Science Mission Directorate

The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is one of the six main parts of NASA. It helps manage important science projects at many NASA centers. Leaders and managers work at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., but the work happens in places like Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and Ames Research Center at Moffett Field in California.

The SMD focuses on studying Earth, the Sun, planets, and stars. It helps scientists learn about our planet, the space around us, and faraway worlds. By understanding these things, we can make our lives better and explore space safely. The work of the SMD is important for discovering new things about our universe and keeping Earth healthy.

Objectives

The Science Mission Directorate helps NASA study important questions about space and our planet. It shares information from NASA missions with scientists everywhere, supports research, and builds satellites and spacecraft with partners.

The directorate works on several key goals. It studies the history of Mars and how our Solar System formed. By learning about other planets, scientists can better understand Earth and where life might exist beyond our world. It also looks for Earth-like planets and places that could support life around other stars. Finally, it explores the Solar System to help keep space travel safe for both robots and humans.

Leadership

Nicola Fox has been the Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate since February 27, 2023. Before her, others held this role, including Edward J. Weiler, Mary L. Cleave, Alan Stern, John M. Grunsfeld, and Thomas Zurbuchen.

The directorate has many important leaders, such as:

• Associate Administrator: Nicola Fox, Assistant: Tricia Johnson
• Acting Deputy Associate Administrator: Mark Clampin
• Heliophysics Division Director: Joseph Westlake
• Earth Science Division Director: Karen St. Germain, Assistant: Jacob Griffin
• Planetary Science Division Director: Louise M. Prockter
• Astrophysics Division Director: (currently not listed)
• Biological and Physical Sciences Division Director: Lisa Carnell
• Resource Management Division Director: Holly Degn
• Joint Agency Satellite Division Director: John Gagosian
• Science Engagement and Partnerships Division Director: Kristen J Erickson