PESTO manages technology development (for TRL 1 - 6) through programs such as PICASSO, MatISSE, DALI; makes recommendations for technology strategies for instruments, spacecraft, and mission support; coordinates planetary science technologies within NASA’s Science, Space Technology, Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorates, Earth Exploration Science Strategy Integration Office, PSD, and community requirements; and promotes technology infusion into missions.

PESTO Charter and Purpose

NASA Headquarters office managed at GRC to:

Recommend technology investment strategy for future planetary science missions

• Instruments
• Spacecraft Technology
• Mission Support Technology

Manage Planetary Science technology development (non-mission specific, competitively funded, <TRL6)

• Write solicitations (PICASSO, DALI, MatISSE, etc…)
• Conduct review panels

Coordinate planetary science-relevant technologies

• Within PSD, ESSIO & SMD and with STMD & ESDMD
• Outreach and partner with the science and technology community
• Well rounded portfolio with Planetary Science specific needs, technology opportunities, novel / high impact

Promote technology infusion and technology pipeline

• Infusion starts before solicitations are written, ends with mission adoption
• Study infusion successes and obstacles; recommend changes

PESTO Team

PESTO Office

Science Mission Directorate Office of the Associate Administrator Org Chart

https://assets.science.nasa.gov/content/dam/science/cds/about-us/2025/SMD-Web-Org-Chart-May_20_2025_TAGGED.pdf

FAQ

Where to find ROSES solicitations

• Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) solicitations are posted annually on the NSPIRES website.
• You can also subscribe to the NSPIRES mailing list by logging in and checking the appropriate box.

How ca I become a reviewer?

• Volunteer to be a Reviewer

What is TRL?

• TRL or Technology Readiness Levels are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology.​
• More information on Technology Readiness Levels

How to submit a proposal

• PESTO programs are funded through the omnibus solicitation called Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) ROSES-23​
• Check out information for Researchers
• Check out the ROSES FAQ

When are NoDD's reviewed?

• No Due Date (NoDD) proposals may be submitted at any time during the open period of the ROSES solicitation.​
• Research Programs with No (Fixed) Due Date (NoDD) or Rolling Submissions

PESTO Contact Information

Wondering if your new idea fits within one of our investment areas? Curious about using previously funded tools? Please reach out – we look forward to hearing from you.

Commonly asked queries:​

How do I know which solicitation is open?​

• You can visit this page and click on the “Funding Process” button or scroll down to click on one of the Investment Areas. If your solicitation is not open, sign up for alerts at the bottom of the page to be notified when it does open. ​

How can I find available technologies to use?​

• You can visit the Project Portfolio  page.​

Have a question about. . .​

Instruments?​

• PICASSO: Contact: HQ-PICASSO@mail.nasa.gov​
• MatISSE: Contact: HQ-MatISSE@mail.nasa.gov​
• DALI: Contact: HQ-DALI@mail.nasa.gov​
• HotTech: Contact: HQ-HOTTech@mail.nasa.gov​
• COLDTech: Contact: HQ-COLDTech@mail.nasa.gov​

Advanced planning?

• Contact Erica Montbach: erica.n.montbach@nasa.gov

Want to learn more about the office’s public outreach efforts?​

• For media and public inquiries, please contact the Planetary Science Communications Representative identified here.