National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY

BUD-1

Fiscal Year

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority ($ in millions) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

NASA Total 21,500.0 22,559.0 25,246.0 27,159.6 28,628.0 28,088.1 26,308.3

Deep Space Exploration Systems 5,044.8 6,017.6 8,761.7 10,299.7 11,605.1 10,887.7 8,962.2

Exploration Systems Development 4,086.8 4,582.6 4,042.3 4,011.2 4,071.7 3,767.7 3,634.8

Exploration Research & Development 958.0 1,435.0 4,719.4 6,288.5 7,533.4 7,120.0 5,327.4

Exploration Technology 926.9 1,100.0 1,578.3 1,765.4 1,906.2 1,954.2 2,038.2

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 4,640.4 4,140.2 4,187.3 4,147.3 4,147.3 4,147.3 4,147.3

International Space Station 1,490.3 -- 1,400.7 1,390.7 1,338.4 1,314.1 1,319.2

Space Transportation 2,109.7 -- 1,877.8 1,771.4 1,826.8 1,848.7 1,843.4

Space and Flight Support (SFS) 1,000.4 -- 758.7 810.2 782.1 784.5 784.7

Commercial LEO Development 40.0 -- 150.0 175.0 200.0 200.0 200.0

Science 6,886.6 7,138.9 6,306.5 6,553.5 6,575.7 6,705.2 6,766.9

Earth Science 1,931.0 1,971.8 1,768.1 1,878.2 1,846.1 1,834.5 1,984.6

Planetary Science 2,746.7 2,713.4 2,659.6 2,800.9 2,714.9 2,904.8 2,830.7

James Webb Space Telescope 305.1 423.0 414.7 175.4 172.0 172.0 172.0

Astrophysics 1,191.1 1,306.2 831.0 891.2 1,000.9 959.7 975.5

Heliophysics 712.7 724.5 633.1 807.8 841.8 834.1 804.1

Aeronautics 724.8 783.9 819.0 820.7 820.7 820.7 820.7

STEM Engagement 110.0 120.0 -- -- -- -- --

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 2,755.0 2,913.3 3,009.9 2,998.5 2,998.5 2,998.5 2,998.5

Mission Services & Capabilities 1,729.3 -- 1,952.0 1,940.6 1,940.6 1,940.6 1,940.6

Engineering, Safety, & Operations 1,025.7 -- 1,057.9 1,057.9 1,057.9 1,057.9 1,057.9

Construction and Environmental Compliance 

and Restoration 372.2 373.4 539.1 530.3 530.3 530.3 530.3

Construction of Facilities 297.3 -- 464.4 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration 74.9 -- 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7

Inspector General 39.3 41.7 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2

less rescission, P.L. 116- 93 -- -70.0 -- -- -- -- --

NASA Total 21,500.0 22,559.0 25,246.0 27,159.6 28,628.0 28,088.1 26,308.3

FY 2020 reflects net discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, which 

rescinded $70M in FY 2019 unobligated balances from the Science account. Per OMB Circular A-11, Appendix A, the rescission is 

scored in the year it was enacted.

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, as 

adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY

BUD-2

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from Public Law 116-93, 

Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects budget values that have been re-cast into the new 

SSMS budget structure.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY

BUD-3

Fiscal Year

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority ($ in millions) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

NASA Total 21,500.0 22,559.0 25,246.0 27,159.6 28,628.0 28,088.1 26,308.3

Deep Space Exploration Systems 5,044.8 6,017.6 8,761.7 10,299.7 11,605.1 10,887.7 8,962.2

Exploration Systems Development 4,086.8 4,582.6 4,042.3 4,011.2 4,071.7 3,767.7 3,634.8

Orion Program 1,350.0 1,406.7 1,400.5 1,322.3 1,391.0 1,239.9 1,084.7

Crew Vehicle Development 1,339.5 1,396.2 1,390.0 1,311.8 1,378.9 1,229.9 1,064.7

Orion Program Integration and 

Support 10.5 -- 10.5 10.5 12.1 10.0 20.0

Space Launch System 2,144.0 2,585.9 2,257.1 2,238.3 2,249.2 2,091.8 2,087.1

Launch Vehicle Development 2,093.1 2,525.8 2,200.2 2,177.0 2,188.0 2,035.8 2,001.1

SLS Program Integration and Support 50.9 -- 56.9 61.3 61.1 56.0 86.0

Exploration Ground Systems 592.8 590.0 384.7 450.6 431.6 436.0 463.0

Exploration Ground Systems 

Development 586.6 558.7 377.0 447.0 428.0 436.0 443.0

EGS Program Integration and 

Support 6.2 -- 7.7 3.6 3.6 -- 20.0

Exploration Research & Development 958.0 1,435.0 4,719.4 6,288.5 7,533.4 7,120.0 5,327.4

Advanced Exploration Systems 348.9 -- 258.2 226.9 146.7 130.1 130.1

Advanced Cislunar and Surface 

Capabilities 132.1 -- 212.1 821.4 1,664.5 1,502.1 1,152.6

Gateway 332.0 -- 739.3 712.1 481.8 376.5 476.4

Human Landing System -- -- 3,369.8 4,388.1 5,100.4 4,971.3 3,428.3

Human Research Program 145.0 -- 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0

Exploration Technology 926.9 1,100.0 1,578.3 1,765.4 1,906.2 1,954.2 2,038.2

Early Stage Innovation and 

Partnerships 101.7 -- 169.2 179.2 196.2 196.2 196.2

Agency Technology and Innovation 8.8 -- 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4

Early Stage Innovation 66.5 -- 123.4 133.4 150.4 150.4 150.4

Partnerships and Technology Transfer 26.4 -- 36.4 36.4 36.4 36.4 36.4

Technology Maturation 201.2 -- 469.1 551.5 654.1 748.4 835.8

Technology Demonstration 416.8 -- 537.2 556.0 513.4 464.8 525.1

Laser Comm Relay Demo (LCRD) 17.2 30.0 13.6 -- -- -- --

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) 48.1 48.1 48.7 25.4 9.0 5.8 --

Restore & SPIDER (OSAM-1) 192.8 227.2 133.5 117.2 59.4 14.6 --

Small Spacecraft, Flight 

Opportunities & Other Tech Demo 158.7 -- 341.4 413.4 445.0 444.5 525.1

SBIR and STTR 207.2 -- 402.8 478.7 542.6 544.8 481.1

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 4,640.4 4,140.2 4,187.3 4,147.3 4,147.3 4,147.3 4,147.3

International Space Station 1,490.3 -- 1,400.7 1,390.7 1,338.4 1,314.1 1,319.2

International Space Station Program 1,490.3 -- 1,400.7 1,390.7 1,338.4 1,314.1 1,319.2

ISS Systems Operations and 

Maintenance 1,085.3 -- 1,049.8 1,047.8 1,007.5 983.1 983.1

ISS Research 405.0 -- 350.9 342.9 330.9 331.0 336.1

Space Transportation 2,109.7 -- 1,877.8 1,771.4 1,826.8 1,848.7 1,843.4
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY

BUD-4

Fiscal Year

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority ($ in millions) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Crew and Cargo Program 1,895.6 -- 1,778.1 1,708.1 1,763.6 1,784.1 1,778.7

Commercial Crew Program 214.1 -- 99.7 63.2 63.2 64.6 64.6

Space and Flight Support (SFS) 1,000.4 -- 758.7 810.2 782.1 784.5 784.7

Space Communications and Navigation 602.5 -- 506.0 517.4 487.1 481.1 481.1

Space Communications Networks 499.0 -- 388.2 388.6 372.6 372.6 372.6

Space Communications Support 103.5 -- 117.8 128.8 114.5 108.5 108.5

Human Space Flight Operations 133.1 -- 89.9 101.1 103.7 104.6 104.8

Launch Services 88.4 -- 91.9 101.9 92.2 92.2 92.2

Rocket Propulsion Test 60.0 -- 47.6 47.8 47.8 47.8 47.8

Communications Services Program 101.9 -- 23.4 42.0 51.2 58.9 58.9

21st Century Space Launch Complex 14.5 -- -- -- -- -- --

Commercial LEO Development 40.0 -- 150.0 175.0 200.0 200.0 200.0

Science 6,886.6 7,138.9 6,306.5 6,553.5 6,575.7 6,705.2 6,766.9

Earth Science 1,931.0 1,971.8 1,768.1 1,878.2 1,846.1 1,834.5 1,984.6

Earth Science Research 454.1 -- 447.3 471.9 494.1 528.5 530.3

Earth Science Research and Analysis 316.5 -- 309.9 321.7 324.0 327.4 327.2

Computing and Management 137.6 -- 137.4 150.2 170.1 201.1 203.1

Earth Systematic Missions 932.7 -- 608.3 706.1 695.6 640.7 797.3

Surface Water and Ocean 

Topography Mission (SWOT) 109.1 82.2 63.9 32.8 11.5 9.5 9.5

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture 

Radar (NISAR) 134.6 136.0 59.7 73.5 34.4 24.3 19.7

Landsat 9 137.4 108.9 86.5 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0

Sentinel-6 70.4 59.5 20.4 14.9 35.3 52.9 68.0

Other Missions and Data Analysis 481.2 -- 377.8 582.2 611.5 551.1 697.1

Earth System Science Pathfinder 223.8 -- 338.9 301.2 251.6 241.8 234.4

Venture Class Missions 163.5 -- 263.6 230.8 183.6 176.9 169.4

Other Missions and Data Analysis 60.2 -- 75.3 70.4 68.0 64.9 64.9

Earth Science Data Systems 202.0 -- 245.4 259.9 263.2 278.7 277.7

Earth Science Technology 63.4 -- 74.2 82.8 84.6 86.4 86.4

Applied Sciences 55.1 -- 53.9 56.3 57.0 58.5 58.5

Planetary Science 2,746.7 2,713.4 2,659.6 2,800.9 2,714.9 2,904.8 2,830.7

Planetary Science Research 276.6 -- 305.4 288.6 285.1 295.2 286.7

Planetary Science Research and 

Analysis 195.7 -- 223.0 206.2 204.4 207.1 204.4

Other Missions and Data Analysis 80.9 -- 82.4 82.4 80.7 88.1 82.3

Planetary Defense 150.0 -- 150.0 147.2 97.6 98.0 98.0

DART 98.0 72.4 66.4 9.1 4.5 -- --

Other Missions and Data Analysis 52.0 -- 83.6 138.1 93.1 98.0 98.0

Lunar Discovery and Exploration 188.0 -- 451.5 517.3 491.3 458.3 458.3

Discovery 409.5 -- 484.3 424.4 434.8 570.1 505.8

Lucy 165.5 210.8 153.4 63.7 16.5 18.6 22.9

Psyche 174.2 219.3 187.4 152.4 28.7 29.0 32.0

Other Missions and Data Analysis 69.8 -- 143.5 208.3 389.6 522.5 450.9

New Frontiers 93.0 -- 179.0 314.3 332.8 326.9 285.0
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY

BUD-5

Fiscal Year

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority ($ in millions) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Dragonfly 8.0 -- 95.8 198.8 291.4 288.7 208.9

Other Missions and Data Analysis 85.0 -- 83.2 115.5 41.4 38.2 76.1

Mars Exploration 712.7 -- 528.5 588.4 671.2 798.7 855.3

Mars Rover 2020 502.6 318.7 162.3 97.0 33.0 -- --

Other Missions and Data Analysis 210.1 -- 366.2 491.4 638.2 798.7 855.3

Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds 793.6 -- 414.4 370.7 239.4 192.3 171.7

Jupiter Europa 732.4 592.6 403.5 351.8 224.9 180.8 160.1

Other Missions and Data Analysis 61.2 -- 10.9 18.9 14.5 11.5 11.7

Radioisotope Power 123.3 -- 146.3 150.1 162.8 165.4 169.8

James Webb Space Telescope 305.1 423.0 414.7 175.4 172.0 172.0 172.0

Astrophysics 1,191.1 1,306.2 831.0 891.2 1,000.9 959.7 975.5

Astrophysics Research 222.8 -- 269.7 279.1 327.2 314.9 331.1

Astrophysics Research and Analysis 83.4 -- 90.2 92.2 94.2 94.2 94.2

Balloon Project 40.2 -- 44.8 45.8 45.7 46.3 46.3

Science Activation 45.0 -- 45.6 45.6 45.6 45.6 45.6

Other Missions and Data Analysis 54.2 -- 89.1 95.5 141.7 128.8 145.0

Cosmic Origins 222.8 -- 124.0 123.2 120.0 122.4 122.4

Hubble Space Telescope Operations 98.3 -- 88.3 98.3 98.3 98.3 98.3

Stratospheric Observatory for 

Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) 85.2 -- 12.0 -- -- -- --

Other Missions and Data Analysis 39.3 -- 23.7 24.9 21.7 24.1 24.1

Physics of the Cosmos 151.2 -- 143.9 160.8 155.3 169.8 154.1

Exoplanet Exploration 367.9 -- 47.2 50.4 47.6 51.6 52.2

Other Missions and Data Analysis 367.9 -- 47.2 50.4 47.6 51.6 52.2

Astrophysics Explorer 226.5 -- 246.2 277.7 350.8 301.0 315.6

Heliophysics 712.7 724.5 633.1 807.8 841.8 834.1 804.1

Heliophysics Research 248.9 -- 230.5 218.7 225.2 224.0 224.5

Heliophysics Research and Analysis 71.2 -- 58.6 58.6 58.6 58.6 58.6

Sounding Rockets 61.1 -- 71.6 60.1 65.1 65.1 65.1

Research Range 30.0 -- 27.4 26.4 26.8 26.9 26.9

Other Missions and Data Analysis 86.7 -- 73.0 73.5 74.7 73.4 73.9

Living with a Star 135.3 -- 127.9 134.5 246.4 225.5 233.3

Solar Orbiter Collaboration 27.1 12.8 8.1 8.2 8.1 8.2 8.2

Other Missions and Data Analysis 108.2 -- 119.7 126.3 238.2 217.3 225.0

Solar Terrestrial Probes 180.5 -- 126.3 262.2 202.6 195.6 115.5

Other Missions and Data Analysis 180.5 -- 126.3 262.2 202.6 195.6 115.5

Heliophysics Explorer Program 147.9 -- 148.4 192.4 167.6 189.0 230.8

Other Missions and Data Analysis 147.9 -- 148.4 192.4 167.6 189.0 230.8

Aeronautics 724.8 783.9 819.0 820.7 820.7 820.7 820.7

Aeronautics 724.8 783.9 819.0 820.7 820.7 820.7 820.7

Airspace Operations and Safety 

Program 105.7 -- 90.4 92.6 94.4 96.2 96.2

Advanced Air Vehicles Program 272.1 -- 212.7 222.2 230.3 261.2 266.2

Integrated Aviation Systems Program 209.6 -- 269.0 256.4 244.4 209.5 204.5

Low Boom Flight Demonstrator 105.9 103.5 79.1 75.5 13.8 3.8 --
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY

BUD-6

Fiscal Year

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority ($ in millions) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Integrated Aviation Systems Program 103.7 -- 190.0 180.9 230.6 205.7 204.5

Transformative Aero Concepts 

Program 137.4 -- 129.9 132.3 134.6 136.7 136.7

Aerosciences Evaluation and Test 

Capabilities -- -- 117.0 117.1 117.1 117.1 117.1

Aerosciences Eval. & Test 

Capabilities Program -- -- 117.0 117.1 117.1 117.1 117.1

STEM Engagement 110.0 120.0 -- -- -- -- --

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 2,755.0 2,913.3 3,009.9 2,998.5 2,998.5 2,998.5 2,998.5

Mission Services & Capabilities 1,729.3 -- 1,952.0 1,940.6 1,940.6 1,940.6 1,940.6

Information Technology (IT) 501.8 -- 553.9 553.9 553.9 553.9 553.9

Mission Enabling Services 690.8 -- 705.0 693.7 693.7 693.7 693.7

Infrastructure & Technical 

Capabilities 536.8 -- 693.1 693.0 693.0 693.0 693.0

Engineering, Safety, & Operations 1,025.7 -- 1,057.9 1,057.9 1,057.9 1,057.9 1,057.9

Agency Technical Authority 175.3 -- 184.0 184.0 184.0 184.0 184.0

Center Engineering, Safety, & 

Operations 850.4 -- 873.9 873.9 873.9 873.9 873.9

Construction and Environmental Compliance 

and Restoration 372.2 373.4 539.1 530.3 530.3 530.3 530.3

Construction of Facilities 297.3 -- 464.4 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

Institutional CoF 218.9 -- 395.1 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

Exploration CoF 31.9 -- 22.3 -- -- -- --

Space Operations CoF 17.6 -- 23.9 -- -- -- --

Science CoF 19.7 -- 23.1 -- -- -- --

Aeronautics CoF 9.2 -- -- -- -- -- --

Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration 74.9 -- 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7

Inspector General 39.3 41.7 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2

Inspector General 39.3 41.7 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2

less rescission, P.L. 116- 93 -- -70.0 -- -- -- -- --

NASA Total 21,500.0 22,559.0 25,246.0 27,159.6 28,628.0 28,088.1 26,308.3

FY 2020 reflects net discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, which 

rescinded $70M in FY 2019 unobligated balances from the Science account. Per OMB Circular A-11, Appendix A, the rescission is 

scored in the year it was enacted.

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, as 

adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET REQUEST SUMMARY

BUD-7

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from Public Law 116-93, 

Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects budget values that have been re-cast into the new 

SSMS budget structure.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOC-1 

Overview

Agency Summary 

MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR........................................................................SUM-2 

NOTES ON THE BUDGET ............................................................................................SUM-3 

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES....................................................SUM-9 

Moon to Mars Campaign ................................................... M2M-1

Deep Space Exploration Systems .................................. DEXP-2

Exploration Systems Development............................................................. DEXP-4 

ORION PROGRAM ..............................................................................................DEXP-6 

Crew Vehicle Development [Development].................................................................... DEXP-8 

SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM ................................................................................DEXP-21

Launch Vehicle Development [Development] .............................................................. DEXP-23

EXPLORATION GROUND SYSTEMS................................................................DEXP-34

Exploration Ground Systems Development [Development] ......................................... DEXP-36

Exploration Research & Development...................................................... DEXP-49

ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS............................................................DEXP-51

ADVANCED CISLUNAR AND SURFACE CAPABILITIES ..................................DEXP-59

GATEWAY .........................................................................................................DEXP-64

HUMAN LANDING SYSTEM ..............................................................................DEXP-72

HUMAN RESEARCH PROGRAM.......................................................................DEXP-76

Exploration Technology ....................................................... ET-2

EARLY STAGE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS ............................................ET-10

TECHNOLOGY MATURATION ...............................................................................ET-20

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION .......................................................................ET-33

Laser Comm Relay Demo (LCRD) [Development]............................................................ ET-35

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) [Development] ................................................................ ET-41

Restore & SPIDER (OSAM-1) [Formulation]..................................................................... ET-47

Small Spacecraft, Flight Opportunities & Other Tech Demo............................................. ET-54

SBIR AND STTR .....................................................................................................ET-66
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOC-2 

LEO and Spaceflight Operations .......................................LSO-2

International Space Station

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM................................................... LSO-4 

ISS Systems Operations and Maintenance.......................................................................LSO-7 

ISS Research...................................................................................................................LSO-14

Space Transportation....................................................................................LSO-28

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM ......................................................................... LSO-29

COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM ...................................................................... LSO-37

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION ................................................ LSO-46

Space Communications Networks ..................................................................................LSO-49

Space Communications Support.....................................................................................LSO-57

HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS.............................................................. LSO-64

LAUNCH SERVICES............................................................................................ LSO-70

ROCKET PROPULSION TEST ............................................................................ LSO-78

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROGRAM ...................................................... LSO-84

Commercial LEO Development.....................................................................LSO-86

Science ............................................................................. SCMD-4

Earth Science

EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH .................................................................................ES-2 

EARTH SYSTEMATIC MISSIONS...........................................................................ES-14

Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission (SWOT) [Development].........................ES-16

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) [Development] ......................................ES-23

Landsat 9 [Development]...................................................................................................ES-29

Sentinel-6 [Development] ..................................................................................................ES-35

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................ES-42

EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE PATHFINDER.............................................................ES-60

Venture Class Missions ..................................................................................................... ES-61

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................ES-74

EARTH SCIENCE DATA SYSTEMS........................................................................ES-79

EARTH SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY..........................................................................ES-88

APPLIED SCIENCES ..............................................................................................ES-93 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOC-3 

Planetary Science

PLANETARY SCIENCE RESEARCH ........................................................................PS-3 

Other Missions and Data Analysis ...................................................................................... PS-7 

PLANETARY DEFENSE .........................................................................................PS-11

Double Asteroid Redirection Test [Development] .............................................................PS-13

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-20

LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION ............................................................PS-24

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-29

DISCOVERY ...........................................................................................................PS-33

Lucy [Development]........................................................................................................... PS-36

Psyche [Development]....................................................................................................... PS-43

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-49

NEW FRONTIERS...................................................................................................PS-54

Dragonfly [Formulation] ..................................................................................................... PS-57

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-62

MARS EXPLORATION............................................................................................PS-66

Mars Rover 2020 [Development].......................................................................................PS-68

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-76

OUTER PLANETS AND OCEAN WORLDS.............................................................PS-83

Europa Clipper [Development] ..........................................................................................PS-85

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-93

RADIOISOTOPE POWER.......................................................................................PS-95

James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope [Development] ............................................................ WEBB-2 

Astrophysics

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH.......................................................................... ASTRO-2 

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. ASTRO-9 

COSMIC ORIGINS.......................................................................................... ASTRO-12

Hubble Space Telescope Operations [Operations]................................................... ASTRO-13

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) [Operations]................. ASTRO-17

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-21

PHYSICS OF THE COSMOS .......................................................................... ASTRO-24

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-26

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION......................................................................... ASTRO-30
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOC-4 

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-32

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER ........................................................................ ASTRO-35

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-39

Heliophysics

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH .............................................................................HELIO-2 

Other Missions and Data Analysis ................................................................................ HELIO-9 

LIVING WITH A STAR .......................................................................................HELIO-15

Solar Orbiter Collaboration [Development].................................................................. HELIO-16

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-22

SOLAR TERRESTRIAL PROBES .....................................................................HELIO-28

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-31

HELIOPHYSICS EXPLORER PROGRAM.........................................................HELIO-38

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-42

Aeronautics ......................................................................AERO-2

AIRSPACE OPERATIONS AND SAFETY PROGRAM .......................................AERO-14

ADVANCED AIR VEHICLES PROGRAM ...........................................................AERO-21 

INTEGRATED AVIATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM ..............................................AERO-30 

Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator [Development] ...........................................................AERO-37 

TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM ........................................AERO-44 

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES .............................AERO-51 

STEM Engagement ........................................................... STEM-2

Safety, Security, and Mission Services .......................... SSMS-2

Mission Services & Capabilities ..................................................................SSMS-8 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) ..................................................................SSMS-14

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES.......................................................................SSMS-21

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES ..........................................SSMS-28

Engineering, Safety, & Operations............................................................SSMS-34

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY..................................................................SSMS-39

CENTER ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS .......................................SSMS-47
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOC-5 

Construction and Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration ....................................................................... CECR-2

Construction of Facilities.............................................................................CECR-9 

INSTITUTIONAL COF ........................................................................................CECR-12

EXPLORATION COF..........................................................................................CECR-24

SPACE OPERATIONS COF...............................................................................CECR-28

SCIENCE COF...................................................................................................CECR-32

Environmental Compliance and Restoration............................................CECR-36

Inspector General ................................................................... IG-2 

Supporting Data .................................................................... SD-1

FUNDS DISTRIBUTED BY INSTALLATION..............................................................SD-2 

CIVIL SERVICE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT DISTRIBUTION.....................................SD-5 

WORKING CAPITAL FUND.......................................................................................SD-8 

BUDGET BY OBJECT CLASS.................................................................................SD-12

STATUS OF UNOBLIGATED FUNDS .....................................................................SD-13

REIMBURSABLE ESTIMATES................................................................................SD-14

ENHANCED USE LEASING....................................................................................SD-15

NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT ........................................................SD-17

BUDGET FOR MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE ............................................................SD-20

BUDGET FOR SAFETY OVERSIGHT.....................................................................SD-22 

PHYSICIANS’ COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE .....................................................SD-24

BUDGET FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS.......................................................................SD-29

CONSULTING SERVICES ......................................................................................SD-30

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS.......................................................................SD-32

COMPARABILITY ADJUSTMENT TABLES ............................................................SD-38

REBASELINED PROJECTS....................................................................................SD-42

IT STATEMENT OF AFFIRMATION..............................................................SD-43
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOC-6 

Cost and Schedule Performance Summary .....................CSP-1

Proposed Appropriations Language ................................. PAL-1

Reference ............................................................................ REF-1
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FY 2021 BUDGET REQUEST EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SUM-1 

Overview

Agency Summary

MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR ............................................................. SUM-2 

NOTES ON THE BUDGET ...................................................................................... SUM-3 

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES ....................................SUM-9 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR

SUM-2 

President Donald Trump's Fiscal Year 2021 Budget for NASA is worthy of 21st century space 

exploration. The President's Budget invests more than $25 billion in NASA to reinforce our innovative 

human space exploration program while maintaining strong support for NASA's full suite of science, 

aeronautics, and technology work. 

The 2021 NASA Budget constitutes a nearly 12 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. Our 

Agency knows this comes at a time of constrained resources for the Federal Government, and 

demonstrates the Nation's commitment to NASA at the dawn of a new, dynamic spaceflight era. Every 

dollar spent in space development technologies is meant to improve life here on Earth. Past investments 

in NASA have helped profoundly improve American life. I am fully confident that this fiscal year's 

investment will continue to empower our Agency's remarkable ability to elevate the human condition. 

The resources extended to NASA in the FY 2021 Budget and outyears will enable our Nation to stay on 

the path to landing the first woman and the next man on the surface of the Moon in 2024 and build a 

sustainable lunar presence. It lays the foundations to eventually send human missions to Mars. Most 

noteworthy, through this Budget, the President has directed more than $3 billion toward development of a 

human landing system, the first time we have had direct funding for a human lander since the Apollo 

Program. This signals a significant national commitment to our American exploration campaign. This 

Budget's full support of the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, the Gateway, and all systems, 

technologies, and science needed for the Artemis Program will safely deliver us to the lunar surface, 

Mars, and beyond.

Although our ultimate goal is far beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO), what we do there will expedite our 

exploration elsewhere. The President's Budget fully supports the International Space Station's critical 

missions to learn about human health in microgravity, demonstrate exploration technologies, and much 

more. Furthermore, this Budget aids NASA in broadening commercial activity in LEO to support ever 

greater private participation. Partnerships are the cornerstone of our approach to enabling human 

expansion across the solar system. American businesses currently resupply the space station and soon will 

launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil - a capability we must never lose 

again.

The Budget also strongly positions NASA to continue focusing our energies on the exciting and new 

horizons emerging in science, aeronautics, and technology. In science, the Budget supports our decadal 

priorities, including history's first Mars sample return mission, the Europa Clipper, and development of 

new trailblazing Earth observation missions. In aeronautics, the Budget supports cutting-edge research on 

commercial use of supersonic aircraft and unmanned aerial system technologies that will make flying 

with commercial and private aircraft safer and more efficient in the 21st century. Lastly, we all know that 

advanced technology powers exploration, and the Budget invests in critical, reusable systems needed to 

get us to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, including next-generation robotics and crewhabitats.

The 2021 Budget empowers NASA to tirelessly continue developing civilization-changing technologies, 

execute era-defining exploration, and deepen humanity's scientific knowledge of our Earth and the 

universe. I am confident proper investment in our space priorities, coupled with the unmatched talents of 

American engineers and scientists, will strengthen our national posture for continued space supremacy 

and lead humanity into the next era of technical and scientific progress as the Artemis Generation.
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

NOTES ON THE BUDGET

SUM-3 

With the resources provided in the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget, NASA will: partner with commercial 

industry to build a Human Landing System, keeping NASA on track to land the first woman and the next 

American man on the lunar surface in 2024; launch American astronauts from American soil on 

American rockets to the International Space Station; and embark on missions that will yield great 

scientific discoveries further advancing humanity’s knowledge of the universe. 

The Administration’s strong support and vision for NASA are reflected in the FY 2021 President’s 

Budget, which reflects a 21st century budget to propel 21st century exploration and discovery. Building on 

Fiscal Year 2020’s Budget, as amended, of $22.6 billion to enable a 2024 Moon landing, this year’s 

budget request for NASA will place the Agency on the path to achieving the mission laid out by President 

Trump in Space Policy Directive One, and by Vice President Pence in his speech at NASA’s Marshall 

Space Flight Center. 

NASA’s historic and enduring purpose is captured in four major strategic thrusts: Discover, Explore, 

Develop, and Enable. These correspond to our missions of scientific discovery of our world, of other 

worlds, and of the cosmos as a whole; missions of exploration in our solar system with humans and 

robotic probes that expand the frontiers of human experience; and missions that develop and advance new 

technologies in exploration and aeronautics that allow American industry to increase market share and 

create new markets, on Earth and the near-Earth region of space. 

Discover

NASA’s Science program epitomizes the Agency’s history of momentous discovery and funds on-going 

discovery and exploration of our planet, other planets and planetary bodies, our star system in its entirety, 

our galaxy, and the universe beyond. Through the development of space observatories and probes, NASA 

will continue to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers, provide U.S. leadership 

in space, and expand human knowledge. NASA Science includes nearly 100 missions, many of which 

involve collaboration with international partners or other U.S. agencies. Over 30 of those missions are in 

the formulation and development stage, while more than 60 other missions continue operations. 

This budget continues to reinvigorate robotic exploration of the solar system by providing $2.66 billion 

for Planetary Science. Early Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) lunar missions will enable 

important technology demonstrations that will inform the development of future landers and other 

exploration systems needed for NASA's Moon to Mars campaign. The budget request proposes to launch 

the Europa Clipper as early as 2024 on a commercial launch vehicle, which would save over $1.5 billion 

compared to using a Space Launch System rocket. This budget supports Discovery projects such as Lucy 

and Psyche, New Frontiers projects such as Dragonfly, as well as planetary defense measures to detect 

objects near Earth. The budget also supports a robust Mars exploration portfolio that includes the Mars 

2020 Rover, the development of a Mars Sample Return mission, and planning for a future Mars Ice 

Mapper mission. Such Planetary missions will continue to inspire the next generation of explorers while 

aiding and informing a future sustained human presence in the solar system.

NASA missions continue to enhance our understanding of the Earth. This budget provides $1.77 billion 

for a focused, balanced Earth science portfolio that supports the priorities of the science and applications 

communities. The budget supports a robust Venture Class mission cadence and the launch of several 

upcoming missions, including Landsat-9, NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), Surface 

Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT), and Sentinel-6. Consistent with prior budget requests, no funding 

is provided for the PACE and CLARREO Pathfinder missions given higher priorities for NASA funding. 
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

NOTES ON THE BUDGET

SUM-4 

This budget will complete the James Webb Space Telescope, planned for launch in March 2021. 

Providing $831 million for Astrophysics, the budget provides funding to continue such projects as IXPE, 

SPHEREx and GUSTO. The budget proposes to terminate funding for the Wide Field Infrared Survey 

Telescope (WFIRST) mission and the SOFIA mission, which have annual operating costs of over $80 

million. The Administration is not ready to proceed with another multi-billion-dollar space telescope until 

Webb has been successfully launched and deployed. The SOFIA mission has not delivered high quality 

data products or science on par with other large science missions. 

The budget provides $633 million for Heliophysics, continuing to support the Diversify, Realize, 

Integrate, Venture, Educate (DRIVE) initiative, the highest priority recommendation in the Heliophysics 

Decadal Survey. The budget also supports the IMAP mission and space weather-related interagency 

efforts. 

The budget continues support of initiatives that use smaller, less expensive satellites and/or public-private 

partnerships to advance science. A targeted investment strategy focuses technology development on 

CubeSats/SmallSats in all four SMD science themes, and will provide novel partnership opportunities 

between commercial partners and NASA. 

Explore 

NASA is pursuing its Moon to Mars campaign to establish U.S. preeminence on the Moon through 

commercial and international partnerships, and using new procurement approaches to increase the 

sustainability of exploration. A vibrant landscape of American science, manufacturing and technology 

will create the investments necessary to support the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024. This 

effort will leave many systems and assets in place, ensuring a strategic and sustainable American presence 

on the Moon, and serves to enable NASA with the skills, systems, and operational capabilities to support 

an eventual safe human mission to Mars.

The FY 2021 budget request includes more than $12 billion to pursue the Moon to Mars campaign, 

focusing on returning humans to the Moon and cislunar space, with eventual missions to Mars and 

beyond. NASA will evolve its core capabilities through continued technical advancements, and new 

approaches to industrial partnerships to maintain the U.S.’s leadership role in human spaceflight. The 

Agency has developed a phased approach for this activity, starting with robotic lunar landers and 

progressing to human activity in cislunar space, the lunar surface, then eventually to Mars and beyond. 

The Lunar Discovery and Exploration program is supporting innovative approaches to achieve human and 

science exploration goals through Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), which allows NASA to 

focus on the development of instruments and exploration technology demonstrations to meet lunar 

science and exploration needs. 

This budget is the first to specifically request funding for a Human Landing System since the Apollo era, 

and NASA is working with commercial partners to develop an integrated landing system that will 

transport crew to and from the lunar surface in 2024. The program will also support subsequent crewed 

missions to the lunar surface, and the capabilities developed will enable a sustainable long-term presence 

on the lunar surface in preparation for human missions to Mars. 

The Exploration Systems Development programs are creating critical components of the Artemis flight 

architecture for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Orion will take humans to cislunar space atop 
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

NOTES ON THE BUDGET

SUM-5 

the SLS, the heavy-lift rocket that is supported by Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) for integration and 

launch. 

The Gateway architecture is focused on functional elements that will enable lunar landings and surface 

activities and lay the foundation for sustaining lunar operations on the Moon and human missions to 

Mars. Human lunar landers will dock with the Gateway and provide communications and logistics 

support for lunar surface missions. 

To enable the Artemis initiative, Advanced Exploration System funding focuses on reducing operational 

risk, validating operational concepts, leveraging partner capabilities, and lowering lifecycle costs to help 

enable lunar and deep space missions. AES is employing a stepping-stone approach by testing on the 

ground, in LEO, and in cislunar space, with the ultimate goal being to conduct final validation of the 

entire habitation capability for long-duration exploration missions. NASA will conduct lunar missions to 

test systems and concepts, paving the way for long-duration human space exploration. Opening the space 

frontier requires expansion of technical and scientific knowledge to tackle complex problems and creative 

new solutions to meet demands never before encountered by humans. 

NASA will continue to leverage its mission in low Earth orbit (LEO) to identify risks to human health, 

develop countermeasures, and test technologies that protect astronauts, while supporting National 

Laboratory research by private industry and other organizations, and working towards reducing 

operations and maintenance costs.NASA is making technological advances aboard ISS in autonomous 

rendezvous and docking, advanced communications systems, human health and behavior in space, life 

support systems for habitats, and space suit systems, as well as in basic research in biological and 

physical sciences. Over time, NASA has been and will continue to transition various aspects of human 

spaceflight operations in LEO to the private sector. This includes changes to the funding model 

supporting ISS and the use of commercial space stations, when they become available.

NASA will continue its partnership with the U.S. commercial space industry to operate safe, reliable and 

affordable transportation to and from the ISS, the Moon, and future commercial space stations in low 

Earth orbit. The Commercial LEO Development effort is stimulating the development of a commercial 

ecosystem in low Earth orbit. NASA’s ISS and Commercial LEO Development efforts will lay the 

foundation for the emergence of an environment in LEO where a dynamic market exists, with NASA as 

an active participant. NASA will continue to purchase commercial crew and commercial cargo services in 

FY 2021, providing stability to NASA, the ISS and our international partners, the U.S. space 

transportation industry, and ensuring NASA’s ability to launch astronauts from U.S. soil on American 

rockets. 

Develop 

NASA’s discoveries re-write science textbooks and transform our knowledge of ourselves, our planet, the 

solar system, and the universe. Through its missions and sponsored research, NASA provides access to 

the farthest reaches of space, time, and essential information about our home planet. NASA seeks to solve 

the mysteries of the Universe and to better prepare for continued journeys beyond Earth. On the practical 

side, NASA research into the human body and cutting-edge developments are areas that have a direct 

correlation to our quality of life and economy. From scientific discovery, expanding human presence in 

space, to helping the nation in other ways, are all built upon developing new technologies that propel this 

exploration. 
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

NOTES ON THE BUDGET

SUM-6 

The Exploration Technology budget account, managed by the Space Technology Mission Directorate 

(STMD), is enabling technology research and development needs for human space exploration with a 

near-term prioritization of sustainable lunar exploration and an eye toward Mars in the long-term, while 

supporting technologies that have relevance to achieving future science exploration goals and commercial 

endeavors. New technology is critically needed to enable these goals, and STMD rapidly develops, 

demonstrates, and infuses revolutionary, high-payoff technologies through transparent, collaborative 

partnerships. These transformative technologies enable NASA’s lunar and deep space exploration 

missions to meet human space exploration needs, as well as fostering commercial expansion in LEO, 

cislunar space and beyond. 

