{"id":309552,"date":"2019-06-17T15:47:41","date_gmt":"2019-06-17T19:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?migration=converted-node-447182"},"modified":"2024-01-23T11:32:14","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T16:32:14","slug":"planetary-mission-program-overview","status":"publish","type":"topic","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/planetary-mission-program-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Planetary Missions Program Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\"><div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\"><div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-light hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full flex-align-center bg-carbon-90 border-color-carbon-80 color-spacesuit-white\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hds-secondary-nav-track\"><span>Planetary Missions Program Office<\/span><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><\/button><div class=\"hds-secondary-nav-track grid-container grid-container-extrawide padding-0 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-2 \"><div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-menu-items\"><nav><ul class=\"usa-nav__primary usa-accordion flex-justify-center margin-0\"><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetary-missions-program-office\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/planetary-mission-program-overview\/\">Overview<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"basic-nav-section-one\"><span>Programs<\/span><svg class=\"hds-desktop-submenu-toggle-icon display-none tablet:display-none desktop:display-block\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon display-block tablet:display-block desktop:display-none\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"7.5\" fill=\"#0B3D91\" stroke=\"white\"\/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.6001\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" fill=\"white\"\/><rect class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon-line-vertical\" x=\"7.59998\" y=\"12\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" transform=\"rotate(-90 7.59998 12)\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><\/button><ul id=\"basic-nav-section-one\" class=\"usa-nav__submenu\" hidden><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/discovery\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Discovery Program<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/new-frontiers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">New Frontiers Program<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/solar-system-exploration-program\/\">Solar System Exploration Program<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/lunar-surface-instrument-and-technology-payloads-lsitp\/\">Lunar Instruments & Payloads<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/planetary-missions-program-media-resources\/\">Media<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"basic-nav-section-one\"><span>Educational Resources<\/span><svg class=\"hds-desktop-submenu-toggle-icon display-none tablet:display-none desktop:display-block\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon display-block tablet:display-block desktop:display-none\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"7.5\" fill=\"#0B3D91\" stroke=\"white\"\/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.6001\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" fill=\"white\"\/><rect class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon-line-vertical\" x=\"7.59998\" y=\"12\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" transform=\"rotate(-90 7.59998 12)\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><\/button><ul id=\"basic-nav-section-one\" class=\"usa-nav__submenu\" hidden><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www3.nasa.gov\/specials\/planetary-missions-guidebook\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Planetary Missions Interactive<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stem\">NASA STEM Engagement<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stem\/foreducators\/k-12\/index.html\">STEM Curriculum<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/solarsystem.nasa.gov\/kids\/do-it-yourself\/?page=0&per_page=40&order=created_at+desc&search=&category=139\" rel=\"noopener\">Solar System Exploration DIY Resources<\/a><\/li><li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"http:\/\/marsatschool.ethz.ch\/en\/mission\/1\/index.html\" rel=\"noopener\">MARS@School<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Unlocking the Mysteries of the Solar System<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA is helping humanity answer profound questions about the nature of the solar system and our place in it. How did the solar system form and evolve? What are the hazards to Earth? Is there life out there? These are the questions we seek to answer, as we work to expand the frontiers of knowledge and opportunity in space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Through the Planetary Missions Program, we\u2019re sending a steady cadence of robotic spacecraft to the planets, moons and smaller bodies that make up our galactic neighborhood. Our fleet of space robots is out there right now exploring destinations from the innermost planet to the farthest reaches of our Sun\u2019s influence.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1268\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?w=1600\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Solar System\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=300,238 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=768,609 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=1024,812 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=1536,1217 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=400,317 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=600,476 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=900,713 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/edu_solar_system_large_0.png?resize=1200,951 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Program Office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2014, NASA formed the Planetary Missions Program Office to bring the Discovery, New Frontiers and Solar System Exploration missions into a common management system. The missions in each series are independent, with their own unique science goals. Our main job is to help them succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We provide oversight and insight throughout the life of each mission. We ensure that missions meet their goals safely and make wise use of NASA\u2019s investments. We also advocate for the use of new technology to improve performance. And we strive to broaden university, industry and public participation in NASA\u2019s planetary missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Our office is located at NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. We\u2019re part of the agency\u2019s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Our Flight Programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re overseeing a fleet of missions led by NASA and scientists around the world. The missions vary in size, cost and complexity. Our programs also include \u201cmissions of opportunity\u201d that enable the U.S. science community to participate in non-NASA missions or to use existing NASA spacecraft for a new mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/discovery\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Discovery<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Discovery is a series of small planetary missions selected and funded by NASA through open, peer-reviewed competition. Discovery missions are led by a principal investigator, who assembles a team of scientists and engineers, to address key science questions about the solar system.<br><br> \u2022    Established in 1992<br> \u2022    $450 million cost-cap per mission excluding launch vehicle mission operations, data analysis or partner contributions<br> \u2022    Launch every 36 months<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/programs\/new-frontiers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">New Frontiers<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>New Frontiers is a series of mid-size planetary missions that fills the gap between small and relatively inexpensive Discovery missions and the much larger and more costly flagship missions. New Frontiers missions are led by a principal investigator and competitively selected like Discovery missions, but New Frontiers missions take on high-priority goals established by the planetary science community.<br><br> \u2022    Established in 2003<br> \u2022    $850 million cost-cap per mission excluding launch vehicle, mission operations, data analysis or partner contributions<br> \u2022    Launch every 60 months<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Solar System Exploration<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Solar System Exploration missions vary in scope \u2014 from small, focused investigations to large, strategic missions of national importance. These include our \u201cflagship\u201d missions to answer the most compelling and challenging questions about our solar system. Because of their complexity, NASA usually assigns these missions directly to a NASA center or other implementing organization.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Unlocking the Mysteries of the Solar System NASA is helping humanity answer profound questions about the nature of the solar system and our place in it. How did the solar system form and evolve? What are the hazards to Earth? Is there life out there? These are the questions we seek to answer, as [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":0,"parent":323053,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[]},"categories":[2835],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[4216],"coauthors":[8391],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"WebPage","headline":"Planetary Missions Program Overview","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/planetary-mission-program-overview\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/planetary-mission-program-overview\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":""},"articleSection":"Science & Research","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lee Mohon"}],"creator":["Lee Mohon"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["Science & Research","Planetary Science"],"dateCreated":"2019-06-17T19:47:41Z","datePublished":"2019-06-17T19:47:41Z","dateModified":"2024-01-23T16:32:14Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Planetary Missions Program Overview\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/planetarymissions\/planetary-mission-program-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"index\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2019-06-17T19:47:41Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"Science & Research\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"Science & Research,Planetary Science\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Lee Mohon\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":3,"time_ago":"5 years","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/309552"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/topic"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/309552\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":598294,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/309552\/revisions\/598294"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic\/323053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=309552"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=309552"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=309552"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=309552"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=309552"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}