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.
hubble space telescope
spiral galaxies
our universe
Featured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
Lucy
The Lucy mission captured stunning, detailed images of asteroid Donaldjohanson during a fly by on April 20, 2025, as the spacecraft heads towards the distant Trojan asteroids.
NEO Surveyor
NEO Surveyor is expected to launch no earlier than September 2027. It is the first space telescope specifically designed to hunt asteroids and comets that may be potential hazards to Earth.
PACE
PACE is celebrating one year in orbit, tracking ocean health, air quality, and climate. Its data is helping us understand how carbon moves between the ocean and atmosphere.
How Big is Space? We Asked a NASA Expert
How big is space? It’s one of the most mind-bending questions we can ask because the deeper we look, the more the universe keeps going. We’ve measured billions of light-years in every direction and still haven’t reached the edge. A NASA scientists explains what we know — and don’t know — about the size of the cosmos.
Explore more about the universeHubble Captures Cotton Candy Clouds
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features a sparkling cloudscape from one of the Milky Way’s galactic neighbors, a dwarf…
Read the Story
Nicky Notes
To the NASA Science Community – <br>As the nation’s leader in Earth and space science, NASA Science operates within the broader context of the federal government and its priorities. As part of the Executive Branch, we are always responsive to the direction set by the Administration, including executive orders and policy guidance that relate to our programs and activities.
Continue reading Nicky Notes…
Astrophysics
Studying the universe, pushing the boundaries of what is known of the cosmos, and sharing its discoveries for all of humanity.
Dive into the Universe about Astrophysics
How we Look at Earth
Welcome to the universe
Discover the universe: Learn about the history of the cosmos, what it’s made of, and so much more.
Astrophysics Data
Free and open access to archives of science data from both space and ground-based telescopes.
The Future of Exploration
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will investigate dark matter, dark energy, exoplanets and other mysteries of the universe.
Are We Alone?
By studying exoplanets we can compare our planet to thousands more, and find out if there are other habitable worlds in the galaxy.
Explore our changing planet
Earth is our home, shared with millions of species. Rapid changes like rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather are transforming our planet. For over 50 years, observations from space and ground have monitored these changes, guiding critical decisions in areas like agriculture and air quality. By understanding how our actions affect Earth's systems, we can help mitigate these impacts. Discover more about how you can make a difference in safeguarding our planet.
Visit the Earth Information Center
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 Science by the Numbers
Dive Deeper
SMD Community Town Hall Meetings
View upcoming and past community town hall meetings.
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.
