Answering some of science's most difficult questions
- How and why are Earth's climate and environment changing?
- How and why does the Sun's activity affect Earth and the rest of the solar system?
- How do planets and life originate?
- What can we learn about biological and physical systems by studying them in space?
Are we alone in the universe?
Our Research
NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) contains five scientific divisions that each study a major area of science: astrophysics, biological and physical sciences, Earth science, heliophysics, and planetary science. Each division produces, examines, and catalogs significant amounts of data from NASA’s dozens of active science missions and from experiments conducted in orbiting laboratories such as the International Space Station.
These data form the foundation of the groundbreaking scientific discoveries from the SMD. NASA science data have shed light on the origins of the universe, revealed thousands of new planets, deepened our understanding of weather and climate, uncovered the secrets of our Sun and solar system, and enabled biological research that improves the health of astronauts and people on Earth alike. The SMD aims to make NASA science data as open as possible to everyone around the world to encourage more research participation, collaboration, and transparency than ever before.
SMD Goals and Strategy
With the amount of science data generated by NASA expected to grow even more in the coming years, the SMD is committed to accelerating science data use and accessibility. This is achieved through a focus on three key areas: continuously evolving data and computing systems, enabling open science, and engaging in strategic and commercial partnerships to drive technological innovation and maximize research impact.
To remain on the forefront of trailblazing scientific discovery, the SMD established the Office of the Chief Science Data Officer (OCSDO) in 2021. The OCSDO takes a strategic view of the SMD’s science data systems, including high-end computing, to support the five science divisions in meeting their data management needs, following open science best practices, and enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration. The 2024 OCSDO Year in Review highlights some of the office's recent accomplishments.
Learn More About the OCSDO https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/ocsdo/
The estimated amount of data that will be generated by new SMD missions annually in 2026.
Search for NASA Science Data
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) provides web tools to search across all of NASA’s science data, publications, software, and resources.
Science Discovery Engine
An integrated search platform to help you find what you need across NASA’s vast stores of open science data, documentation, code, and tools.
Science Explorer (SciX)
A digital library portal for scientific publications and software related to astronomy, Earth science, heliophysics, physics, and planetary science.
News and Events
Stop by NASA's booth at the American Meteorological Society (AMS) annual meeting to learn about the agency's work to advance transformative science across disciplines, support researchers, and learn more about our home planet.
Visit NASA's booth at the American Astronomical Society (AAS) January 2025 meeting to learn how the agency supports effective use of science data across disciplines, enabling more discoveries about our universe than ever before.
The Planetary Data Ecosystem (PDE) website centralizes NASA's planetary science resources, enhancing accessibility for researchers and expanding the reach of planetary data, tools, and research materials.