Science

The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) invites the nation's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community to use NASA’s space observatories to conduct scientific studies of the Earth from space, of other bodies in the solar system, and to observe our Galaxy and beyond. The STEM research community also may propose to participate in scientific studies conducted via spacecraft missions to visit other bodies in the solar system and return samples. SMD competitively solicits and invites proposals for the following: 1) Astrophysics Research - sponsors research to explore the Universe beyond, from the search for planets to the origin, evolution, structure, and destiny of the Universe itself. 2) Biological and Physical Sciences Research - sponsors space-based research and studies the behavior/adaptation of physical processes, living organisms, and ecosystems to environments beyond Earth. 3) Earth Science Research and Applied Sciences – sponsors research that addresses a major component(s) of the Earth system-continents, oceans, atmosphere, ice, and life – to understand natural and human-induced processes that drive the Earth system. 4) Heliophysics Research – sponsors research to understand the Sun and its interactions with the Earth and Solar System, including space weather. 5) Planetary Science Research – sponsors research to determine the content, origin and evolution of the solar system and potential for life beyond earth. 6) Multi- or Cross- Division Research – sponsors research and related activities that may engage citizen scientists, graduate students, learners of all ages, etc. in one or more of SMD’s activities, including operating or past Science Missions, such as NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test, the first mission to demonstrate an asteroid deflection method in 2022. 7) Lunar Discovery and Exploration – sponsors research to support instruments development and investigations on or near the surface of the moon. 8) Open-Source Science Initiative – sponsors innovative activities that accelerate scientific discovery and enhance transparency and reproducibility of SMD-funded research.