Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications experiment also interfaced with the Psyche spacecraft’s communication system for the first time, transmitting engineering data to Earth. Riding aboard NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, the agency’s Deep Space Optical Communications technology demonstration continues to break records.

Posted April 25, 2024

Planetary Science

Planetary Science Division

Science-enabling Technology

Space Operations Mission Directorate

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Technology Highlights

Pushing the Limits of Sub-Kilowatt Electric Propulsion Technology to Enable Planetary Exploration and Commercial Mission Concepts

NASA has developed an advanced propulsion technology to facilitate future planetary exploration missions using small spacecraft.

Posted April 23, 2024

Ames Research Center

CubeSats

General

Small Satellite Missions

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Invites Media to Learn About New Tech Mission Powered by the Sun

A new NASA mission is testing a new way to navigate our solar system by hoisting its sail into space – not to catch the wind, but the propulsive power of sunlight. NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is led by the agency’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

Posted April 23, 2024

Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Nurtures Promising Tech Ideas from Small Businesses

New space technology ideas emerge every day from innovators across the country, and NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program on Monday selected more than 100 projects for funding.

Posted April 22, 2024

Ames Research Center

General

Langley Research Center

NASA Centers & Facilities

Small Spacecraft Technology Program

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA to Hoist Its Sail: Solar Sail Mission Gets Ready for Launch

A NASA mission testing a new way of navigating our solar system is ready to hoist its sail into space – not to catch the wind, but the propulsive power of sunlight. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is targeting launch on Tuesday, April 23 (Wednesday, April 24 in New Zealand) aboard a Rocket Lab Electron […]

Posted April 17, 2024

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Refines National Space Technology Development Priorities

As NASA focuses on exploring the Moon, Mars, and the solar system for the benefit of humanity, the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is shifting how it prioritizes technology development.

Posted April 16, 2024

General

Ames Research Center

Langley Research Center

Small Spacecraft Technology Program

Space Technology Mission Directorate

NASA Next-Generation Solar Sail Boom Technology Ready for Launch

Sailing through space might sound like something out of science fiction, but the concept is no longer limited to books or the big screen. In April, a next-generation solar sail technology – known as the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System – will launch aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1 in […]

Posted April 10, 2024

General

Ames Research Center

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Spinoffs

Technology

Technology Transfer

Technology Transfer & Spinoffs

Tech Today: NASA Helps Find Where the Wildfires Are

Globally, nearly all wildfires start with a human ignition source – not lightning strikes or wildlife encountering power equipment.

Posted March 19, 2024

Human Landing System Program

Artemis

General

Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Technology Demonstration

Technology Demonstration Missions Program

NASA Artemis Mission Progresses with SpaceX Starship Test Flight

As part of NASA’s Artemis campaign to return humans to the Moon for the benefit of all, the agency is working with SpaceX to develop the company’s Starship human landing system (HLS), which will land astronauts near the Moon’s South Pole during the Artemis III and Artemis IV missions. On March 14, SpaceX launched the […]

Posted March 14, 2024

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI)

Diversity at NASA

Get Involved

Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing Program

NASA’s Space Tech Prize Bolsters Diversity, Inclusivity Champions

NASA selected the first winners of the agency’s Space Tech Catalyst prize to expand engagement with underrepresented and diverse individuals in the space technology sector as part of the agency’s broader commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. The winners are receiving $25,000 each to create more inclusive space technology ecosystems.

Posted March 13, 2024