Goals and Objectives - NASA Directorates

Science Mission Directorate

1. The scientific investigation of the Earth, Moon, Mars and beyond with emphasis on understanding the history of the solar system, searching for evidence of habitats for life on Mars, and preparing for future human exploration.
2. The search for Earth-like planets and habitable environments around other stars.
3. To explore the solar system for scientific purposes and to support human exploration in order to ultimately establish a sustained "presence" throughout the solar system.

Exploration Systems Mission Directorate

• Create a constellation of new capabilities, supporting technologies, and foundational research that enables sustained and affordable human and robotic exploration.

Aeronautics Mission Directorate

• Guide and manage NASA's aeronautics research, and define the investments that NASA makes on behalf of the Nation. These investments, by definition, are for long-term high-risk undertakings that are beyond the scope, capacities, or risk limits of others to perform.
  (Strategic Plan under construction)

Space Operations Mission Directorate

• Through the three themes of the International Space Station, Space Shuttle Program and Flight Support, provide critical enabling capabilities that make possible the science, research and exploration achievements of the rest of NASA.
  (Strategic Plan under construction)