NASA’s investments continue to target technologies that benefit both human and robotic exploration, 

actively engaging with NASA Centers, industry, academia, and other Federal Government agencies to 

help define investment content. Under the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative (LSII), STMD will develop 

and integrate systems used for in situ resource utilization, including oxygen, water, and hydrogen, 

reducing mission mass, cost, and risk. NASA is initiating a new nuclear program that will initially focus 

on developing a surface power system that would support long-duration crewed missions on the surface 

of the Moon. LSII will bring together the full range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, academia, 

small businesses, industry and the NASA workforce, to catalyze development of new technologies such 

as space weather monitoring tools and improve systems and components to allow survival and operation 

through the cold lunar night. 

The Space Technology Mission Directorate contributes to growing the U.S. industrial and academic base, 

continuing the Nation’s economic leadership, and strengthening our national security. STMD has 

developed a diverse portfolio of early-stage research and technology creating a technology pipeline to 

solve the Agency and Nation’s most difficult exploration challenges by partnering with researchers across 

academia and industry. Public-private partnerships will enable NASA to share the risk and financial 

interest with private sector industry to better leverage government investments. For example, STMD is 

partnering with industry to demonstrate robotic manipulation of structures and remote manufacturing of 

structural trusses in space. These shared risks and gains include incentivizing technical performance and 

spurring future commercial markets in the process of developing new capabilities. 

An additional important facet of NASA’s development work is the air transportation system, a vital part 

of the U.S. and global economies. Air travel enhances our national security and the industrial base and 

provides a key catalyst to the nation’s economic development and growth. NASA conducts aeronautics 

research to bring transformational advances in the safety, capacity, and efficiency of the air transportation 

system. NASA is also enabling breakthroughs in the speed and efficiency of transport aircraft that are the 

backbone of today’s aviation system as well as in innovative new aircraft concepts and technologies that 

will enable new aviation markets. 

With this budget, NASA will prepare the X-59 Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator for its first flight in 

FY 2022. The X-59 will demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and will deliver data to regulators who can 

change the rules to allow supersonic flight over land. NASA supports the efforts of U.S. industry to 

develop their next generation subsonic aircraft by developing new technologies to reduce fuel 

consumption, noise, and emissions. Electric aircraft propulsion is one of the most promising of these 

technologies and in cooperation with partners, NASA will be conducting flight tests of high power 

electric propulsion systems. From air traffic management to quiet verticle lift, NASA is working to 

eliminate key barriers to establish new Urban Air Mobility (UAM) markets. NASA will conduct a series 
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

NOTES ON THE BUDGET

SUM-7 

of Grand Challenge events that will bring the UAM community together to demonstrate progress in the 

technologies needed to enable safe UAS operations in the National Airspace. 

Technological leadership remains vital to our national security, economic prosperity, and global 

competitiveness. The Nation's continued economic leadership is, in part, due to the technological 

investments made in earlier years, through the work of the engineers, scientists, and policy makers who 

had the wisdom and foresight to make investments our country required to emerge as a global 

technological leader. That commitment accelerated the economy with the creation of new industries, 

products, and services that yielded lasting benefits. A technology-driven NASA will continue to help fuel 

our Nation’s economic engine for decades to come, while also providing valuable breakthroughs for 

NASA’s Moon to Mars campaign. 

Enable 

NASA’s Space Communication and Navigation networks provide secure, reliable, and adaptable 

communication services to NASA missions, as well as external customers who rely on space 

communications services on a daily basis. The Launch Services Program ensures access to space for the 

Nation’s civil sector satellite and robotic planetary missions. NASA is also developing the first longperiod optical communications project that will demonstrate benefits for both deep space and near-Earth 

missions. Human exploration of the Moon requires robust communications links to and from the Moon to 

support high-resolution video, telemedicine, and advanced instruments to locate and identify exploitable 

resources on the Moon, such as subsurface ice.

NASA’s Mission Support Directorate directly enables NASA’s portfolio of missions in space exploration, 

science and aeronautics. The Safety, Security, and Mission Services account funds the essential day-today technical and business operations required to safely operate and maintain NASA centers and facilities 

and the independent technical authority required to reduce risk to life and program objectives for all 

missions. These mission support activities provide the proper services, tools, and equipment to complete 

essential tasks, protect and maintain the security and integrity of information and assets, and ensure that 

personnel work under safe and healthy conditions. 

Planning, operating, and sustaining this infrastructure and our essential services requires a number of 

critical institutional capabilities including management of: human capital; finance; information 

technology; infrastructure; acquisitions; security; real and personnel property; occupational health and 

safety; equal employment opportunity and diversity; small business programs; external relations; strategic 

internal and external communications; stakeholder engagement; and other essential corporate functions. 

In FY 2021, NASA will strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, safeguarding critical systems and data

serving the Moon to Mars campaign and the Artemis program. Increased funding for the Health and 

Medical Technical Authority will also strengthen independent oversight to mitigate risks in these 

programs. NASA will continue to provide strategic and operational planning and management over a 

wide range of services to help NASA operate in a more efficient and sustainable manner. 

The Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration account enables NASA to manage the 

Agency’s facilities with a focus on reducing infrastructure burdens, implementing high performance 

upgrades to increase efficiency, and prioritizing repairs to achieve the greatest return on investment. In 

FY 2021, NASA continues to consolidate facilities via institutional construction projects to achieve 

greater operational efficiency, replacing old, obsolete, costly facilities with fewer, high performance 

facilities. Programmatic construction of facilities projects provide the specialized technical facilities 
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

NOTES ON THE BUDGET

SUM-8

required by the missions. To protect human health and the environment, and to preserve natural resources 

for future missions, environmental compliance and restoration projects will clean up pollutants released 

into the environment during prior NASA activities. 

NASA’s workforce continues to be its greatest asset for enabling missions in space and on Earth. The 

civil service staffing levels proposed in the FY 2021 Budget support NASA’s scientists, engineers, 

researchers, managers, technicians, and business professionals. NASA’s workforce includes civil service 

personnel at NASA Centers, Headquarters, and NASA-operated facilities. The mix of skills and 

distribution of workforce across the Agency is, however, necessarily changing. In order to maintain 

flexibility in its workforce, NASA is finding efficiencies in hiring and exploring the use of non-permanent 

employment to fill short-term or mission-specific needs. The Agency will apply the valued civil service 

workforce to priority and enduring mission work, adjusting the mix of skills where appropriate. Centers 

will use a range of tools available to reshape the workforce, and to identify, recruit, and retain a multigenerational workforce of employees who possess skills critical to the Agency.
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES

SUM-9 

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not approved at the time this budget was prepared. Therefore, only 

specific marks from Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects 

in development, are included in the FY 2020 column. 

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated 

Appropriations Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA’s FY 2019 Operating Plan. 

FY 2020 reflects net discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-93, Consolidated 

Appropriations Act, 2020, which recinded $70 million in FY 2019 unobligated balances from the Science 

account. Per OMB Circular A-11, Appendix A, the recission is scored in the year it was enacted.
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES

SUM-10 

EXPLANATION OF PROJECT SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS AND KEY MILESTONES

Programs and projects follow their appropriate life cycle. The life cycle is divided into phases. Transition 

from one phase to another requires management approval at Key Decision Points (KDPs). The phases in 

program and project life cycles include one or more life-cycle reviews, which are considered major 

milestone events.

Formulation

• Phase A: concept and technology development; and 

• Phase B: preliminary design and technology completion.

Implementation

• Phase C: final design and fabrication; 

• Phase D: system assembly, integration, test, launch and checkout; 

• Phase E: operations and sustainment; and 

• Phase F: closeout. 

A life-cycle review is designed to provide the program or project with an opportunity to ensure that it has 

completed the work of that phase and an independent assessment of a program’s or project’s technical and 

programmatic status and health. The final life-cycle review in a given life-cycle phase provides essential 

information for the KDP that marks the end of that life-cycle phase and transition to the next phase if 

successfully passed. As such, KDPs serve as gates through which programs and projects must pass to 

continue. 

The KDP decision to authorize a program or project’s transition to the next life-cycle phase is based on a 

number of factors, including technical maturity; continued relevance to Agency strategic goals; adequacy 

of cost and schedule estimates; associated probabilities of meeting those estimates (confidence levels); 

continued affordability with respect to the Agency’s resources; maturity and the readiness to proceed to 

the next phase; and remaining program or project risk (safety, cost, schedule, technical, management, and 

programmatic). At the KDP, the key program or project cost, schedule, and content parameters that 

govern the remaining life-cycle activities are established.

For reference, a description of schedule commitments and milestones is listed below for projects in 

Formulation and Implementation. A list of common terms used in mission planning is also included.
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES

SUM-11 

Formulation 

NASA places significant emphasis on project Formulation to ensure adequate preparation of project 

concepts and plans and mitigation of high-risk aspects of the project essential to position the project for 

the highest probability of mission success. During Formulation, the project explores the full range of 

implementation options, defines an affordable project concept to meet requirements, and develops needed 

technologies. The activities in these phases include developing the system architecture; completing 

mission and preliminary system designs; acquisition planning; conducting safety, technical, cost, and 

schedule risk trades; developing time-phased cost and schedule estimates and documenting the basis of 

these estimates; and preparing the Project Plan for Implementation.

Formulation 

Milestone Explanation

KDP-A

The lifecycle gate at which the decision authority determines the readiness of a program or 

project to transition into Phase A and authorizes Formulation of the project. Phase A is the 

first phase of Formulation and means that: 

• The project addresses a critical NASA need;

• The proposed mission concept(s) is feasible;

• The associated planning is sufficiently mature to begin activities defined for 

formulation; and

• The mission can likely be achieved as conceived.

System 

Requirements 

Review (SRR)

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates whether the functional and 

performance requirements defined for the system are responsive to the program’s 

requirements on the project and represent achievable capabilities

System Definition 

Review or 

Mission 

Definition 

Review 

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates the credibility and 

responsiveness of the proposed mission/system architecture to the program requirements 

and constraints on the project, including available resources, and determines whether the 

maturity of the project’s mission/system definition and associated plans are sufficient to 

begin the next phase, Phase B.

KDP-B

The lifecycle gate at which the decision authority determines the readiness of a program or 

project to transition from Phase A to Phase B. Phase B is the second phase of Formulation 

and means that:

• The proposed mission/system architecture is credible and responsive to program 

requirements and constraints, including resources;

• The maturity of the project’s mission/system definition and associated plans is 

sufficient to begin Phase B; and 

• The mission can likely be achieved within available resources with acceptable risk.

Preliminary 

Design Review 

(PDR)

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates the completeness/consistency 

of the planning, technical, cost, and schedule baselines developed during Formulation. This 

review also assesses compliance of the preliminary design with applicable requirements and 

determines if the project is sufficiently mature to begin Phase C.
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES

SUM-12 

Implementation

Implementation occurs when Agency management establishes baseline cost and schedule commitments 

for projects at KDP-C. The projects maintain the baseline commitment through the end of the mission. 

Projects are baselined for cost, schedule, and programmatic and technical parameters. Under 

Implementation, projects are able to execute approved plans development and operations. 

Implementation 

Milestone Explanation

KDP-C

The lifecycle gate at which the decision authority determines the readiness of a program or 

project to begin the first stage of development and transition to Phase C and authorizes the 

Implementation of the project. Phase C is first stage of development and means that:

• The project’s planning, technical, cost, and schedule baselines developed during 

Formulation are complete and consistent;

• The preliminary design complies with mission requirements;

• The project is sufficiently mature to begin Phase C; and 

• The cost and schedule are adequate to enable mission success with acceptable risk.

Critical Design 

Review (CDR)

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates the integrity of the project 

design and its ability to meet mission requirements with appropriate margins and acceptable 

risk within defined project constraints, including available resources. This review also 

determines if the design is appropriately mature to continue with the final design and 

fabrication phase.

System 

Integration 

Review (SIR)

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates the readiness of the project 

and associated supporting infrastructure to begin system assembly, integration, and test. The 

lifecycle review also evaluates whether the remaining project development can be 

completed within available resources, and determine if the project is sufficiently mature to 

begin Phase D.

KDP-D

The lifecycle gate at which the decision authority determines the readiness of a project to 

continue in Implementation and transition from Phase C to Phase D. Phase D is a second 

phase in Implementation; the project continues in development and means that:

• The project is still on plan;

• The risk is commensurate with the project’s payload classification; and 

• The project is ready for assembly, integration and test with acceptable risk within 

its Agency baseline commitment.

Launch Readiness 

Date (LRD)

The date at which the project and its ground, hardware, and software systems are ready for 

launch.
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES

SUM-13 

Other Common Terms for Mission Planning

Term Definition

Decision Authority The individual authorized by the Agency to make important decisions on programs and 

projects under their authority.

Formulation 

Authorization 

Document

The document that authorizes the formulation of a program whose goals will fulfill part of 

the Agency’s Strategic Plan and Mission Directorate strategies. This document establishes 

the expectations and constraints for activity in the Formulation phase. 

Key Decision Point 

(KDP)

The lifecycle gate at which the decision authority determines the readiness of a program or 

project to progress to the next phase of the life cycle. The KDP also establishes the 

content, cost, and schedule commitments for the ensuing phase(s). 

Launch Manifest

A list that NASA publishes (the “NASA Flight Planning Board launch manifest”) 

periodically, which includes the expected launch dates for NASA missions. The launch 

dates in the manifest are the desired launch dates approved by the NASA Flight Planning 

Board, and are not typically the same as the Agency Baseline Commitment schedule dates. 

A launch manifest is a dynamic schedule that is affected by real world operational 

activities conducted by NASA and multiple other entities. It reflects the results of a 

complex process that requires the coordination and cooperation by multiple users for the 

use of launch range and launch contractor assets. Moreover, the launch dates are a mixture 

of “confirmed” range dates for missions launching within approximately six months, and 

contractual/planning dates for the missions beyond six months from launch. The NASA 

Flight Planning Board launch manifest date is typically earlier than the Agency Baseline 

Commitment schedule date to allow for the operationally driven delays to the launch 

schedule that may be outside of the project’s control. 

Operational 

Readiness Review 

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates the readiness of the project, 

including its ground systems, personnel, procedures, and user documentation, to operate 

the flight system and associated ground system(s), in compliance with defined project 

requirements and constraints during the operations phase.

Mission Readiness 

Review or Flight 

Readiness Review 

(FRR)

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates the readiness of the project, 

ground systems, personnel and procedures for a safe and successful launch and 

flight/mission.

KDP-E

The lifecycle gate at which the decision authority determines the readiness of a project to 

continue in Implementation and transition from Phase D to Phase E. Phase E is a third 

phase in Implementation and means that the project and all supporting systems are ready 

for safe, successful launch and early operations with acceptable risk.

Decommissioning 

Review 

The lifecycle review in which the decision authority evaluates the readiness of the project 

to conduct closeout activities. The review includes final delivery of all remaining project 

deliverables and safe decommissioning of space flight systems and other project assets. 

KDP-F

The lifecycle gate at which the decision authority determines the readiness of the project’s 

decommissioning. Passage through this gate means the project has met its program 

objectives and is ready for safe decommissioning of its assets and closeout of activities. 

Scientific data analysis may continue after this period.
FY 2021 Budget Request Executive Summary

EXPLANATION OF BUDGET TABLES AND SCHEDULES

SUM-14

For further details, go to:

• NASA Procedural Requirement 7102.5E NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management 

Requirements: http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/displayDir.cfm?t=NPR&c=7120&s=5E.

• NASA Procedural Requirement NPR 7123.1B - NASA Systems Engineering Processes and 

Requirements: 

http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/npg_img/N_PR_7123_001B_/N_PR_7123_001B_.pdf.

• NASA Launch Services Web site: 

http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/launch_services/index.html.
MOON TO MARS

M2M-1 

FY 2021 Budget

Actual Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Moon to Mars TOTAL $7,558 $8,828 $12,371 $14,268 $15,839 $15,308 $13,489 

Deep Space Exploration Systems $5,045 $6,018 $8,762 $10,300 $11,605 $10,888 $8,962 

Exploration Technology $464 $596 $1,211 $1,442 $1,658 $1,756 $1,854 

Science $721 $711 $847 $1,020 $1,075 $1,172 $1,233 

SSMS $1,239 $1,311 $1,375 $1,361 $1,356 $1,347 $1,335 

CECR $89 $192 $176 $145 $145 $145 $105 

Space Policy Directive 1 and 2, and NASA’s Strategic Goal 2 charge the United States to lead the return 

of humans to the Moon for long-term, sustainable exploration and utilization, followed by human 

missions to Mars and other destinations. The FY 2021 President’s Budget proposes significant funding 

increases in support of these objectives. With the funding requested in FY 2021 and outyears, NASA 

seeks to send the first woman and the next man to the surface of the Moon by 2024, returning Americans

to the lunar surface for scientific research, exploration, and technology demonstration. 

NASA’s Moon to Mars campaign will develop and test systems and plan a cadence of human spaceflight 

missions to lunar orbit and the lunar surface, eventually leading to Mars. Through programs across the 

Agency, including the Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate’s Advanced Cislunar and 

Surface Capabilities (ACSC) program, and the Science Mission Directorate’s Lunar Discovery and 

Exploration Program (LDEP), among others, NASA will develop strategies and technologies to feed into 

the lunar surface systems, promote innovative approaches to lunar robotics, develop sustaining operations 

and In-Situ Resource Utilization, and promote lunar landing capabilities. This approach will enable 

NASA to develop the skills, capabilities, and operational expertise to support a future mission to Mars. 
MOON TO MARS

M2M-2 

The FY 2021 Budget provides NASA the ability to demonstrate industry-led lunar landing systems, 

transporting American astronauts to and from the surface of the Moon. The Budget also will enable us to: 

• Fully support integration, testing, and the first flights of the Space Launch System (SLS) and 

Orion crew capsule, NASA-developed systems required to get to the Moon quickly and safely; 

• Complete assembly of the U.S. elements of, and begin supplying and operating from, the Lunar 

Gateway - establishing the exploration infrastructure orbiting the Moon; 

• Demonstrate key exploration technologies, including precision landing, cryogenic fluid 

management, in-situ resource utilization, and surface nuclear power to support sustainable lunar 

exploration and future missions to Mars;

• Utilize commercial lunar landers to deliver NASA science instruments and exploration 

technology demonstration payloads to the lunar surface; 

• Launch a Mars Sample Return mission as early as 2026 and initiate a Mars Ice Mapper mission; 

and 

• Ensure investments in the required capabilities, workforce, and facilities needed to guarantee

safety and mission success. 

The FY 2021 Budget Request maintains the existing budget structure for the Moon to Mars campaign, 

which will continue to be a cross-functional effort at Headquarters and across the Centers. NASA 

continues to integrate across the multiple mission directorates involved to ensure proper organizational 

structures are aligned to achieve mission success.
MOON TO MARS

M2M-3 

Deep Space Exploration Systems 

The Human Landing System program will utilize commercial partnerships to develop and jointly deploy 

an integrated landing system to transport humans to and from the lunar surface. NASA expects its 

commercial partners will heavily leverage NASA technology and expertise throughout the development 

process, leading to an integrated lunar transportation system that will deliver humans to the lunar surface 

in 2024, and develop and demonstrate a more sustainable HLS for subsequent crewed missions.

NASA is leading the way by preparing to carry humans farther into deep space than ever before. The 

Space Launch System (SLS), the Orion Crew Capsule, and Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) together 

represent a critical piece of the Moon to Mars campaign, and the Artemis program. All three programs 

will conduct readiness reviews prior to the potential launch of Artemis I, while preparing and upgrading 

necessary systems for the launches of Artemis II and III.

NASA will continue to develop the Gateway, conducting project level design reviews of the Power and 

Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), and continuing 

development of program-level functions such as avionics, flight software, and future capabilities such as 

in-space refueling. NASA will use the Gateway infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to enable longterm exploration and utilization of the Moon and its surface. 

Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities and Advanced Exploration Systems will focus on supporting 

lunar technology development efforts, including flight and surface elements, life support systems, and 

crew health improvement. 

Exploration Technology 

Research and development of new technologies and capabilities lays the groundwork for enhancing and 

enabling lunar and deep space exploration. Exploration Technology will continue to focus its activities 

toward lunar and deep space exploration, enabling NASA’s workforce, in concert with industry and 

academia, to develop innovative ways to further humankind’s space exploration from conception to 

testing to spaceflight.

The Exploration Technology request supports the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative as well as other 

technology research and development projects along the entire Technology Readiness Level spectrum that 

align with NASA exploration needs and support commercial expansion in space. The Lunar Surface 

Innovation Initiative serves as a catalyst for lunar surface technology development priorities such as: 

surface power, in situ resource utilization (ISRU), autonomous operations, and extreme environment 

technology. During 2021, the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) aims to deliver the Solar 

Electric Propulsion in support of the Power and Propulsion Element of Gateway, to complete testing and 

initiate a flight demonstration of the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration mission, and to 

continue to advance Space Nuclear technologies to support the Moon to Mars campaign.

Scientific Exploration 

Another critical element of exploration comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD), which 

will continue its efforts to explore and enhance scientific discovery. The Moon to Mars effort within 

Science is made up of the Lunar Development and Exploration Program (LDEP), the Mars 2020 rover, 

and future Mars robotic missions including the Mars Sample Return mission and Mars Ice Mapper. 

Future Mars robotic exploration will support decadal science objectives as well as lay the groundwork for 

future manned missions to Mars.

NASA is developing a series of instruments, experiments, and other payloads for robotic lunar missions 

to the surface of the Moon, which will launch using the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) 
MOON TO MARS

M2M-4 

project. NASA is utilizing innovative acquisition approaches to engage U.S. industry capabilities as the 

Agency moves toward human exploration of the lunar surface. NASA intends to also work with 

international partners in this endeavor, delivering meaningful scientific exploration and technology 

development work in a cost-effective way. 

Mission Support 

NASA will fund the critical Agency-wide capabilities, workforce, and facilities that will enable the 

success of the Moon to Mars campaign, allowing NASA to achieve the Nation’s space policy priorities. 

NASA’s infrastructure and assets must be safe, secure, environmentally sound, appropriately sized, and 

operated efficiently so as not to hamper or delay the Moon to Mars campaign. 

The technology capabilities and processes pioneered by the Artemis effort will enable the first intrepid 

crews of the new space age to travel safely to and from the surface of the Moon, mature sustainability on 

the Moon, and land on the surface of Mars. This will enable new scientific discoveries and promote new 

technologies, research, and the systems needed to sustain living in deep space for the benefit of all 

humankind. It will serve as an inspiration to the world and solidify the United States’ preeminence in 

space exploration, making a human presence on the Moon and beyond an expectation, not a dream. 
 

DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION SYSTEMS

DEXP-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Exploration Systems Development 4086.8 4582.6 4042.3 4011.2 4071.7 3767.7 3634.8

Exploration Research & Development 958.0 1435.0 4719.4 6288.5 7533.4 7120.0 5327.4

Total Budget 5044.8 6017.6 8761.7 10299.7 11605.1 10887.7 8962.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Deep Space Exploration Systems .................................. DEXP-2

Exploration Systems Development............................................................. DEXP-4 

ORION PROGRAM ..............................................................................................DEXP-6 

Crew Vehicle Development [Development].................................................................... DEXP-8 

SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM ................................................................................DEXP-21

Launch Vehicle Development [Development] .............................................................. DEXP-23

EXPLORATION GROUND SYSTEMS................................................................DEXP-34

Exploration Ground Systems Development [Development] ......................................... DEXP-36

Exploration Research & Development...................................................... DEXP-49

ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS............................................................DEXP-51

ADVANCED CISLUNAR AND SURFACE CAPABILITIES ..................................DEXP-59

GATEWAY .........................................................................................................DEXP-64

HUMAN LANDING SYSTEM ..............................................................................DEXP-72

HUMAN RESEARCH PROGRAM.......................................................................DEXP-76
 

DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION SYSTEMS

DEXP-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Exploration Systems Development 4086.8 4582.6 4042.3 4011.2 4071.7 3767.7 3634.8

Exploration Research & Development 958.0 1435.0 4719.4 6288.5 7533.4 7120.0 5327.4

Total Budget 5044.8 6017.6 8761.7 10299.7 11605.1 10887.7 8962.2

Change from FY 2020 2744.1

Percentage change from FY 2020 45.6%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The FY 2021 budget request includes $8.762 billion for Deep Space Exploration Systems to pursue the 

Moon to Mars campaign, focused on returning humans to the Moon and enabling eventual missions to 

Mars and beyond. NASA will land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024 to explore more 

of the lunar surface than ever before, in collaboration with our commercial and international partners, and 

establish sustainable exploration. Then, we will use what we learn on the Moon to take the next giant leap 

– sending astronauts to Mars.

The Deep Space Exploration Systems account consists of two themes, Exploration Systems Development 

(ESD) and Exploration Research and Development (ERD), which provide for the development of systems 

and capabilities needed for human exploration of space. With new leadership onboard in the Human 

Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate, NASA is conducting a Program Status Assessment of the 

overall Moon to Mars Campaign, of which the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion, Gateway, and 

Exploration Ground Systems are key components. If the assessment results in any alterations to current 

plans, NASA will brief Congress immediately.

ESD's mission is to develop the launch vehicle, spacecraft, and ground support systems necessary to send 

crew beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). ESD consists of three programs: Orion, SLS, and Exploration 

Ground Systems (EGS). The Orion spacecraft will carry humans beyond LEO, provide emergency abort 

capability, sustain the crew during space travel, and provide safe re-entry from deep space. The SLS will 

be the most powerful rocket ever built and the only rocket that can send crew in Orion to the Moon on a 

single mission. EGS develops and operates the systems and facilities needed to process and launch 

rockets and spacecraft during assembly, transport, and launch. This space transportation system is a key 

component of NASA's strategy for exploration in cislunar space, and it will have its first un-crewed test 

flight (Artemis I) and crewed test flight (Artemis II) in the near future; launch dates are currently under 

review.

ERD is comprised of five programs: Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities (ACSC), the Human 

Landing System (HLS), Gateway, Advanced Exploration Systems (AES), and the Human Research 

Program (HRP). The overarching goal of ERD is to infuse technologies and research into the 

development of human exploration capabilities and missions that enable the return of humans to the 
DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION SYSTEMS

DEXP-3

Moon by 2024 for long-term exploration and utilization, followed by human missions to Mars and other 

destinations. ERD programs pursue these goals using a combination of unique in-house activities and 

public-private partnerships. 

In the FY 2021 President's Budget, there are several major initiatives:

ACSC funding focuses on utilizing innovative procurement approaches to develop strategies and systems 

for future missions to the lunar surface and beyond.

HLS funding focuses on establishing commercial partnerships to develop and deploy the integrated 

systems that will land humans on the Moon by 2024 and in future years. HLS will leverage the Science 

Mission Directorate's development of smaller landers for capabilities, such as navigation and precision 

landing. It will also leverage investments through the Space Technology Mission Directorate's lunar 

exploration activities. 

Gateway funding focuses on developing a small orbital platform that will orbit the Moon and enable lunar 

landers and surface activities, to include a Power and Propulsion Element by 2022, followed by a 

Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO).

AES funding focuses on reducing operational risk, validating operational concepts, leveraging partner 

capabilities, and lowering lifecycle costs to help enable lunar and deep space missions. 

In addition, HRP is dedicated to discovering the best methods and technologies to support safe, 

productive human space travel. From the challenges of managing the environmental risks posed by 

radiation and lunar dust, to providing appetizing food and optimal nutrition, HRP scientists and engineers 

work to predict, assess, and solve the problems that humans encounter in space. Planned missions will 

dramatically increase the scope of the challenges and demands that face NASA's astronauts. HRP is 

working to improve astronauts' ability to collect data, solve problems, respond to emergencies, and 

remain healthy during and after extended space travel.

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/home/index.html
Deep Space Exploration Systems

EXPLORATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

DEXP-4

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Orion Program 1350.0 1406.7 1400.5 1322.3 1391.0 1239.9 1084.7

Crew Vehicle Development 1339.5 1396.2 1390.0 1311.8 1378.9 1229.9 1064.7

Orion Program Integration and Support 10.5 -- 10.5 10.5 12.1 10.0 20.0

Space Launch System 2144.0 2585.9 2257.1 2238.3 2249.2 2091.8 2087.1

Launch Vehicle Development 2093.1 2525.8 2200.2 2177.0 2188.0 2035.8 2001.1

SLS Program Integration and Support 50.9 -- 56.9 61.3 61.1 56.0 86.0

Exploration Ground Systems 592.8 590.0 384.7 450.6 431.6 436.0 463.0

Exploration Ground Systems Development 586.6 558.7 377.0 447.0 428.0 436.0 443.0

EGS Program Integration and Support 6.2 -- 7.7 3.6 3.6 0.0 20.0

Construction & Envrmtl Compl Restoration 31.9 52.1 22.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Exploration CoF 31.9 52.1 22.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 4118.7 4634.7 4064.6 4011.2 4071.7 3767.7 3634.8

Change from FY 2020 -570.1

Percentage change from FY 2020 -12.3%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.
Deep Space Exploration Systems

EXPLORATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

DEXP-5

NASA's Pegasus Barge is shown here arriving at the Launch 

Complex 39 turn basin wharf at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in 

Florida to make its first delivery to KSC in support of the 

Agency's Artemis missions. The upgraded 310-foot-long barge 

arrived September 27, 2019, ferrying the 212-foot-long Space 

Launch System (SLS) rocket core stage pathfinder. Weighing 

228,000 pounds, the pathfinder is a full-scale mock-up of the 

rocket’s core stage and will be used to validate ground support 

equipment and demonstrate it can be integrated with KSC

facilities.

NASA's Exploration Systems 

Development (ESD) programs are working 

together to build the space transportation 

system made up of the Orion crew vehicle,

the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, 

and the Exploration Ground Systems

(EGS). This system will enable the 

Agency's Artemis missions, extending

human presence into the solar system by 

transporting crews to the Gateway or to the 

Moon's surface in the Human Landing 

System for long-term exploration and 

preparation for future missions to Mars. 

These program objectives support National 

Space Policy Directive-1 and Agency 

Strategic Goal 2, which seeks to extend

human presence deeper into space and to 

the Moon for sustainable, long-term 

exploration and utilization.

NASA's Orion spacecraft is designed to 

support human exploration missions to 

deep space, with a crew of four, for 

periods of 21 days. Building upon more 

than 50 years of spaceflight research and development, Orion's versatile design will not only carry crew to 

space, but also provide emergency abort capability, sustain crew during space travel, and provide safe 

reentry at deep space return velocities. The Orion systems are designed to operate in a contingency mode 

to augment life support systems in other space transport systems.

The SLS rocket is a heavy-lift launch vehicle for a new era of exploration beyond Earth’s orbit into deep 

space. SLS will launch astronauts in the Orion spacecraft on missions to cislunar space so they can return 

to the surface of the Moon and other destinations. The objective of the EGS is to enable Kennedy Space 

Center (KSC) to process and launch next-generation vehicles and spacecraft, like Orion and SLS, in

support of the Artemis missions. To achieve this transformation, NASA is developing new ground 

systems while refurbishing and upgrading infrastructure and facilities to meet tomorrow's demands. This 

modernization effort keeps maximum flexibility to accommodate a multitude of Government, 

commercial, and other customers. Drawing on five decades of excellence in processing and launch, 

NASA is paving the way to the spaceport's future. KSC is now the multi-user spaceport that was 

envisioned post Shuttle retirement.

The Artemis program is the next step in human exploration of our solar system. It is a part of NASA’s 

Moon to Mars exploration approach, in which we will pursue our next giant leap – sustained human 

exploration of the Moon to develop the skills, systems, and operational capabilities to enable a human 

mission to Mars. As NASA works towards a sustainable Moon to Mars campaign, it is essential that the 

Agency and its contractors reduce production and operations costs for ESD systems. Through reduction in 

costs, the Agency can focus on capabilities needed for future deep space systems and successful 

exploration missions.
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Systems Development

ORION PROGRAM

DEXP-6

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Crew Vehicle Development 1339.5 1396.2 1390.0 1311.8 1378.9 1229.9 1064.7

Orion Program Integration and Support 10.5 -- 10.5 10.5 12.1 10.0 20.0

Total Budget 1350.0 1406.7 1400.5 1322.3 1391.0 1239.9 1084.7

Change from FY 2020 -6.2

Percentage change from FY 2020 -0.4%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Orion spacecraft will play an integral role in the Artemis program. The Orion Program continues to 

take major steps toward transporting humans safely to deep space and back. Orion will serve as an 

exploration vehicle that will carry crew to space, sustain crew during space travel, provide emergency 

abort capability, and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. This capsule-shaped vehicle 

has a familiar look, but it incorporates numerous technology advancements and innovations. The 

spacecraft will enable extended duration missions beyond Earth's orbit and to the Moon.

Orion design, development, and testing (including the flight tests) will have the spacecraft ready to carry 

crew on Artemis II; the mission's launch date is under review pending the completion of an independent 

assessment of the integrated mission schedule by Agency leadership. Given ongoing challenges, NASA is 

assessing options for improving program performance and the proposed FY 2021 President's Budget level 

is enough to support a launch on the earliest technically feasible date. 

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/orion

Program Elements

ORION PROGRAM INTEGRATION AND SUPPORT

Orion Program Integration and Support activities manage the program interfaces between the Space 

Launch System (SLS) and the Exploration Ground System (EGS). This effort is critical to ensuring 

Orion’s performance meets technical and safety specifications, and it supports programmatic assessments 

key to achieving integrated technical, cost, and schedule management. In addition, the Orion integration 

effort is vital to managing interfaces with other Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate 

(HEOMD) activities, including strategic studies, feasibility studies, and small-scale research tasks that 

feed into future human exploration. Coordination and timely integration across the programs enable the 

Agency to avoid potential design overlaps, schedule disconnects, and cost issues.
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Systems Development

ORION PROGRAM

DEXP-7

CREW VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT

See the Crew Vehicle Development section.
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Systems Development: Orion Program

CREW VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT 

Formulation Development Operations

DEXP-8

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 4510.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4510.4

Development/Implementation 4296.5 1192.6 1039.4 711.0 285.0 162.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7686.5

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 8806.9 1192.6 1039.4 711.0 285.0 162.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12196.9

Total Budget 8869.9 1339.5 1396.2 1390.0 1311.8 1378.9 1229.9 1064.7 0.0 17980.8

Change from FY 2020 -6.2

Percentage change from FY 2020 -0.4%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The difference between the total budget and the MPAR LCC estimate is the total budget includes content outside of 

Artemis II and excludes CoF; LCC only includes Artemis II content, including CoF.

The total budget prior line represents FY 2011 pre-formulation and FY 2012 - FY 2017 budgets, excluding CoF and 

additional expenditures from 2005-2011 under the Constellation program.
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Systems Development: Orion Program

CREW VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT

Formulation Development Operations

DEXP-9

In July 2019, NASA completed mating 

Crew Module with Service Module for 

Artemis I. The spacecraft is shown here 

being prepared for its uncrewed test 

flight atop the Space Launch System 

(SLS) rocket. 

PROJECT PURPOSE

In support of the Agency’s strategic goal to extend and sustain 

human activities across the solar system, Orion will be capable 

of transporting humans to and around the Moon, sustaining them 

longer than ever before, and returning them safely to Earth. 

Drawing from more than 50 years of human spaceflight research 

and development and stimulating new and innovative 

manufacturing and production capabilities, Orion’s design will 

meet the evolving needs of our Nation’s space program.

