SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION FOR THE NATION
Advancing America’s Frontiers of Planetary Exploration
Our deep planetary expertise powers private and public missions to space destinations near and far. From establishing safe and productive astronaut landing and exploration sites on the Moon and Mars, to building instruments that detect resources in space, to protecting the planet from potentially hazardous asteroids, our unmatched expertise in planetary geology, astrobiology, astrochemistry, atmospheric science, data science, and engineering ensures a coordinated and comprehensive approach to planetary exploration.
Underpin Safe and Productive Human Exploration
Artist's concept of NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter at the Moon. Credit: NASA.
We provide essential scientific leadership for human space exploration, leveraging our lunar and Martian expertise. Data from our active Moon and Mars orbiters, plus our chemistry lab onboard the Mars Curiosity rover, delivers critical insights on surface conditions, resources, terrain, and radiation environments—establishing the foundation for astronaut safety and mission success for NASA and commercial companies.
Chart the Frontiers of Space
Artist's concept of NASA's Dragonfly spacecraft on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan. Credit: NASA.
We have developed and led complex space missions, on time and under budget, and built hundreds of advanced space instruments. From the Moon and Mars to distant bodies like Bennu, Titan, and celestial realms beyond, Goddard scientists systematically investigate the solar system and planetary systems throughout the cosmos, advancing humanity's understanding of cosmic origins and evolution. Our technological achievements help the country, private industry, and the world identify future exploration targets.
Lead in Big Data, AI, and Simulations
Artist's concept of big data, AI, and simulations. Credit: iStock
We pioneer revolutionary approaches to planetary big data, establishing the gold standard for managing and interpreting massive scientific datasets. Our innovative data preservation and accessibility frameworks maximize the return on mission investments while accelerating new discoveries. Goddard's computational excellence creates virtual laboratories for impossible-in-reality experiments, while our AI tools transform raw data into scientific and exploration insights that the country and private industry can leverage.
Defend Our Planet
An image captured by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on Oct. 20, 2020, as it collected a sample from asteroid Bennu. Credit: NASA/University of Arizona.
We study the nature and composition of asteroids and comets and develop mission concepts to mitigate the risk of catastrophic impacts to Earth.
