NASA Science
NASA Science seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on Earth and in space.
Measuring Cosmic Material Between Stars
message in a bottle
celebrate solar science
Welcome to our redesigned NASA Science website
A gateway to our missions, research, and engagement efforts.
The Science Mission Directorate inspires the learners of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow. One of our key strategies is to purposefully and actively engage with audiences and learners of all ages to share the story of NASA’s integrated science program. From exoplanet research to better understanding Earth’s climate to understanding the influence of the sun on our planet and the solar system, our work is interdisciplinary and collaborative. Similarly, this new website showcases our work in a crosscutting way so that we may build stronger connections with you, our most important stakeholder. Together, we lead a globally interconnected program of scientific discovery that encourages innovation, positively impacts people’s lives, and is a source of inspiration.
Read Nicky Notes
Featured Missions
Upcoming mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
James Webb Space Telescope
Webb is celebrating one year of incredible discoveries, from exoplanets to the early Universe.
OSIRIS-REx
OSIRIS-REx is the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid. It returned to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023, kicking off an exciting autumn of asteroid milestones!
PACE
PACE will advance the assessment of ocean health by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae that sustain the marine food web.
By the Numbers
Science is interconnected; no important question stands alone. The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) 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.
Learn More about NASA Science
What's Up: December 2023 Skywatching Tips from NASA
What are some skywatching highlights in December 2023? Clear skies will make for ideal viewing of the Geminid meteor shower, and grab you binoculars to search for asteroid Vesta.
Watch NowNASA Orbiter Snaps Stunning Views of Mars Horizon
The Odyssey orbiter captured clouds and dust in the Red Planet’s skies, along with one of its two tiny moons.…
Read the Story
Explore our changing planet
Discover Earth as NASA sees it. Learn why this information matters to us all.
Visit the Earth Information Center
The Sun and Heliophysics
NASA studies the star at the center of our solar system and its influence on space, Earth, and our solar system. This research helps us to not only understand how the universe works, but also protect our technology and astronauts in space.
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What's out there?
Solar Science
Exploring the Sun's structure, behavior, and the effects of its radiant energy on the solar system and Earth.
Magnetospheres
Learning how protective magnetic fields surrounding planets shield them from solar wind and cosmic radiation.
Ionosphere, Thermosphere, and Mesosphere
Studying the regions where Earth's atmosphere transitions into the ionized plasma of space.
Heliosphere
Understanding how the invisible bubble surrounding our solar system is protecting life here on Earth.
Space Weather
Researching how environmental conditions in space can impact satellites, communications, and power grids on Earth.
Heliophysics Big Year
Celebrating solar science and the Sun's influence on Earth and the solar system.
Dive Deeper
NASA Science Strategy
Our science strategy articulates a forward-thinking vision and presents a comprehensive, cohesive and long-term roadmap for all NASA activities.
People of NASA Science
Meet the individuals who are instrumental in enabling the realization of NASA Science’s extraordinary mission.
NASA Science Careers
Discover career opportunities at NASA Science, where innovation, growth and collaboration shape the future of scientific exploration.