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/orion

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending 

completion of several assessments. NASA is conducting a 

Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which the Space Launch System (SLS) and 

Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) are key components. This assessment includes review of the schedule 

and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and program management. In 

parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and programmatic assessment, including a joint 

cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will review 

the results of these assessments before considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch 

planning dates.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

Orion is the vehicle that will fly astronauts to and from the Moon. As such, the Orion program is a critical 

element of the Artemis mission that will land the first woman and the next man on the Moon in 2024. The 

Artemis program is intended to establish sustainable exploration of the Moon with our commercial and 

international partners by 2028 in preparation for eventual human missions to Mars. Orion will be able to 

carry a crew of four astronauts to cislunar space and beyond and provide habitation and life support for up 

to 21 days. The spacecraft’s four elements are the Crew Module (CM), the Crew Module Adaptor 

(CMA), the European Service Module (ESM), and the Launch Abort System (LAS). The European Space 

Agency (ESA) is designing and developing the ESM, which provides in-space power, propulsion, and 

other life support systems. The CM, which is the pressure vessel, will be mounted to the CMA and ESM 

to become the Crew and Service Module (CSM). Atop the CSM will sit the LAS, which will activate 

within milliseconds to propel the CM to safety away from the launch vehicle in the event of an emergency 

during launch or climb to orbit. The abort system also provides a protective shell that shields the CM 

from dangerous atmospheric loads and heating during ascent. Once Orion is out of the atmosphere and 

safely on its way to orbit, the spacecraft will jettison the LAS. The vehicle will travel 280,000 miles from 

Earth and thousands of miles beyond the Moon. The first mission is Artemis I, an uncrewed flight test 

that will demonstrate key Orion spacecraft capabilities. The next mission, Artemis II, is intended as a

crewed test flight, with a current mission profile of transporting up to four crew members on a free return 

trajectory. Starting with the Artemis III, a lunar landing mission in 2024, the Orion spacecraft will 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Systems Development: Orion Program

CREW VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT

Formulation Development Operations

DEXP-10

rendezvous and dock with Gateway or the Human Landing System (HLS) spacecraft. From the Gateway

Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit, astronauts will have access to more areas of the lunar surface more 

frequently and with better communications capability than the Apollo missions. The crew and necessary 

equipment will transfer from the Orion spacecraft – potentially via Gateway – into the HLS, which will 

then undock, descend, and land on the lunar surface. At the conclusion of lunar surface operations, the 

HLS will lift off from the lunar surface and re-dock with the Gateway or the Orion spacecraft and return 

to Earth. Although the module has a familiar visual shape, its interior and exterior capabilities far exceed 

any geometrically similar predecessors. The state-of-the-art crew systems will provide a safe environment 

for astronauts to live and work for long durations far from Earth. Orion’s advanced heat shield will 

protect the crew during a high-speed reentry into Earth's atmosphere – heating that will exceed that 

experienced by any human spacecraft in more than four decades.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA completed the first Propulsion Qualification Module (PQM) Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) 

Engine five-second firing and a successful 20-second firing of the PQM OMS Engine with active control 

of the pressurization system in October 2018. In August 2019, the stressful test case called "Abort to 

Orbit," was successfully completed at White Sands Test Facility near Las Cruces, New Mexico. This test

was one of the prerequisites for ESA to deliver the ESM-1 to the U.S. for integration. 

Airbus delivered the first ESM from its aerospace site in Bremen, Germany, on November 6, 2018, by 

Antonov cargo aircraft to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Functional checkouts were completed 

to ensure all elements were working properly before integration. 

The ESM-1 was mated with the CMA-1 to complete the Service Module (SM) assembly. The completed 

SM-1 was joined to the CM-1, resulting in the combined CSM-1 in June 2019. This work was performed 

at KSC and marked the first time all three major elements were integrated. In July, the world's largest heat 

shield structure for Artemis II arrived at KSC for assembly and integration onto the Orion crew module 

for the Artemis II mission. Measuring approximately 16 feet in diameter, the heat shield provides critical 

protection for the crew upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and during splashdown. 

The Orion program completed the CM-2 primary structure in January 2019 and the proof testing on the 

crew module in February 2019.

ESM-2 integration has begun in the Bremen, Germany, clean room. Long-lead activities, such as welding 

of high-pressure valves and engine manufacturing, are underway. The ESM-2 will provide power, 

propulsion, and air to the Orion spacecraft. 

The Ascent Abort-2 (AA-2) test, which demonstrates the ability of the LAS to safely separate the CM 

from the SLS during an ascent abort scenario, was successfully carried out at Cape Canaveral from 

Launch Complex 46 on July 2, 2019. The test is another milestone in the Agency's preparation for 

Artemis missions to the Moon that will lead to astronaut missions to Mars.
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WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The Orion program completed the CMA-1 primary structure in October 2019 at the Operations and 

Checkout (O&C) Facility at KSC.

The Artemis I's CSM arrived at Glenn Research Center-Plum Brook Station (GRC-PBS) on November 

26, 2019, for in-space environmental testing in preparation for Artemis I. While at GRC-PBS, the CSM 

will endure thermal vacuum, acoustics, and electromagnetic interference testing to confirm all 

components and systems work properly under in-space conditions, a crucial step towards launch 

readiness. 

Once the testing at GRC-PBS is completed in spring of 2020, the mated CSM-1 will be returned to KSC 

for final assembly and installation of the Solar Array Wing and the Spacecraft Adaptor. The CSM will 

then be turned over to the EGS program for servicing and subsequent mating with the LAS in the LAS 

facility. After the mating, it will be stacked on the SLS rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building. 

The Integrated Test Lab (ITL) will conclude its verification and validation testing of the Artemis I 

software and will begin its testing of the Artemis II software in March 2020. The ITL simulates the flight 

environment to test the flight software functions, such as ascent abort, safe mode, fault detection, isolation 

and recovery, optical navigation, maneuver plan management, and propulsion failure detection for both 

Artemis I and II. These tests are essential for identifying software problems and validating proper 

functionality and performance of the spacecraft.

Lockheed Martin will complete the Artemis I Structure Test Article in Denver, CO, during summer 2020 

and will prepare the CM test article for shipment to Langley Research Center (LaRC) for subsequent 

Water Impact Testing (WIT). The WIT is the last in the series of tests, and it will complete the test 

campaign on the full-scale replica of the Orion spacecraft. These tests are conducted to ensure the space 

bound-article is ready to withstand the pressure and loads it will endure during launch, flight, and landing. 

In preparations for Artemis II, the first crewed mission, Orion will continue outfitting the CM Pressure 

Vessel at KSC’s Operation and Checkout (O&C) building. Orion will also install the Environment 

Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that enables the crew to live and work and the core avionics 

for the navigation and control. The heatshield that protects the vehicle and crew from extreme 

temperatures will also be installed. Orion will conduct a series of power-on, leak, functional, and proof 

pressure tests to ensure the health of the vehicle. These outfitting efforts will ensure the CM will be 

prepared for sustaining its crewmembers.

Continuing the manufacturing efforts for Artemis II, the CMA was moved into a clean room in midNovember 2019, for precision welding to install the ECLSS and propulsion tubing. 

In the spring of 2020, the CMA-2 will undergo proof pressure and leak tests followed by subsystem 

installations, harness testing, and Developmental Flight Instrumentation testing. Once the tests are 

complete, it will dwell until it is mated with the ESM-2 and CM-2 in FY 2021.

Long-lead material purchases for Artemis III will arrive and Orion will start vehicle production. The 

Artemis III will be the second crewed Artemis mission, and it will be NASA's first mission to utilize the 

Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, Docking, and Undocking capability for integrated Orion/Gateway 
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and lunar surface activities. Artemis III CM pressure vessel weld operations will be initiated in late 

summer 2020 to support the 2024 launch date.

The program initiated long lead material purchases for Artemis III, IV, and V, enabling the program to 

meet an annual flight rate to support lunar exploration, while establishing a sustainable Production and 

Operations cadence. These missions represent the commitment of the U.S. to a core piece of NASA’s 

infrastructure for exploration. Essential to building a sustainable exploration strategy will be finalizing 

development and reducing production and operation costs. Artemis III, IV, and V long lead (and selected 

lifetime) parts procurements will be in execution by the second quarter of FY 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The Artemis I CSM will mate to the SLS rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at KSC, and it 

will launch from KSC's Launch Complex 39B. The mission will take the spacecraft beyond the Moon to 

demonstrate its performance capability during launch, transit to lunar orbit, return to Earth, re-entry, 

landing, and recovery. 

After the Artemis I mission, the Orion program will conduct a post-flight analysis to assess spacecraft 

performance against flight test objectives. The program will recover certain core avionics components 

from the returned spacecraft for reuse in future flights. These core avionics will be removed, refurbished, 

and delivered to KSC for installation into the Artemis II CM. The non-core Artemis II avionics are 

planned to be delivered to KSC in winter 2021. Re-use of avionics components reduces assembly costs of 

subsequent Orion builds and is a key feature of the recently awarded Orion Production Operation 

Contract that is being used to deliver Orion spacecraft for the Artemis III through Artemis V missions.

Orion will complete delivery of Artemis II software Build 203 (fall 2020) and Build 204 (spring 2021). 

These software builds support Artemis II Initial Power-on and ITL testing. The Artemis II software 

integration testing and checkout campaign, ITL-03, will be completed in fall 2021, and ITL-04 test 

campaign will be completed in spring 2021. These test campaigns must be successfully completed to 

certify Artemis II for crewed flight.

ESA will continue manufacturing of the ESM-2 for delivery to KSC's O&C in fall 2020. Functional 

checkouts will be performed to ensure all elements are working properly before integration. 

After the functional tests are completed, the ESM-2 will be mated to the CMA in fall 2020 to become 

SM-2. After mating, the SM-2 will undergo clean room operations for ECLSS welding, followed by proof 

pressure and leak tests in preparation for integrating with the CM-2 in summer 2021. 

Orion will complete functional testing of the CM-2 and install the heatshield, back shell, forward bay 

cover, and avionics in spring 2021. It will then be mated to the SM-2 in summer 2021, followed by 

integrated testing and verification activities through the remainder of the fiscal year.

CM-3 pressure vessel weld will be completed and ready to ship to KSC for proof testing and final 

assembly operations by late summer 2021 to support a 2024 launch.

CM-4 pressure vessel weld operations will be initiated in summer 2021 to support a 2025 launch date.
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Orion is working on the Draft Request for Proposal for OMS engines. The contract award is planned for 

fall 2021. Orion has enough OMS engines remaining from the shuttle program to fly on the ESM through 

Artemis V. The new Orion Main Engine will be first flown on Artemis VI.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

System Design Review (SDR) Aug 2007

Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Aug 2009

Key Decision Point-A (KDP-A) Feb 2012 Feb 2012

Resynchronization Review Jul 2012

KDP-B Q1 FY 2013 Jan 2013

Delta PDR Q4 FY 2013 Aug 2014

EFT-1 Launch Dec 2014 Dec 2014

KDP-C, Project Confirmation FY 2015 Sep 2015

CDR Oct 2015 Oct 2015

AA-2 Flight Test FY 2020 FY 2019

Artemis I Launch Readiness FY 2018 Under review

Artemis II Launch Readiness* FY 2023 Under review

* The program is currently reviewing cost and schedule impacts based on the change to the Artemis 1 launch 

readiness date.
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Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2015 6,768.4 70% 2020 7,686.6 +13.5% Artemis II Apr 2023 *TBD *TBD

The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic estimation 

techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. Estimates that 

include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs (confidence 

levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes on cost. 

* The Current Year Development Cost Estimate and Milestone data do not accurately reflect current planning and 

are based on prior planning. The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several 

assessments. NASA is conducting a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which Orion, SLS 

and EGS are key components. This assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as 

systems engineering integration and program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent 

technical and programmatic assessment, including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS 

and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will review the results of these assessments before considering potential 

updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning dates.
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Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 6,768.4 7,686.6 +918.2

Mission Operations 281.6 280.7 -0.9

Program Management 671.5 844.2 +172.7

Safety and Mission 

Assurance 191.4 159.1 -32.3

Spacecraft and Payload 3,205.1 4,777.9 +1,572.8

Systems Engineering and 

Integration 539.3 717.0 +177.7

Test and Verification 460.6 663.7 +203.1

Other Direct Project 

Costs 1,418.9 244.1 -1,174.8

Program UFE was held in “Other” category in the base year estimate and realigned to other elements as the 

program matured.

* The Current Year Development Cost Estimate and Milestone data do not accurately reflect current planning and 

are based on prior planning. The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several 

assessments. NASA is conducting a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which Orion, SLS 

and EGS are key components. This assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as 

systems engineering integration and program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent 

technical and programmatic assessment, including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS 

and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will review the results of these assessments before considering potential 

updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning dates.
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Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Crew Module

The transportation capsule 

provides a safe habitat for the 

crew as well as storage for 

consumables and research 

instruments, and it serves as the 

docking port for crew transfers.

Provider: Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): Ames Research 

Center (ARC), GRC, JSC, and LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Service Module 

The service module, the 

powerhouse that fuels and propels 

the Orion spacecraft, will support 

the Crew Module from launch 

through separation before reentry.

Provider: ESA

Lead Center: GRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, GRC, 

JSC, and LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): ESA

N/A

Launch Abort 

System

The LAS maneuvers the Crew 

Module to safety in the event of 

an emergency during launch or 

climb to orbit.

Provider: JSC

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): JSC, LaRC, and 

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: the ESA-provided Multi-Purpose Crew 

Vehicle (MPCV) ESM-2 encounters

development issues and is delayed in its 

delivery (as ESM-1 was),

Then: Orion will impact the Artemis II 

handover date to EGS.

The ESA Prime contractor is aggressively managing its suppliers'

component delivery schedule to minimize risk for ESM-2 

delivery to KSC. Component delivery dates are being tracked to 

an October 1, 2020, on-dock date versus the actual on-dock date 

of November 22, 2020. The contractor is also working with its

major subcontractor and suppliers to implement incentives to 

accelerate delivery of critical path components.
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Acquisition Strategy

NASA is using a competitively awarded contract to Lockheed Martin Corporation for Orion’s design 

development, test, and evaluation. The contract was awarded in 2006 and reaffirmed in 2011 as part of 

reformulating the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle as the Orion program. Orion adjusted this contract to 

meet NASA and HEOMD requirements to include the current flight test plan and the Artemis II flight 

readiness date. The Orion Program released a Request for Proposal to Lockheed Martin for the Production 

and Operations effort in January 2018. The Orion Program's Production and Operations contract

beginning with Artemis III was awarded as a sole-source contract with Lockheed Martin in September 

2019. It is an indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contract that includes a commitment to order a 

minimum of six and a maximum of twelve Orion spacecraft over the next ten years. The first six 

spacecraft (Artemis III through VIII) will be acquired by cost-plus-incentive-fee orders. NASA will 

negotiate firm-fixed-price orders for future missions to take advantage of the anticipated spacecraft 

production cost decreases. NASA signed an Implementing Arrangement with ESA to provide service 

modules for the Orion spacecraft for Artemis I and II. Incorporating the partnership with ESA also 

required a contract modification with Lockheed Martin to integrate the ESA-provided service module 

with the Lockheed Martin portion of the spacecraft. Lockheed Martin has already integrated the first ESM 

with Artemis I CM, and it is preparing for thermal-vacuum testing of the integrated spacecraft. NASA is 

coordinating with the Department of State regarding the ESA contribution and implementing arrangement 

for Artemis III and subsequent missions. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Orion Design and Development

Orion Production and Operations

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin

Littleton, CO

Littleton, CO

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

System Readiness 

Review (SRR)

Standing 

Review 

Board 

(SRB)

Mar 

2007

To evaluate the program’s 

functional and performance 

requirements ensuring proper 

formulation and correlation with 

Agency and HEOMD’s strategic 

objectives; assess the credibility 

of the program’s estimated 

budget and schedule.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A
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Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

System Design 

Review (SDR)

SRB Aug 

2007

To evaluate the proposed 

program requirements and 

architecture; allocation of 

requirements to initial projects; 

assess the adequacy of project 

pre-formulation efforts; 

determine if maturity of the 

program’s definition and plans 

are sufficient to begin 

implementation.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A

Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR)

SRB Sep 2009

To evaluate completeness and 

consistency of the program’s 

preliminary design, including its 

projects, is meeting all 

requirements with appropriate 

margins, acceptable risk, and 

within cost and schedule 

constraints; determine the 

program’s readiness to proceed 

with the detailed design phase.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A

Resynchronization 

Review SRB Jul 2012

The purpose of the review is to 

realign the program’s preliminary 

design to the current Exploration 

system development 

requirements. NASA policies 

allow changes to a program’s 

management agreement in 

response to internal and external 

events. An amendment to the 

decision memorandum is signed 

at the KDP-B review held before 

PDR if a significant divergence 

occurs.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A

Delta PDR SRB Aug 

2014

To update the program’s 

preliminary design; ensures 

completeness and consistency; 

determine the program’s 

readiness to proceed with the 

detailed design phase.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A
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Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Critical Design 

Review (CDR)

SRB Oct 2015

To evaluate the integrity of the 

program integrated design,

including its projects and ground 

systems, its ability to meet 

mission requirements with 

appropriate margins and 

acceptable risk, planned within 

cost and schedule constraints; 

determine if the integrated design 

is appropriately mature to 

continue with the final design and 

fabrication phase for EM-1.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A

ESM CDR SRB Oct 2016

To evaluate the integrity of the 

program integrated design,

including its projects and ground 

systems, its ability to meet 

mission requirements with 

appropriate margins and 

acceptable risk, planned within 

cost and schedule constraints; 

determine if the integrated design 

is appropriately mature to 

continue with the final design and 

fabrication phase for EM-1.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A

Critical Integration 

Review (CIR) /

System Integration 

Review (SIR) 

N/A Nov 

2016

To evaluate the readiness of the 

program, including its projects 

and supporting infrastructure, to 

begin system Assembly, 

Integration, and Testing (AI&T)

with acceptable risk, and within 

cost and schedule constraints.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A

Artemis II CDR

IA /

Independent 

Review 

Team (IRT)

Dec 

2018 

To evaluate the integrity of the 

program integrated design,

including its projects and ground 

systems, its ability to meet 

mission requirements with 

appropriate margins and 

acceptable risk, planned within 

cost and schedule constraints; 

determine if the integrated design 

is appropriately mature to 

continue with the final design and 

fabrication phase for EM-2.

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase.

N/A
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Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

ESD Artemis I 

Independent 

Schedule 

Assessment

Schedule 

Assessors 

from Office 

of the Chief 

Financial 

Officer 

(OCFO)

Jun 2019

Programmatic assessment and 

analysis of Artemis I schedules 

across all ESD programs with an 

emphasis on program 

performance and risks.

NASA 

leadership 

briefed on 

Artemis I 

launch date 

options. 

N/A

System Integration 

Review (SIR) IA/IRT Sept 2020

To assess risks and plans for 

starting integration of all

hardware into the structure to 

build up the flight vehicle.

N/A N/A
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Launch Vehicle Development 2093.1 2525.8 2200.2 2177.0 2188.0 2035.8 2001.1

SLS Program Integration and Support 50.9 -- 56.9 61.3 61.1 56.0 86.0

Total Budget 2144.0 2585.9 2257.1 2238.3 2249.2 2091.8 2087.1

Change from FY 2020 -328.8

Percentage change from FY 2020 -12.7%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Agency’s Space Launch System (SLS), shown here, is 

the first vehicle designed to meet the challenges of the 

journey to the Moon and to Mars, and is the first 

exploration class rocket since the Saturn V.

NASA continues the development of a heavy-lift

launch vehicle to deliver crew and large volumes 

of cargo to deep space. The Space Launch 

System (SLS) program is leading the way by 

preparing to carry humans farther into deep 

space than ever before.

SLS will be a human-rated launch system 

intended to deliver Orion beyond low-Earth orbit

(LEO). This launch system is an instrumental 

part of the Artemis program as NASA prepares 

for the fast-approaching Artemis missions. The 

Agency will continue to identify and implement 

affordability strategies to help SLS become a 

sustainable exploration capability.

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html
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Program Elements

SLS PROGRAM INTEGRATION AND SUPPORT

SLS program integration and support activities manage the Orion and Exploration Ground Systems 

program interfaces. This effort is critical to ensuring SLS systems’ performance meets technical and 

safety specifications and supports programmatic assessments key to achieving integrated technical, cost, 

and schedule management. In addition, the SLS integration effort is vital to managing interfaces with 

other Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate activities, including strategic studies, 

feasibility studies, and small-scale research tasks that feed into future human exploration. Coordination 

and timely integration across the programs enables the Agency to avoid potential design overlaps, 

schedule disconnects, and cost issues.

LAUNCH VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT

See Launch Vehicle Development section.
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 2674.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2674.0

Development/Implementation 7135.4 844.6 590.7 179.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8750.1

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 9809.4 844.6 590.7 179.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 11424.1

Total Budget 12115.0 2093.1 2525.8 2200.2 2177.0 2188.0 2035.8 2001.1 0.0 27336.2

Change from FY 2020 -325.6

Percentage change from FY 2020 -12.9%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The difference between the total budget and the MPAR LCC estimate is the total budget includes content outside of 

Artemis I and excludes CoF; LCC only includes Artemis I content, including CoF.

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is conducting 

a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key components. This 

assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and 

program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and programmatic assessment, 

including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will 

review the results of these assessments before considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning 

dates.
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Engineers and technicians completed installation of all 

four RS-25 engines, shown above, that will provide the 

necessary thrust for the SLS rocket to reach space. This 

installation completes core stage assembly. The core stage 

is now at SSC preparing for Green Run testing.

PROJECT PURPOSE

In support of the Artemis mission, the Launch 

Vehicle Development project will enable deep 

space exploration with the Space Launch System 

(SLS) launch vehicle. For the first time since the 

Apollo program in 1972, American astronauts 

will explore space beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) 

and return to the Moon, reinvigorating America's 

human exploration of the solar system. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES 

IN FY 2021

The FY 2021 President’s Budget proposes 

funding to support the Nation’s next lunar 

landing in 2024. Through its development, the 

SLS program has faced technical and 

performance challenges requiring multiple changes to its Launch Readiness Dates (LRD). This proposed 

budget addresses Artemis I Design, Development, Test, and Evaluation (DDT&E) schedule and 

performance challenges. The current LRD remains under review. The core stage for Artemis I is in 

preparation for Green Run testing at Stennis Space Center (SSC). Green Run is the term used for the hot 

fire testing of the flight core stage with all four engines as it is secured in the test stand at SSC. NASA is 

aware of continuing risk involving SLS end item completion and functional test and integration tasks, so 

Green Run testing length remains under review.

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is 

conducting a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key 

components. This assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems 

engineering integration and program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent 

technical and programmatic assessment, including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of 

the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will review the results of these assessments before 

considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning dates. NASA anticipates updated 

launch planning dates no later than the third quarter of FY 2020.

NASA is focused on the successful completion of Artemis I and II and the preparation required for 

Artemis III in FY 2024. The first flights will feature the SLS Block 1 configuration, utilizing a humanrated Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). While the SLS Block 1B configuration with the 

Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) remains an important future capability, the significant performance and 

cost challenges faced by NASA's prime contract, Boeing, in finalizing the Block 1 core stage, requires 

that NASA and its contractors concentrate in the near term on the successful completion of the Block 1 

SLS and reliably manufacturing flight systems. As a result, the President's Budget proposes deferring SLS 

Block 1B final design efforts. This approach is intended to ensure that NASA and its contractors 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Systems Development: Space Launch System

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successfully deliver a Block 1 SLS, establish a regular flight cadence, and responsibly manage program 

resources. 

PROJECT PARAMETERS 

SLS will be an integral part of Artemis and will launch Orion to the Moon. Artemis III, which will launch 

in 2024, will return the first woman and next man to the surface of the moon. The primary components of 

the SLS include the Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter (LVSA), the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage 

(ICPS), the core stage and avionics, two five-segment solid rocket boosters, and four RS-25 engines.

The SLS core stage towers over 200 feet tall, and atop sits the LVSA, which connects the ICPS and core 

stage. The LVSA provides structural support for launch and separation loads and protects propulsion 

system electrical components. Fitted directly below the LVSA is the core stage, serving as the backbone 

of the entire rocket. The core stage contains five primary subcomponents, including the forward skirt, 

liquid oxygen tank, intertank, liquid hydrogen tank, and engine section. The engine section is the attach 

point for the four RS-25 engines, which combined with the boosters will produce 8.8 million pounds of 

thrust. On each side of the core stage, the five-segment solid rocket boosters will stand 17 stories tall and 

will generate more thrust than 14 four-engine jumbo commercial airliners. The boosters connect via the 

intertank and engine section attach points and will provide initial thrust for the first two minutes of flight.

The Launch Vehicle Development project leverages hardware designed for heritage programs, including 

adapted and refurbished Space Shuttle main engines, five-segment Shuttle-derived solid rocket boosters,

and an ICPS from a derivative of the Delta cryogenic second stage. The program benefits from NASA’s 

half-century of experience and knowledge of liquid oxygen and hydrogen heavy-lift vehicles, large solid 

rocket motors, and advances in technology and manufacturing practices, such as friction stir welding. The 

SLS rocket will blast a total thrust greater than that of the Saturn V.

SLS, through the launch of Artemis I, will demonstrate a critical capability that will serve as the mainstay

for future human deep spaceflight missions. The launch vehicle development follows a block evolution 

framework where the core stage will serve as the common component of future configurations. The Block 

1 configuration, which is the configuration for Artemis I, features a lift capability of 95 metric tons to 

LEO, with 8.8 million pounds of maximum thrust. Block 1 will use its Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI)

performance to send 27 metric tons to cislunar space. The TLI, which is a propulsive maneuver used to 

set a spacecraft on a trajectory, will set Orion on a trajectory toward the Moon. This SLS configuration 

will demonstrate deep space technologies and hardware required for Earth-independent missions and 

maintain U.S. space exploration leadership. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The Artemis I core stage is entering final integration because of many successful activities in FY 2019, 

and Artemis II components are under development. Artemis II flight components, including core stage-2, 

rocket booster segments, ICPS-2, and other elements, continue development.
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The full-scale core stage mock-up, also known as Pathfinder, completed multiple handling and maneuver 

exercises at SSC and KSC. Core stage maneuvers into and out of SSC’s B-2 test stand provided training 

for heavy lifting and stacking operations ahead of Green Run testing. The SLS core stage pathfinder was 

also used for maneuvering exercises in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at KSC.

In the engines element area, over four years of RS-25 engine testing is complete. The fourth 500-second 

RS-25 hot fire test and full-power, full duration 650-second hot fire test were completed in February 

2019. SLS completed acceptance testing of all 16 former Space Shuttle main engines, in addition to 

development and flightworthy testing for new controllers to be used on the first four missions. These test 

series demonstrated RS-25 engines can perform at higher power levels needed for SLS while achieving 

cost reductions with innovative and advanced manufacturing methods. The final four engines for Artemis 

I were delivered to Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans, LA. Additionally, Artemis II 

engines are complete and will serve as contingency engines for Artemis I.

The software team completed the Green Run advance to shutdown regression testing, in addition to 

release 14 of the flight control application software. Additional testing was conducted in the Software 

Integration Test Facility, where qualification testing was conducted to complete avionics subsystem 

qualification.

Manufacturing and checkout of 10 motor segments that will power the initial two solid rocket boosters is 

complete. The boosters team finalized the fabrication of all 10 motor segments and fitted them with key 

flight instrumentation. The propellant-liner-insulation flight rationale (PLI) is complete, and the Artemis I 

PLI waiver is signed, resolving motor segment solid propellant and outer casing insulation concerns.

Artemis I core stage elements integration is nearing finalization with the completion of the “forward 

join,” the mating of the forward skirt, liquid oxygen tank, and intertank. The team horizontally connected 

the liquid hydrogen tank to the intertank using 360 bolts. The boat-tail structure, a fairing-like covering to 

protect the bottom end of the core stage, joined to the engine section, marking the completion of the 

engine section integration.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Artemis I core stage hot fire testing, also known as the Green Run test, is to be completed in FY 2020. 

Green Run testing will test fire the flight core stage with a full load of fuel and liquid oxygen in the B-2 

test stand at SSC. The test will conduct modal testing, vehicle power-on checks, main propulsion system 

and engine leak function checks, and other systems verifications. This hot-fire test is critical to ensuring 

all core stage components are cleared and ready for vehicle certification and final integration at KSC. The 

LVSA assembly and check out for Artemis I will also complete at KSC. The Design Certification Review 

Board will certify the vehicle in preparation for the Artemis I Flight Readiness Review. 

Upon completion of a successful Green Run test, the core stage will be delivered to KSC. With all 

Artemis I SLS hardware at KSC, SLS will hand off all launch vehicle components to Exploration Ground 

Systems (EGS). EGS will integrate the launch system with the Orion crew vehicle in KSC’s Vehicle 

Assembly Building using a co-developed design center concept. The SLS team will continue to provide 

subject matter expertise as needed to support vehicle build-up and Integrated Test and Checkout. Artemis 
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I booster segments will ship to KSC by spring 2020 to take advantage of favorable warmer conditions 

from Utah, where the segments are stored. Once the booster segments arrive at KSC, booster stacking will 

begin. SLS will continue DDT&E work on the universal stage adaptor and payload attach fitting. 

The SLS program will shift focus to Artemis II and III upon delivery of the first core stage to KSC. 

Manufacturing of Artemis II and beyond SLS components will continue with the fabrication of the 

intertank, liquid oxygen tank, and others. Additionally, long lead items for Artemis III, core stage IV and 

V, will begin the procurement process. Per appropriations direction, SLS will continue design and 

development of the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) and work toward the EUS Critical Design Review 

(CDR) in FY 2021. However, the President's Budget recommends deferring these activities to support the 

successful completion of Block 1 and Artemis mission objectives.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

FY 2021 will be an exciting year for SLS, and the Agency, with the potential for an Artemis I launch. 

Prior to launch, the Artemis I Design Certification Review and Preliminary Flight Readiness Review will 

be completed. The integrated test flight will provide critical data regarding ground systems, the launch 

vehicle, spacecraft performance, and human deep space exploration operations. 

SLS will also continue Artemis II core stage hardware manufacturing with the production of the Orion 

stage adaptor, production of the engine section boat tail join, the completion of ICPS-2, engine delivery to 

MAF, and others. The flight readiness analysis cycle for Artemis II will begin, and SLS will start core 

stage final assembly and integration for a March 2022 delivery to EGS at KSC.

While Artemis I and II are well on their way, Artemis III hardware builds will continue, including the 

Artemis III Orion stage adaptor, ICPS-3, and launch vehicle stage adaptor for the anticipated 2024 crewed 

launch. Artemis III will be the first Artemis lunar surface mission. SLS will also initiate contract actions 

for the Artemis IV launch vehicle stage adaptor and the stages production evolution contract. 

Schedule Commitments/Key Milestones

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-A Nov 2011 Nov 2011

Formulation Authorization May 2012 May 2012

SRR/S May 2012 May 2012

KDP-B Agency Project Management 

Council (APMC) Jul 2012 Jul 2012

PDR Board Jun 2013 Jun 2013

KDP-C APMC Jan 2014 Jan 2014
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Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

CDR Board Jul 2015 Jul 2015

Design Certification Review Sep 2017 Date under review

Artemis 1 Launch Readiness Nov 2018 Date under review

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2015 7,021.4 70% 2020 8,750.2 +24.6%

Artemis I 

Launch 

Readiness

Nov 2018 TBD TBD

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its confidence-related 

estimation techniques and actual expenditures reporting processes. NASA continues to review past reporting, and 

estimates do not necessarily accurately incorporate actual expenditures to date. Additionally, cost and confidence

levels do not reflect the cost impacts of currently anticipated schedule delays. The estimates are expected to increase 

as NASA assesses the impacts of further delays and updates reporting on expenditures. Estimate reflects the 

practices and policies at the time it was developed. Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are 

denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs (confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily 

factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes on cost. 

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is conducting 

a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key components. This 

assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and 

program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and programmatic assessment, 

including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will 

review the results of these assessments before considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning 

dates.
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Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 7,021.4 8,750.2 +1,728.8

Stages Element 3,138.6 4,957.4 +1,818.8

Liquid Engines Office* 1,198.3 485.4 -712.9

Booster Element 1,090.3 1,020.4 -69.9

Spacecraft Payload Integration 

and Evolution (SPIE) 447.1 558.0 +110.9

Other 1,147.1 1,728.9 +581.8

*The Agency Baseline Commitment previously included fixed and shared costs with the RS-25 production restart 

activity (in the Liquid Engines Office), which supports Artemis I and later missions. SLS removed those costs from 

the estimate and significantly lowered the Artemis I Liquid Engines Office and Current Year Development Cost 

Estimate.

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is conducting 

a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key components. This 

assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and 

program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and programmatic assessment, 

including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will 

review the results of these assessments before considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning 

dates.

Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Booster

Responsible for development, 

testing, production, and 

support for the five-segment 

solid rocket motor to be used 

on initial capability flights.

Provider: Marshall Space Flight Center 

(MSFC)

Lead Center: MSFC

Performing Center(s): MSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Engines

Responsible for development 

and/or testing, production, 

and support for both core 

stage (RS-25) and upper stage 

liquid engines.

Provider: MSFC

Lead Center: MSFC

Performing Center(s): MSFC; SSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
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Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Stages

Responsible for development, 

testing, production, and 

support of hardware elements, 

including core and upper 

stages, liquid engine

integration, and avionics 

integration.

Provider: MSFC

Lead Center: MSFC

Performing Center(s): MSFC/MAF; 

SSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Spacecraft 

Payloads and 

Integration

Responsible for development, 

testing, production, and 

support of hardware elements 

for integrating the Orion and 

payloads onto SLS, including 

the ICPS, Orion stage adapter, 

LVSA, universal stage 

adaptor, and payload fairings.

Provider: MSFC

Lead Center: MSFC

Performing Center(s): MSFC, LaRC, 

GRC, and KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement (Ranked in 

Sequential order) Mitigation

If: Challenges associated with the 

completion of remaining firsttime core stage manufacturing 

and testing activities persist,

Then: Schedule impacts and 

further delays will be realized.

Program is incorporating improved manufacturing techniques, including 

optimized tooling and lapping activities prior to engine installs. White light 

scanning and access kit modeling to identify structural interferences will 

reduce taxing confined space entry and re-entry. Fully integrated functional 

testing will provide resolution of technical challenges resulting from 

qualification of components and subsystems. Enhanced planning processes 

and tracking metrics will mitigate schedule risks and unforeseen challenges 

for first-time development and manufacturing. Relocation of key program 

leadership on-site to MAF to support day-to-day activities will enable realtime decision-making, increasing opportunities to improve schedule 

performance.
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Risk Statement (Ranked in 

Sequential order) Mitigation

If: Green Run schedule risks -

stage controller certification for 

wet dress and hot fire test,

system-level problems, 

interactions of hardware, 

software, and avionics in an 

operational environment -

materialize,

Then: Delivery date to EGS at 

KSC will be impacted.

Contractor implemented two-phase approach to mitigate schedule risks 

associated with first-time stage controller development. Pathfinder vehicle 

operations training at SSC's B-2 test stand provided technicians with 

opportunities to practice Pegasus barge logistics, self-propelled modular 

transport operations, facility sizing verifications, heavy lift crane operations, 

and maneuvering. Planned pre-wet dress rehearsal commodities stress test to 

ensure cryogenics vendor's logistics preparations and B-2 test stand 

readiness. Contractor will conduct integrated console training for stage 

controller activities and additional on stand training with "pit crew" 

approach. Procure spares for vehicle, facility, and ground support equipment. 

Planned optimized access for instrumentation removal at B-2 test stand will 

reduce damage to thermal protection system and other core stage 

components.

If: Significant follow-on traveled 

work to EGS at KSC is required,

Then: Final integration will 

experience additional delays.

Reduce post hot-fire engine refurbishments and thermal protection system 

repairs by reducing and eliminating inconsequential, low-risk tasks. Planned 

indoor engine refurbishment as traveled work to KSC will eliminate weather 

element exposure. VAB high-bay platforms allow for improved core stage 

component access versus SSC B-2 test stand access.

Delivery to EGS as early as possible to allow for additional full hardware 

integration in support of launch readiness date.

Acquisition Strategy

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Procurement for SLS launch vehicle development meets the Agency’s requirement to provide an 

evolvable vehicle within a schedule that supports various mission requirements. Procurements include use 

of existing assets to expedite development and further development of technologies and future 

competitions for advanced systems and key technology areas specific to SLS vehicle needs.

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Boosters Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems

(formerly Orbital ATK)

Magna, UT

Core Stage Engine Aerojet Rocketdyne Desoto Park, CA; SSC

ICPS United Launch Alliance under contract to 

Boeing Aerospace

Huntsville, AL

Stages Boeing Aerospace New Orleans, LA
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Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Upper Stage Engines Aerojet Rocketdyne West Palm Beach, FL

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS 

NASA established an SRB to perform the independent reviews of the Launch Vehicle Development

project as required by NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) 7120.5.

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

PDR SRB Aug 

2013

To evaluate the completeness/ 

consistency of the planning, 

technical, cost, and schedule 

baselines developed during 

formulation; assess compliance 

of the preliminary design with 

applicable requirements; and 

determine if the project is 

sufficiently mature to begin 

Phase C.

