Science-enabling Technology
Achieving the Science Mission Directorate’s groundbreaking science goals often requires significant technological innovation—e.g., new instruments or cutting-edge capabilities. Each SMD science division—Astrophysics, Biological and Physical Sciences, Earth Science, Heliophysics, and Planetary Science—develops new technologies targeted to enable SMD science. Often, these efforts are accomplished via division-sponsored technology development or mission programs. The directorate also sponsors collaborative workshops where stakeholders examine how innovative technologies can enable Agency missions. In addition, SMD coordinates with other NASA directorates, government agencies, industry, and academia to ensure its research programs and missions have the technology they need to accomplish revolutionary science.
Technology Highlights
Carbon Nanotubes and the Search for Life on Other Planets
A NASA-developed material made of carbon nanotubes will enable our search for exoplanets—some of which might be capable of supporting…
Entrepreneurs Challenge Prize Winner Uses Artificial Intelligence to Identify Methane Emissions
The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) instituted the Entrepreneurs Challenge to identify innovative ideas and technologies from small business start-ups…
Quantum Scale Sensors used to Measure Planetary Scale Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields are everywhere in our solar system. They originate from the Sun, planets, and moons, and are carried throughout…
Accelerating Informatics for Earth Science 2024
Fostering the development of productive partnerships between commercial data product developers and the science community, and exploring innovative ways to improve processing archived and real-time satellite data.
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