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.
europa launched Oct. 14
europa clipper
engineer spotlight
Featured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
Europa Clipper
Launched on Oct. 14, 2024, Europa Clipper’s main science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, that could support life.
Lunar Trailblazer
Launching in 2024, the goal of Lunar Trailblazer is to understand the form, abundance, and distribution of water on the Moon, and the lunar water cycle.
NISAR
Launching in 2024, NISAR will systematically map Earth and study changes to ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice in fine detail, as climate change warms the air and ocean.
Night Lights: Aurora, Noctilucent Clouds, and the Zodiacal Light
Have you spotted any “night lights”? These phenomena brighten dark skies with celestial light ranging from mild to dazzling: the…
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Europa Clipper Launch Highlights
Highlights from the Oct. 14, 2024, launch of NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will travel 1.8 billion miles to study Jupiter’s ocean moon Europa. The spacecraft lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:06 p.m. EDT (9:06 a.m. PDT). Europa Clipper is NASA’s first mission dedicated to studying Europa, which likely has a salty ocean beneath its icy surface. The spacecraft is equipped with nine science instruments and a gravity experiment. The mission’s main goal is to determine whether Europa has the right conditions to support life.
Learn more about Europa ClipperGalaxy of Horrors
Take a tour of some of the most terrifying and mind-blowing destinations in our galaxy … and beyond. After a visit to these nightmare worlds, you may never want to leave Earth again!
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NASA Science is Delivering
NASA Science is delivering: every second of every day, of every week, of every year. 2024 is proving to be yet another year of exceptional scientific discovery and achievement. From soft landing back on the Moon a few months ago, to celebrating the Heliophysics Big Year and a Total Solar Eclipse in the contiguous United States, to receiving stunning imagery from James Webb, NASA Science is as busy as ever. Recently launched earth science missions are also providing us unprecedented views of our planet and incredible insight into the health of our oceans and atmosphere, and helping decision-makers improve lives on Earth and safeguard our future. And we are charting a new, sustainable path for Mars Sample Return.
Looking ahead, we have many exciting launches on the horizon. At NASA, we are fortunate that our science and exploration endeavors are inextricably linked and help us discover and innovate for the benefit of humanity. Together, we explore to advance scientific understanding. Ultimately, exploration enables science, and science enables exploration.
The NASA Science team is continuing to deliver for the benefit of all.
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
Lunar Discovery and Exploration
NASA scientists are focused on studying Earth’s Moon, which holds keys that will unlock a deeper understanding of our planet, solar system, and the origins of life.
Learn more about Lunar Discovery and ExplorationWhat's out there?
Planetary Processes
We’re studying geological processes that have been occurring on the Moon since its inception.
Volatile Cycles
We have much to learn about the elements and chemicals that make up our Moon.
Impact History
The impact history of the Earth-Moon system provides a historical record of our entire solar system.
Record of the Ancient Sun
We can learn about the Sun by studying its effects on the Moon.
Biological Systems on the Moon
We’re studying the extreme lunar environment to determine its effects on biological systems.
Physical Sciences on the Moon
The unique gravity properties of the Moon will inform efforts to study and inhabit its environment.
Platform to the Solar System
The Moon provides scientists with a platform for studying the entire solar system.
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
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.
