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.
A Spaceship Called Earth
With NASA’s “Your Name in Landsat” online interactive, users can type in their name, then view and export the graphic of that name spelled out in Earth features found in Landsat images.
See Your Name in Landsat
What’s Up: May 2026 Skywatching Tips
Shooting stars before dawn, a brilliant meetup between the Moon and Venus and a rare blue moon to end the month
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower brings shooting stars before dawn, the Moon meets brilliant Venus after sunset, and May wraps up with a rare Blue Moon.
Celebrate Earth
On April 6, 2026, shortly before Earth slid behind the Moon from the perspective of Orion, and the spacecraft lost radio signal with mission control for 40 minutes, the Artemis II crew captured this stunning image of Earth setting over the lunar surface. The photo is reminiscent of the iconic 1968 Earthrise image, captured by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders during the first human journey around the Moon. As the astronauts flew over the Moon’s far side, the crew photographed and described terrain features including impact craters, ancient lava flows, and surface cracks and ridges formed as the Moon slowly evolved over time. They also noted differences in color, brightness and texture, which provide clues that help scientists understand the composition and history of the lunar surface. The image has been slightly sharpened to fit the format of the poster.
Download Earthrise Poster
Experience the closest thing to standing next to the actual JWST
Joining other historic NASA missions like Apollo, Voyager, and the Discovery Space Shuttle, Webb’s Optical Telescope Element Pathfinder has made its way to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian museum for permanent display.
The Pathfinder is the largest intact mirror support structure of its kind, comprised of exotic lightweight materials invented for the purpose of seeing near to the very limits of the observable universe.
2026 NASA Science Calendar
Download the Cover
Learn about those of the NASA corps who make “space sailing” their career profession.
Mission Highlight: Psyche
On May 15, the Psyche spacecraft flew by Mars for a gravity assist, a maneuver harnessing the planet’s gravitational pull, to slingshot it the rest of the way on its journey to the asteroid belt. Relive the event, or see where Psyche is right now, using NASA’s 3D interactive app, “Eyes on the Solar System.”
Most Notable 2026 Astronomical Events
This year will be busy for avid skywatchers, with some incredible opportunities to view meteor showers, planets, and the Moon in the night sky.
See the Top Sky Watching Events
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.
Featured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
IMAP
Launched September 24, 2025, IMAP will help researchers better understand the boundary of the heliosphere, a huge bubble created by the Sun surrounding and protecting our solar system.
Pandora
Pandora is a small satellite designed to characterize exoplanet atmospheres and their host stars. It is slated to observe at least 20 different planets during its one year of science operations.
Dragonfly
Dragonfly, the first-of-its-kind rotorcraft to explore another world, will fly to various locations on Saturn’s moon Titan and investigate the moon’s habitability.
