SMD Programs

All missions within NASA's Science Mission Directorate are selected, funded and managed via the following programs.

Astrophysics Explorers

The Astrophysics Explorers program includes opportunities for innovative science and fill the scientific gaps between the larger missions. Small PI-led astrophysics missions are selected under the Explorer program, and are managed by the Astrophysics Division.

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

This program is managed by the Heliophysics Division and solicits missions for both Heliophysics and Astrophysics.

Heliophysics Research

 

Living With a Star

Living With a Star is a cross-cutting program whose goals and objectives have links to each of the four NASA Strategic Enterprises: Space Science, Earth Science, Human Exploration and Development, and Aeronautics and Space Transportation.

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.