The SRB evaluated 

the project and 

determined the 

project is 

sufficiently mature 

to begin Phase C 

and begin final 

design and 

fabrication.

N/A

CDR SRB Jul 

2015

To evaluate the integrity of the 

project design and its ability to 

meet mission requirements with 

appropriate margins and 

acceptable risk within defined 

project constraints, including 

available resources. To 

determine if the design is 

appropriately mature to continue 

with the final design and 

fabrication phase.

The SRB evaluated 

the project and 

determined the 

project is 

sufficiently mature 

to progress to major 

manufacturing, 

assembly, and 

integration. 

N/A

ESD 

Artemis I 

Independent 

Schedule 

Assessment

Schedule 

assessors 

from the 

OCFO

Jun 

2019

Programmatic assessment and 

analysis of Artemis I schedules 

and schedule risk across all ESD 

programs with an emphasis on 

program performance and risks.

NASA leadership 

was briefed on 

Artemis I launch 

date options.

N/A

ESD 

Artemis I 

Re-baseline

Independent 

Review 

Team 

Spring 

2020

Programmatic assessment and 

analysis of Artemis I schedule 

and schedule risks of Artemis I 

launch date and JCL.

Upon completion of 

review, establish 

revised baseline and 

launch readiness 

date.

N/A
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Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

CDR

SLS 

Independent 

Review 

Team

Sept 

2020 

To certify the implemented 

design complies with applicable 

requirements and necessary 

verification activities are 

satisfactorily completed.

Certification of the 

SLS Block 1 design.

N/A
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 592.8 590.0 384.7 450.6 431.6 436.0 463.0

Change from FY 2020 -205.3

Percentage change from FY 2020 -34.8%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This image shows the Space Launch System 

(SLS) 212-foot-long core stage pathfinder at the 

north end of the transfer aisle inside the Vehicle 

Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space 

Center (KSC). The Exploration Ground System 

(EGS) is using the core stage pathfinder to 

practice offloading, moving and stacking 

maneuvers, using important ground support 

equipment to train employees and certify all the 

equipment works properly.

The Exploration Ground System (EGS) program enables 

integration, processing, and launch of the Space Launch 

System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft. EGS is making all 

required facility and ground support equipment 

modifications at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to enable 

assembly, test, launch, and recovery of the SLS and 

Orion flight elements in support of the Artemis missions. 

EGS is also modernizing communication and control 

systems to support these activities. Upon completion, the 

KSC launch site will provide a more flexible, affordable, 

and responsive national launch capability compared to 

prior approaches.

The EGS program, based at KSC, develops and operates

the systems and facilities necessary to process, assemble, 

transport, and launch spacecraft and rockets. EGS’ 

mission is to transform the Center to a spaceport that can 

handle future Artemis missions as well as varieties of 

spacecraft and rockets—both Government and 

commercial.

EGS is upgrading Launch Pad 39B, the crawlertransporters, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the Launch Control Center’s Young-Crippen Firing 

Room 1, the mobile launcher, and other ground facilities.

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html
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Program Elements

EGS PROGRAM INTEGRATION AND SUPPORT

EGS program integration and support activities manage the SLS and Orion program interfaces. This effort 

is critical to ensuring ground systems' performance meets technical and safety specifications and supports 

the programmatic assessments key to achieving integrated technical, cost, and schedule management. In 

addition, the EGS integration effort is vital to managing interfaces with other Human Exploration and 

Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) activities, including strategic studies, feasibility studies, and 

small-scale research tasks that feed into future human exploration. Coordination and timely integration 

across the three programs enable the Agency to avoid potential design overlaps, schedule disconnects, and 

cost issues.

EXPLORATION GROUND SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

See the Exploration Ground Systems Development.
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Systems Development: Exploration Ground 

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 974.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 974.7

Development/Implementation 1721.7 342.3 179.2 85.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2329.0

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 2696.4 342.3 179.2 85.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3303.7

Total Budget 3014.7 586.6 558.7 377.0 447.0 428.0 436.0 443.0 0.0 6291.0

Change from FY 2020 -181.7

Percentage change from FY 2020 -32.5%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The difference between the total budget and the MPAR LCC estimate is the total budget includes content outside of 

Artemis I and excludes CoF; LCC only includes Artemis I content, including CoF.

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is conducting 

a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key components. This 

assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and 

program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and programmatic assessment, 

including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will 

review the results of these assessments before considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning 

dates.
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The 212-foot-long Space Launch System (SLS) 

rocket core stage pathfinder is moved into the low 

bay of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy 

Space Center (KSC) on October 1, 2019.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) is preparing to 

launch the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion 

space transportation systems in support of Artemis 

missions. EGS is developing the necessary ground 

systems while refurbishing and upgrading

infrastructure and facilities required for assembly, test, 

and launch of SLS and Orion, along with the landing 

and recovery activities of Orion. This includes the pad, 

known as Launch Complex-39B (LC-39B), the Vehicle 

Assembly Building (VAB), the mobile launcher (ML), 

and other smaller facilities to move from a Space 

Shuttle focus to one in support of Artemis missions. 

The modernization efforts maintain flexibility on LC39B and in the VAB to accommodate other potential 

users and commercial partners. Additionally, following the Artemis I launch of SLS and Orion, the ML-1, 

VAB, and pad will undergo modifications to accommodate crewed flight. KSC has more than 50 years 

serving as our nation’s gateway to exploring the universe. Taking the knowledge and assets of NASA’s 

successful spacefaring past, the EGS Program is helping to build a successful and diverse future in 

spaceflight.

For more information, go to: http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is 

conducting a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key 

components. This assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems 

engineering integration and program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent 

technical and programmatic assessment, including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of 

the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will review the results of these assessments before 

considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning dates. NASA anticipates updated 

launch planning dates no later than the third quarter of FY 2020.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

Unlike previous work focusing on a single kind of launch vehicle, such as the Saturn V or Space Shuttle, 

engineers and managers in EGS are preparing infrastructure to support several different kinds of 

spacecraft and rockets that are in development, including the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the 

Artemis program. EGS is focusing on the equipment, management and operations required to safely 

connect a spacecraft with a rocket, move the launch vehicle to the launch pad and successfully launch it 

into space. The work entails use of many of the facilities unique to KSC, such as the 52-story VAB and 
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LC-39B. EGS is modernizing and upgrading KSC’s ground systems and facilities required to integrate 

SLS and Orion, move the integrated vehicle to the launch pad, and launch it successfully into space. For 

the Artemis missions, the EGS team is developing procedures and protocols to process the spacecraft, 

rocket stages, and launch abort system before assembly into one vehicle. Additional work required to 

launch astronauts into space includes modifying the ML-1 and crawler-transporters; preparing LC-39B at 

KSC; and modernizing computers, software, tracking systems, and other network communications.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

In October 2018, EGS completed the first high speed retraction test on the Orion Service Module 

Umbilical (OSMU) on the ML-1. The test verified umbilical arm alignment, rotation speed, and latch 

back systems. The OSMU will transfer power, data, and coolant for the electronics and purge air from the 

environmental controls to the Orion service module and Launch Abort System.

The program performed several water flow tests on the Ignition Overpressure Protection and Sound 

Suppression water deluge system on the ML-1 at LC-39B. The testing was part of a series of tests done to 

verify the system is ready for the new SLS rocket. Modifications were made to the pad after previous wet 

flow test, increasing the performance of the system. At peak flow, the water reached about 100 feet in the 

air above the pad surface. During the launch of Artemis I and subsequent missions, this water deluge 

system will release approximately 450,000 gallons of water across the ML-1 and Flame Deflector to 

reduce the extreme heat and energy generated by the rocket during ignition and liftoff.

EGS engineers conducted Underway Recovery Test-7 (URT-7) off the coast of San Diego, California, 

using a mock Orion Spacecraft capsule. With astronauts on hand to add their perspective, the team 

worked to perfect the capabilities that will be used for recovery of future missions to the Moon and 

beyond. URT-7 is one in a series of tests to verify and validate procedures and hardware used to recover 

the Orion spacecraft after it splashes down in the Pacific Ocean following deep space exploration 

missions. The team performed the first complete recovery at night, which lasted until the early hours of 

the morning. During recovery operations, future astronauts aboard Orion will have the choice to stay in 

the capsule while it is pulled into the well deck of a U.S. Navy ship or be pulled out immediately and put 

on the "front porch" until taken by small boat back to the ship. Orion will have an emergency abort 

capability, which will sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space 

return velocities.

The European Service Module (ESM) arrived at KSC in November 2018. The service module will 

undergo a host of tests and integration work ahead of Artemis I. Engineers will complete functional 

checkouts to ensure all elements are working properly before connecting to the Orion Crew Module

(CM). Teams will weld together fluid lines to route gases and fuel and make electrical wiring 

connections. 

In April 2019, the engine installer, one of the larger pieces of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) that will 

be used to prepare the SLS rocket for its launch, arrived at KSC. The new equipment will be ready for 

preflight processing in the event one of the four RS-25 engines on the core stage of the rocket needs to be 
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replaced. The engine installer has its own dedicated platform measuring 30 feet wide by 30 feet long by 

15 feet tall. 

In July, the System Acceptance Review and Operational Readiness Review (ORR) was successfully 

completed for the Rotation, Processing, and Surge Facility (RPSF). This life cycle review evaluated the 

RPSF’s readiness to receive, process, integrate, and launch flight hardware for Artemis I and beyond. The 

RPSF will receive the Solid Rocket Booster segments for the SLS rocket. The pieces are inspected before 

two 200-ton cranes are positioned to lift the booster segments from a horizontal position to a vertical 

position. The RPSF will also receive the booster aft skirt from the Booster Fabrication Facility. During 

processing, the aft segment is attached to the aft skirt and aft exit cone. All the SLS solid rocket 

components processed in the RPSF will be transported to the transfer aisle in the VAB for final assembly 

on the ML-1. 

The program performed the first terminal countdown demonstration for the inaugural flight of the SLS 

rocket and Orion spacecraft. The demonstration was intended to validate the launch team’s capability to 

perform an Artemis I countdown and respond to problems put into the system for practice.

A drop test of the Tail Service Mast Umbilicals (TSMU) for the SLS launch vehicle was completed on the 

ML-1 in June 2019. The drop test was performed to ensure that the umbilicals will disconnect before 

launch of the SLS carrying Orion on its first uncrewed mission, Artemis I, from LC-39B.

The ML-1, carried atop the crawler-transporter 2, made the 10-hour trip to the pad from the VAB, where 

it had been for testing since last fall. At 380 feet tall, the ML-1 contains all the connection lines – known 

as umbilicals – and ground support equipment that will provide SLS and Orion with the necessary power, 

communications, fuel, and coolant for launch. The ML-1 went through a series of critical tests in the 

VAB, which included umbilical arm swing tests, environmental control system tests, hydraulic testing, 

nitrogen and helium testing, and electrical tests to verify commands from the Launch Control Center were

properly communicating with the GSE and umbilicals.

One important test involved swinging three umbilical arms on the ML-1 simultaneously, which is the first 

time all three arms moved together, just as they would during launch. The three arms being tested were

the core stage intertank umbilical, the core stage forward skirt umbilical, and the interim cryogenic 

propulsion stage (ICPS) umbilical. The umbilicals for the intertank and forward skirt will provide power 

and air to purge the lines for the SLS rocket. The umbilical for the ICPS will provide cryogenic 

propellants – or super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen – in addition to power and purge air to 

the ICPS. The ML-1 will roll back to the VAB for minor testing before SLS and Orion stacking.

Per FY 2019 appropriation, the program is building a second mobile launcher, known as Mobile 

Launcher-2 (ML-2). The design and build contract was awarded to Bechtel National, Inc., of Reston, 

Virginia. ML-2 is the ground structure that will be used to assemble, process, and launch the SLS Block 

1B rocket and Orion spacecraft from LC-39B.

NASA’s Pegasus barge arrived at KSC in September 2019 with a full-scale mock-up of the core stage 

called a "pathfinder". Weighing in at nearly 225,000 pounds, the core stage of the SLS is one of the 
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largest and heaviest pieces of hardware that will be processed for Artemis missions. The core stage 

pathfinder was used to practice offloading, moving, and stacking maneuvers, using important GSE to 

train employees and certify all the equipment works properly. The core stage pathfinder is the first 

opportunity for the entire KSC team to verify, validate, and execute the engineering and planning 

associated with handling of the SLS core stage flight hardware, setting the stage for an experienced 

workforce and efficient processing for the historic Artemis missions. The core stage pathfinder stayed at 

KSC for approximately one month to complete these activities.

EGS continued ground systems development efforts, including structural modifications for ML-1, 

installation of GSE and completion of the Environmental Control System. Additionally, EGS started 

construction activities for the new VAB platforms, ML-2, and LC-39B's new liquid hydrogen storage 

tank.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The program conducted the final water flow test in a series of sound suppression tests at LC-39B in 

preparation for the first Artemis I launch, scheduled for October 2020. The brief test is one of the final 

checkouts between the launch pad and the ML-1. At launch, the SLS will produce nearly 9,000,000

pounds of thrust—and a lot of sound. The purpose of the sound suppression system is to dampen sound 

and vibrations to keep the rocket and the launch pad safe at lift-off. During the test and the launch of early 

Artemis missions, 450,000 gallons of water will be released onto the ML-1 and the flame deflector.

The core stage pathfinder was reloaded onto the Pegasus barge and returned to the Michoud Assembly 

Facility in New Orleans following the completion of testing inside the VAB and the ML-1.

ML-1 has returned to the VAB, after completing Multi Element Validation and Verification (MEVV) at 

the pad in December 2019. 

EGS teams tested the flow of cryogenic fluids through the pad’s infrastructure – those systems that will 

send liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) to the rocket at the time of launch. These tests are 

in preparation for the launch of SLS with the Orion spacecraft atop for the uncrewed Artemis I mission.

The test verified the disposal methods for excess fluids, checked for leaks, confirmed that the LOX pumps 

could perform appropriately and validated that piping on ML-1 could handle the extremely cold 

temperatures of LOX and LH2. The next time these systems are used will be about two months before 

launch for the wet dress rehearsal, during which the SLS rocket deploys to the pad completely fueled and 

drained.

Much of the work in 2020 will be to complete a punch list of detail work inside the VAB. This includes 

cleaning the platforms and making minor repairs to any platform hardware that will be near flight 

hardware as the facility prepares for arrival of SLS components and stacking operations.
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EGS will complete software development efforts and MEVV of the ground systems in support of Artemis 

I. Spacecraft processing operations for Orion will take place at the Multi-Payload Processing Facility 

(MPPF), followed by SLS flight hardware assembly and SLS/Orion integration and testing at the VAB in

support of the Artemis I mission.

The program will conduct URT-8 at U.S. Naval Base San Diego to ensure safe recovery of the Orion 

crew module post the Artemis I mission. 

EGS software and ground facilities are nearing completion to support Artemis I.

In addition, EGS will continue ground systems development efforts in support of future mission 

requirements, including the first crewed flight on Artemis II. These preparations include modifications to 

LC-39, the VAB's Environmental Control System (ECS), and to ML-1 to support crewed missions. 

Upgrades to the Converter Compressor Facility will also occur. The program will continue construction 

activities of the Liquid Hydrogen Sphere at LC-39B. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

FY 2021 will be an exciting year as Artemis I is expected to launch. Prior to launch, the Artemis I Design 

Certification Review and Preliminary Flight Readiness Review will be completed. Once the vehicle is 

cleared for flight, the Artemis I mission will be set to become the first human spacecraft to the Moon in 

the 21st century. The integrated test flight will provide critical data regarding ground systems, the launch 

vehicle, spacecraft performance, and human deep space exploration operations. 

EGS program will begin upgrades and modifications to the VAB and ML-1 in support of Artemis II, the 

first crewed mission, and Artemis III, the mission landing the first woman and next man on the moon. 

The program will complete construction of LC-39's Liquid Hydrogen Sphere and begin verification and 

validation certification. The program will continue the Emergency Egress System and hardware prefabrication modifications and construction on ML-1 in support of Artemis II. 

In preparation for Artemis I, the program will complete the Integrated Test and Check Out (ITCO), 

launch, and recovery of Artemis I.

EGS will continue fabrication of ECS in the VAB and begin upgrades at LC-39B to support Artemis II

and Artemis III missions, continue upgrades at Compressor Converter Facility and begin modifications to 

support crew missions on ML-1. The program will also continue design of the liquid Nitrogen RL-10 

Chilldown system at LC-39B. 

Following the completion of Artemis I, the landing and recovery operations to recover the CM will be 

completed and the CM will be returned to KSC. 

Although NASA began design and construction of the second mobile launcher platform, additional 

funding to complete the project is being deferred. NASA does not have plans to utilize the second mobile 
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launcher in the near-term, and a final Block 1B design has not been set. Moving forward with further 

construction and design prior to understanding requirements would lead to future cost, schedule, and 

safety challenges. NASA is deferring these activities until needed but allowing core design and 

construction of the platform to continue while awaiting a decision on the upper stage configuration for 

future missions.

Schedule Commitments/Key Milestones

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Key Decision Point-A (KDP-A) Feb 2012 Feb 2012

Formulation Authorization Apr 2012 Apr 2012

Systems Requirement Review (SRR) / System 

Design Review (SDR)

Aug 2012 Aug 2012

KDP-B Agency Project Management Council 

(APMC)

Nov 2012 Nov 2012

Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Board Mar 2014 Mar 2014

KDP-C APMC May 2014 May 2014

Critical Design Review (CDR) Board Dec 2015 Dec 2015

System Integration Review (SIR) Apr 2018 Jun 2018

ORR / Flight Readiness Review (FRR) Aug 2018 Under Review

Artemis I Launch Readiness Sept 2018 Under Review
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Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2015 1,843.5 80% 2020 2,329.0 26.3%

Artemis I

Readiness

Nov 2018 *TBD TBD

The estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic estimation techniques and 

actual expenditures reporting processes. NASA continues to review past reporting and estimates do not necessarily 

accurately incorporate actual expenditures to date. Additionally, cost and confidence levels don't reflect the cost 

impacts of currently anticipated schedule delays. The estimates are expected to increase as NASA assesses the 

impacts of further delays and updates reporting on expenditures. 

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is conducting 

a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key components. This 

assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and 

program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and programmatic assessment, 

including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will 

review the results of these assessments before considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning 

dates.
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Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)

TOTAL 1,843.5 2,329.0 +485.5

Mobile Launcher 213.1 491.4 +278.3

LC-39B Pad 77.5 47.3 -30.2

VAB 92.7 40.4 -52.3

Command, Control, and 

Communications 198.0 458.7 +260.7

Offline Processing and 

Infrastructure 110.2 81.3 -28.9

Other 1,152.0 1,210.0 +58.0

*Other includes Crawler Transporter, Launch Equipment Test Facility, Integrated Operations, Program 

Management, Logistics, Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA), and Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I).

The Agency Baseline Commitment for LC-39B, VAB, and Offline Processing and Infrastructure previously 

integrated Operations cost which support Artemis I and later missions. EGS realigned those costs from each 

element and moved those costs to the Other element; significantly lowering those elements' Current Year 

Development Cost Estimate. In addition, the program removed $27 million in costs for the VAB Utility Annex from 

the VAB element estimate. Those costs were covered by Center Management and Operations as that work was 

determined to benefit all programs at KSC.

The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion of several assessments. NASA is conducting 

a Program Status Assessment of the overall Artemis effort, of which SLS and EGS are key components. This 

assessment includes review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and 

program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and programmatic assessment, 

including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will 

review the results of these assessments before considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning 

dates.
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Project Management & Commitments

EGS balances customer requirements among SLS, Orion, and other Government and commercial users. 

EGS is developing ground systems infrastructure necessary to assemble, test, launch, and recover Orion 

elements.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Ground Systems 

Implementation 

(GSI)

GSI is responsible for the 

design, development, build, 

hardware/software 

integration, verification and 

validation (V&V), test, and 

transition to operations for 

Program facility systems and 

Ground Support Equipment 

(GSE).

Provider: KSC

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): Ames Research 

Center

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Operations and 

Test 

Management

(O&TM)

O&TM is responsible for 

conducting overall planning 

and execution of both flight 

hardware and ground systems 

processing activities.

Provider: KSC

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Command, 

Control, 

Communication 

(C3) 

C3 is responsible for 

development, operation, and 

sustainment of End-to-End 

Command and Control and 

Communications services. 

Provider: KSC

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Program 

Management 

Team (PMT)

PMT includes project 

management, safety and 

mission assurance, logistics, 

systems engineering, utilities 

and facility operations, and 

maintenance.

Provider: KSC

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
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Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: There is insufficient time to perform all 

Verification and Validation (V&V) activities,

Then: There is a possibility of a schedule delay to 

the EGS Operations Readiness Date.

Adding notification milestones to program schedule to track a

nd manage progress throughout V&V.

If: The ML-1 GSE installation design is running 

in parallel with ground subsystem GSE and 

vehicle designs, 

Then: There is a possibility that unplanned 

revisions to the GSE Installation Design will be 

required and installation construction contract 

cost and schedules may be significantly 

impacted. This risk has a significant impact to the 

ML-1 operational readiness date to support 

launch.

Acceleration Schedule is under review by ML-1 team and 

contractors.

If: The current LH2 Tail Service Mast Umbilical 

quick disconnect leakage experienced at the 

Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF) during 

testing continues,

Then: There is the possibility that the component 

level leakage specification will continue to be 

exceeded during V&V testing, resulting in the 

inability to sustain LH2 flow and complete Wet 

Dress Rehearsal.

Boeing / SLS to deliver prototype 8” LH2 Fill/Drain 

disconnect interface seal to resolve hydrogen leakage 

observed during LETF testing. Perform an Offline Integrated 

Core Stage Engine Section LH2 Umbilical Ground/Flight 

Plate test to retest the LH2 disconnects under cryogenic 

conditions.

Perform successful ambient temperature helium leak checks 

of the LH2 Umbilical disconnect ground-to-flight interfaces.

Acquisition Strategy

To retain flexibility and maximize affordability, EGS serves as its own prime contractor for development 

activities. EGS executes SLS and Orion ground infrastructure and processing requirements by leveraging 

center and programmatic contracts. For more routine work, EGS also uses pre-qualified indefinitedelivery-indefinite-quantity contractors while exercising full and open competition for larger or more 

specialized projects, such as facility systems construction contracts, and associated GSE fabrication firmfixed-price contracts. A fixed-price contracting approach is the first choice whenever possible, as it 

provides maximum incentive for contractors to control costs because the contractors are subject to any 

losses incurred. In addition, a fixed-price contract imposes minimal administrative burden on the 

contracting parties.
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MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

EGS development activities will encompass projects of varying content and size. EGS does not have a 

prime contract; it uses the Center’s institutional contracts to execute the development, engineering, 

construction, and programmatic activities. If the project size or scope falls outside existing Center 

capabilities, then a competitively bid firm-fixed-price contract will be used. 

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

ML-1 Structural and Facility 

Support Modification Contract J.P. Donovan Construction, Inc. KSC

VAB Platform Construction Hensel Phelps Construction, Inc. KSC

ML-2 Design Build Bechtel National, Inc. KSC

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

All

Standing 

Review 

Board 

(SRB)

Nov 2012

To provide independent 

assessment of program 

technical plan, cost estimates, 

schedules, and risks at KDP-B.

Program cleared 

to proceed to next 

phase.

N/A 

PDR SRB Mar 2014

To evaluate completeness and 

consistency of program 

preliminary design; to

determine readiness to proceed 

with detailed design phase.

Program cleared 

to proceed to next 

phase.

N/A

CDR SRB Mar 2016

To demonstrate that program 

design is mature; support fullscale fabrication, assembly, 

integration, and test; and meet 

overall performance 

requirements within cost and 

schedule constraints.

Program cleared 

to proceed to next 

phase.

N/A

SIR

KSC 

Independent 

Review 

Team (IRT)

Jun 2018

To evaluate the readiness of the 

program, including its projects 

and supporting infrastructure, 

to begin system Assembly, 

Integration, and Test with 

acceptable risk and within cost 

and schedule constraints. 

Program cleared 

to proceed to next 

phase.

N/A
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Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

ESD 

Artemis I 

Independent 

Schedule 

Assessment

Schedule 

assessors 

from Office 

of the Chief 

Financial 

Officer 

(OCFO)

Jun 2019

Programmatic assessment and 

analysis of Artemis I schedules 

across all ESD programs with 

an emphasis on program 

performance and risks.

OCFO staff 

briefed NASA 

leadership on 

Artemis I launch 

date options

N/A

ESD 

Artemis I 

Re-baseline

Independent 

Review 

Team

Spring 2020

Programmatic assessment and 

analysis of Artemis I schedule 

and schedule risks of Artemis I 

launch date and JCL.

Upon completion 

of review, 

establish revised 

baseline and 

launch readiness 

date.

N/A
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Advanced Exploration Systems 348.9 -- 258.2 226.9 146.7 130.1 130.1

Advanced Cislunar and Surface 

Capabilities

132.1 -- 212.1 821.4 1664.5 1502.1 1152.6

Gateway 332.0 -- 739.3 712.1 481.8 376.5 476.4

Human Landing System 0.0 -- 3369.8 4388.1 5100.4 4971.3 3428.3

Human Research Program 145.0 -- 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0

Total Budget 958.0 1435.0 4719.4 6288.5 7533.4 7120.0 5327.4

Change from FY 2020 3284.4

Percentage change from FY 2020 228.9%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Artist rendition of the Human Landing System that 

will return astronauts to the Moon in 2024. 

The Exploration Research and Development (ERD) 

theme comprises five areas: the Human Landing 

System (HLS), Advanced Cislunar Surface 

Capabilities (ACSC), Gateway, Advanced 

Exploration Systems (AES), and the Human 

Research Program (HRP). The overarching goal of 

ERD is to infuse technologies and research into the 

development of human exploration capabilities and 

missions using a combination of unique in-house 

activities, public-private partnerships, and 

international partnerships. ERD is both developing 

and testing prototype systems as well as planning and 

developing flight missions to lunar orbit and the 

Moon to develop systems and operation capabilities that enable an eventual mission to Mars. ERD's work

will form the basis for future human spaceflight missions throughout the Moon to Mars campaign. These 

program objectives support the National Space Policy Directive (SPD)-1 and SPD-2, as well as the

Agency's Strategic Goal 2, which seeks to extend human presence deeper into space and to the Moon for 

sustainable, long-term exploration and utilization. 

The goal of the HLS program is to establish U.S. preeminence on the Moon by returning American 

astronauts to the lunar service, beginning with the first woman and the next man in 2024. HLS will utilize 

partnerships with industry to achieve this goal. NASA will select multiple industry partners and

collaborate with them to control long-term costs and schedule and maximize crew safety. 

The focus of ACSC is to develop lunar surface systems and lunar strategies and technologies that enable 

future Mars efforts. 
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As a key part of the return to the Moon and a foundation for Mars, ERD will lead development of the

Gateway, a small way station that will orbit the Moon and will serve as an orbital platform for human and 

robotic missions to the lunar surface. The Gateway will support sustainable human lunar surface 

exploration missions. 

AES invests in development and demonstration of exploration capabilities to reduce risks, lower life cycle 

costs, and validate operational concepts for future human missions. Ground habitation prototypes were 

developed through public-private partnerships to evaluate human factors for different habitat 

configurations. A primary focus will be to continue to mature and test capabilities in support of habitation 

life support systems that will be applied to life on the Moon and Mars. 

The goal of HRP is to provide human health and performance countermeasures, knowledge, technologies, 

and tools to enable safe, reliable, and productive human space exploration. As an applied research and 

development technology program, HRP uses research findings to develop procedures to lessen the effects 

of the space environment on the health and performance of humans working in that setting. With the goal 

of traveling to Mars and beyond, the program is using ground research facilities, the International Space 

Station, and analog environments to develop procedures and to advance research areas that are unique to 

Mars.

ERD activities utilize a variety of agreements and contracts that enable NASA, private industry, 

academia, and international partners to share in the risks and rewards of Government investments. These 

shared risks include incentivizing technical performance and building future commercial markets with

financial interest in developing capabilities. These programs are also utilizing the unique skills of the 

NASA workforce to perform risk reduction, develop life support systems, and build the missions that will 

take humanity back to the Moon and beyond. 

The technology capabilities and processes pioneered by ERD will enable the first intrepid crews of the

new space age to travel safely to and from the surface of the Moon, mature sustainability on the Moon, 

and land on the surface of Mars. These missions will enable new scientific discoveries and promote new 

technologies, research, and systems needed to sustain living in deep space for the benefit of all 

humankind. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The HLS program was established and is no longer a component of ACSC. 
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 348.9 -- 258.2 226.9 146.7 130.1 130.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (SAM), shown 

here, was launched to the International Space Station

(ISS) and has begun operating successfully. 

The Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) 

activities develop high-priority technologies and 

capabilities and infuse them into prototype 

systems that will form the basis for future human 

spaceflight missions. These activities use a 

combination of unique in-house activities and 

public-private partnerships. 

To enable NASA's Artemis initiative, AES is 

investing in development and demonstration of 

exploration capabilities to reduce risk, lower life 

cycle cost, and validate operational concepts for 

future human missions through habitation 

capabilities, systems, and other technologies. The 

Agency identifies and addresses potential risks by 

performing early validation and ground/flight 

testing of new capabilities prior to integration into 

planned operational systems. This approach minimizes cost growth and improves affordability of future 

space exploration. AES is focusing on advancing the technologies that will foster a sustainable presence 

on the Moon and enable a lasting and productive presence utilizing reusable systems. These technologies 

will provide access for a diverse body of contributing partners and sustainability for repeatable trips to 

multiple destinations across the lunar surface.

To test the technologies, capabilities, and systems required for deep space missions, AES is employing a 

stepping-stone approach by testing on the ground, in low-Earth orbit (LEO), and in cislunar space. The 

goal is to make exploration missions more capable, safer, and more affordable. 

AES will continue to work on identifying and addressing knowledge gaps and delivering fundamental 

capabilities to provide astronauts a place to live and work with integrated life support systems, radiation 

protection, food, fire safety, avionics and software, logistics management, and systems to manage waste.

AES provides the critical technologies to enable Artemis missions, including capabilities that enable

sustained surface missions. The technology capabilities and processes pioneered by AES will enable the 

crews of the new space age to cross countless frontiers, stay safe and healthy, make scientific discoveries, 

and sustain new homes away from Earth for the benefit of all humankind. 
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EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

AES transferred content and budget for three activities that have matured enough to move to the next 

phase of implementation. The Disruption Tolerant Network was transferred to Space Communications 

and Navigation (SCaN), the Cube Satellite Launch Initiative is now managed by the Launch Services 

Program (LSP), and the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

(SPHERES) activity is being executed by the International Space Station (ISS) program.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019 

In FY 2019, AES continued a crucial set of activities to gain a fundamental understanding of novel 

habitation structures, integrated advanced life support systems, environmental monitoring, logistics 

reduction, fire safety, crew health and radiation protection, and avionics and software for increased 

autonomy. AES continued work on additional technologies in the areas of synthetic biology applications, 

in-space manufacturing, robotic precursor missions, and vehicle systems, including modular power 

systems, advanced propulsion technologies, and lander technologies. Together, these technologies will

close critical capability gaps necessary for deep space missions, including the Artemis architecture, and

future human crewed missions to Mars. 

AES completed assembly of Spacecraft Fire Safety (Saffire) IV and nearly completed assembly of Saffire

V. The Saffire payloads help us understand how large-scale fires spread in microgravity and help us 

improve fire detection, suppression, and clean-up techniques. NASA will use the knowledge obtained 

from these experiments in detailed analysis and optimization for future fire protection systems. 

AES continued to integrate advanced autonomy software, sensors, and feedback controls with advanced 

life support hardware to demonstrate improved overall efficiency and increased autonomy. The NASA 

Platform for Autonomous Systems was developed as a prototype hierarchical distributed autonomous 

operation capability for the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP)-2 

Northrup Grumman Habitat. It includes a software capability required for beyond LEO operations that 

does not rely on mission control from the ground. 

AES continued the NextSTEP with commercial industry to prototype habitats, life support systems, and 

other habitation technologies and conduct integrated ground and ISS-based testing to reduce risk for deep 

space missions.

AES began ISS flight demonstrations of life support and environmental monitoring subsystems when the 

Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (SAM) launched on SpaceX 18. The SAM is installed on ISS and is 

continuously monitoring concentrations of major constituents of the atmosphere such as oxygen and 

nitrogen. SAM is just one example of reliable, energy efficient, and low-mass spacecraft systems that 

provide environmental control and life support systems that are critical to enabling long duration human 

missions beyond LEO. 

Space radiation environments must be measured to determine astronaut exposures. In FY 2019, the 

Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor was deployed on ISS to refine radiation data analysis and serve as 

an opportunity to evaluate the hardware prior to the Artemis I flight.

AES support for the Orion Ascent Abort-2 (AA-2) flight test article was completed. The AA-2 flight test 

successfully demonstrated the ability of the Launch Abort System to safely separate the Orion Crew 
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Module from the Space Launch System (SLS) during an ascent abort scenario. The avionics and core 

flight software developed by AES was used on the test flight and is now mature enough to be utilized on 

other systems for future capabilities.

Through ISS flight demonstrations and improvements to the current ISS life support, environmental 

monitoring, fire safety, and crew health systems, AES habitation capabilities are progressing. There was 

also continued progress in the reliability and performance of the ISS oxygen generation assembly, the ISS 

urine processor assembly, the ISS water processor assembly, the temperature and humidity control 

condensing heat exchangers, and the technologies used for carbon dioxide removal. The first of three 

candidate carbon dioxide removal devices was flown to ISS in 2019. Ground development of smaller, 

more efficient exercise devices and a crop production capability is also continuing development for 

upcoming ISS flight demonstrations. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

As NASA works to extend human space exploration beyond LEO, AES will continue to develop reliable 

life support systems, deep space habitats, and overall capabilities to reduce logistics requirements to 

support sustainable human spaceflight missions that eliminate the dependencies on frequent resupply 

from Earth.

The NextSTEP habitation prototype industry partners provided NASA the functional habitat ground 

prototype units in FY 2019 for ground testing in FY 2020. The ground prototypes are allowing NASA 

and the NextSTEP habitation partners to evaluate configurations and habitability attributes of the habitat, 

assess how the various systems interact together and with other capabilities such as propulsion modules 

and airlocks, and provide platforms to test and ensure standards and common interfaces to enable 

interoperability. 

Through a consistent test and verification approach, NASA will incorporate and test subsystems, 

facilities, and crew training approaches and receive feedback on human factors. The intended outcome of 

these activities is a complete set of long-duration deep space architecture designs (including standards, 

common interfaces, and testing approaches) from the awarded contractors as well as development and test 

of full-size ground prototypes. 

AES will launch and operate Saffire IV in early FY 2020 while also continuing the development of 

Saffire V and VI flight experiments to demonstrate combustion products monitoring and post fire 

cleanup. 

AES, in support of Gateway development, will continue to advance work on a graphical user interface 

requirement for day-to-day operations and system interaction. Avionics and software are the foundation 

that enables the command, control, communications, and computing capabilities needed to operate a 

spacecraft and subsystems in LEO and beyond. 

AES is completing development of four small CubeSats for launch on Artemis I in 2021: BioSentinel, 

Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) Scout, Lunar IceCube, and LunIR. Lunar IceCube and LunIR are NextSTEP 

partnerships in which costs are shared with industry and universities. All four projects are nearing 

completion with final spacecraft integration planned to occur this year. These CubeSats will not only help 

answer strategic knowledge gaps associated with the Moon, asteroids, and effects of space radiation on 

biological systems, but also will develop capabilities for deep space CubeSats enabling future missions 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

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for academia and industry. BioSentinel will study the effects of the deep space radiation environment on 

DNA, NEA Scout CubeSat will visit a candidate asteroid for future human exploration using a solar sail, 

Lunar IceCube will prospect for water in its various forms by scanning the lunar surface, and the LunIR 

satellite will capture and downlink infrared images of the lunar surface.

AES will continue ISS flight demonstrations of life support and environmental monitoring subsystems, 

including SAM, the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS), the Brine Processor Assembly- an 

advanced water separator, the ISS urine and water processors, and one of three planned advanced carbon 

dioxide removal systems. In addition, a UWMS will be delivered to Orion for the Artemis II mission. 

Development and production work continues in all other life support, logistics reduction, environmental 

monitoring, and crew health improvements toward ISS flight demonstrations in 2021 and beyond. 

Additionally, AES will embark on a ground-based test campaign of life support technologies intended to 

complement ISS-based testing and gather further reliability and performance data to ensure these systems 

are ready for use in missions beyond LEO.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

By FY 2021, the AES portfolio will be more aligned to the support of landing humans on the Moon and 

establishing a sustainable, long-term presence there. AES will be focused primarily on technology 

development that could be infused into flight or surface elements for the Gateway, Advanced Cislunar 

and Surface Capabilities (ACSC), and the Human Landing System (HLS) programs. 

