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How We Work

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. The Division’s scientific breadth and expertise provide the Agency with a unique interdisciplinary workforce utilizing multidisciplinary teams of astronomers, astrophysicists, chemists, microbiologists, physicists, and planetary scientists and are organized into three core science areas:

Picture of the front cover of the 2022 NASA Strategic Plan

Branches

This image features the Cassiopeia A supernova, an expanding ball of matter and energy ejected from an exploding star. Here, rings of neon blue and brilliant white emit veins of polished gold. The rings and their arching veins encircle a place of relative calm at the center of the supernova remnant. This hole at the center of the circle, and the three-dimensionality conveyed by the rings and their arching veins, give this image of Cassiopeia A the look of a giant, crackling, electric blue donut. X-rays detected by Chandra show debris from the destroyed star and the blast wave from the explosion.

Astrophysics

Researchers study the physical and chemical properties of astronomical objects and phenomena by observing their radiation at optical, infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths.

Planetary Systems

Researchers develop new, fundamental knowledge about the origins of stars and planetary systems, their evolution and formation, their environment, and astrobiology.

Exobiology

Researchers study the history, distribution, and chemistry of biogenic elements in the solar system; prebiotic chemical evolution and the origin of life; and the history of Earth’s early biosphere as recorded in microorganisms and ancient rocks. 

Our Science Capabilities

Picture of a screenshot of the Space Science and Astrobiology Strategic Plan

The Division’s strategic approach focuses on enabling long-term investments in our core scientific research areas. Our unique expertise advances the Community’s science knowledge while driving innovative technology and instrument concepts. The Division pursues primary leadership roles in NASA missions and mission support activities, based on our current capabilities in the following key strategic focus areas:

  1. Planet Modeling
  2. Origins & Evolution of Planetary Systems
  3. Exoplanet Characterization
  4. Radiative Transfer Research
  5. Laboratory Astrophysics & Astrochemistry
  6. Analog Research & Instrumentation Development
  7. Astrobiology & Life Detection

Strategic Plan 2019

Missions and Support 2019 from Space Science and Astrobiology Strategic Plan

Have a look at the full version of our Strategic Plan 2019

Strategic Plan 2018

The back of a Space Science and Astrobiology Strategic plan of 2018 tri-fold brochure. Listed in three columns to read about the Science Capabilities.
The back of the tri-fold brochure for the Space Science and Astrobiology Strategic Plan 2018. Listed are the Science Capabilities of each group and its research.

Have a look at the full version of our Strategic Plan 2018 and our tri-fold brochure.