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Photo of Scott Sanford (left) with the OSIRIS-REx Sample Return

Space Science and
Astrobiology at Ames

The Space Science and Astrobiology Division provides science leadership and stewardship that enhances and enables the NASA community to make new scientific and technical discoveries, thus assuring the success of NASA’s strategic goals and space missions.

Overview about Space Science and
Astrobiology at Ames

meet the Space science and astrobiology division management team

Division Chief (acting)

Deputy Division Chief (acting)

Photo of Nasseem Rangwala

Astrophysics Branch Chief

Planetary Systems Branch Chief

Amanda Brecht

Planetary Systems Deputy Branch Chief

Zoom in of Mary Voytek

Exobiology Branch Chief

Portrait of Dr. Melissa Kirven-Brooks

Exobiology Deputy Branch Chief

Explore Our Universe

Visit the Space Science and Astrobiology Division Branch pages

Artist's impression of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

Astrophysics

Research in astrophysics, astrochemistry, quantum chemistry, star and planet formation, galaxy formation, and exoplanet imaging technologies to support NASA missions.

This mosaic of Bennu was created using observations made by NASAs OSIRIS-REx spacecraft

Planetary Systems

Research on the origins of stars and planetary systems, their evolution and formation, their environment, and the interdisciplinary area of astrobiology.

mars space laboratory

Exobiology

Research to understand pre-biotic chemistry and the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the Universe.

About Us

Explore the staff and work of the Space Science Division.

Alexander Borlaff-Serrano standing while teaching a group of children in an outreach program

Who We Are

Learn about the Staff in Space Science and Astrobiology.

There are three images. The top right is Cassiopeia A. This image of Cassiopeia A resembles a disk of electric light with red clouds, glowing white streaks, red and orange flames, and an area near the center of the remnant resembling a somewhat circular region of green lightning. X-rays from Chandra are blue and reveal hot gas, mostly from supernova debris from the destroyed star, and include elements like silicon and iron. X-rays are also present as thin arcs in the outer regions of the remnant. Infrared data from Webb is red, green, and blue. Webb highlights infrared emission from dust that is warmed up because it is embedded in the hot gas seen by Chandra, and from much cooler supernova debris. Hubble data shows a multitude of stars that permeate the field of view. The image on the bottom is 30 Doradus. This release features a composite image of 30 Doradus, otherwise known as the Tarantula Nebula, a region of active star formation in a neighboring galaxy. In the image, royal blue and purple gas clouds interact with red and orange gas clouds. Specks of light and large gleaming stars peek through the colourful clouds. The patches of royal blue and purple gas clouds represent X-ray data collected by the Chandra Observatory. The brightest and most prominent blue cloud appears at the center of the image, roughly shaped like an upward pointing triangle. Darker X-ray clouds can be found near the right and left edges of the image. The red and orange gas clouds represent infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope. These patches resemble clouds of roiling fire. The brightest and most prominent infrared cloud appears at our upper left, roughly shaped like a downward pointing triangle. Wispy white clouds outline the upward pointing bright blue triangle in the center of the image. Inside this frame is a brilliant gleaming star with six long, thin, diffraction spikes. Beside it is a cluster of smaller bright specks showing young stars in the nebula. The final image is NGC 6872. In this composite image, a large spiral galaxy has some of its superheated gas stolen by a smaller, nearby neighbor. Centered in the frame, NGC 6872 is a large spiral galaxy with two elongated arms that stretch toward our upper right and lower left. Near the white dot at the heart of the galaxy, a cloud of neon purple tints the arms, which appear steel blue at the tips. The purple represents hot gas detected by Chandra. Just to the upper left of NGC 6872 is a second spiral galaxy. Its spiraling arms are much smaller, but the bright white dot at its core is quite large, suggesting a supermassive black hole. Some of the steel blue matter and gas from NGC 6872’s lower arm appears to be floating toward the smaller galaxy, likely pulled toward the supermassive black hole.

What We Do

Learn about our science and instrument development.

LADEE Fires Thrusters Artist's Concept

How We Work

Learn how we accomplish our research in Space Science and Astrobiology.

Research Teams

Explore the Various Interdisciplinary Research Teams at Ames

Find and Learn About Teams by Topic about Research Teams

News, Features, and Publications

Explore Space Science and Astrobiology at Ames:

Sean Colgan with his team on the KAO (Kuiper Airborne Observatory).

Scientist Interviews

Learn about Scientist: Sean Colgan

Colorful stack of NASA books

Publications

View current and past publications done by members in Space Science and Astrobiology.

Photo of bright yellow, orange, and yellow nuclear fusions powers stars

Interesting Fact of the Month

Starlight