Exploring Space, Discovering Earth
NASA leads the nation's space exploration mission, pushing boundaries of science and technology to understand our planet and universe.
100+
Active missions exploring our solar system and beyond
24,000+
Employees driving innovation and discovery
60+ Years
Leading space exploration and scientific discovery
Current NASA Missions
Exploring our universe through groundbreaking research and innovative technology.
Perseverance Mars Rover
Searching for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars and collecting samples for future return to Earth.
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James Webb Space Telescope
Observing distant objects in the universe with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity.
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Artemis Program
Returning humans to the Moon and establishing sustainable lunar exploration by 2025.
Learn moreNASA Mission Overview
Mission Categories
Cutting-Edge Research
NASA's scientific investigations push boundaries and drive innovation across multiple disciplines.
Photo by Scott Graham
Advancing Human Knowledge
NASA's research programs span a vast array of scientific disciplines, from astrophysics to earth science, aeronautics to human exploration.
Climate Change Research
Monitoring Earth's vital signs to understand climate patterns and environmental changes.
Astrophysics Breakthroughs
Investigating the origins of our universe and searching for potentially habitable exoplanets.
Space Biology & Human Research
Studying how space affects the human body to enable long-duration missions beyond Earth orbit.
Key Research Areas
Space Technology
Developing advanced technologies that enable future missions and benefit life on Earth.
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Space Medicine
Advancing healthcare through research on the effects of microgravity on human physiology.
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Earth System Science
Monitoring our planet's climate, ecosystems, and natural resources from space.
Explore researchResearch Impact
Active research projects
Published scientific papers
Research partnerships
Annual research funding
Research Opportunities
Join NASA in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge
For Scientists & Researchers
Apply for research grants, fellowships, and collaborate on cutting-edge scientific investigations.
Find OpportunitiesFor Students & Educators
Discover internships, educational programs, and classroom resources to inspire the next generation.
Explore ProgramsEarth Science
Monitoring and understanding our changing planet from the unique vantage point of space.
Understanding Our Changing Planet
NASA's Earth Science Division studies Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice to build an understanding of our planet as an integrated system.
Through satellite observations, airborne missions, and ground-based research, we track environmental changes, improve weather predictions, and monitor natural disasters.
20+ Earth-observing satellites currently in orbit
50+ years of continuous Earth observations
Terabytes of freely available Earth science data
Photo by Michael Schiffer
Major Research Programs
Climate Change Research
Tracking global climate patterns and monitoring key variables like sea level rise, atmospheric composition, and polar ice.
View researchDisaster Management
Providing critical data during natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes to support emergency response.
View researchWater & Ecosystems
Monitoring the global water cycle, water quality, and ecosystem health to inform resource management.
View researchEarth Observing Satellites
Landsat Program
The longest-running satellite program for Earth observation, providing over 50 years of continuous global land imaging.
GRACE-FO
Tracking Earth's water movement and mapping changes in ice sheets, glaciers and sea level by measuring gravity fluctuations.
Explore Earth Science Data
NASA provides free and open access to its Earth science data. Discover datasets, tools, and resources to support your research, education, or applications.
Space Technology
Developing revolutionary technologies to enable NASA's future missions and benefit life on Earth.
Pioneering Tomorrow's Technology
NASA develops and tests cutting-edge technologies that enable exploration missions while solving challenges on Earth through technology transfer.
Propulsion Systems
Developing next-generation propulsion technologies from ion thrusters to nuclear thermal propulsion.
Advanced Materials
Creating materials that withstand extreme environments, from heat shields to radiation protection.
Autonomous Systems
Building robots and AI systems that can operate independently in space and hostile environments.
Photo by Marvin Meyer
Featured Technologies
Solar Electric Propulsion
High-efficiency propulsion that uses solar power to accelerate ions, enabling spacecraft to travel farther with less fuel.
Inflatable Habitats
Expandable modules that provide increased volume for deep space missions while being lightweight during launch.
Laser Communications
Optical communication systems providing data rates 10-100 times higher than traditional radio frequency systems.
Technology Development Process
Early Stage Innovation
Research and development of breakthrough concepts with potential to transform future space missions.
Technology Demonstration
Testing technologies in relevant environments to reduce risk before incorporation into missions.
Mission Implementation
Integration of proven technologies into NASA missions and potential transfer to commercial applications.
Technology Transfer Program
NASA technologies don't just go to space. Our innovations solve challenges on Earth, from medical devices to environmental monitoring.
Photo by Scott Graham
Small Business Innovation
NASA partners with small businesses to develop innovative technologies through the SBIR and STTR programs.
Photo by Carl Heyerdahl
Collaborate With NASA
Join NASA in developing the technologies that will take us to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Explore opportunities for researchers, businesses, and students.
Aeronautics Research
Leading aviation innovation for more than a century to transform the way we fly.
Shaping the Future of Flight
NASA's aeronautics research focuses on developing technologies to make aircraft greener, quieter, and more efficient while enhancing aviation safety.
