NASA Directorates

Results achieved by NASA’s aeronautical innovators through the years directly benefit today’s air transportation system, the aviation industry, and the passengers and businesses who rely on those advances in flight every day. As a result, every U.S. commercial aircraft and U.S. air traffic control tower uses NASA-developed technology to improve efficiency and maintain safety. 

The Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate manages human exploration system development for lunar orbital, lunar surface, and Mars exploration. Artemis missions will open a new era of scientific discovery and economic opportunity on the Moon while validating operations and systems and preparing for human missions to Mars. Programs in the directorate include the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, supporting ground systems, human landing systems, spacesuits, and Gateway.

The Science Mission Directorate is an organization where discoveries in one scientific discipline have a direct route to other areas of study. This flow is something extremely valuable and is rare in the scientific world. From exoplanet research to better understanding Earth’s climate to understanding the influence of the sun on our planet and the solar system, the directorate’s work is interdisciplinary and collaborative. 

The Space Operations Mission Directorate maintains a continuous human presence in space for the benefit of people on Earth. The programs within the directorate are the heart of NASA’s space exploration efforts, enabling Artemis, commercial space, science, and other agency missions through communication, launch services, research capabilities, and crew support. 

Technology drives exploration and the space economy. NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate aims to transform future missions while ensuring American leadership in aerospace. The directorate develops, demonstrates, and transfers new space technologies that benefit NASA, commercial, and other government missions.