Strategic Framework
Charting the horizon of NASA technology development
Space Technology Mission Directorate Framework
Ensure American global leadership in Space Technology
Advance US space technology innovation and competitiveness in a global context
Address national aerospace challenges; Enable rapid and efficient technology development; Take risks; capture and disseminate knowledge.
Encourage technology-driven economic growth with an emphasis on the expanding space economy
Foster the creation and growth of aerospace businesses; Increase the commercialization of NASA-supported technologies; Partner in innovative ways for research and development to expand the aerospace sector; Collaborate with stakeholders in geographic communities across the country.
Inspire and develop a diverse and powerful U.S. aerospace technology community
Make it easier for all U.S. individuals and organizations to contribute to NASA technology development; Increase representation of diverse and non-traditional groups across STMD’s portfolio to leverage creativity and innovation from across America; Cultivate a pipeline of technologists and innovators.
Rapid, Safe, and Efficient Space Transportation
Space Nuclear Propulsion
Develop nuclear technologies enabling fast in-space transits.
Cryogenic Fluid Management
Develop cryogenic storage, transport, and fluid management technologies for surface and in-space applications.
Advanced Propulsion
Produce advanced propulsion technologies that enable future science/commercial/exploration missions.
Expanded Access to Diverse Surface Destinations
Precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance
Develop capabilities to enable lighting-independent precise landing on any terrain.
Entry, Descent, and Landing to Enable Science Missions
Develop capabilities enabling small to large missions to efficiently enter any atmospheres within our solar system.
20t and Lunar/Mars Global Access
Develop capabilities to support global access to the moon and Mars including accurate prediction of plume surface interaction.
Sustainable Living and Working Farther from Earth
Advanced Habitation Systems (AHS)
Keep astronauts healthy and productive while living in space and planetary vehicles.
In-Situ Resource Utilization
Develop scalable ISRU production/utilization capabilities including sustainable commodities on the lunar and Mars surface.
Power and Energy Storage Systems
Develop sustainable power sources and other surface utilities to enable continuous lunar and Mars surface operations.
Thermal Management Systems
Develop thermal management technologies that enable surviving the extreme lunar and Mars environments.
Excavation, Construction, and Outfitting (ECO)
Develop methodologies for moving regolith for in-situ purposes such as commodities extraction and constructing infrastructure like landing pads and other structures using in-situ resources.
Surface Systems
Develop surface support systems to enable long duration surface stays.
Transformative Missions and Discoveries
Advanced Avionics
Develop advanced avionics to meet agency objectives, including radiation-hardened spaceflight computing technologies.
Advanced Manufacturing
Develop both terrestrial and in-space manufacturing technologies to make commercial and exploration missions more capable and affordable.
Autonomous Systems and Robotics
Develop autonomy and robotics technologies that enable and enhance the full range of science and exploration missions (both with and without crew).
Communications and Navigation
Develop communication, navigation, and timing approaches to support diverse asset (human or robotic) needs including establishing asset location in-space.
In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) and Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Capture (RPOC)
Develop technologies for in-space creation, maintenance, and evolution of space assets leveraging expanding in-space infrastructure.
Small Spacecraft Technologies
Develop technologies for small spacecraft and responsive launch to rapidly expand space capabilities at dramatically lower costs.
Sensors, Instruments, and Observatories
Develop technologies for science instrumentation supporting new discoveries.
