Exploration

Exploration provides for the development of systems and capabilities needed for human exploration of the Moon and Mars. ESDMD is building a space transportation system comprised of the Orion deep crew exploration vehicle, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and Exploration Ground Systems (EGS). These capabilities enable the Agency's Artemis missions, extending human presence into the solar system by transporting crews to lunar orbit and safely back to Earth in preparation for future missions to Mars. Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities (ACSC), Gateway, Human Landing System (HLS), and Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVA) and Human Surface Mobility Program (EHP) will create the exploration infrastructure in lunar orbit and on the lunar surface that astronauts will utilize during Artemis missions and that will inform future missions to Mars. The Exploration Capabilities Program develops habitation systems and technologies to enable long missions on the lunar surface and in deep space and to address high priority technology gaps. MCD will begin conducting preliminary concept studies for future systems, including an eventual transit habitat that will provide living quarters and other basic life support functions for future human mission to Mars.