AES habitation work will continue to deliver the fundamental capabilities and systems to provide 

astronauts a place to live and work in space. In addition to continuing ISS flight demonstrations begun 

prior to FY 2021, AES, in partnership with ISS, plans to complete flight hardware and demonstrate 

prototype systems and sub-systems on ISS, including improved carbon dioxide removal technologies and 

additional improvements to the ISS urine and water processors. Work on all other advanced habitation 

systems will also continue, with ISS flight demonstrations by 2025. AES will continue building upon the 

current commercial engagement contracts to advance commercial habitation, avionics, flight software, life 

support, in-space refueling capabilities, and other commercial space industries.

Program Elements

HABITATION

Habitation capabilities and systems deliver the fundamental capability to provide integrated life support 

systems, environmental monitoring, crew health, radiation protection, fire safety, and systems to manage 

food, waste, clothing, and tools that enable astronauts to carry out NASA’s mission in space and on other 

worlds. AES focuses on developing key habitation systems to enable the crews to live and work safely in 

space, with an initial focus on lunar missions. 

Activities include the expandable habitat Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), NextSTEP deep 

space habitation prototype development efforts, life support systems, logistics reduction, food and crew 

health systems, and radiation measurements and protection. Experiments to improve spacecraft fire safety 

are also underway to better understand how fire spreads and how to recover from fire events in 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS

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microgravity. These investments will progressively move from habitation subsystems to integrated 

systems and then be infused into deep space exploration elements and system designs. 

AES oversees the Agency’s habitation strategy and serves as the central management authority for 

NextSTEP. In this capacity, AES is the primary interface between the external NextSTEP partners and 

internal stakeholders, including Exploration Technology, ISS, Orion, SLS, the Human Research Program, 

and the SCaN program.

Through the NextSTEP effort, NASA and industry identify commercial capability development for LEO

that intersects with the Agency’s long-duration, deep space habitation requirements, along with any 

potential options to leverage commercial LEO advancements and promote commercial activity in LEO. 

The multiple phases of NextSTEP are informing NASA’s acquisition strategy for its deep space, longduration habitation capability. 

ROBOTIC PRECURSOR ACTIVITIES

Robotic Precursor Activities acquire strategic knowledge about potential destinations for human 

exploration. These efforts include the Artemis I CubeSats that will perform activities such as prospecting 

for lunar ice, studying the effects of space radiation, and demonstrating other instruments, research, and 

analysis. 

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS, INTEGRATION, AND STUDIES

Studies and analysis are conducted in AES to translate strategy into developmental (technology and 

capability) priorities and operational efficiencies, such as the NASA Agency Video, Audio, and Imagery 

Library. 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

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Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Dec 2019 Downselected exercise device for flight on ISS

Feb 2020 Begin ISS flight demonstration of water capture device

Mar 2020 Begin UWMS demonstration on ISS

Aug 2020 Upgrade ISS urine processor distillation assembly 

Aug 2020 Begin Brine Processor Assembly (BPA) demonstration on ISS

Aug 2020 Upgrade ISS water processor assembly catalytic reactor

Program Management & Commitments

Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) executes AES activities, and the 

Directorate’s Associate Administrator delegated management authority, responsibility, and accountability 

to the AES Division at NASA Headquarters. AES Division establishes overall direction and scope, 

budget, and resource allocation for activities implemented by the NASA centers. 

Program Element Provider

Habitation Capabilities 

Provider: NASA Centers

Lead Center: Headquarters (HQ) 

Performing Center(s): Johnson Space Center (JSC), Marshall Space Flight 

Center (MSFC), Ames Research Center (ARC), Glenn Research Center 

(GRC), Langley Research Center (LaRC), Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Cost Share Partner(s): Bigelow Aerospace, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Orbital 

ATK, Sierra Nevada, and NanoRacks (NextSTEP), Dynetics, UTAS, Paragon

Habitation Systems

Provider: NASA Centers

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): JSC, MSFC, ARC, GRC, Goddard Space Flight Center 

(GSFC), and JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Strategic Operations

Provider: NASA Centers

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Robotic Precursors

Provider: NASA Centers

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): MSFC, JPL, ARC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

ADVANCED EXPLORATION SYSTEMS

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Acquisition Strategy

Each year, AES evaluates how the portfolio aligns with human exploration priorities and technology gaps 

and either terminates or realigns activities that do not demonstrate adequate progress. AES also adds new 

activities to the portfolio as appropriate. AES will continue to utilize this process to identify and evaluate 

risk reduction activities needed in support of Gateway, HLS, and ACSC. AES strives to maximize 

specialized skills within the civil service workforce, but it may also utilize a small amount of contractor 

effort in areas where NASA can cost effectively leverage external skills and knowledge. AES will also 

use the Small Business Innovation Research program to engage small businesses for risk reduction and 

technology maturation. AES continues the use of competitively selected external awards and publicprivate partnerships. Upgrades to existing ISS life support systems will use existing contracts.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Habitation Systems: Universal Waste 

Management System Collins Aerospace Systems JSC

Habitation Systems: Inflatable Module Bigelow Aerospace North Las Vegas, NV; JSC

Habitation Systems: Brine Water 

Processor Paragon Tucson, AZ; MSFC

Habitation Systems: Thermal Amine 

CO2 Scrubber Collins Aerospace Windsor Locks, CT

Habitation Systems: Oxygen 

Generation Assembly Collins Aerospace Windsor Locks, CT

Habitation Systems: Water Processor 

Assembly Collins Aerospace Windsor Locks, CT

NextSTEP Broad Agency 

Announcement Awards

Boeing, Bigelow Aerospace, 

Lockheed Martin, Orbital ATK, 

Dynetics

JSC; MSFC; KSC
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INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

AES undergoes quarterly Directorate Program Management Council reviews, and periodically, 

representatives from the Office of Chief Engineer, the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, and the 

Office of Chief Financial Officer will assess AES performance during Agency-level Baseline 

Performance Reviews (BPR). In addition, AES provides briefing reports to, and seeks feedback on 

planning and development activities from, the NASA Advisory Council Human Exploration and 

Operation Committee and the Technology Committee. 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 132.1 -- 212.1 821.4 1664.5 1502.1 1152.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Through the Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities 

Program, NASA will begin formulation of an architecture 

that will lead to humans landing on the surface of the Moon 

and Mars. An artist's rendition of landing activities is 

presented here.

The Advanced Cislunar and Surface 

Capabilities (ACSC) program is formulating the 

systems that NASA will use to explore the 

surface of the Moon, which will provide 

experiences and capabilities that support future

Mars missions. These include surface mobility 

and foundational habitation systems. ACSC will 

utilize initial studies and pre-formulation 

activities for future surface systems and the 

elements required for lunar sustainability. As 

these critical lunar-related technologies and 

systems mature, they will be the building blocks 

for the capability to extend stays on the Moon.

In the near term, ACSC is conducting risk 

reduction studies to develop strategies and 

identify lunar surface technologies to contribute 

to both lunar sustainability and future missions to Mars. ACSC risk reduction is focused on extending the 

duration of lunar missions and investigating potential solutions for surface logistics through systems 

development and payload delivery services. ACSC is also investigating and testing refueling options and 

lunar robotics with a goal of achieving a continuous lunar presence.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

All content and budget specifically related to the 2024 return to the lunar surface, as well as subsequent 

lunar landing missions that directly result from the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships 

(NextSTEP) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Appendix H, is now managed by the HLS program. 

All Exploration Extra-Vehicular Activity (xEVA) suit related content, including risk reduction activities, 

is now managed by the Gateway program.

Lunar surface logistics services will be funded in ACSC.
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

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ACSC contains funding for lunar surface elements studies, risk reduction activities, and initial 

development. Surface elements include a lunar terrain vehicle, mobile habitation, and foundational 

habitation systems that will enable extended surface missions as required for a sustainable lunar presence.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA released and awarded Appendix E: Human Landing System Studies, Risk Reduction, 

Development, and Demonstration under the NextSTEP Phase 2 BAA. Through these awards, NASA 

solicited lander risk reduction activities and concepts which lead towards sending humans to the surface 

of the Moon and bringing them home safely as part of a sustainable campaign of exploration. 

In the lead up to the Appendix E awards, a second Human Landing System design analysis cycle was 

conducted to introduce early concepts for eventual missions to the lunar surface. This analysis fed directly 

into the requirements documents for the NextSTEP Phase 2 BAA Appendix H for the HLS program.

Lunar Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft Touchdown (Lunar CATALYST) partnerships 

concluded and the results are being evaluated. These efforts are directly applicable to future lander 

technologies. The CATALYST partnerships stimulated development of robotic lunar landers that can be 

integrated with U.S. Commercial Launch Vehicles (CLVs) to deliver payloads to the lunar surface, a 

capability that will inform the design of the Artemis missions in 2024 and beyond. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The Moon and Mars Architecture (M&MA) activity will initiate studies that provide context for how 

near-term lunar activities can be "Mars forward." M&MA will identify potential lunar surface systems, 

operations, and technology that will help NASA gain experience on and around the Moon that may

evolve into the systems, operations, and technology necessary for eventual Mars missions. Studies will 

incorporate a lunar terrain vehicle Request for Information (RFI) to be released in order to evaluate

potential industry partnerships.

Through a partnership with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), ACSC will deliver the 

ShadowCam flight instrument for launch on the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) in March 2020. 

NASA will provide Deep Space Network lunar navigation and trajectory assistance in return for 

accommodating ShadowCam, which will image the shadowed regions at the Moon's poles to detect the 

presence of ice and potentially help to identify future sites for human lunar landings and surface 

operations. 

The Tank Health Monitoring activity will construct a tank testing enclosure, control room, and test-tofailure pad at Kennedy Space Center. In collaboration with the HLS program, ACSC will continue 

experiments to extend the life of lightweight composite fuel tanks and develop sensors for measuring the 

mass of fuel available to Artemis missions in microgravity. 

ACSC is funding the first two Gateway Logistics Services (GLS) missions. The project is managed by 

Gateway.
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

ADVANCED CISLUNAR AND SURFACE CAPABILITIES

DEXP-61 

Solar Systems Trek is a software application that is combining images and other science data to simulate 

exploration of the solar system including the Moon, Mars, and small-bodies (e.g., asteroids) to inform 

future missions. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Studies conducted through the M&MA activity will continue to further develop strategies to take NASA 

beyond the initial Artemis missions. This will include a focus on lunar/Mars mission analog technologies 

and systems leading to Mars risk reduction activities on and around the Moon. Candidates for 

development could include a lunar terrain vehicle, a mobile lunar surface habitat, a foundation habitat, 

and surface power. By 2025, NASA expects multiple hardware developments for lunar surface assets to 

be underway. 

ACSC will demonstrate the Cryogenic Fluids In-Situ Liquefaction for Landers (CryoFILL), which is a 

prototype tank integrated with a vacuum jacket and a cryo-cooler that will liquefy and store cryogenic 

propellants produced by In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). This is a key technology for the Mars 

ascent vehicle that will produce propellants from the Mars atmosphere.

Program Elements

MOON & MARS ARCHITECTURE

M&MA activities are focused on developing the future exploration architecture to take humans from the 

initial lunar landing to a Mars landing. This architecture will identify needed capabilities and 

technologies, as well as define operational concepts that will guide the development of flight systems. 

Concepts and potential partnerships for crewed lunar surface systems such as habitats, rovers, and a 

robotic precursor to support human exploration will be formulated through these studies. 

SURFACE LOGISTICS

Through the GLS Request for Proposal, ACSC will use commercial partnerships to examine potential 

solutions for surface logistics through systems development and delivery.

ACSC CORE

These activities are focused on non-landing capabilities tied to lunar exploration. They include lunar 

mapping to inform selection of future HLS landing zones on the surface of the Moon, CryoFILL, tank 

structural health monitoring, and an international partnership with KARI. 
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Program Schedule

The specific schedule for ACSC is still in the formulation phase and needs to be informed primarily by 

commercial responses to planned industry engagements. During FY 2021, NASA will make significant 

progress on establishing milestones, program implementation assignments, and acquisition strategy 

beyond the initial engagements.

Date Significant Event

Feb 2020 Complete NextSTEP BAA HLS Appendix E for initial risk reduction capabilities

Mar 2020 Deliver ShadowCam instrument to KARI

Mar 2020 CryoFILL Complete prototype test article build-up

Sep 2020 CryoFILL sync-review Subscale Lander Tank Liquefaction ConOps Demo

Jun - Sep 2020 Mass Propellant Gauging/Tank Health Monitoring Development. Ground testing on flight 

type tanks including cryogenics and Test to Failure

Program Management & Commitments

The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) manages the ACSC activities. 

Program Element Provider

ACSC Core

Provider: NASA Centers

Lead Center: NASA Headquarters (HQ) 

Performing Center(s): Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Langley Research Center 

(LaRC), Glenn Research Center (GRC), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Johnson 

Space Center (JSC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Kennedy Space Center (KSC), 

Ames Research Center (ARC), Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC)

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Moon & Mars 

Architecture

Provider: NASA Centers

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): MSFC, LaRC, GRC, GSFC, JSC, KSC, ARC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Surface Logistics

Provider: TBD

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): JSC, JPL, KSC, ARC

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

ADVANCED CISLUNAR AND SURFACE CAPABILITIES

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Acquisition Strategy

Acquisition plans for all functions/elements of ACSC will be varied and depend upon specific activities 

as this effort is comprised of risk reduction activities, studies, and pre-formulation work. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

None. 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

None. 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 332.0 -- 739.3 712.1 481.8 376.5 476.4

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Shown here is an artist's rendition of the Gateway 

Phase 1, which will enable initial Artemis 

missions.

The Gateway will be an outpost orbiting the Moon that 

provides support for a sustainable, long-term human 

return to the lunar surface. The functionality will

provide minimum systems to support human lunar 

landings and serve as a command center and 

aggregation point for future lunar missions. This 

approach enables a flexible human exploration 

architecture and will allow future collaboration with

private sector companies and international partners. 

Depending on mission needs, the Gateway can 

potentially evolve to support future missions. The 

Gateway architecture is focused on two functional 

elements for sustaining lunar operations on the Moon. 

Those elements are the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost 

(HALO). The Gateway program also funds the Exploration Extravehicular Activity (xEVA) lunar surface 

efforts and a logistics capability for cargo delivery. Human lunar landers will dock with the Gateway and 

provide communications and support for lunar surface missions. In addition, NASA is working with 

international partners on potential future contributions for habitation and docking capability. The 

Gateway will enable science utilization, exploration technology demonstrations, and potential commercial 

utilization. 

The PPE is the initial element of the Gateway. NASA selected Maxar Technologies for the development, 

launch, and in-space demonstration of the PPE. Maxar is currently targeting launch of the element on a 

commercial rocket by late 2022. The flight demonstration will last up to one year, during which time the 

spacecraft will be fully owned and operated by Maxar. Maxar will vet the capabilities of the PPE 

spacecraft, perform commercialization activities, and ultimately transfer the PPE into the Gateway NearRectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) in cislunar space. Following a successful demonstration, NASA will have 

the option to acquire the spacecraft for use as the first element of the Gateway. Working in partnership 

with the Space Technology Mission Directorate, PPE will demonstrate advanced high-power Solar 

Electric Propulsion (SEP) bus systems that will support future NASA and commercial applications. The 

PPE will generate and store a minimum of 50 kilowatts, transfer power to the Gateway elements, and 

provide attitude control. Additionally, the PPE will provide accommodations for science and technology 

demonstration payloads. 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

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Negotiations are ongoing with Northrop Grumman to develop and deliver HALO. It will use a pressurized 

module with the same 10-foot diameter as the Cygnus cargo compartment, allowing the spacecraft to fit 

inside the payload fairing envelope of existing commercial rockets. HALO will dock with the PPE by 

2023. HALO will provide habitable and stowage volume and Environmental Control and Life Support 

Systems (ECLSS). HALO will also provide thermal control, allow power to pass through to other 

Gateway elements, provide communications with visiting vehicles and the lunar surface, and support 

external robotics and payloads. 

Gateway Logistics Services (GLS) are required for future human lunar landing missions. NASA is 

seeking capabilities from American companies to deliver logistics to the Gateway in support of lunar 

surface operations. 

A critical component for a return to the lunar surface is the xEVA System, which includes the Exploration 

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) spacesuit development, suit-to-vehicle interface equipment, system 

servicing equipment, and specialized tools for conducting extravehicular activities (EVA) on the lunar 

surface. The xEMU is designed to provide astronauts with enhanced mobility to accomplish their 

exploration tasks on the lunar surface. 

In addition to supporting human missions to the lunar surface and bringing crewmembers back safely to 

Earth, NASA will utilize the Gateway and lunar surface operations to conduct technology trials and 

scientific experiments to prepare for future crewed missions to Mars.

On the Gateway, the U.S. and its partners will test new technologies and systems as infrastructure is built

on the surface of the Moon for lunar exploration and in preparation for future missions to Mars. NASA 

will also study the effects of the deep space environment, learning how living organisms react to the 

radiation and microgravity of a deep space environment over long periods. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

Updates to the Gateway implementation strategy are now focused on making the orbiting outpost a 

smaller configuration than previously planned to support missions as soon as 2024. The PPE budget has 

been adjusted to align with the award to Maxar, and the Utilization Module is being re-designed as the 

smaller habitation element (HALO). In previous years, xEVA development was funded jointly by the 

International Space Station (ISS) Program and the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Division. With 

the maturation of xEVA to a project managed by Gateway Program, the xEVA budget has been aligned to 

Gateway. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019 

Gateway began defining system requirements, developing design and interoperability standards, 

establishing program and system-level control boards, developing strategy and execution mechanisms to 

acquire Gateway modules, and developing an integrated ground test plan for prototype habitats. 

At the conclusion of the NextSTEP Phase 2 study contracts, industry partners provided the functional 

habitat ground prototype units to NASA for testing. Ground testing began in 2019 and will complete in 

2020. It will further enable Gateway habitation design through a demonstrated, consistent test and 

verification approach, allowing NASA to incorporate and test subsystems, facilities, crew training 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

GATEWAY

DEXP-66 

approaches, and human factors. The intended outcome of these activities is a complete set of longduration deep space architecture designs (including standards, common interfaces, and testing 

approaches) from the awarded contractors, as well as development and testing of full-size ground 

prototypes. 

NASA also used the NextSTEP Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) to select Maxar Technologies to 

build the first element of the Gateway, PPE, which is set to launch in late 2022. Maxar successfully 

completed the PPE strategic requirements review (SRR) in September 2019. 

A Request for Proposal (RFP) for HALO was issued to Northrop Grumman to provide a minimum 

capability necessary to support a lunar mission with significant reliance on the Orion life support and 

crew systems. 

An RFP for Gateway Logistics was released in August 2019 to help NASA understand service options to 

transport cargo, equipment, and other goods, like food, to and from the orbiting outpost. 

xEVA completed preliminary design review (PDR) for the xEMU suit demonstration at ISS.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Gateway will conduct a Phase 1-focused Systems Definition Review (SDR) and implement the Gateway 

Digital Architecture to support SDR. Gateway will monitor development of transponder and baseband 

processor for S-Band communication systems for PPE and minimal habitation capability in coordination 

with Orion. A Modular Power Flight Hardware contract will be initiated. Design, Development, Test, and 

Evaluation (DDT&E) of the Vehicle Systems Manager (VSM), one of the Gateway/Lander backbone 

systems, will begin.

The PPE will complete Safety Reviews, PDR, and Baseline Completion Review. 

NASA will award a contract to Northrop Grumman for development and delivery of the HALO 

SRR/SDR, and PDR will be completed. 

Gateway will evaluate Gateway Logistics proposals received in October 2019 for firm fixed-price 

contract award. 

Within the xEVA system, the hi-fidelity Engineering Development Unit (EDU) of the xEMU is scheduled 

to be completed. Once tested, the xEMU will proceed to a critical design review (CDR) and assembly, 

integration, and tests of the unit will occur. The Spacesuit Evaporation Rejection Flight Experiment will 

be conducted on the ISS to validate the design of the xEMU thermal loop. 

A Request for Information (RFI) issued in early 2020 sought industry input on transitioning the xEVA 

production line to private industry for 2025 and beyond. A subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) is 

planned to be issued. 
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KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Gateway will conduct a PDR.

NASA will continue working with Maxar Technologies on PPE to enable successful delivery of the 

development schedule. The expected PPE milestones will include requirements, design reviews, and 

component procurements. PPE will work with NASA internal partners to codify deliverables and ensure 

NASA's confirmation baseline is established. 

Gateway planning will continue to identify technological advancements in commercial habitation, 

avionics, flight software, life support, in-space refueling capabilities, and other commercial space 

industries that may be incorporated into the Gateway modules. 

The HALO will complete CDR.

PDR for the first Logistics Module will be conducted. 

Program Projects

PROGRAM INTEGRATION AND MANAGEMENT

The Program Integration and Management Element is responsible for overall Gateway program 

management and management of cross-element and cross-program interfaces. The program office is 

responsible for the overall systems engineering and integration of the Gateway, programmatic guidance, 

oversight and insight, and assessments (e.g., technical, cost, schedule, acquisition, and legislative) of 

Gateway development health. 

POWER AND PROPULSION ELEMENT (PPE) 

The first element of the Gateway is the PPE project. The PPE is a robotic spacecraft that will provide 

electrical power and propulsion, orbital station keeping, orbital translation, and communication for the 

Gateway. It is being developed partially through a public-private partnership so that the capability is

directly applicable to a wide range of NASA, commercial, robotic, and human spaceflight missions. PPE 

will leverage U.S. commercially available space system development and launch capabilities and align

with anticipated industry needs. It will provide transportation for the Gateway between cislunar orbits as 

well as perform needed orbital maintenance. It will provide altitude control for the Gateway in multiple 

configurations, accommodations for external research payloads, communication to and from Earth, spaceto-space communication, and space-to-lunar communication. PPE will incorporate the NASA Docking 

System (NDS) for docking and refueling capabilities. At the end of the Gateway's operational life, PPE 

will move the integrated Gateway stack to a disposal orbit.

PPE works with U.S. industry while leveraging Exploration Technology investments in Advanced 

Electric Propulsion Systems (AEPS). PPE will demonstrate an advanced 50 kilowatt-class SEP system. 

PPE has a targeted launch readiness no earlier than December 2022. 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

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DEXP-68 

HABITATION AND LOGISTICS OUTPOST (HALO)

The Gateway HALO project provides a livable section and short-duration life support functions for the 

crew in cislunar space. The docking ports allow for attachment to the PPE, other elements, and visiting 

vehicles. The HALO also provides attach points for external robotics, external payloads, or rendezvous 

sensors; thermal radiators that provide heat rejection and micro-meteoroid protection; and additional 

habitat systems that provide accommodations for crew exercise, science/utilization, and stowage. Some 

functions may be outfitted via future logistics flights. HALO will be based on Northrup Grumman’s 

Cygnus spacecraft, which is used for ISS cargo missions. HALO will have an extra section, or bay, 

compared to the current three-bay Cygnus used on cargo missions. The stretched version will provide 

more volume and ensure adequate clearance for its docking ports. It will have two axial and two radial 

docking ports, power distribution systems, and command and control systems. HALO is scheduled for a 

late 2023 launch on a commercial rocket. HALO will then dock autonomously with the PPE. 

LOGISTICS SERVICES 

The functional reality of human habitation anywhere is that it involves the consumption of resources and 

the generation of waste. The Logistics Services project handles transportation of cargo to and from the 

Gateway. The orbit of the Gateway is optimized to enable Orion access and commercial logistics delivery 

for on-going resupply of the Gateway.

NASA is currently assessing specific configurations and strategy for pressurized and unpressurized 

logistics delivery, refueling, commercial launch vehicles (CLV), and the Orion pressurized logistics. All 

potential concepts deliver cargo to the Gateway to support the Artemis program. 

Logistics flights are being considered for cargo delivery to the Gateway to support potential lunar surface 

operations in 2024 and 2025, if needed. A logistics flight will also deliver the Canadian robotics arm. 

The Logistics spacecraft will have their own power, propulsion, and navigation systems to rendezvous 

autonomously with the Gateway in cislunar orbit and dock at a radial port. The Logistics spacecraft could

provide consumable resupply, outfitting equipment, and cargo delivery and disposal, including utilization 

and spares. 

EXPLORATION EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY (XEVA)

To support crewed exploration of the surface, NASA is developing the xEVA System. The xEVA System 

encompasses the complete suite of hardware required to conduct spacewalks on the lunar surface and the 

associated vehicle interfaces for servicing, recharge, and consumables exchange. The largest element of 

the xEVA System is the xEMU, NASA’s next generation spacesuit. It is designed to protect the crew 

during dynamic phases of flight, enables surface and microgravity EVA from an airlock, and requires 

minimal in-flight maintenance.

The xEMU is optimized for lunar surface missions and addresses the most challenging requirements for 

mobility, environmental protection, and spacewalk durations. The xEMU will tolerate the lunar thermal 

and dust environment and will incorporate features to minimize dust migration into the habitable 

environment. As the Artemis missions progress, and pre-deployed assets and infrastructure become 

available, the intent is to incorporate additional features for the sustained capability xEMU, which will 
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

GATEWAY

DEXP-69 

support more complex EVA tasks, increased traverse capability, extended service life, and increased crew 

autonomy during EVAs. The xEMU will be an in-house build for the 2024 expedition with testing of 

components and full suit demonstrations on ISS through 2023. 

Program Schedule

The Gateway elements and final configuration are still in the formulation phase. During FY 2020, NASA 

will make significant progress on establishing milestones, program implementation assignments, and 

further acquisition strategy decisions.

Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2020 Gateway System Definition Review (SDR)

Q4 FY 2020 PPE Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C)

Q1-2 FY 2021 Gateway Preliminary Design Review (PDR)

Dec 2022 PPE Launch Readiness Date (LRD)

Program Management & Commitments

The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) Associate Administrator (AA) 

assigned authority for the Gateway Program to Johnson Space Center (JSC). The Program Manager 

reports directly to the HEOMD AA in coordination with the Director of Human Lunar Exploration 

Programs. The Gateway program will make an Agency Baseline Commitment (ABC) for each project 

after it has reached a PDR-level of maturity. PPE will make an ABC in conjunction with the Gateway

KDP-0, and HALO, Logistics, and xEVA will make ABCs in conjunction with Gateway KDP-1. 

Program Element Provider

Power and Propulsion Element

Provider: Maxar Technologies

Lead Center: Glenn Research Center (GRC) 

Performing Center(s): GRC and JSC

Cost Share Partner(s): Maxar Technologies

HALO

Provider: Northrup Grumman

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): JSC and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Logistics

Provider: TBD

Lead Center: Kennedy Space Center (KSC) 

Performing Center(s): KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
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Program Element Provider

xEVA

Provider: JSC

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): JSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

The acquisition of the Gateway will incorporate a hybrid mix of contracted development, international 

and domestic partnerships, in-house expertise, and other innovative initiatives that have not yet been 

identified. All approaches that improve NASA’s acquisition agility and responsiveness to an evolutionary 

mission will be considered. NASA’s mandate to return American astronauts to the lunar surface by 2024 

necessitates that all acquisition options must be considered. The comprehensive attribute that binds the 

Gateway acquisition strategy is adherence to NASA’s strategic principles for sustainable exploration.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

PPE (May 2019) Maxar Technologies GRC

HALO (Mar 2020) Northrup Grumman JSC

Gateway Logistic Services (Q2 FY 2020) TBD KSC
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INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

*Independent review of PPE will be in conjunction with the Baseline Completion Review. 

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

PPE 

Authorization 

Review

Independent 

Review Team 

(IRT)

Goddard 

Space Flight 

Center 

(GSFC) 

chaired; 

NASA 

members

Jul 

2017

Independent review to support 

HEOMD Directorate Program 

Management Council (DPMC) 

decision to proceed with PPE

Passed

PPE 

Baseline 

Completion 

Review

Gateway 

Formulation 

Synchronization

Review (FSR)

Independent 

Review Team

Feb 

2019

Equivalent to an SRR, the FSR

evaluated the program’s functional

and performance requirements, 

ensuring proper formulation and

correlation with Agency and

HEOMD strategic objectives

Program 

cleared to 

proceed to 

next phase

Gateway 

SDR

Gateway 

Program 

Systems Design 

Review (SDR)

Standing 

Review Board 

(SRB) 

2020

To evaluate the completeness/ 

consistency of the planning, 

technical, cost, and schedule 

baselines developed during 

formulation; assess compliance of 

the preliminary design with 

applicable requirements; and 

determine if the project is 

sufficiently mature for Gateway 

Program KDP-0 

TBD Gateway 

PDR

Gateway 

Program 

Preliminary 

Design Review 

(PDR)

SRB 2021

To evaluate the completeness/ 

consistency of the planning, 

technical, cost, and schedule 

baselines developed during 

formulation; assess compliance of 

the preliminary design with 

applicable requirements; and 

determine if the project is 

sufficiently mature for Gateway 

Program KDP-1 

TBD TBD
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 0.0 -- 3369.8 4388.1 5100.4 4971.3 3428.3

 

Shown here is an artist's rendition of the Human Landing 

System (HLS), which NASA will use to return humans to 

the lunar surface.

The Human Landing System (HLS) program is 

an integral part of achieving NASA's Artemis 

goal of enabling discovery, economic growth, 

and American global leadership by landing the 

first woman and next man on the Moon's South 

Pole in 2024 as part of a sustained exploration 

program. 

Utilizing partnerships and competition to ensure 

affordability, the program relies on commercial 

partners to develop and jointly deploy the 

integrated landing system that will transport 

humans to and from the Moon. HLS is 

developing a series of lunar missions that build 

in capability beginning with the initial return of 

humans to the surface. Starting with Artemis III, 

HLS will support subsequent crewed missions to the lunar surface. HLS capabilities (including potential 

re-use of HLS hardware) will enable a sustainable long-term presence on the lunar surface in preparation 

for a human mission to Mars. 

The HLS program is working in parallel with Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) exploration

technology, Science Mission Directorate (SMD) scientific lunar exploration, and launch capabilities from 

commercial providers. The STMD Tipping Point program includes six awards that are related to lunar 

landers. HLS will work with STMD to ensure that the technologies developed are relevant and have highpotential to on-ramp to the lunar missions. These technologies, being developed by STMD, will be 

available for HLS providers to incorporate into their designs. Agency partnerships through Artemis will 

continue with SMD's Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program (LDEP). The partnership with SMD 

includes conducting scientific reconnaissance to help inform the science the astronauts will conduct on 

the lunar surface, coordinating and identifying NASA payloads to fly on commercial lunar transportation 

services missions, and identifying long-term exploration needs. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

The HLS program was created to manage and integrate NASA content, supporting industry development 

of an integrated lunar landing system. 

HLS has accelerated development of a human lunar landing architecture that will include human missions 

to the lunar surface. The human return to the lunar surface will now occur in 2024. The program will 

focus on working with industry to create an affordable and sustainable capability. 
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ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019 

NASA published a formal request for proposals for the Next Space Technologies for Exploration 

Partnerships (NextSTEP-2) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Appendix E: Human Landing System 

Studies, Risk Reduction, Development, and Demonstration to seek proposals from industry in support of 

design analysis, technology maturation, system development and integration, and spaceflight 

demonstrations for a human lunar landing system. NASA selected and funded 11 companies to conduct 

studies and produce prototypes of human landers for its Artemis lunar exploration program. The selected 

companies' studies and prototypes will provide schedule risk reduction for a potential descent, transfer, 

and/or refueling element for a prospective HLS by initiating landing system-related work prior to a 

potential HLS award. NASA was charged with accelerating plans to return to the Moon and to land 

humans on the surface again by 2024. 

To best accelerate NASA's return to the Moon, the HLS Program released the NextSTEP BAA Appendix 

H: Human Landing System - Integrated Lander to seek proposals from industry in support of design 

analysis, technology maturation, system development and integration, and space flight demonstrations for 

a human lunar landing system. The initial integrated lunar transportation system will deliver humans to 

the lunar surface and develop and demonstrate a more sustainable HLS for subsequent missions. NASA 

released the final call to industry in September 2019 following the issue of two drafts. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

HLS will select multiple industry partners for development and demonstration of an integrated landing 

system for lunar missions. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Industry partners will design lander systems, and HLS will hold design reviews with those partners in 

FY 2021. The schedules for those reviews will be negotiated with the industry partners during the base 

period in FY 2020. 

Program Elements

HLS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Human Landing System Program Management is responsible for executing programmatic roles assigned 

to Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) by the Human Exploration Operations Mission Directorate 

(HEOMD). HLS is responsible for the insight and oversight activities in collaboration with commercial 

partners associated with human landing system hardware development, integration, and flight 

demonstration, leading to services for NASA. HLS performs risk reduction activities and identifies and 

prioritizes upgrades to the human landing systems so it can support sustainable future exploration 

missions. HLS will include a lander ground operations office at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), a crew 

compartment office, and a lander flight operations office at Johnson Space Center (JSC). HLS will also 
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prioritize and coordinate collaboration resources across multiple NASA Centers and manage major 

integrated system test activities (as applicable). 

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Feb 2020 Select and award multiple industry partners

Late 2020 / Early 2021 Continuation Review to select two industry partners

2024 First lunar surface mission

2025 Second lunar surface mission

Program Management & Commitments

MSFC manages the HLS program. 

Program Element Provider

HLS Program Management

Lead Center: MSFC

Performing Center(s): Ames Research Center (ARC), Glenn Research Center 

(GRC), Langley Research Center (LaRC), Goddard Space Flight Center 

(GSFC), Stennis Space Center (SSC), JSC, KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD

Partner(s) 

Provider: TBD

Lead Center: MSFC

Performing Center(s): TBD 

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD

Acquisition Strategy

The HLS program will utilize the NextSTEP BAA contract vehicle. Through this approach, NASA will 

award multiple firm-fixed-price, milestone-based proposals to enable rapid development of a crewed 

flight demonstrations of the human landing system. NASA has structured the solicitation to award 

contracts with the following contract line item numbers (CLINs): 

• Base CLIN - contract award through nine months - only long-lead items supporting the first 

mission and various design activities are allowed during this base period. 

• Option A CLIN - flight and landing demonstrations of human landing systems. 

• Option B CLIN - follow-on flight demonstration with a focus on sustainability. 
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Initial proposals include a firm-fixed-price contract for the Base period and Option A period. The Option 

B period will be priced at a later date.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

N/A

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

N/A

Historical Performance 

N/A
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 145.0 -- 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0 140.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

In this photo from Expedition 56, NASA astronaut Serena 

Auñón-Chancellor examines her eye with a Funduscope. 

Sending astronauts into space involves a 

multitude of complicated systems, but perhaps 

the most complex is the human system – human 

health, human factors (how crews interact with 

their environment, including the spacecraft, 

habitat, and systems during missions), and the 

crew interactions. While NASA has more than 

50 years of crew experience in low-Earth orbit

(LEO), researchers are continuing to unravel the 

mysteries of how the human body responds to 

the harsh environment of space. The Human 

Research Program (HRP) is responsible for 

understanding and mitigating the highest risks to 

astronaut health and performance to ensure crews remain healthy and productive during long-duration 

missions beyond LEO. 

As NASA prepares to conduct crewed missions via the Artemis program to cislunar space, the lunar 

surface, and eventually to Mars, HRP is developing the scientific and technological capabilities to support 

these exploration missions. In support of the risk reduction strategy for human space exploration 

contained in the human research roadmap, HRP is coordinating with the National Academies, the 

National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), and other domestic and 

international partners, to deliver products and strategies to protect crew health and performance during 

and after exploration spaceflight missions. Current research on the International Space Station (ISS) in 

low earth orbit and in ground-based analog laboratories, are expanding our capabilities to enhance crew 

performance and protect the health and safety of astronauts. Investigations regarding space radiation 

protection, deep space habitat systems, behavioral health, innovative medical technologies, advanced food 

and pharmaceutical systems, space suit requirements, and validated countermeasures are evolving to 

ensure crew health. HRP also collaborates with NASA’s Office of Chief Health and Medical Officer 

(OCHMO) and the Crew Health and Safety (CHS) and Spaceflight Crew Operations (SFCO) offices to 

research these issues and answer other questions to ensure crew health, safety, and mission success. 

SFCO and CHS are responsible for astronaut training, readiness, and health, while HRP funds research 

development of human health and performance countermeasures, knowledge, and technologies that 

enable safe, reliable, and productive human space exploration. 