Developing technologies to reduce aircraft emissions by up to 50%
Pioneering electric and hybrid aircraft propulsion systems
Advancing air traffic management systems to improve efficiency
Photo by Hunters Race
Key Research Areas
Sustainable Aviation
Developing technologies to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and noise from commercial aircraft.
Learn moreAviation Safety
Enhancing aircraft safety through advanced materials, intelligent systems, and improved weather prediction.
Learn moreAdvanced Air Mobility
Enabling new air transportation capabilities for people and cargo in urban, suburban, and rural environments.
Learn moreFeatured Projects
X-57 Maxwell
NASA's first all-electric X-plane demonstrating improved aircraft efficiency through electric propulsion.
Supersonic Flight
Developing technologies to reduce sonic boom and enable quiet supersonic flight over land.
Aeronautics Impact
Years of aviation innovation
Technologies transferred to industry
Research publications
Targeted reduction in aviation emissions
Explore Aeronautics Research
Discover how NASA is transforming aviation for the future through cutting-edge research and technology development.
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about NASA's latest discoveries, missions, and achievements.
Webb Telescope Discovers Most Distant Galaxy Yet
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has identified the most distant galaxy ever observed, providing unprecedented insights into the early universe just 300 million years after the Big Bang.
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Perseverance Rover Collects Key Sample
The Mars rover has collected a rock sample that shows signs of ancient microbial life, marking a significant milestone in our search for extraterrestrial life.
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New Climate Study Shows Accelerating Changes
NASA's latest climate study reveals faster-than-expected changes to Earth's climate system, emphasizing the need for immediate action on greenhouse gas emissions.
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NASA Develops New Space Radiation Shield
Engineers have created a lightweight, highly effective radiation shield that could significantly reduce risks for astronauts on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
Continue readingNews Categories
Latest Press Releases
- April 10, 2023 NASA, ESA Finalize Agreements on Climate Science Collaboration
- April 3, 2023 NASA Selects SpaceX for Europa Clipper Launch Services
- March 25, 2023 NASA's Artemis II Mission: Crew Announcement Coming in April
- March 18, 2023 NASA, DARPA to Develop Nuclear Thermal Rocket for Mars Missions
Media Resources
Find high-resolution images, videos, and other media for news coverage and educational purposes.
Media ContactStay Informed
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NASA Image Gallery
Explore the wonders of space through NASA's stunning collection of images.
Mars Perseverance Rover
Capturing high-resolution images of the Martian surface
Earth from Space
Our home planet seen from the International Space Station
Hubble Deep Field
Looking back billions of years into cosmic history
James Webb Telescope
Revealing unprecedented details of cosmic structures
Lunar Surface
High-resolution imaging of our closest celestial neighbor
Saturn's Rings
Captured by the Cassini spacecraft during its mission
Featured Collection: Mars Exploration
Mars: The Red Planet
Explore our planetary neighbor through the eyes of NASA's rovers and orbiters. This collection features the most stunning images from decades of Mars exploration.
View Collection360° Virtual Tours
Experience immersive, panoramic views of Mars, the International Space Station, and more with our interactive 360° tours.
Launch virtual toursVideo Collection
Watch high-definition videos from NASA missions, including spacecraft launches, astronaut activities, and planetary flybys.
Browse videosDownload Images
Access NASA's public domain image library in various resolutions for educational, media, or personal projects.
Access image libraryShowing 6 of 2,500+ images
Education & Outreach
Inspiring the next generation of explorers through STEM education and engagement.
Empowering Future Innovators
NASA's education programs provide students with opportunities to engage in authentic learning experiences with NASA's scientists, engineers, and educational specialists.
Free educational resources for K-12 students and educators
Hands-on activities that bring space science to life
Internships, fellowships, and career exploration opportunities
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦
Educational Programs
NASA STEM Engagement
Classroom activities, lesson plans, and educator guides aligned with national standards for K-12 education.
Access classroom resources
Internships & Fellowships
Opportunities for college students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience with NASA scientists and engineers.
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Citizen Science Projects
Participate in real NASA research through collaborative projects that welcome contributions from people of all backgrounds.
Join a projectFeatured Resources
Lesson Plans
Ready-to-use classroom activities with teacher guides and student worksheets.
Download nowEducational Videos
Short, engaging videos explaining space science concepts for all age groups.
Watch videosSTEM Activities
Hands-on projects that bring space exploration concepts into your classroom or home.
Start exploringVirtual Field Trips
Take your students on digital tours of NASA facilities and space environments.
Plan your tripOur Educational Impact
Students reached annually
Educators trained
Educational resources available
Countries participating
Educator Spotlight
"NASA's educational resources have transformed my classroom. My students are now passionate about STEM careers and space exploration. The hands-on activities make complex concepts accessible and exciting for students of all backgrounds."
Join Our Education Community
Connect with fellow educators, access exclusive resources, and stay updated on NASA's latest educational offerings.
Contact NASA
Have questions or need information? We're here to help.
Send Us a Message
NASA Headquarters
300 E. Street SW, Suite 5R30
Washington, DC 20546
(202) 358-0001
info@nasa.gov
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST