SMD Programs

Astrophysics Explorers

 

Cosmic Origins

 

Discovery

The Discovery Program conducts focused investigations that complement NASA's larger Planetary Science goals by launching smaller missions using fewer resources and shorter development times.

Earth System Science Pathfinder

The Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Program addresses unique, specific, highly-focused mission requirements in Earth science research.

Earth Systematic Missions

The Earth Systematic Missions (ESM) Program includes a broad range of multi-disciplinary science investigations aimed at developing a scientific understanding of the Earth system and its response to natural and human-induced forces. Understanding these forces will help in determining how to mitigate them, appropriately and where possible, to avoid climate changes.

Exoplanet Exploration

NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program represents a voyage of unprecedented scope and ambition, promising insight into humankind's most timeless question: Are we alone?

Explorers

The mission of the Explorer program is to provide frequent flight opportunities for scientific investigations from space.

GOES / POES

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)/ Polar Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) program is a key element in National Weather Service (NWS) operations.

Heliophysics Explorers

 

Heliophysics Research

 

Living With a Star

We live in the extended atmosphere of an active star. While sunlight enables and sustains life, the Sun's variability produces streams of high-energy particles and radiation that can affect life.

Mars Exploration

The Mars Exploration Program is a science-driven program that seeks to understand whether Mars was, is, or can be, a habitable world.

Missions of Opportunity

 

New Frontiers

The New Frontiers Program represents a critical step in the advancement of solar system exploration.

Outer Planets Flagship

 

Physics of the Cosmos

Missions within the Physics of the Cosmos Program measure and test the validity of Einstein's theories of relativity.

Robotic Lunar Exploration

 

Solar Terrestrial Probes

The Program addresses fundamental science questions about the physics of space plasmas and the flow of mass and energy through the solar system.