For more information, go to: https://humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov
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Space poses significant health risks for crewmembers, including the possibility of developing long-term 

health effects manifesting later in life from space radiation exposure, health and performance decrements 

that develop during the mission, and decrements in capabilities immediately upon return to Earth. HRP is 

working with Advanced Exploration Systems (AES), CHS, and Orion teams on both in-mission and postmission countermeasures, medical treatment capabilities to maximize crew health and performance, and 

rehabilitation protocols to minimize residual impacts on the crew, to minimize exposures, and to provide 

radiation protection. The collaborative efforts involve defining permissible exposure limits, requirements 

for real-time medical response, optimized mission architectures, biomedical monitoring, potential drug or 

nutritional countermeasures, as well as incorporating post-mission health surveillance to ensure that 

crewmembers can safely live and work in space without exceeding acceptable health risks.

In collaboration with other federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of 

Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Health and Human Services 

(HHS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), HRP supports human research to increase 

understanding of the effects of spaceflight on human physiological systems, behavioral responses to 

isolation and confinement, and space radiation health effects. This knowledge is critical to NASA’s plans 

for long-duration human space missions beyond LEO. In addition, as is the case with many space-based 

medical investigations, this research may lead to significant advancements in treating patients on Earth.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019 

HRP researchers conducted 15 ISS biomedical research investigations across ISS Expeditions 57/58 and 

59/60, completed five flight investigations, and initiated six new flight research investigations with the 

start of pre-flight baseline data collection or in-flight data collection. ISS studies to mitigate the risk of 

long-duration spaceflight included the following: 1) standardized behavioral measures; 2) exploration 

food technology assessments; 3) core measurements on human spaceflight risks from astronauts before, 

during, and after long-duration missions; 4) human factors assessments on operational tasks and team 

effectiveness; 5) exploration fresh-food production system; and 6) assessment of dynamic vertebral 

strength and injury risk following long-duration spaceflight. 

ISS research publications for both the One-Year Mission and Twins Study were released in Aerospace 

Medicine and Human Performance and Science, respectively. These publications documented the health 

impacts of long-duration spaceflight from physiological to genomic levels. Some highlights of initial 

spaceflight-specific changes include decreased body mass, altered ocular structure, changes in DNA

associated with age and metabolism, gastrointestinal microbiota alterations, and cognitive changes postflight.

HRP implemented the ISS Spaceflight Standard Measures project that collects a set of core measurements 

from astronauts important for understanding many of the human spaceflight risks before, during, and after 

long-duration ISS missions. The project is designed to acquire a consistent set of validated, measured 

parameters that document the spaceflight normal response as well as variations in the astronaut population 

in response to diverse duration exposures to spaceflight. The results will function as a data repository for 
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investigators to develop hypotheses, provide supporting experimental data, or be used in astronaut and 

Earth-based epidemiology assessments. 

HRP continued working with the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) to solicit 

research and educate the next generation of space life scientists. TRISH focuses on rapidly translating 

fundamental research concepts into practice, thereby generating tangible health outcomes—in this case, 

for astronauts. During 2019, TRISH had 56 active projects in its Science and Technology pipeline and 

released two research announcements: 1) Biomedical Research Advances for Space Health; and 2) the 

industry solicitation of proposals from small U.S.-based companies for technologies that would be 

essential for self-reliant healthcare in deep space. 

In the area of behavioral health and performance and the effects of isolation, HRP relies on ground 

analogs to support risk mitigation. In FY 2019, HRP completed three 45-day isolation study campaigns 

using the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) facility located at Johnson Space Center (JSC). 

Each HERA campaign uses crews of four supported by a mission control team and includes a portfolio of 

research and operational tests to be conducted during the simulated exploration mission. Additionally, 

HRP completed long-duration isolation and confinement studies at the Nezemnyy Eksperimental’nyy 

Kompleks (NEK) facility in Moscow, Russia, in collaboration with the Russian Institute for Biomedical 

Problems. In the Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station (SIRIUS) 19 mission, 

crew members conducted experiments on behalf of nearly 80 different researchers from around the world, 

including seven studies funded by HRP. HRP also undertook joint NASA/NSF Antarctic analog studies to 

support behavioral health and performance research. During the 2019 Antarctic winter-over campaign, 

HRP completed two research studies focused on crew composition and teamwork using U.S. Antarctic 

program volunteers at the McMurdo and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Stations. 

HRP conducted joint NASA/German Aerospace Center (DLR) analog studies to support human health 

countermeasures, exploration medical, and behavioral health and performance research at the DLR 

Institute of Aerospace Medicine :envihab facility in Cologne, Germany. The first campaign of the 

Artificial Gravity Bed Rest with the European Space Agency (AGBRESA) study was completed in 

FY 2019 following post bed rest Baseline Data Collection. The study involved a total of 12 test subjects, 

each of whom spent 60 days in strict 6-degree head down tilt bed rest, examining the effects of 

centrifugation as a potential countermeasure to some of the physiological effects of space flight.

In support of future human exploration missions, HRP research resulted in recommended updates to 

physiological medical standards to better protect muscle and aerobic capacity and better methods to 

maintain team function and performance. And finally, HRP continued space radiation research in support 

of human exploration at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory using the galactic cosmic ray simulator

for a more realistic simulation of the actual radiation environment found in space.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

HRP will continue to work on the highest human health and performance risk areas associated with 

human space exploration missions. To support this work, HRP will release NASA research solicitations 

to the national biomedical research community to better address the exploration spaceflight health, 

performance, and space radiation risks. HRP will also implement a research plan that fully utilizes the ISS 

biomedical research capabilities to test mitigation approaches and validate countermeasures; collaborate 

with CHS on ISS studies related to visual impairment, carbon dioxide analysis, exercise systems, and 

cognitive function measures; and leverage resources and expertise through collaborative research with 
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other NASA programs, international partners, and other U.S. agencies (e.g., DoD, DOE, NSF, HHS, 

NIH). 

HRP will implement an ISS research plan that fully utilizes the ISS biomedical research capabilities to 

test mitigation approaches and validate countermeasures including the following: 1) additional One-Year 

Missions; 2) ISS as an exploration analog to assess impacts of crew isolation; 3) the advanced food 

technology study to assess long term stowage quality in space; 4) testing and validation of the Advanced 

Twin Lifting and Aerobic System (ATLAS) deep space exercise device as part of the exploration system 

maturation project. 

In support of exploration medical capability, HRP will continue to develop the medical data architecture, 

which is a prototype system to comprehensively manage and process medically-relevant information to 

support exploration medical operations. HRP is also collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency to 

integrate its novel Astroskin biosensor, a wearable vest that collects biometric information such as heart 

and breathing rates, into the prototype medical system.

HRP and ESA will implement a second AGBRESA study to assess the use of artificial gravity as a human 

physiology countermeasure using the DLR :envihab facility. During the new campaign, the subjects will 

be assigned to one of three groups: 1) will experience centrifugation for 30 continuous minutes each day; 

2) will experience centrifugation in six bouts of five minutes each, with a five-minute rest between bouts; 

and 3) will serve as a control and will not experience centrifugation. Investigators will compare subjects 

with head down bedrest alone to subjects experiencing head down bedrest with continuous or intermittent 

artificial gravity on aspects such as ocular and carbon dioxide measures, cerebral autoregulation, 

cognition, neuroimaging, structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and functional 

balance and vestibular tests.

In understanding the behavioral health challenges associated with isolation and confinement, HRP will 

continue implementing a collaborative NASA/NSF human health and performance study on the effects of 

remote location, extreme isolation, and confinement during winter-over missions in Antarctica using the 

NSF polar station. HRP will also undertake a mission on long-duration isolation and confinement studies 

in collaboration with Russia, including the SIRIUS-20 eight-month mission, and it will continue the 45-

day HERA studies at JSC. 

In support of Gateway development and future missions, HRP will continue work with NASA’s Deep 

Space Exploration Habitation development to define and evaluate exploration habitats, support Gateway 

Crew Health and Performance System requirements definition, deliver habitat standards and evaluation 

tools, and deliver food system requirements and nutritional recommendations for the exploration Gateway 

food system. Additionally, HRP continues to work on defining test objectives for the Gateway missions, 

providing final recommendations on food mass reduction for Orion missions and defining lunar surface 

research opportunities. 
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KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

HRP will implement an ISS flight research plan critical to mitigating crew health and performance risks 

for Artemis missions that includes the following: ISS Standard Measures Project to capture a core set of 

physiological and performance measures from crew members to accurately characterize the adaptive 

responses to long-duration spaceflight and monitor the effectiveness of countermeasures; a microbial risk 

assessment study to ensure crew safety and allow increased dependence on bioregenerative food systems; 

and a study on detecting individual performance susceptibilities to sleep loss and circadian 

desynchronization to optimize individualized countermeasures during spaceflight. HRP also plans to 

implement an ISS one-year mission to assess temporal effects in health and performance risks beyond sixmonth missions and validate exploration countermeasures that will be used on future planetary missions. 

HRP will leverage resources through multiple research partnerships including advanced food and 

nutrition studies with DOD, behavioral studies during winter over campaign at NSF polar facilities, 

isolation and confinement studies with Russia and ESA, bed rest studies at the DLR :envihab facility, and 

develop joint flight research and data sharing with international partners.

Finally, in support of Artemis missions, HRP will develop space habitat standards and evaluation tools for 

use in designing and evaluating spacecraft volume and layout to optimize crew performance and develop 

research and technical flight objectives for Gateway and lunar surface missions.

Program Elements

EXPLORATION MEDICAL CAPABILITY

As NASA makes plans to extend human exploration beyond LEO, identifying and testing next generation 

medical care and crew health maintenance technologies is vital. Health care options evolve based on 

experience, anticipated needs, and input from flight surgeons and crew offices. Crews will not be able to 

rely on real-time conversations with Earth-based medical experts in the future due to communication lagtime associated with the distance between Earth and deep space. Therefore, crew and relevant systems 

must be able to facilitate autonomous medical care operations. Teams in this area draft requirements for 

medical equipment and clinical care, develop remote medical technologies, and assess medical 

requirements unique to long-duration space missions.

HUMAN HEALTH COUNTERMEASURES

Countermeasures are the procedures, medications, devices, and other strategies that offset the impacts of 

spaceflight stressors (e.g., low gravity, closed environment) and help keep astronauts healthy and 

productive during space travel and after their return to Earth. Researchers provide biomedical expertise; 

they are responsible for understanding the normal physiologic effects of spaceflight and developing 

countermeasures to those with harmful effects on human health and performance. These experts define 

health and medical standards, validate human health prescriptions and exercise system requirements, 

develop injury and sickness prevention standards, integrate and validate physiological countermeasures, 

and establish criteria for NASA fitness for duty, as well as crew selection and performance standards.
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HUMAN FACTORS AND BEHAVIORAL PERFORMANCE

Just as the space environment poses physical risks to crewmembers, the unique stresses and challenges of 

spaceflight, as well as the vehicle design, can affect cognitive and mental performance. Considering 

external factors is essential when designing a spacecraft, habitat, or spacesuit. Human factors experts 

develop new equipment, procedures, and technologies designed to make the space environment more 

livable. Behavioral health researchers assess the impact of space travel on human behavioral health and

develop interventions and countermeasures to ensure optimal health and performance. Experts in this area 

make extensive use of analogs, which are experimental environments created to simulate certain aspects 

of space travel. By duplicating space conditions, such as altered day and night cycles, heavy workloads, 

social isolation, and close living quarters, scientists gain insight into the impact of these circumstances on 

human behavior and performance. They then work to develop countermeasures, equipment, and other 

interventions to minimize these risks.

SPACE RADIATION

As NASA expands human presence through the solar system, it is critical that crews can safely live and 

work in a space radiation environment without exceeding exposure limits. Space radiation researchers 

develop the knowledge base necessary to determine the biological effects of space radiation. This 

information can then be used for standards for health and habitability and the requirements for radiation 

protection. They also develop tools to assess and predict risks due to space radiation exposure and 

strategies to mitigate exposure effects. The deep space radiation environment is far different from that on 

Earth or in LEO. NASA and the DOE have partnered on a facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory in 

New York to simulate the deep space radiation environment, which researchers use to help understand its 

biological effects.

RESEARCH OPERATIONS AND INTEGRATION

The ISS provides a unique testbed for HRP activities. The medical projects team plans, integrates, and 

implements approved biomedical flight experiments on the ISS, as well as research studies that use 

ground-based spaceflight analog facilities to accomplish program objectives. These experiments and 

studies pertain to pre- and post-flight activities, and the program objectives include coordinating flight or 

ground resources with our international partners, maintaining ISS biomedical research racks and flight 

hardware, and developing crew training for both flight and ground investigations. Teams also operate a 

Telescience Support Center, which provides real-time support and data services to all HRP flight 

experiments. Strong interfaces with external implementing organizations, such as the ISS payloads office, 

analog coordination offices, and international partners, are critical to maintaining a robust research 

program. This group is also responsible for operating the HERA analog facility and for arranging access 

to other analog facilities required by HRP researchers, including NSF Antarctic facilities, other national 

isolation analogs, and international partner facilities in Germany and Russia. 
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Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Jan 2020 Conduct 2020 HRP Investigators’ Workshop

May 2020 2019 Human Exploration Research Opportunity (HERO) NASA Research Announcement 

Selections

Aug 2020 Release 2020 Human Exploration Research Opportunity (HERO) NASA Research 

Announcement

Sep 2020 Deliver Evaluation Tools for Spaceflight Habitats

Sep 2020 Deliver Validation of Bedrest as an Analog for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome

(SANS) 

Sep 2020 Deliver Gateway Crew Health and Performance (CHP) Con Ops (Level 4) - Recommendation

Oct 2020 Deliver Version 2020 Multi-model Ensemble Risk Assessment (MERA) Anchor Model

Program Management & Commitments

The program office is located at JSC with support from Ames Research Center (ARC), Glenn Research 

Center (GRC), Langley Research Center (LaRC), and Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) Associate Administrator 

delegated the authority, responsibility, and accountability of HRP management to the Space Life and 

Physical Sciences Research and Applications (SLPSRA) Division at NASA Headquarters. Working 

closely with the Office of the Chief Scientist and the OCHMO, the SLPSRA Division establishes the 

overall direction, scope, budget, and resource allocation for the program, which the NASA centers then 

implement.

Program Element Provider

Exploration Medical 

Capability

Provider: JSC

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): GRC, ARC, and LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Human Health 

Countermeasures

Provider: JSC

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): ARC and GRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Human Factors and 

Behavioral Performance

Provider: JSC

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): ARC, GRC, and KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

HUMAN RESEARCH PROGRAM

DEXP-83 

Program Element Provider

Space Radiation

Provider: JSC

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Research Operations and 

Integration

Provider: JSC

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): ARC and KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

Based upon National Academies’ recommendations, external peer reviews, and Agency human 

exploration plans, NASA HRP awards contracts and grants to further efforts in mitigating risks to crew 

health and performance by providing essential biomedical research and technologies for human space 

exploration. HRP uses a peer review process that engages leading members of the research community to 

competitively assess the merits of submitted proposals to assure a high-quality research program. 

HRP plans to release the HERO umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) that will request 

research proposals across all its research elements throughout the year. This NRA provides opportunities 

for universities, other Government agencies, and industry researchers from across the nation to develop 

high NASA priority ground and spaceflight experiments which directly contribute to NASA’s exploration 

mission. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Program Management Translational Research Institute for Space 

Health Baylor College of Medicine
Deep Space Exploration Systems: Exploration Research & Development 

HUMAN RESEARCH PROGRAM

DEXP-84 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality National Academies Dec 2017

Review of NASA 

research on human 

health risks

Informed program 

research 

prioritization

Dec 2020

Quality Peer Review Panel Jan 2019 Peer review of NRA Selected grantees Jan 2020

Quality

National Council on 

Radiation 

Protection and 

Measurements

(NCRP)

Feb 2019 Review of space 

radiation health risks

Established research 

priorities for space 

radiation research

TBD

Quality

Independent 

Program 

Assessment 

Jun 2019

Review of program 

management policies 

and practices

Verify adherence to 

NASA program 

management policies

Jun 2022
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY 

ET-1

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Early Stage Innovation and Partnerships 101.7 -- 169.2 179.2 196.2 196.2 196.2

Technology Maturation 201.2 -- 469.1 551.5 654.1 748.4 835.8

Technology Demonstration 416.8 -- 537.2 556.0 513.4 464.8 525.1

SBIR and STTR 207.2 -- 402.8 478.7 542.6 544.8 481.1

Total Budget 926.9 1100.0 1578.3 1765.4 1906.2 1954.2 2038.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Pursuant to P.L. 115-10 Title VII Sec 702(e), this budget is formulated in such a manner to avoid duplication of 

projects, programs, or missions conducted by other projects, programs, or missions conducted by another office or 

directorate of the Administration.

Exploration Technology ....................................................... ET-2

EARLY STAGE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS ............................................ET-10

TECHNOLOGY MATURATION ...............................................................................ET-20

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION .......................................................................ET-33

Laser Comm Relay Demo (LCRD) [Development]............................................................ ET-35

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) [Development] ................................................................ ET-41

Restore & SPIDER (OSAM-1) [Formulation]..................................................................... ET-47

Small Spacecraft, Flight Opportunities & Other Tech Demo............................................. ET-54

SBIR AND STTR .....................................................................................................ET-66
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-2

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Early Stage Innovation and Partnerships 101.7 -- 169.2 179.2 196.2 196.2 196.2

Technology Maturation 201.2 -- 469.1 551.5 654.1 748.4 835.8

Technology Demonstration 416.8 -- 537.2 556.0 513.4 464.8 525.1

SBIR and STTR 207.2 -- 402.8 478.7 542.6 544.8 481.1

Total Budget 926.9 1100.0 1578.3 1765.4 1906.2 1954.2 2038.2

Change from FY 2020 478.3

Percentage change from FY 2020 43.5%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Pursuant to P.L. 115-10 Title VII Sec 702(e), this budget is formulated in such a manner to avoid duplication of 

projects, programs, or missions conducted by other projects, programs, or missions conducted by another office or 

directorate of the Administration.

To enable In-Situ Resources Utilization, the Polar 

Resources Ice Mining Experiment project will deliver 

water-enriched lunar regolith for identification and 

quantification of water during an experiment on an 

early Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) 

lander. The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New 

Terrain are shown above.

The Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)

serves as a catalyst for the new technology required 

to “lead the return of humans to the Moon for longterm exploration and utilization” (Space Policy 

Directive-1). The Exploration Technology account 

funds this critical technology research and 

development to support the 2024 lunar landing and 

the long-term success of the Artemis Moon to Mars 

campaign. Through STMD, NASA is enabling 

technology research and development needs for 

human space exploration with a near-term 

prioritization of sustainable lunar exploration and an 

eye toward Mars in the long-term, while spurring 

critical technologies that enable future science 

exploration goals and commercial endeavors. STMD 

accomplishes this mission by funding critical 

technology along the entire Technology Readiness 

Level spectrum and keeping NASA’s space 

technology pipeline growing with emerging, 

innovative technologies that meet NASA exploration 

needs and support commercial expansion of space. 

In direct alignment to Artemis and NASA mission 

needs, STMD investment decisions are driven by the 
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-3

following Technology Thrusts and desired outcomes:

• Go: Rapid, safe, and efficient space transportation, emphasizing reusable in-space transportation 

between Earth and the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

• Land: Expanded access to diverse surface destinations, routinely landing crew and cargo on the 

Moon and eventually Mars; and safely and efficiently returning large payloads to Earth; 

delivering robotic payloads to new, challenging destinations.

• Live: Sustainably living and working farther from Earth, routinely conducting crewed operations 

beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO); working toward a sustainable human presence on the Moon and

eventually Mars; technologies to survive and operate through the lunar night; including 

production of propellant and consumables from local resources.

• Explore: Transforming missions and enabling discoveries to reach challenging sites and 

resources on the Moon, Mars, and beyond; rapid, low-cost missions to the Moon, Mars and 

beyond.

Within the Exploration Technology account, NASA conducts Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative 

activities through a combination of in-house activities, competitive programs, and public-private 

partnerships. This initiative brings together the full range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, 

academia, small businesses, industry and the NASA workforce to catalyze technology development. 

NASA advances technology readiness of key systems and components to facilitate a sustainable lunar 

surface presence, with the long-term goal of sending human to Mars. The lunar surface technologies 

planned for demonstrations over the next five years will lead to more affordable missions that are less 

dependent on support from Earth. These demonstrations include: 

• In-Situ Resource Utilization with an emphasis on collecting, processing, storing, and using 

material found or manufactured on other astronomical objects;

• Sustainable Surface Power, enabling continuous power throughout the lunar day and night;

• Surface Excavation/Construction to enable affordable, autonomous manufacturing and 

construction; 

• Lunar Dust Mitigation enhancements to mitigate lunar dust hazards; and 

• Extreme Environments capabilities to operate through the full range of lunar surface and 

subsurface conditions.

Beyond the lunar surface, Exploration Technology is funding an array of efforts to accelerate NASA's 

broader Moon to Mars campaign. For example, the Agency will continue to enable complex spacecraft 

operations, such as autonomous landing and hazard avoidance, advanced cryogenic fluid management 

capabilities to enable long term storage of cryogens both in space and on the surface, rapid and efficient 

transit propulsion, high performance spaceflight computing, and advanced materials and in-space 

manufacturing and assembly technologies. In addition, Exploration Technology will make strategic Mars 

surface technology investments critical for future Mars human missions, leveraging the lunar surface 

technology development.
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-4

Exploration Technology investments continue to target technologies that benefit both human and robotic 

exploration, actively engaging with internal NASA stakeholders, industry, academia, and other Federal 

Government agencies to help define investment content. Through a combination of unique in-house 

activities, procurements, research announcements, and public-private partnerships, STMD investments 

develop and test technologies that drive space exploration. Public-private partnerships enable NASA to 

develop mutually beneficial capabilities with private sector industry and allow for leveraging of private 

investments. The shared gains include incentivizing technical performance and spurring future 

commercial markets while developing new capabilities. 

U.S. technological leadership remains vital to our national security, economic prosperity, and global 

competitiveness. The Nation's continued economic leadership is, in part, due to the technological 

investments made in earlier years and through the work of the engineers, scientists, and policy makers 

who had the wisdom and foresight to make long-term investments our country required to emerge as a 

global technological leader. That commitment accelerated the economy with the creation of new 

industries, products, and services that yielded lasting benefits. A technology-driven NASA will continue 

to help fuel the Nation’s economic engine for decades to come.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

Space Technology Mission Directorate is the name of the organization. Exploration Technology is the 

budget account funding Space Technology Mission Directorate programmatic content. This budget 

request includes a new Space Nuclear Technologies portfolio, which integrates NASA's power and 

propulsion technology research and development efforts.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA delivered several technologies to orbit for flight demonstrations, including:

• Go: The Deep Space Atomic Clock launched in late June 2019 aboard the SpaceX Falcon Heavy 

as a rideshare with the U.S. Air Force's STP-2 mission. This mission is demonstrating a small, 

low-mass atomic clock based on mercury-ion trap technology, providing unprecedented stability 

needed for next-generation deep space navigation and radio science. The atomic clock on this 

mission offers the promise of 50 times greater accuracy than today’s best space navigation clocks. 

The Deep Space Atomic Clock was successfully activated in August and is in the process of 

conducting a year-long navigation demonstration that will provide a technology to improve 

accuracy of navigation and allow for gravity science measurements. In the coming months, the 

team will measure how well the clock keeps time down to the nanosecond. The results will 

contribute to the further improvement of technology that will help astronauts safely navigate 

themselves to other worlds.

• Go: NASA's Green Propellant Infusion Mission launched in late June 2019 aboard the SpaceX 

Falcon Heavy as a rideshare with the U.S. Air Force's STP-2 mission. The mission is 

demonstrating a propulsion system using a significantly less toxic propellant than hydrazine while 

providing 40 percent higher performance by volume. With a successful launch and on-orbit 

check-out of the Green Propellant Infusion Mission, the project will continue testing the “green” 

fuel and propulsion system by performing three lowering burns that place the spacecraft in a 

different orbit. Once proven in orbit, this technology could lower the cost of fueling spacecraft 
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-5

before launch and provide efficient propulsion solutions for small and large satellites. Upon 

completion of the demonstration, the propulsion system will be available as a commercial off-theshelf product.

• Go: The CubeSat Handling of Multisystem Precision Time Transfer mission launched via Rocket 

Lab in December 2018 to demonstrate a precision timing satellite equipped with atomic clocks 

synchronized with a ground clock through laser pulse. 

• Go/Land: Flight Opportunities flew 43 technology development payloads across four suborbital 

launch vehicle flights, one vertical takeoff/lander flight, six high-altitude balloon flights, and one 

parabolic campaign.

• Live: Launched bionutrients flight demonstration hardware to the International Space Station 

(ISS) to begin a five-year investigation of the long-term stability of a nutrient production system 

in space. 

• Explore: Astrobee completed ground testing and delivered three flight units to the ISS in April. 

Astrobee will replace the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites, 

which was NASA’s first generation free-flying robot aboard the ISS. The intent is for robots like 

Astrobee to one day take on research, housekeeping, and monitoring duties without requiring 

astronaut supervision. In early October 2019, as part of its on-orbit commissioning, Astrobee 

completed its first autonomous flight, successfully undocking itself, following the flight plan 

delivered from the ground control team, and returning itself to the docking station. Astrobee is 

continuing its commissioning activities in FY 2020.

NASA completed major deliverables for the following Exploration Technology funded activities: 

• Land/Live: All four Mars 2020 technology instruments- Terrain Relative Navigation, Mars 

Oxygen In-Situ Resources Utilization Experiment, Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer, and 

Mars Entry, Descent and Landing Instrumentation-2- completed hardware build and testing and 

were delivered between fall 2018 and spring 2019 to Mars 2020 mission integration to support a 

July 2020 launch schedule.

• Go: Aerojet Rocketdyne completed the build of engineering test unit components for Solar 

Electric Propulsion (SEP) and began initial functional and acceptance testing that will support the 

final design.

• Go: Continued testing nuclear thermal propulsion fuel forms for low and moderate temperature 

thermo-chemical stability, evaluated fuel element design, and complete feasibility assessment. In 

addition, NASA initiated studies in collaboration with several Government agencies and industry 

partners to develop candidate nuclear thermal propulsion flight demonstration concepts. The final 

engine requirements document was submitted in June 2019, and the System Feasibility Analysis 

was completed in September 2019. Such investments will help inform potential future nuclear 

propulsion efforts.

• Land: Through a Space Technology Research Grant, Jordan French from the University of Utah 

developed a new method of high-resolution, 3D imaging of biaxially stressed specimens during 

load testing. Insight into materials behavior when under load is of great interest to NASA. His 
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-6

device has already been used to test Mars entry and descent parachute material and revealed 

significant fiber straightening under load, resulting in increased confidence in Mars entry and 

descent design parameters. His methods will significantly advance the state-of-the-art by 

elucidating the progressive damage mechanisms associated with the failure of a variety of 

materials under biaxial loading conditions. This research has the potential to lead to improved 

materials for future NASA missions as well as numerous terrestrial applications. 

• Land: Masten Space Systems successfully demonstrated the use of a commercial version of the 

Mars 2020 Terrain Relative Navigation system.

• Live: After 30 hours of autonomous 3D printing over four days of head-to-head competition, 

NASA and partner Bradley University of Peoria, IL, awarded $700,000 to two teams in the final 

round of the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge. The top prize of $500,000 was awarded to New Yorkbased AI SpaceFactory. The second-place prize of $200,000 was awarded to Pennsylvania State 

University, University Park, PA.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

• Explore: In the first year of the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, NASA kicked off the Polar 

Resources Ice Mining Experiment project by down-selecting a drill targeted for lunar surface 

demonstration. This project will complete Critical Design Review by mid-2020. In addition, 

NASA will perform swarm autonomous operations of three Autonomous Pop-Up Flat Folding 

Explorer Robot (PUFFER) robots navigating and exploring as a team on extreme terrain. Further, 

NASA will develop mission concepts to enlist these versatile robotic platforms for supporting 

Exploration and Science for reconnaissance of In-Situ Resource Utilization resources.

• Go: In FY 2020, Aerojet Rocketdyne will complete SEP integration and test of the engineering 

test units to ensure the final design meets performance requirements.

• Go: Development hot-fire testing of two 150-pound-force (lbf) thrusters and two 10-lbf thrusters 

designed for low temperature operation in space is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The 

Thruster Advancement for Low-temperature operation in space (TALOS) thrusters are being 

developed to prove low-cost, lightweight materials for propulsion systems. 

• Land: Flight Opportunities will see the infusion of key technologies tested on suborbital 

demonstration flights into NASA and commercial missions, including the terrain relative 

navigation system for the NASA Mars 2020 lander and the hazard detection and avoidance 

system for the Astrobotic Peregrine lunar lander. In collaboration with eight commercial partners, 

NASA continues to develop and demonstrate landing technologies such as Navigation Doppler 

and Hazard Detection Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and provide access to testing 

facilities and associated computational capabilities. 

• Land: After completing inflation and vibration testing of a six-meter engineering design unit in 

fall 2019, NASA, in partnership with United Launch Alliance, will fabricate a flight-ready, 

inflatable aerodynamic decelerator technology for a 2022 flight test in the Earth's atmosphere to 

determine the feasibility of this technology in supporting high-mass entry descent and landing.
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-7

• Explore: NASA is conducting the second phase of the Space Robotics competition, which seeks 

to advance robotic software and autonomous capabilities for space exploration missions on the 

surface of extraterrestrial objects, such as distant planets or moons. This challenge will require 

competitors to develop software that allows a virtual team of robotic systems (i.e., virtual robotic 

team) to operate autonomously to successfully achieve these tasks.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

• Explore: NASA will deliver, integrate, and perform final system testing of the Laser 

Communications Relay Demonstration spacecraft in preparation for launch (no earlier than 

January 2021), and it will deliver the Deep Space Optical Communications to the Psyche 

spacecraft leading up to a launch in 2022.

• Live: Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment project will complete The Regolith and Ice Drill 

for Exploring New Terrain (TRIDENT) drill for demonstration on a Commercial Lunar Payload 

Services lander.

• Go: Small Spacecraft will deliver spacecraft for three precursor CubeSat demonstrations between 

FY 2020 and FY 2021, including Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology 

Operations and Navigation Experiment and Lunar Flashlight.

• Live: NASA is proceeding with a lunar surface power system development as the first 

foundational project of its new Space Nuclear Technologies portfolio. In addition, we will 

complete autonomously operated prototype Regenerative Fuel Cell technology for a long duration 

ground test demonstration. This technology will provide sustained and reliable electrical power 

for surface and near-surface missions where photovoltaic, battery or nuclear options are not 

feasible and will provide the capability to survive the Lunar night (14 days).

• Land/Explore: Mars Entry Descent and Landing Instrumentation 2 (MEDLI-2) experiment will 

occur in February 2021 during the Mars 2020 Mission entry into the Martian atmosphere. Postlanding and transmission of data, the MEDLI -2 researchers will begin comparisons between 

analytical models and experimental data. Through these experiments, NASA will reduce landing 

ellipse uncertainties to improve landing accuracies and improve thermal protection system 

designs for future robotic and manned Mars missions. The Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resources 

Utilization Experiment and Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer will begin conducting 

experiments after the mission completes its surface operations transition period.

• Live: Prizes and Challenges will launch competitions to address lunar power requirements as 

well as lunar excavation, manufacturing, construction to support in-situ resource utilization 

application. Additionally, NASA will host a competition to support nutrition needs of astronauts 

on the lunar surface, an essential aspect of sustainable human presence on the Moon.

• Go: The Rapid Analysis and Manufacturing Propulsion Technology (RAMPT) project is 

maturing novel design and manufacturing technologies to increase scale, significantly reduce 

cost, and improve performance for regeneratively cooled thrust-chamber assemblies, specifically 

the combustion chamber and nozzle for Government and industry programs. This project will 

conduct a hot fire test of a large-scale composite overwrapped Thrust Chamber Assembly (TCA) 
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-8

with a directed energy depositioned (additive manufactured) nozzle. This development will 

address the longest lead, highest cost, and heaviest component in the rocket propulsion engine 

system.

NASA will continue to partner with researchers across academia and industry and explore transformative 

technologies and approaches. Upcoming Early Stage Innovation portfolio activities will investigate areas 

such as breakthrough propulsion, challenges in deep space human habitation, space-optimized energy 

systems, radiation protection, and advanced materials. These areas are part of a comprehensive approach 

to efficiently support innovative discovery, progress toward important goals, and the development of 

transformative new capabilities.

Programs

EARLY STAGE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

This program funds early stage research and development sourced from academia, industry, 

entrepreneurs, and from the NASA workforce to generate pioneering approaches to the Agency’s difficult 

and far reaching exploration challenges. NASA sustains these Early Stage investments at seven to eight 

percent of the overall Exploration Technology budget. This account supports several Agency integration 

functions, including technology transfer and technology commercialization activities, extending the 

benefits of NASA’s technology investments so they have a direct, measurable, and tangible impact. It also 

supports the Agency's Prizes and Challenges activities (including Centennial Challenges). By leveraging 

industry for technology development that could aid NASA’s missions, this approach ensures that NASA 

technologies energize the commercial space sector and provide the greatest benefit to the U.S.

TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

Within Technology Maturation, NASA focuses on advancing disruptive space technologies from a proof 

of concept to demonstration, maturing transformational technologies across the critical gap that resides 

between early stage concepts and flight demonstration. Technologies are prioritized for alignment with 

NASA's Exploration Campaign objectives, including sustainable surface technologies through the Lunar 

Surface Innovation Initiative. In addition, Technology Maturation includes strategic Mars surface 

technology investments that are critical for future human missions to Mars.

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

The Technology Demonstration portfolio supports ground-based testing to determine feasibility and 

technology flight demonstrations in relevant environments to effectively transition technologies for 

NASA missions and for use by other Government agencies and industry. Ground and flight 

demonstrations are prioritized to enhance and enable the Moon to Mars exploration campaign. This 

account includes development of Small Spacecraft technologies and demonstration missions, including 

the Space Nuclear Technologies portfolio, and facilitates access to relevant flight demonstration 

environments through the Flight Opportunities suborbital flight demonstration platforms.
EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

ET-9

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) AND SMALL BUSINESS 

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR)

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) continues 

to support early-stage research and mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL) development, performed by 

small businesses through competitively awarded contracts. These programs produce innovations for both 

Government and commercial applications. SBIR and STTR provide the high-technology small business 

sector with opportunities to develop space technology for NASA and commercialize those NASA-funded 

technologies that have the potential to address national needs in the aerospace industry and other sectors. 

Annual solicitations maintain commitment to an integrated Agency-wide SBIR/STTR program that 

supports both commercial interests and NASA missions with added emphasis on the Moon to Mars 

exploration campaign.
Exploration Technology

EARLY STAGE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS 

ET-10

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Agency Technology and Innovation 8.8 -- 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4

Early Stage Innovation 66.5 -- 123.4 133.4 150.4 150.4 150.4

Partnerships and Technology Transfer 26.4 -- 36.4 36.4 36.4 36.4 36.4

Total Budget 101.7 -- 169.2 179.2 196.2 196.2 196.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

After 30 hours of 3D printing over four days of head-tohead competition, NASA and partner Bradley University 

of Peoria, Illinois, awarded $700,000 to two teams in the 

final round of the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, pictured 

above. The top prize of $500,000 was awarded to New 

York-based AI SpaceFactory. The second-place prize of

$200,000 was awarded to Pennsylvania State University of 

University Park.

Early Stage Innovations and Partnerships spur 

collaboration with innovators across the Nation 

to capitalize on the ideas, talent, and experience 

of a diverse set of contributors to achieve 

NASA's Artemis Moon to Mars exploration 

campaign objectives.

Early Stage Innovation supports concept studies, 

applied research, and early technology 

development to spur innovation and transform 

future capabilities. Emphasis will be placed on 

identifying emerging concepts and technologies 

that support long range Lunar and Mars surface 

requirements. By leveraging the technical 

capabilities of the experts across the nation from 

academia, industry, entrepreneurs, and its own

Centers, the Agency gains new ideas and 

alternative approaches to solving NASA’s 

difficult and far reaching exploration challenges.

