visit is enjoyable. Thanks for stopping by!