Within Partnerships and Technology Transfers, 

NASA funds prize competitions and challenges 

as well as citizen science and other open innovation tools as appropriate to support NASA’s R&D 

objectives and to enhance the Agency’s connections with the American and global public. Such programs 

include the Centennial Challenges, the NASA Tournament Lab, NASA Solve, and iTech, each of which

leverages high public interest to support NASA's Exploration objectives. NASA responds to 

Administration priorities and legislative requirements to promote technology transfer, including 

commercialization of technologies that emerge from NASA’s research and development activities to 

support commercial expansion in space. 
Exploration Technology

EARLY STAGE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

ET-11

Agency Technology and Innovation funds the operations of the Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT), 

which manages Agency technology strategy and promotes innovative culture and partnerships within and 

outside of NASA.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

No Major Changes

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Agency Technology and Innovation:

• The Office of the Chief Technologist redefined the Agency's space technology taxonomy and 

Strategic Technology Integration Framework, which are now being used to inform the next 

NASA Strategic Technology Investment Plan and future technology roadmaps. The Office also 

coordinated inputs to the Strategic Technology Integration Framework from the Mission 

Directorates. The Office continues to foster NASA's culture of innovation across the Agency, 

hosting workshops and facilitating innovation seedling challenges (e.g., NASA@Work challenge 

on Surviving the Lunar Night, which engages the NASA workforce to crowdsource new technical 

solutions). With the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the Office co-chaired a study on 

NASA's digital transformation efforts, the results of which are being used to develop the 

Agency's digital transformation roadmaps.

Early Stage Innovation: 

• In addition to issuing the annual solicitations for NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), 

Space Technology Research Grants, and the Center Innovation Fund, NASA selected two 

research institutes led by Purdue University and the University of California, Davis, focused on 

deep space habitat autonomous operations to lay the technological groundwork that enhances and 

enables deep space exploration. 

• The Center for Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), led by the University of 

California, Berkeley, successfully demonstrated production methods for a recombinant protein 

using lettuce plants which can be grown in-situ on a potential Mars mission. The team 

successfully grew parathyroid hormone , a bone regenerative therapeutic that may prove essential 

in maintaining bone health during prolonged periods of reduced gravity. The technique is 

applicable to manufacturing other high value compounds, including medicines which have 

inadequate shelf life to support multi-year interplanetary missions. 

• The Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP), led by 

Michigan Technological University, found that carbon nanotube composites (CNT) that exhibit 

higher strength contain assemblies of highly aligned and densified CNT bundles comprised of 

collapsed, flattened CNTs; these results were later confirmed by modeling. The team is now 

producing and testing composite materials based on work with industry partners, and early results 

show significant progress toward US-COMP's goal of developing carbon fiber composite 

materials with performance-to-weight ratios of at least 2-3 times better than current state-of-theart.
Exploration Technology

EARLY STAGE INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

ET-12

Partnerships & Technology Transfer:

• Centennial Challenges concluded the third phase of its 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge in May 

2019 at a Caterpillar facility in Peoria, IL. The teams demonstrated technologies necessary to 

additively manufacture an off-world habitat. AI Space Factory of New York took the first-place 

prize of $500,000, and a team from Penn State took $200,000 for finishing in second place. The 

challenge awarded $2.06 million over the three phases of competition.

• The NASA Tournament Lab shepherded the development and implementation of the NASA 

Earth and Space Air Prize. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation partnered with NASA on this 

challenge to advance the development of high-accuracy, low-maintenance aerosol sensor 

technologies useful in human space flight as well as on Earth. The Foundation provided $150,000 

in prize funding for the top three applicants to prototype their proposed solutions as well as 

$200,000 in funding for administration of the prize. NASA awarded the $100,000 grand prize to

Applied Particle Technology, LLC from St. Louis, MO.

• To standardize and streamline routine processes, simplify and improve customer interactions, and 

increase security, Technology Transfer initiated an effort to reorganize key functions at a 

centralized NASA field office rather than spread across the Agency. As part of this effort, NASA 

selected three Centers to provide integrated functions for all Centers in support of contract and 

grant closeout (Glenn Research Center), Software Usage Agreements (Stennis Space Center), and 

commercial assessments of intellectual property (Marshall Space Flight Center).

• NASA’s Technology Transfer System (NTTS) is an enterprise software tool developed in-house 

over the last decade to manage the workflow of capturing, maintaining, and transferring new 

technologies and software. NASA and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) entered into a 

reimbursable agreement to provide the U.S. Air Force with a customized NTTS platform and data 

system. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Agency Technology and Innovation: 

• The Office of the Chief Technologist is demonstrating the effectiveness of the Strategic 

Technology Integration Framework, working with directorates to incorporate mission data into 

models for analysis, and will execute collaborative innovation experiments at each NASA Center 

and across the Agency. The Office of the Chief Technologist, in partnership with the Office of the 

Chief Information Officer, is continuing with the development of roadmaps and implementation 

of digital transformation focused activities (e.g., early win projects such as Digital 

Transformation for Model Based Mission Assurance in support of the Gateway program).

Early Stage Innovation: 

• NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts awarded its first Phase III studies to complement its 

portfolio of Phase I and Phase II concepts. Phase III studies will be designed to strategically 

transition the most promising NIAC concepts to other NASA programs, other Government

agencies, or commercial partners. William Whittaker of Carnegie Melon University was selected 

to continue work on Robotic Technologies Enabling the Exploration of Lunar Pits, and Joel 
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Sercel of TransAstra Corporation will continue developing his Mini Bee Prototype to 

Demonstrate the Apis Mission Architecture and Optical Mining Technology. 

• Space Technology Research Grants will add a Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative Research 

Opportunity to create an avenue for university researchers to contribute directly to NASA's Lunar 

Surface Innovation Initiative Objectives. 

• Seven new Early Career Initiative awards were initiated during fall 2019, with NASA Centers 

partnering with industry and/or academia to rapidly develop technologies supporting Artemis. In 

addition, a Kennedy Space Center recycling technology designed to turn trash into water and 

gases like hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane was demonstrated on a Blue 

Origin New Shepard flight. These projects provide NASA's early career employees with direct, 

hands-on leadership experience, including applying innovative project management techniques 

with public-private partnerships.

Partnerships & Technology Transfer:

• Centennial Challenges is formulating and developing three new challenges focused on human 

lunar exploration needs, including excavation, manufacturing, and construction; power; and 

astronaut nutrition.

• NASA Technology Transfer will continue to consolidate key areas, which will enable the team to 

leverage Agency-level campaigns to increase web traffic, expand awareness, and develop new 

leads and licenses with the specific goal of promoting different areas of intellectual property 

available for licensing.

• NASA Technology Transfer, partnering with FedTech, will bring teams of entrepreneurs together 

to conduct commercial assessments of select NASA technologies, leading to the creation of new 

companies using NASA technologies. Additionally, the NASA Entrepreneurial Workforce 

Initiative introduces NASA innovators to entrepreneurial-focused thinking to maximize the 

commercial potential of their inventions.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Agency Technology and Innovation:

• The Office of the Chief Technologist will continue to serve as the innovation champion at the 

Agency and will oversee innovation experiments to foster a culture of innovation at NASA. The 

Office will develop a report to Agency leadership on the state of the Agency's innovation culture, 

measuring the progress made since the 2018 National Academies Workshop on NASA's 

Innovation Ecosystem. OCT will evaluate and modify the Agency's Innovation Portal in support 

of Agency priority missions.

• The Strategic Technology Integration Framework will be incorporated into Agency reporting on 

the state of NASA's technology portfolio of investments and inform Agency leadership on 

potential technology gaps.
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Early Stage Innovation:

• NASA will continue to partner with researchers across academia and industry and explore 

transformative technologies and approaches. Upcoming Early Stage Innovation activities will 

investigate areas such as breakthrough propulsion, challenges in deep space human habitation, 

space-optimized energy systems, radiation protection, and advanced materials. These areas are 

part of a comprehensive approach to efficiently support innovative discovery, progress toward 

important goals, and the development of transformative new capabilities.

Partnerships & Technology Transfer:

• In collaboration with a variety of university, private industry, and public partners, Centennial 

Challenges will be running three new challenges focused on human lunar exploration needs. The 

Space Robotics Phase 2 "competition round," the second level of the challenge following the 

qualification round, will take place in FY 2021, and winners will be announced in October 2021.

• Technology Transfer will continue to streamline and automate internal processes to increase 

ability to conduct outreach to industry. With an increase in small business awards and 

partnerships with the commercial space industry in support of the Artemis campaign, it is 

essential that the NASA technology process for submitting New Technology Reports (NTRs) is 

streamlined and user-friendly. Technology Transfer will track, protect, and transfer technologies 

developed throughout the Artemis program.

Program Elements

AGENCY TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Agency Technology and Innovation funds the operations of the Office of the Chief Technologist and 

Agency activities for promoting innovative culture and partnerships within and outside of NASA, 

including with industry and commercial partners.

The NASA Chief Technologist serves as the Agency's principal advisor and advocate on matters 

concerning Agency-wide technology policy to internal and external stakeholders. The office also 

communicates and helps strategically integrate technology efforts within the Agency. The office conducts 

an annual review and assessment of technology investments across NASA, including the mission-focused 

investments made by the Agency's mission directorates, performing strategic technology integration. The 

organization also assesses and communicates the societal and economic impact of technology investments 

at NASA and outside the Agency.

The Office of the Chief Technologist hosts several technical interchange meetings in support of NASA's 

participation in the interagency Science and Technology (S&T) Partnership Forum activity, an ongoing 

activity that brings leaders in Government aerospace, defense, and national security communities together 

to better coordinate Federal investments and activities based on mutual critical needs and future plans. 

Technical interchange meetings this year have included topics such as Trusted Autonomy of Space 

Systems and Cybersecurity. These exchanges are working to leverage synergies and influence portfolios 
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through partnerships that reduce duplication of effort and investment across Government while advancing 

the technology readiness levels of technology applications that will benefit Agency missions. 

The Office of the Chief Technologist is also implementing a new Technology Strategic Integration 

Framework to more efficiently identify and connect technology investments to needs across the Agency. 

This initiative will help NASA achieve its aeronautics, science, and human exploration missions,

including Artemis and future deep space exploration. These efforts will better inform future versions of 

NASA's Strategic Technology Investment Plan. 

The Office of the Chief Technologist is working closely with stakeholders to develop strategies to expand 

NASA’s innovation ecosystem and develop an innovation framework. Recent innovation experiments 

include working with mission personnel to develop challenges to promote multi-center "co-opetition," 

providing the benefits of both collaboration and competition. Specific workforce innovation challenges 

have included Surviving the Lunar Night, Improving Rocket Engine Testing, and More Efficient 

Budgeting and Analytics. Lessons learned from innovation experiments will be communicated using the 

Agency-wide innovation portal, a Web-based platform which is in test phase. 

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/oct

EARLY STAGE INNOVATION

It is not always clear which efforts will result in breakthroughs, effective improvements, or exciting new 

approaches. The technology innovation process is nonlinear and takes time. Therefore, a balance of early 

stage, mid-Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and technology demonstration investment is critical for 

an effective technology development portfolio. 

NASA's Early Stage Innovation activities employ various approaches to engage subject matter experts at 

universities, companies, independent labs, NASA Centers, and other Government agencies. Through a 

steady cadence of competitive solicitations, NASA continuously develops new and innovative highrisk/high-payoff technologies. Early Stage studies cultivate new ideas and alternative approaches and 

leverage the technical capabilities of the experts across the nation that can fuel economic growth. 

Technologies are often developed with support and coordination among NASA and various external 

partners and primarily focus on innovative ways to further humankind’s exploration from conception to 

testing to spaceflight. NASA awards early stage efforts through Space Technology Research Grants, 

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts, the Center Innovation Fund, and the Early Career Initiative, 

which are described further below: 

Space Technology Research Grants

Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) conducts a series of annual and biennial competitive 

solicitations targeting high-priority technology areas that challenge the entire spectrum of academic 

researchers, from graduate students to early career and senior faculty members. STRG emphasizes 

technology areas that can make space activities more effective, affordable, and sustainable. In the process, 

close collaborations between U.S. universities and NASA are established and nurtured. The NASA Space 

Technology Graduate Research Opportunities solicitation, formerly called the NASA Space Technology 

Research Fellowships solicitation, seeks to sponsor graduate researchers who show significant potential to 

contribute to NASA’s goal of creating innovative new space technologies for our Nation’s exploration, 

science, and economic future. The topics featured in the Early Career Faculty, Early Stage Innovations, 
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and Space Technology Research Institutes solicitations are of high priority to NASA and the aerospace 

community in areas where it is anticipated that academia is ideally suited to provide significant 

innovations. FY 2021 topics will target technologies that enable sustainable exploration of the Moon and 

Mars including a new Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative Research Opportunity. 

Since its inception in FY 2011, Space Technology Research Grants have funded exciting space 

technology research through 696 grants at 111 universities across 43 states and one U.S. Territory. In 

FY 2019, NASA made 14 Early Stage Innovations awards, nine Early Career Faculty awards and 65 

NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities awards; there are currently more than 300 

active awards, including two new Space Technology Research Institute grants described below:

• The Resilient ExtraTerrestrial Habitats Institute (RETHi) is led by Purdue University with 

support from the University of Connecticut, Harvard University, the University of Texas, San 

Antonio, and industry partners Collins Aerospace and ILC Dover. RETHi aims to develop and 

demonstrate transformative smart autonomous technologies that will adapt, absorb, and rapidly 

recover from expected and unexpected disruptions to deep space habitat systems without 

fundamental changes in function or sacrifices in safety.

• The Habitats Optimized for Missions of Exploration (HOME) institute is led by the University of 

California, Davis with support from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Carnegie Mellon 

University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Howard University, University of Southern 

California, and Texas A&M with industry partners Sierra Nevada Corporation, Blue Origin, and 

Collins Aerospace. HOME will integrate engineering, research, and expertise in systems 

automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, robotics, and crewed 

spacecraft design to develop new paradigms for the design of deep space habitats.

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts 

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) executes annual solicitations seeking exciting,

unexplored, technically credible new concepts that could one day “change the possible” in space and

aeronautics. These efforts improve the Nation’s leadership in key research areas, enable far-term

capabilities, and spawn disruptive innovations that make space exploration more effective, affordable, and

sustainable. Phase I and continuation Phase II solicitations are open to NASA Centers, other Government 

agencies, universities, industry, and individual entrepreneurs. NASA implemented Phase III studies to 

complement its portfolio of Phase I and Phase II concepts for the first time in FY 2019. Phase III studies 

are designed to continue maturation of Phase II transformative ideas allowing NASA to strategically 

transition the most promising NIAC concepts to other NASA programs, other Government agencies, or 

commercial partners. In 2019, NIAC made 12 Phase I, six Phase II, and the first two phase III awards

across industry, academia, and NASA Centers, while completing 16 Phase I and seven Phase II studies.

NIAC has been a regular source of transformative aerospace concepts, including Professor Chris Walker's 

pioneering lightweight, low power, steerable antenna systems, which provide big data at significantly 

lower cost. Dr. Walker developed his technology into a new business, Freefall Aerospace, adding to local 

economic development, and was awarded the 2019 Governor’s Award as ‘Innovator of the Year, Startup 

Company.’ His work has further developed into two NASA missions that will launch in the next two 

years: Galactic/Extragalactic Ultra Long Duration Balloon (ULDB) Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory 

(GUSTO), which will launch from McMurdo Base in Antarctica, and a mission on LandSat 9 with a 6u 

CubeSat using this antenna system. This mission was initially funded by NIAC.
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Center Innovation Fund 

The Center Innovation Fund (CIF) provides annual seed funding to each NASA Center and NASA's Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory to stimulate aerospace creativity and grassroots innovation to transform future

missions and advance the Nation’s capabilities. CIF activities are competitively selected to explore

alternative approaches or develop enhanced capabilities that will feed into NASA's Exploration

objectives. Partnerships with academia, private industry, individual innovators, as well as among NASA

Centers and Government agencies, are highly encouraged. An integrated review of all Center Innovation

Fund candidates is conducted to ensure a strategic and coordinated portfolio. These investments have led

to multiple successful NASA and commercial applications. For example, the California Institute of 

Technology and Ecliptic Enterprises are working to transition a CIF-funded 100GB Radiation Tolerant 

Solid State Drive (RT-SSD) as part of the Ecliptic Enterprises product portfolio. In addition, CIF projects 

have led to some well-known applications, such as the Woven Thermal Protection System (Woven TPS) 

used on Orion.

Early Career Initiative

As an element of the Center Innovation Fund, the Early Career Initiative (ECI) provides the opportunity 

to develop early career civil servants by allowing them to propose and work on technology projects with 

industry partners, engage in hands-on technology development opportunities, and learn different 

approaches to project management. To maximize the effectiveness of the early career projects, each team 

is mentored by local Center expert(s) as well as NASA's principal technologists. In FY 2020, NASA is 

targeting technology demonstrations that support lunar surface operations, providing NASA civil servant 

innovators the opportunity to have their technologies demonstrated on the lunar surface.

PARTNERSHIPS AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Partnerships and Technology Transfer provides Agency-level management and oversight of NASAdeveloped and NASA-owned intellectual property and manages transfer of these technologies to external 

entities. Activities include active collection and assessment of all NASA inventions, strategic 

management and marketing of intellectual property, negotiation and management of licenses, software 

release, development of technology transfer-focused partnerships, and the tracking and reporting of 

metrics related to these activities (e.g. numbers of new inventions, patents, licenses, cooperative research 

and development agreements, and software use agreements).

NASA's Technology Transfer System (NTTS) platform provides Technology Transfer personnel with 

tools to facilitate the entire technology transfer process, and it enables NASA to track activities in finegrained, quantifiable detail. 

The new NASA Software Catalog was released in early November 2019. The digital and print catalog 

serves as a complete inventory of software tools NASA has created during the course of mission work. 

The catalog also serves as an avenue for industry, academia, other Government agencies, and the public 

to download and use these software programs.

For more information, go to: https://software.nasa.gov/
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Prizes and Challenges (Includes Centennial Challenges)

NASA has recognized the value of incentivizing new technology advancement and problem solving

through “open innovation” approaches, including the use of prize competitions and challenges open to the 

public. Government and non-Government organizations have demonstrated the value of prize

competitions for their ability to tap into new sources of talent they have not typically reached. Prize 

competitions also reduce risk to the buyer because payments only occur after receipt of satisfactory

solutions.

NASA utilizes the NASA Tournament Lab to enlist crowdsourcing to tackle challenges faced in its space 

and aeronautics research and development programs. The NASA Tournament Lab, which is managed by

the Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI), offers a wide variety of open innovation

platforms that engage the crowdsourcing community in challenges to create the most innovative, efficient, 

and optimized solutions. When surveyed, NASA users of these tools have found them useful for meeting 

their needs in 94 percent of cases. CoECI supports the use of these platforms by other Federal agencies on 

a reimbursable basis. The NASA Tournament Lab also supports NASA@Work, an internal 

crowdsourcing and challenge platform designed to improve the ability of NASA employees to connect 

with others within the Agency to solve technical and non-technical problems.

Centennial Challenges offers incentive prizes to generate revolutionary solutions to support the Moon to

Mars exploration campaign and, where appropriate, partners with other organizations to maximize return

on investment. NASA is formulating additional challenges to address lunar excavation, manufacturing, 

and construction as well as lunar power needs. NASA is also developing a competition to support 

nutrition needs of astronauts on the lunar surface. In FY 2021, NASA plans to formulate new 

competitions to focus on advancing long-lead technologies for human exploration of the surface of Mars.

These competitions will focus on topics such as long-duration environmental control and life support 

system needs, reduction of logistics mass, construction of high-fidelity outfitted structures on planetary 

surfaces, and use of in situ atmospheric elements to produce resources needed by astronauts. As such, this 

FY 2021 budget request includes $8 million in new prize authority (no-year funding) to support these 

challenges. In addition, active Centennial Challenges in progress include the following:

• Cube Quest Challenge - NASA’s first in-space challenge, Cube Quest Challenge aims to advance 

communication and propulsion technologies for small spacecraft. The next phase of the challenge 

will start once the CubeSats reach lunar or deep space orbits. Teams will compete for a share of 

more than $4 million to be awarded to the CubeSats that communicate for the longest period of 

time with Earth and/or travel the farthest from Earth.

• Vascular Tissue Challenge - The purpose of the challenge is to produce viable thick-tissue assays 

that can be used to advance research both on Earth and in space environments. Awards will be 

made to the first three teams to achieve the goals by the end of FY 2020. 19 teams have registered

for the competition.

• CO2 Conversion Challenge - The purpose of this $1 million competition is to convert carbon 

dioxide (CO2) into sugars such as glucose as a step to creating mission-critical resources. Such 

technologies will allow us to manufacture products using local, indigenous resources on Mars and 

Earth by using waste and atmospheric carbon dioxide as a resource. Phase 1 of the challenge 

awarded $250,000 to five teams for their system concepts; phase 2 seeks to award up to $750,000 

to the top three teams that demonstrate operational systems in FY 2020. 
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• Space Robotics Challenge - NASA is conducting the second phase of this competition, which 

seeks to advance robotic software and autonomous capabilities for space exploration missions on 

the surface of extraterrestrial objects, such as distant planets or moons. The $1 million 

competition will consist of two rounds to narrow the field of competitors and will culminate with 

awards made in early FY 2022.
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Technology Maturation Project Table 201.2 -- 469.1 551.5 654.1 748.4 835.8

Total Budget 201.2 -- 469.1 551.5 654.1 748.4 835.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Led by Langley Research Center (LaRC), a team of scientists 

and engineers used Summit, the world's fastest supercomputer,

at the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National 

Laboratory (ORNL), to simulate retropropulsion for landing 

humans on Mars. The simulation is depicted above.

NASA is advancing disruptive space

technologies from proof of concept to

demonstration, maturing transformational

and foundational technologies that

primarily reside between early stage

research and flight demonstration.

Development of new technologies and

capabilities lays the groundwork that

enhances and enables lunar and Mars 

surface activities and space exploration

beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) in support 

of Artemis. 

A substantial portion of the Technology 

Maturation funds are dedicated to the 

Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, 

targeting critical technologies needed for 

surface activities over the next five years, 

including: 

• In-Situ Resource Utilization with an emphasis on collecting, processing, storing, and using

material found or manufactured on other astronomical objects;

• Sustainable Surface Power, enabling continuous power throughout lunar day and night;

• Surface Excavation/Construction to enable affordable, autonomous manufacturing and

construction;

• Lunar Dust Mitigation enhancements to mitigate lunar dust hazards; and 

• Extreme Environments and Extreme Access capabilities to operate through the full range of lunar 

surface and subsurface conditions.

The Technology Maturation portfolio develops and demonstrates technologies needed to enable

exploration. The portfolio emphasizes technologies that address technical challenges faced by human

explorers and is aligned with the Technology Thrusts.
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These investments will also support the Science Mission Directorate on exploration-related technology 

and research that also have relevance to achieving science goals. Public-private partnerships are an 

important mechanism used by NASA for Technology Maturation projects - as such, agreements enable

NASA and private sector industry to share in the risk and benefit of Government investments. These

shared risks and benefits include incentivizing technical performance, building future commercial

markets, and sharing financial interest in the development of capabilities. NASA will execute a

technology portfolio that enables human exploration and brings new knowledge and opportunities to

Earth, enabled by the high-priority technology focus areas described in further detail below.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

Nuclear propulsion and power work transitions to the Space Nuclear Technologies portfolio described 

within Technology Demonstrations.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Go 

• The Thruster for the Advancement of Low-temperature Operation in Space activity completed the 

electrical discharge machining for the workhorse engine injector and completed the hot-fire 

testing of the workhorse engine. These thrusters will be infused into the Astrobotic (Pittsburgh, 

PA) Peregrine lander. 

Live

• Completed thermal vacuum testing of two drills that will deliver water-enriched, lunar regolith 

for identification and quantification of water using a mass spectrometer, called the Mass 

Spectrometer observing lunar operations. These tests support the Polar Ice Mining Experiment , 

which will be sent to the lunar surface for demonstration on an early Commercial Lunar Payload 

Services (CLPS) company in calendar year 2022. Based on the outcome of early testing, The 

Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain drill from Honeybee Robotics was selected.

• In addition to Astrobee delivering three flight units, NASA delivered bionutrients flight demo 

hardware to the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2019 for a five-year investigation of the 

long-term stability of a nutrient production system in space. 

Land

• In entry, descent, and landing systems, the Entry Systems Modeling project, in coordination with 

the Mars Entry Descent and Landing Instrumentation 2 (MEDLI-2) project, completed material 

property testing of the Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA)-N and delivered MEDLI-2 

flight hardware to Mars 2020. In addition, NASA completed ground demonstrations of the 

navigation Doppler LIDAR exceeding velocity requirements, completed the descent landing 

computer prototype, and began assembly of advanced hazard detection LIDAR. NASA partnered 

with Masten Space Systems and completed a flight demonstration of Terrain Relative Navigation 

technology.
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Explore

• In the area of In Space Manufacturing, NASA delivered and successfully checked out refabricator 

technology to the ISS. The unit is now ready to proceed with further printing and bonding 

operations. This machine can print plastic parts and recycle them back into reusable raw materials 

to make more and/or different parts. In addition, the Agency partnered with three U.S. companies

- Interlog Corporation of Anaheim, CA, Techshot, Inc. of Greeneville, IN, and Tethers Unlimited, 

Inc. of Bothell, WA - to initiate development of a prototype, on-demand fabrication capability. 

• To substantially improve computing capacity of spaceflight computers, NASA initiated the 

Advanced Memory project in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory to target 

volatile and non-volatile memory devices to support processor and digital devices.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Go

• NASA will complete the design and combustion testing of the Thruster for the Advancement of 

Low-temperature Operation in Space (TALOS), leading to qualification testing in FY 2020. The 

qualification test will validate the thruster's performance in a relevant environment. This 

technology will then be shared with Frontier, through a public-private partnership, to develop a 

complete set of flight thrusters to be integrated onto the Astrobotic's Peregrine Lander. 

• Busek conducted life testing of a 600-Watt Hall Thruster. The BHT-600 Hall effect thruster

exceeded the baseline goal of 5,000 hours of operation in early FY 2020 and is now targeting 

10,000 hours of operation by March 2020. This technology could be infused into sub-kilowatt 

power level electric propulsion systems to enable more affordable missions with smaller 

spacecraft. 

Land

• NASA's Safe and Precise Landing Integrated Capabilities project will deliver units of the 

Navigation Doppler LIDAR, Descent Landing Computer, Terrain Relative Navigation, and 

Hazard Detection LIDAR to Blue Origin and Astrobotic to support their future sub-orbital flight 

and potential closed loop demonstrations in FY 2020 and FY 2021. These components are vital to 

an integrated suite of descent and landing technologies for a future lunar demonstration that 

emphasizes partnerships between NASA and industry. 

Live 

• NASA initiated an agreement with an existing Department of Defense University Affiliated 

Research Center (UARC), the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, to provide 

an initial feasibility assessment on the structure, scope, and roles of a UARC to serve as a system 

integrator for the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative (LSII). This consortium could expedite 

technology development and integration of lunar surface activities in support of a sustainable 

lunar surface presence
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• Completion of the preliminary design and critical design reviews of the 100-W class autonomous 

engineering model for the fuel cell, targeting an integrated demonstration in FY 2023 to validate 

for use on the lunar surface.

• Extreme Environmental Space Power will deliver a transformational solar array prototype that is 

much more efficient than current technology, enabling reliable operations that require power, 

even during periods of low sunlight intensity and low temperature. The prototype will 

demonstrate at least a 37 percent greater efficiency at the beginning of life and at least a 28

percent greater efficiency at the end of life than the current state-of-the-art. The industry awardee, 

Applied Physics Laboratory, will supply two of these transformational array strings for the

Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.

Explore 

• Successfully manufactured a 16-meter composite boom for a deployment and will have a 

demonstration test on a zero-g aircraft flight to test deployment in an environment with 

significantly reduced gravitational forces. These deployable space structures will improve the 

packing efficiency of small volume spacecraft (e.g., CubeSats) and Evolved Expendable Launch 

Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapters (ESPA) class satellites.

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory will complete a field test of multiple autonomous Pop-Up Flat Folding 

Exploration Robots (PUFFERs). PUFFER could potentially serve as initial scouting of robots on 

the lunar surface.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Land

• Blue Origin will complete Hardware In the Loop simulations that will integrate Navigation 

Doppler LIDAR and Descent Landing Computer sensor flight data learned from FY 2020 flight 

tests to demonstrate lunar landing capability of Blue Origin's Blue Navigation System. 

• Astrobotics will complete environmental testing of Terrain Relative Navigation space flight 

hardware in preparation for a lunar demonstration.

• The Mars Entry Descent and Landing Instrumentation 2 (MEDLI-2) experiment will occur during 

the Mars 2020 Mission entry into the Martian atmosphere. After a successful landing and 

transmission of data, the MEDLI-2 researchers will begin comparisons between analytical models 

and experimental data. Through these experiments, NASA will reduce landing ellipse 

uncertainties to improve landing accuracies for future robotic and manned Mars missions.

• NASA will conduct Plume Surface Interaction particle analysis in the Planetary Aeolian Lab at 

Ames Research Center, utilizing stereo landing cameras and other instruments during hot-fire 

engine tests to measure effects of lander base ejecta on CLPS landers. The computational models 

update within three to six months of each test series to continually update the tools being applied 

to lunar and Mars lander designs. 

•
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Live

• The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer will also be launching via Mars 2020 to prepare for 

human exploration by providing daily weather reports, including information on the radiation and 

wind patterns on Mars. The instrument makes weather measurements, including wind speed and 

direction, temperature, and humidity, and measures the amount and size of dust particles in the 

Martian atmosphere. Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer will take measurements in 

FY 2021-2022.

• The Chemical Heat Integrated Power Source (CHIPS) project, to demonstrate a combined 

electrical and thermal power source for survival and surface operations on the Moon, will begin 

the assembly of the integrated system that includes the reaction control subsystem, the thermal 

control subsystem, and the thermoelectric converter subsystem, which, once integrated with lunar 

landers, will enable further operational life.

• NASA will complete the system design for technology that will allow oxygen to be recovered 

from regolith using ionic fluid. Lunar regolith is more than forty percent oxygen by weight, but 

there are no mature technologies suitable for in-space use available to recover this oxygen. 

Ultimately, this technology will be tested through a ground demonstration, followed by a CLPS 

experiment.

• NASA will complete a Space Synthetic Biology bioreactor that can convert locally-sourced 

carbon dioxide to organic compounds.

Explore

• In conjunction with the Starling small spacecraft mission, the Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy 

project at NASA Ames Research Center will develop and demonstrate the capability to command 

multiple spacecraft as a single entity and scale inter spacecraft communications beyond the 

Starling demonstration to larger swarms with dozens of nodes.

• NASA will qualify Bulk Metallic Glass planetary and strain wave gears for in-space application 

with potential to support lunar and Europa surface missions. In FY 2021, the project will finalize 

material specification and perform environmental testing and life endurance testing of planetary 

and strain wave gears in the Cold Operable Lunar Deployable Arm payload described further 

below.
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Program Elements

Technology Maturation Budget Estimated by Focus Area 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Rapid, Safe & Efficient Space Transport 75.9 -- 19.1 19.5 20.5 38.1 43.9

Expanded Access to Diverse Surface Dest 34.3 -- 52.2 67.8 78.5 88.0 100.0

Sustainable Living & Work Far From Earth 42.2 -- 247.3 285.0 336.4 388.7 438.2

Transformative Missions and Discoveries 24.3 -- 43.6 44.8 47.1 52.1 62.7

Lunar Payload, ACO/TP 1.9 -- 77.4 101.1 135.0 144.0 150.0

Space Tech Management and Integration 22.7 -- 29.5 33.2 36.5 37.5 41.1

Total Budget 201.2 -- 469.1 551.5 654.1 748.4 835.8

GO: RAPID, SAFE, & EFFICIENT SPACE TRANSPORTATION 

NASA is making critical advancements in power generation and energy storage technologies for 

exploration missions. Propulsion investments focus on higher thrust and efficiency, including alternatives

to traditional chemical propulsion systems for deep space exploration spacecraft systems. Specific

investments include:

• The Thruster for the Advancement of Low-temperature Operation in Space (TALOS), a new class 

of thruster to the aerospace community for deep space missions. These thrusters will use MON25/MMH propellants, which can provide superior thermal performance due to lower freezing 

points and mass savings over other thrusters with comparable performance. Through a publicprivate partnership with Frontier, NASA will build upon the TALOS effort, providing the first 

flight set of axial thrusters for the Astrobotic mission for integration on the Peregrine Lander.

• Rapid Analysis Manufacturing Propulsion Technology (RAMPT) will develop and advance 

large-scale, light-weight manufacturing techniques and analysis capabilities required to reduce 

design and fabrication cycles for regenerative-cooled liquid rocket engine components. RAMPT 

impacts all phases of the thrust chamber life cycle by reducing design, fabrication, and assembly 

schedules (by 60 percent) and allowing for reduced parts, increased reliability, and significant 

weight reduction (by 70 percent). RAMPT will partner with industry through a public-private 

partnership to design and manufacture component parts of the thrust chamber. This project will 

culminate in a large scale Thrust Chamber Assembly hot fire test.

• Cryogenic Fluid Technologies project is developing multiple capabilities for zero boil off storage 

of multiple cryogenic fluids, including liquid hydrogen. These capabilities are enabling to a 

variety of lunar lander operations, lunar surface operations, and in-space transportation systems, 
Exploration Technology

TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

ET-26

including Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. Technologies being developed include a 90 kelvin 

cryocooler with 150-watt refrigeration capacity, a 20 kelvin cryocooler with 20-watt refrigeration 

capacity, reduced gravity transfer lines, and a new class of coatings to reduce solar absorption. 

Multiple approaches are being pursued for the 90 kelvin/150 watt cryocooler using design 

concept studies of pulse tube cryocoolers for potential to proceed to prototyping of a150 watt at

90 kelvin Reverse Turbo-Brayton cycle cryocooler. Performance testing of a solar white coating 

technology will be continued to address optimization of the strength and optical properties of the 

coating and evaluation of cryogenic thermal performance in different relevant environmental 

conditions (electrostatic charging and atomic oxygen).

LAND: EXPANDED ACCESS TO DIVERSE SURFACE DESTINATIONS

For NASA to more accurately land more mass on planetary bodies, as well as improve capabilities to 

return spacecraft from low Earth orbit and deep space, the Agency must develop more capable entry, 

descent, landing system materials and modeling capabilities. NASA invests in technologies focused on 

the design, analysis, and testing of advanced materials for thermal protection and aeroshell architectures 

required for future exploration vehicles and planetary entry missions. Key projects within the Entry, 

Descent, and Landing Systems include: 

• Precision Landing and Hazard Avoidance components (e.g., sensors, computing platform, and 

algorithms) are being matured for integration and demonstration via investments in Safe and 

Precise Landing- Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) and for infusion into near-term 

commercial robotic missions for Lunar Demonstrations in the 2024-2026 timeframe, enabling a 

multitude of future missions to take advantage of the capability to choose a safe landing site 

within a landing footprint. These missions include:

o Navigation Doppler Lidar velocimeter is ready for a flight test on Blue Origin Blue 

Shepard, and will be infused on CLPS, then on human Lunar landers; 

o Hazard Detection Sensor being readied for demonstration on an Earth-based flight 

opportunity before Lunar lander infusion; 

o Descent and Landing Computer, for processing on Earth-based test platforms, then 

extended to Lunar demonstration; 

o Terrain Relative Navigation, infusing into both Blue Origin and Astrobotic commercial 

landers in preparation for near-term lunar landings; and

o Descent and landing performance simulations development for candidate missions to 

inform technology investments and timing.

• Safe and Precise Landing Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE), integrates these precision 

landing and hazard avoidance technologies to reduce entry uncertainty, leading to a safe and

precise landing. By the end of the project, the goal is to reach 200 meters per second with Line of 

Sight Velocity and greater than four kilometers in Line of Sight Range. 

• In collaboration with Science, the Space Technology Mission Directorate completed MEDLI-2 

and delivered this second-generation sensor suite for incorporation into the Mars 2020 heat 
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TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

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shield. This effort will further improve our understanding of entry system performance by 

acquiring flight data from an actual Mars mission, informing NASA designs for future 

exploration missions. The goals of the sensor suite are to facilitate precise landing and to detect 

and avoid hazards (natural and manufactured) to support human-rated reliability. Through 

information obtained from NASA's development and 2022 demonstration of the Low-Earth Orbit 

Flight Test of Inflatable Decelerator and MEDLI-2, NASA will begin design studies for a landing 

system capable of landing human-class payloads on Mars.

• Plume Surface Interaction aims to reduce lander risk by improving and validating Plume Surface 

Interaction models with high-fidelity data from both ground tests and flight instrumentation. 

Leveraging all relevant flight opportunities, the project will conduct particle analysis in the 

Planetary Aeolian Lab at Ames Research Center and conduct hot fire tests of stereo landing 

cameras and other instruments for CLPS landers to measure effects of lander base ejecta. The 

computational models update within three to six months of each test series, facilitating continuous 

application of tools to lunar and Mars lander designs. 

LIVE: SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND WORKING FARTHER FROM EARTH

Capabilities developed under this thrust area result in routine crewed operations beyond low-Earth orbit. 

Technologies demonstrated will enable sustainable human presence on the Moon and, eventually, Mars. 

Additionally, these capabilities provide the ability to reach challenging sites and resources on the Moon 

and Mars and survive and operate through the lunar night.

Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative

As part of the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, NASA will pursue novel technologies needed to 

increase the viability of oxygen extraction from lunar resources, develop lunar surface power generation 

and storage capabilities, and improve thermal management. These capabilities are essential for humans 

and systems to successfully live and operate on the lunar surface. The activities described below include 

key elements of this initiative along with related efforts.

In-Situ Resource Utilization 

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) must first be demonstrated before it can be mission-critical. This 

project will target a subscale demonstration of critical technologies on Commercial Lunar Payload 

Services landers (e.g., excavation, mineral beneficiation, regolith processing) in the early to mid-2020’s. 

The project will design human mission-relevant scale demonstrations of ISRU mining and processing for 

oxygen and water, possibly tied to demonstration of nuclear power on the Moon. Following development 

and maturation of ISRU technologies at the component, subsystem, and system level, the project will 

demonstrate them in ground-based analog environments to enable production of propellants, other 

mission consumables, products, and infrastructure from regolith and atmospheric resources at a variety of 

destinations. Mature ISRU technologies will be brought to a system-level TRL 6 to support future flight 

demonstration missions. The project objective will be to validate high fidelity ISRU systems' mass, 

power, and volume data for incorporation into Exploration architecture options analysis. 

This effort will be supported through a balance of in-house and external work to mature the technologies 

and capabilities, with NASA Center involvement responsibilities based on expertise and past/current 

development efforts. External work will be funded through several contracting mechanisms (SBIR/STTR, 
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TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

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solicitations, public-private partnerships) and competitions. This project will also be instrumental in 

leveraging a potential ISRU institute as well as challenge ideas.

Lunar ISRU technology demonstrations will be key for operational experience and mission validation for 

Mars. The LSII ISRU demonstrations will develop and test a broad spectrum of core capabilities 

applicable to Mars ISRU, and at similar scales. Demonstration of integrated ISRU systems on the lunar 

surface will also provide vital technology maturation to better enable remote and/or autonomous 

operations, as well as more efficient power utilization, operations, and processes for Mars ISRU systems.

In addition to the core lunar ISRU capability development, Exploration Technology is investing in 

atmospheric ISRU for Mars missions, building off the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization 

Experiment flight demonstration on Mars 2020. This includes component and subsystem technology 

advancement and testing, as well as formulating the chemistry development and relevant ground 

demonstrations to inform a future atmospheric ISRU plant flight payload. Key objectives include:

• Oxygen/Methane from Mars Atmosphere: integrate dust filtration, carbon dioxide collection, 

solid oxide electrolysis and/or atmospheric-based processing, and oxygen/methane liquefaction to

perform long-duration testing in simulated Mars environment.

• Water from Mars Soil: advance technologies in hydrated mineral water separation and perform

long-duration testing under analog and Mars environment chamber testing.

Sustainable Surface Power

NASA is making critical advancements in power generation and energy storage technologies for 

exploration missions. It is developing solar array technology that can generate energy in extreme 

environments, including low light intensity and low temperature. In addition, NASA is developing and 

demonstrating a primary fuel cell system to support initial operations on the lunar surface. Fuel cells will 

also be needed to support operations with long discharge times, including applications on rovers, 

powering of habitats, powering in-situ resource utilization systems, and for general energy storage on the 

Moon. NASA is working toward completion of preliminary design and critical design reviews of an 

autonomous engineering model for the fuel cell which will lead to a full integration of the regenerative 

fuel cell for ground testing in FY 2023 in preparation for a potential future demonstration on the lunar 

surface.

Extreme Environments

NASA is advancing rovers, manipulators, and other systems that can operate throughout the full range of 

lunar surface conditions, including lunar noon (up to 150 °C), lunar night (down to -180 °C), multiple 

day/night cycles, and permanently shadowed regions (down to -240 °C). Key technologies include:

• Bulk Metallic Glass: Bulk Metallic Glass gears improve rover mobility performance at low 

temperatures by eliminating the need for gear lubricant and associated heaters. This project will 

deliver planetary gears and strain wave gears that will enable planetary surface missions where 

temperatures drop below the freezing point of typical lubricants. 

• The Cold Operable Lunar Deployable Arm payload will significantly improve the utility for lunar 

landers by providing manipulation capabilities during the lunar night. The payload will integrate 
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TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

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technologies such as bulk metallic glass actuators, cold motor drivers, and a six-axis force torque 

sensor previously developed.

• Motors for dusty and extremely cold environments: Apollo missions demonstrated that dust was a 

limiting factor for lunar surface operation and posed a health concern when it penetrated habitable 

spaces. The Lunar Dust Adhesion Mitigation activity will investigate piezoelectric agitation, 

surface coatings, plasma lofting, and electrostatic behavior to minimize the impact of lunar dust.

• Planetary and Lunar Environment Thermal Toolbox will develop and improve a host of thermal 

technologies to ensure the effective operation of future instruments and robotic/human systems in 

extreme lunar/planetary environments.

Surface Excavation and Construction 

NASA will develop and demonstrate technologies that enable affordable, autonomous manufacturing and

construction (e.g., of a landing pad, berm, or shielding) using lunar surface materials.

Lunar Dust Mitigation 

NASA will develop and demonstrate technologies and concepts to mitigate lunar dust hazards, enabling 

affordable, sustained operations both on the lunar surface and with transfers to and from the Lunar 

Gateway or other orbital platforms.

Environmental Control and Life Support Systems 

NASA will fundamentally transform spacecraft systems through investment in high payoff technologies

that advance atmospheric capture and conversion aspects of closed-loop life support systems and develop

capabilities to mitigate space radiation. Key projects within this portfolio include the following:

• Spacecraft Oxygen Recovery: Oxygen recovery systems are critical when oxygen resupply from 

Earth is not available, and they will enable long-duration human missions. NASA awarded two 

contracts, one to Honeywell Aerospace and one to UMQUA Research Co., to develop 

technologies that will increase the oxygen recovery rate aboard human spacecraft to at least 75 

percent while achieving high reliability. These technologies may be used by the ISS as a proving 

ground to retire risk and gain experience with capabilities needed for deep-space exploration. 

• Space Synthetic Biology will demonstrate the ability of synthetic biology to impact mission 

architectures by producing high-value bio-nutrients on demand, minimizing the need for launched 

resources. The project has begun a five-year flight experiment and demonstration, with the first 

bionutrient samples being returned from the ISS. This CO2-Based Manufacturing element can 

convert locally-sourced carbon dioxide to organic compounds that can serve as a microbial 

substrate for microbial biomanufacturing systems. This capability allows biomanufacturing 

systems to scale to viable production systems for mission products, such as food components, 

pharmaceuticals, polymers, fuels, and a range of valuable chemicals. 

• Autonomous Medical Operations: The objective of this project is to develop a “medical decision 

support system” to enable astronauts on long-duration exploration missions independent of Earth 

contact. Such a system is not intended to replace a “Chief Medical Officer” (CMO), but rather to 

support the CMO’s medical actions by providing advice and procedure recommendations during 
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TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

ET-30

emergent care and clinical work. The Autonomous Medical Operations system will enable rapid, 

assured acquisition and analysis of sensor data to support differential diagnosis, analysis from 

medical on-board notes and on-board databases (including tailoring to individual astronauts), and 

automated reasoning using structured and unstructured data.

• The Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking (ISAAC) effort will build upon 

FY 2019 formulation and work towards a multi-year project developing and enhancing key 

technologies for the autonomous operation of complex, space-based infrastructure that provides

the capability to support operations where human intervention is limited. ISAAC will provide 

new capabilities for in-space operations and adaptive vehicle caretaking. At the end of the 

formulation phase, ISAAC will perform a demonstration to validate the initial Modular 

Autonomous Systems Technology architecture on analog platform.

In Space Manufacturing

• To provide efficient mission and ground operations with reduced dependence on Earth resources, 

NASA invests in technologies for in-space manufacturing , including the development of the 

Multi-Material Fabrication Laboratory (FabLAB) for ISS. The project will complete the 

following key objectives over the next two years: Refabricator Technology Demonstration 

installation and activation on the ISS and Technical Interchange Meetings with the FabLAB

Phase A awardees. NASA will award Phase B of a space-based, on-demand fabrication capability 

by partnering with U.S. companies to develop a FabLAB and conduct Critical Design Reviews, 

leading to an on-orbit FabLAB in the 2025 timeframe.

EXPLORE: TRANSFORMATIVE MISSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

Technologies developed within Explore will enable NASA to reach challenging sites and resources on the 

Moon and survive and operate through the lunar night and on Mars. 

Advanced Avionics, Communications, and Navigation 

NASA will fundamentally transform spacecraft systems through investment in high payoff technologies

that increase communication data rate and advance deep space navigation and flight avionics. Key

projects within this portfolio include the following:

• High Performance Spaceflight Computing (HPSC): HPSC will lead to vastly improved in-space 

computing performance, energy management, and increased radiation fault tolerance. The new 

radiation-tolerant microprocessor will offer a 75-times improvement in performance relative to 

the current state-of-the-art RAD750 processor while requiring the same power. The project 

includes a chiplet (a multi-core Rad-hard processor), an Advanced Rad-hard Memory (led by the 

Air Force Research Laboratory), and a NASA-led single board computer. High performance 

computing solutions require both high-speed processing (via the Chiplet) and high-speed memory 

storage and access. Precision lunar and other planetary landings, where many high-resolution 

images need to be processed in seconds, are particularly demanding operations that benefit from 

HPSC. 

• Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy: Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy will develop technology that 

will demonstrate autonomous decision-making for multi-spacecraft missions and systems due to 
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TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

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latency, bandwidth constraints, and mission complexity, and will significantly increase the 

effectiveness of missions and systems by operating them as a collective rather than individually.

Servicing, Assembly, & Manufacturing

NASA supports innovation in materials development and low-cost manufacturing that enables increased 

mission cargo capacity by reduction of structural mass. NASA looks for opportunities to improve the 

manufacturing technologies, processes, and products prevalent in the aerospace industry. NASA’s unique 

needs enable a network of collaboration and partnerships with industry, academia, and other Government

agencies to accelerate innovative manufacturing methods and technologies. Key projects within this 

portfolio include the following:

• The Super-lightweight Aerospace Composites (SAC) project seeks to scale up the manufacturing 

and use of high-strength carbon nanotube composite materials. Led by NASA’s Langley 

Research Center in Hampton, VA, a team of researchers is working with other NASA Centers, 

Government agencies, academia, and industry partners to move this technology forward. If 

carbon nanotube material was produced at a higher rate than it is currently, carbon nanotube 

materials could be used to make rocket and spacecraft components. Using a Phase III SBIR 

contract with Nanocomp Technologies Inc. of Merrimack, NH, NASA is scaling up 

manufacturing capabilities and lowering production costs of high-strength carbon nanotube yarn, 

building on previous SBIR awards from the Department of Defense and NASA.

• Deployable Composite Boom: The objective of this project is to mature deployable composite 

boom technology for use in low-cost, small volume, CubeSat/ESPA class spacecraft. Structurally 

ridged and thermally stable booms are needed for use in low-cost science and exploration 

missions where relatively large deployed structures are required for power, communications, and,

in some instances, propulsion. These types of booms enable high-power solar arrays, antennas for

high data rate communications, and solar sail propulsion systems to be included on small 

CubeSat/ESPA class spacecraft.

Extreme Access

Exploration Technology demonstrates technologies enabling humans or robotic systems, particularly

autonomous systems, to efficiently access, navigate, and explore previously inaccessible lunar or

planetary surface or subsurface areas. 

• Autonomous Pop Up Flat Folding Exploration Robot (PUFFER): The objective of this project is 

to enable the PUFFER to operate autonomously, both individually and as a multi-robot team. 

PUFFER is a miniature mobile robot that is designed as a low-volume, low mass, low-cost 

mission enhancement for accessing new, high-interest, extreme terrains. PUFFER can support 

future lunar, Mars, and icy moon missions, as well as work in extreme terrains on Earth. 

• Cube Rover: Astrobotic, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, was awarded a Tipping 

Point public private partnership to continue development of their CubeRover, a 2-kilogram rover 

platform capable of small-scale science and technology demonstrations on the Moon and other 

planetary surfaces. This small rover platform complements Astrobotic’s lunar payload delivery 

service by providing a low-cost mobility capability to the lunar surface for customers around the 

world.
Exploration Technology

TECHNOLOGY MATURATION

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ACQUISITION STRATEGY

These critical technology projects are defined as part of the strategic framework and capabilities, through 

requirements determined by the Federated Team, and through selection by the Space Technology Mission 

Directorate's annual Strategic Technology Architecture Round-table (STAR) process. In addition, STMD 

embraces competition and external partnerships; as such, some of the technologies are selected through 

the annual Tipping Point, Announcements of Collaboration Opportunity, and other NASA solicitations.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

High Performance Spaceflight 

Computing Boeing Company St. Louis, MO

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Independent 

Review Team NASA Jul 2019 Assess progress on current HPSC plans.

Technical review 

led to project replan 

in process with 

STMD and Boeing.

To Be 

Determined

Standing Review 

Board NASA MEDLI-2 Systems Acceptance Review Feb 2020
Exploration Technology

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION 

ET-33

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Laser Comm Relay Demo (LCRD) 17.2 30.0 13.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) 48.1 48.1 48.7 25.4 9.0 5.8 0.0

Restore & SPIDER (OSAM-1) 192.8 227.2 133.5 117.2 59.4 14.6 0.0

Small Spacecraft, Flight Opportunities & 

Other Tech Demo

158.7 -- 341.4 413.4 445.0 444.5 525.1

Total Budget 416.8 -- 537.2 556.0 513.4 464.8 525.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The LOFTID Engineering Design Unit of the 

Aeroshell is seen here at Langley Research 

Center (LaRC) undergoing mass property 

testing. The LOFTID project aims to advance 

hypersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerator 

technology by performing orbital velocity 

atmospheric entry experiment.

The Technology Demonstration portfolio conducts both 

ground-based testing, to determine feasibility, and space 

flight demonstrations, to transition new capabilities to

NASA exploration missions and potentially to industry

and other Government agencies.

Current and future projects in this portfolio enable and 

enhance NASA’s Artemis Moon to Mars Exploration 

Campaign, with an emphasis on lunar exploration 

technology needs that enable human landing in 2024 and 

a sustainable lunar presence. Technology investments 

include high-power solar electric propulsion for the 

Artemis Power and Propulsion Element, precision lunar 

landing and hazard avoidance, cryogenic fluid 

management, in situ resource utilization and sustainable 

lunar surface power (contributing to the Lunar Surface 

Innovation Initiative), advanced communications and

navigation demonstrations, and in-space manufacturing

and assembly.

While these technologies primarily benefit space exploration, several of these technologies offer the 

potential for commercial benefits, as well. Where this potential is high, public-private partnerships will be 

used to enable NASA to share the risk and financial interest with private industry and better leverage 

Government investments. For example, in-space manufacturing and assembly offers a broad range of 

potential benefits, enabling transformative missions that cannot currently be performed and would 

diversify spacecraft development options that are currently limited by launch vehicle shape, size, and 

mass constraints. Entry, descent, and landing technologies required for exploration could provide the 

capability to return large payloads to Earth, enabling the re-use of space systems and, potentially, the 

affordable return to Earth of objects manufactured in space. 
Exploration Technology

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

ET-34

This account also supports platforms that enable technology demonstrations in relevant environments 

through Flight Opportunities' suborbital flights and to demonstrate capabilities and acquire strategic 

knowledge through Small Spacecraft platforms (including CubeSats). Examples include using vertical 

takeoff-vertical landing rockets to demonstrate precision landing and hazard avoidance software and 

avionics and using CubeSat robotic precursor activities to acquire strategic knowledge about potential 

destinations for human exploration. One such precursor activity is prospecting for lunar ice.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

NASA establishes a new Space Nuclear Technologies portfolio, which will draw upon the lessons learned 

from both the Kilopower project and the nuclear thermal propulsion work in previous years. This program 

will place a high-priority on lunar surface power but will also continue to make progress on propulsion 

capabilities to support future human missions to Mars. The objectives of this effort are described in the 

Small Spacecraft, Flight Opportunities, and Other Technology Demonstrations section below. 
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

LASER COMM RELAY DEMO (LCRD)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-35

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 169.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 169.5

Development/Implementation 71.7 21.6 26.8 8.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 128.6

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 3.2 9.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.5

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 241.2 21.6 30.0 17.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 310.6

Total STMD Budget 204.8 17.2 30.0 13.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 265.6

Change from FY 2020 -16.4

Percentage change from FY 2020 -54.7%

Total NASA Budget 241.2 21.6 30.0 17.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 310.6

The Laser Communications Relay 

Demonstration (LCRD) flight payload was 

delivered to Northrop Grumman’s facility in 

Sterling, Virginia. There, the payload will be 

integrated onto the U.S. Air Force’s Space 

Test Program Satellite 6 (STPSat-6) and 

prepared for launch. LCRD will be NASA’s 

first end-to-end optical relay, sending and 

receiving data from missions in space to 

mission control on Earth.

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in 

Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, as 

adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of 

Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from Public Law 

116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as 

projects in development, are included in the FY 2020 column.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The goal of the Laser Communications Relay 

Demonstration project is to prove the utility of bidirectional optical communications relay services between 

geosynchronous orbit and Earth. The project supports the 

advanced communications, navigation, and avionics 

exploration key focus areas. This effort will prove optical 

communications technology in an operational setting, 

providing data rates up to 100 times faster than today’s 

radio frequency-based communication systems. The 

demonstration will measure and characterize the system 

performance over a variety of conditions, develop 

operational procedures, assess applicability for future 

missions, and provide an on-orbit capability for test and 

demonstration of standards for optical relay 

communications. This capability, if successfully 

demonstrated, could be quickly infused into NASA 

missions, other Federal agencies, and U.S. satellite 
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

LASER COMM RELAY DEMO (LCRD)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-36

manufacturers and operators given the rising demand for bandwidth. Laser Communications Relay 

Demonstration will fly as a hosted payload with the U.S. Air Force Space Test Program (STPSat-6). 

Upon a successful flight demonstration, NASA will provide the communications industry with access to 

the integrated system to test these new capabilities for commercial applications.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The launch readiness date of the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration payload on the U.S. Air 

STPSat-6 mission will be delayed by at least 14 months relative to the original baseline commitment 

Launch Readiness Date (LRD) milestone schedule of November 2019. The new LRD is currently targeted 

for January 2021. The schedule is delayed primarily because of the need to make modifications to the 

STPSat-6 spacecraft bus. Limited space launch range availability, which is outside LCRD’s control, is 

also a factor. LCRD has delivered the flight system for integration in January 2020.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

LCRD will conduct a minimum two-year flight demonstration to advance optical communications 

technology toward infusion into Near Earth operational systems while growing the capabilities of industry 

sources. Objectives include: 

• Demonstrating bidirectional optical communications between geosynchronous Earth orbit and 

Earth;

• Measuring and characterizing the system performance over a variety of conditions;

• Developing operational procedures and assessing applicability for future missions; and

• Providing an on-orbit capability for test and demonstration of standards for optical relay 

communications.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The project successfully performed environmental and payload performance testing and prepared the 

payload for delivery, including troubleshooting and repair of a modem failure that occurred during 

integrated testing. Additionally, the project developed and successfully tested the ground communication 

network with the payload in the loop.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The project delivered the flight payload to the spacecraft integrator and support integration and testing as 

a part of the STP-3 mission. The project will support space vehicle integration and test, including end-toend testing with the LCRD Mission Operations Center. The project will certify the mission operations 

network that will be used to operate the payload on-orbit.
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

LASER COMM RELAY DEMO (LCRD)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-37

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The project will support launch readiness, launch in January 2021, and early on-orbit operations. 

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

CDR Dec 2016 Dec 2016

KDP-C Feb 2017 Feb 2017

System Integration Review May 2018 Nov 2019

KDP-D Feb 2020 Feb 2020

Operational Readiness Review Oct 2020 Oct 2020

KDP-E Dec 2020 Dec 2020

Launch Readiness Review Dec 2020 Dec 2020

Launch (or equivalent) Jan 2021 Jan 2021
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

LASER COMM RELAY DEMO (LCRD)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-38

Development Cost and Schedule

Below details the current year development cost estimate for STMD ($95.7 million) as well as the NASA 

total which includes funding from LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS)/

Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) ($32.9 million). Current LCC ($310.5 million) and 

development cost ($128.6 million) with a launch of January 2021 represent a new baseline report pursuant 

to section 103 of the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-155). The original baseline was for an

LCC of $262.7 million, a development cost of $91.8 million, and a launch of November 2019.

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2020 95.7 

(STMD) 70% 2020 95.7 (STMD) 0% Launch Jan 2021 Jan 2021 0

2020 128.6 

(NASA) 70% 2020 128.6 (NASA) 0% Launch Jan 2021 Jan 2021 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost. NASA originally baselined LCRD in 2017 and conducted a re-plan in 2019. JCL was not updated in replan.
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

LASER COMM RELAY DEMO (LCRD)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-39

Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)*

TOTAL: 128.6 128.6 0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 32.5 32.5 0

Payloads 25.5 25.5 0

Systems I&T 15.6 15.6 0

Launch Vehicle 0.0 0.0 0

Ground Systems 7.3 7.3 0

Science/Technology 6.0 6.0 0

Other Direct Project Costs 41.7 41.7 0

Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Program 

Management

Project Management, LCRD 

Payload, LCRD Mission 

Operations Center

Goddard Space Flight Center N/A

Optical Ground 

Station

Optical Ground Stations, RF 

Ground Station and STPSat-6 

Mission Control Center 

Human Exploration and Operations 

Mission Directorate (HEOMD)/SCaN

N/A

Technology 

Transfer

Technology Transfer for 

Payload

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 

Lincoln Laboratory 

N/A

Ground Station Optical Ground Station 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory N/A

Spacecraft and 

Launch Vehicle

STPSat-6 Spacecraft and 

Launch Vehicle

U.S. Air Force & Northrop Grumman 

(Spacecraft vendor); ULA (Launch 

Vehicle)

N/A
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

LASER COMM RELAY DEMO (LCRD)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-40

Acquisition Strategy

All major acquisitions are in place.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Technology Transfer for Payload 

and Optical Ground Station

Massachusetts Institute of 

Technology: Lincoln Laboratory Lexington, MA 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Completed independent assessment prior to KDP-C.

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Joint Confidence 

Level (CL) Tecolote Oct 2016

Determine realistic 

50/70 percent CL 

budget and schedule 

in accordance with 

Agency 

requirements

70 percent CL used to 

define Program-held 

UFE above project for 

KDP-C

N/A

Standing Review 

Board/Independent 

Readiness Team

Various 

subject 

matter 

experts

Dec 8-9, 2016

(technical 

presentation); 

Dec 14, 2016 

(Programmatic)

Provide STMD and 

GSFC Center 

Director 

programmatic 

assessment

Project has sound 

programmatic and 

technical approaches, 

risk plan and 

milestone deliverables 

are acceptable LCRD 

satisfied all review 

success criteria, and is 

ready to proceed into 

implementation phase

Operational 

Readiness 

Review 

(ORR) 

Currently 

scheduled for 

Oct 2021
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION (SEP)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-41

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 131.6 48.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 179.7

Development/Implementation 0.0 0.0 67.0 48.7 25.4 9.0 5.8 0.0 0.0 155.9

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 131.6 48.1 67.0 48.7 25.4 9.0 5.8 0.0 0.0 335.6

Total Budget 131.6 48.1 48.1 48.7 25.4 9.0 5.8 0.0 0.0 316.7

Change from FY 2020 0.6

Percentage change from FY 2020 1.2%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Electric Propulsion thruster shown here in testing. 

The project will be conducting a spaceflight 

demonstration of a 30-50 kilowatt (kW)-class solar 

electric propulsion system on the Lunar Gateway 

Power and Propulsion Element.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Through a project at the Glenn Research Center, 

NASA will continue development of Solar Electric 

Propulsion (SEP) with higher-power, longer-life 

thrusters and power processing units. The first 

demonstration of this system will be through a 50-

kilowatt (kW)-class Power and Propulsion Element 

for Lunar Gateway. This demonstration will provide 

NASA with experience in electric propulsion 

maneuvers in the family of orbits around the moon 

and demonstrate operational approaches and interfaces 

with visiting crew and robotic vehicles. Solar Electric 

Propulsion will also enable more efficient orbit 

transfer of spacecraft and accommodate the increasing 

power demands for Government and commercial 

satellites.

The SEP system will not only meet the objectives for 

future NASA exploration purposes but also will support the growing demand for increased electric 

propulsion performance for commercial satellites. This development will be integrated with previous 

NASA advancements in deployable solar array structures. These arrays, with half of the mass and one-
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION (SEP)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-42

third of the packaging volume compared to the state-of-the-art solar arrays, have already been

incorporated into commercial satellite product lines enabling greater payload mass. For example, Maxar 

and Deployable Space Systems are flight qualifying the Rollout Solar Array (ROSA) for use in their

commercial communication satellites, and Northrop Grumman is using a smaller version of technology 

similar to MegaFlex on the Cygnus cargo vehicle. In addition, the Air Force Research Laboratory 

sponsored a space demonstration of the NASA-developed ROSA solar array design on the ISS in July 

2017.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

There are no major changes. This project passed Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C) and has an established 

cost and schedule baseline. The baseline details are discussed as part of this CJ.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

The goal of the project is to qualify a 30-50 kW-class solar electric propulsion string to be used as 

primary propulsion for a spaceflight demonstration. Objectives include:

• Develop instrumentation to characterize performance of an integrated system, including thrusters, 

arrays, bus, and payloads as they operate as an integrated system and as they respond to the inspace environment.

• Qualify high-power SEP technology for use in relevant space environments through 

demonstration of continuous long-term operation of the system sufficient to characterize and 

predict the capability and lifetime of the system.

• Qualify electric propulsion string for extended operations in deep space.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Aerojet Rocketdyne completed the build of engineering test units (hall thruster, power processing unit, 

and xenon flow controller) and began initial functional and acceptance testing that will support the final 

design.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The project continues to perform various tests (e.g., functional, acceptance, vibe, shock). The engineering 

test units will be integrated and tested to ensure the final design meets performance requirements. A 

Critical Design Review is planned for late FY 2020. 
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION (SEP)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-43

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The project will begin qualification testing of the Electric Propulsion string. In addition, the Plasma 

Diagnostic Package (PDP) will be delivered to the Power Propulsion Element (PPE) by summer 2021.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Formulation Authorization Mar 2015 (as part of Asteroid 

Redirect Robotic Mission [ARRM]) Mar 2015 (as part of ARRM)

KDP-A Mar 2015 (as part of ARRM) Mar 2015 (as part of ARRM)

Preliminary Design Review Aug 2017 Aug 2017

KDP-C Jun 2019 Jun 2019

Critical Design Review Sep 2020 Sep 2020

System Integration Review 

(Plasma Diagnostics Package) May 2021 May 2021

Deliver Plasma Diagnostics Package for 

Lunar Gateway 

for Integration

Jul 2021 Jul 2021
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

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ET-44

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2020 155.9 70% 2020 155.9 0%

Electric 

Propulsion 

System 

Life Qual 

Test 

Report

Dec 2024 Dec 2024 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost. 

Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 155.9 155.9 0

Science/Technology 134.4 134.4 0

Other Direct Project 

Costs 21.5 21.5 0
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION (SEP)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-45

Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Program 

Management

Manages Aerojet Rocketdyne contract, 

thruster development life testing and 

qualification testing, Plasma 

Diagnostics Package

Provider: N/A

Lead Center: Glenn Research 

Center (GRC)

Performing Center(s): GRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Thruster 

Development

Thruster development and life 

qualification testing support

Provider: N/A

Lead Center: Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory (JPL)

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Flight Thruster 

and Power 

System Design

Flight thruster and power system 

design and qualification

Provider: Aerojet Rocketdyne

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

N/A N/A

Acquisition Strategy

All major acquisitions are in place. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Advanced Electric Propulsion 

System Contract Aerojet Rocketdyne Redmond, WA
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

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ET-46

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

PDR IRT Aug 2017 Assess/approve preliminary 

design Passed CDR

CDR IRT Sep 2020 Assess/approve final design TBD TBD
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

RESTORE & SPIDER (OSAM-1)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-47

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 192.8 227.2 133.5 117.2 59.4 14.6 0.0

Change from FY 2020 -93.7

Percentage change from FY 2020 -41.2%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The SPace Infrastructure DExterous Robot will 

assemble a functional communications antenna and 

manufacture a spacecraft beam.

PROJECT PURPOSE

On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 

(OSAM-1) includes satellite servicing technology 

development to qualify advanced technologies that

enable on-orbit satellite life extension and prepares the 

SPace Infrastructure DExterous Robot (SPIDER) to 

robotically assemble a communications antenna and 

manufacture a spacecraft beam in orbit.

Within this budget, NASA will complete critical 

servicing technologies through qualification before 

transitioning them to U.S. industry. Technology areas

to be qualified include several components of the navigation system, servicing avionics and software, 

robot arm and software elements, and tool drive system and tools.

NASA will utilize the Maxar spacecraft bus to demonstrate robotic assembly of a functional 

communications antenna and in-space manufacturing capabilities. Specifically, NASA will assemble 

multiple antenna reflector elements into one large antenna reflector using SPIDER. This revolutionary 

process allows satellites, telescopes, and other systems to use larger and more powerful components that 

would not fit into a standard rocket fairing when fully assembled without complex folding mechanisms. 

The technologies could enable entirely new architectures and space infrastructure for a wide range of 

Government and commercial missions, including commercial satellites.
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

RESTORE & SPIDER (OSAM-1)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-48

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

NASA will focus the OSAM-1 mission on qualifying satellite servicing technologies through ground 

demonstrations, and flight demonstrating in-space assembly and manufacturing technologies. 

Technologies will be prioritized in collaboration with industry with the intent that industry will 

commercialize these technologies. The OSAM-1 flight demonstration will enable in-space manufacturing 

capabilities including the addition of SPIDER as part of its mission. 

PROJECT PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

With application to both commercial and NASA operations, OSAM-1 will advance satellite servicing

capabilities and in space assembly and manufacturing capabilities. Objectives include:

• Autonomous, real-time relative navigation system, including sensors, algorithms, and processors,

join forces, allowing the spacecraft to inspect and rendezvous safely with its client;

• Servicing Avionics control the spacecraft rendezvous and robotic tasks;

• Autonomous capture of client satellite;

• Dexterous Robotic Arms provide maneuverable arms for executing servicing assignments using 

telerobotics, including software;

• Advanced Tool Drive and Tools are multifunction tools for executing the servicing tasks;

• Propellant Transfer System delivers measured amounts of fuel to the client at the right

temperature, pressure, and rate;

• Relocation of client satellite;

• On-orbit assembly of an antenna; and

• On-orbit manufacture of a beam.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

During FY 2019, the project continued to work toward finalizing its critical design and completion of 

component and subassembly testing. Additionally, the project advanced its ground systems and concept 

of operations for the mission, positioning the project to conduct a Critical Design Review, which will 

include the integration of the SPIDER payload, in 2020.

In February 2019, the International Space Station (ISS) crew successfully installed the Robotic Refueling 

Mission-3 (RRM3) robotic tools, the tool pedestal, and the interface plate on the Japanese airlock slide 

table. The hardware remained in the closed airlock until the first set of external robotic operations 

occurred in April 2019. On April 8, RRM3 experienced an issue that necessitated the venting of the 

cryogenic fluid contained within the module, but the mission is still projected to carry out the tool 

operations associated with transferring cryogenic fuel in space, demonstrating the cutting-edge 

technologies needed to make it possible. The RRM3 robotic operations will focus on the final step of 

connecting, sealing, and managing the hoses needed to enable cryogenic fuel transfer on-orbit. The first 

set of these operations was successfully executed on April 14, 2019, and the final set of on-orbit robotic 
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

RESTORE & SPIDER (OSAM-1)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-49

operations are planned for no earlier than February 2020. RRM3 completed an on-orbit demonstration of 

cryogenic methane storage without boiloff.

To date, NASA has hosted four Industry Days: April 2017, January 2018, December 2018, and most 

recently, September 18, 2019. The event, previously called Industry Day, is now referred to as On-Orbit 

Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) Technology Transfer Day. During the September 2019 

industry day, attendees heard numerous discussions regarding on-orbit servicing, assembly, and 

manufacturing, received access to a technology catalog of more than 200 items, and toured facilities 

where technology is tested. Approximately 142 people attended, representing 97 different companies, 

doubling previous participation. NASA also hosts regular individual meetings with interested companies 

to provide more specific information on technology as needed. To date, there have been 117 formal 

requests for information on NASA’s satellite servicing technology efforts. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The project will finalize a plan to incorporate the SPIDER payload as well as continued development of 

the Restore subsystems with a notional Launch Readiness Date of 2023. The project will complete design, 

engineering design unit test, validation, and risk mitigation activities and continue ground subsystems 

critical design reviews. Qualification will begin for those subsystems that have completed Critical Design 

Review. Restore will proceed to an integrated flight demonstration mission Critical Design Review, 

which will occur toward the end of 2020. 

NASA and Maxar finalized the SPIDER contract on January 30, 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The project will continue critical design reviews for subsystems and continue ground-based qualification 

efforts that support commercial on-orbit servicing systems.

Maxar will continue to build and assemble flight systems and initiate payload and integration activities in 

FY 2021 with a notional SPIDER pallet delivery anticipated in first quarter of FY 2022.

OSAM-1 will continue spacecraft bus and payload development throughout FY 2021.

The project will continue to leverage Technology Transfer mechanisms and pursue partnerships with

interested U.S. companies through Space Act Agreements.
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

RESTORE & SPIDER (OSAM-1)

Formulation Development Operations

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ESTIMATED PROJECT SCHEDULE

Milestone Formulation Authorization Document FY 2021 PB Request

Formulation Authorization

Key Decision Point-A (KDP-A) May 2016 May 2016

KDP-B Jan 2017 Jan 2017

KDP-C Apr 2018 no earlier than (NET) May 2020

CDR Nov 2018 NET Sep 2020

System Integration Review Jul 2019

The project is still in 

formulation, and these dates will 

be determined at KDP-C.

KDP-D Sep 2019

Operational Readiness Review Mar 2020

KDP-E Nov 2020

Launch Nov 2020

Formulation Estimated Life Cycle Cost Range and Schedule 

Range Summary

KDP-B Date Estimated Life Cycle 

Cost Range ($M) Key Milestone Key Milestone Estimated Date Range

Jan 2017 629 - 756 LRD Jun - Dec 2020

Note: Life Cycle cost estimates are preliminary. A baseline cost commitment does not occur until the project 

receives approval for implementation (KDP-C), which follows a non-advocate review and/or preliminary design 

review. The values above do not reflect current estimates but are consistent with the KDP-B decision memorandum. 
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

RESTORE & SPIDER (OSAM-1)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-51

Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Propellant 

Transfer 

Subsystem 

(PTS)

Develop, test, and build of 

propellant transfer system.

Provider: N/A

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): KSC, GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Spacecraft Bus Build and deliver a spacecraft 

bus to carry the payload

Provider: Maxar

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Contract 

awarded in 2017

Program 

Management

Project management, payload 

development and delivery, 

mission integration

Provider: N/A

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC Cost Share 

Partner(s): N/A

N/A

SPIDER Build and deliver the SPIDER 

payload

Provider: Maxar

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): LARC

Contract 

awarded in 2020

Acquisition Strategy

Element/Component Acquisition Method Developer

Robot Arm In-house development

GSFC with MacDonald, Dettwiler 

and Associates (MDA) as major 

sub

Rendezvous & Proximity Ops 

Cameras NASA Competition Neptec Design Group

LIDAR In-house development N/A

Vision Sensor Subsystem Cameras NASA Competition Malin Space Science Systems

Propellant Transfer System Competition/Justification for Other 

than Full and Open Competition

Valve Tech, FHM Aerospace, 

Vacuum and Air Components 

Company of America, Hoffer
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

RESTORE & SPIDER (OSAM-1)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-52

Element/Component Acquisition Method Developer

Motors Arm, next generation Tool 

Drive, Pan/Tilt Unit (camera), 

Motorized Zoom Lenses

Omnibus Multidiscipline 

Engineering Services contract CDA InterCorp, Triump, Avior

SPIDER Competitively selected via Tipping 

Point solicitation Maxar

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Build and delivery of spacecraft bus Maxar Palo Alto, CA

Build and delivery of SPIDER 

payload Maxar Palo Alto, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Mission 

Concept 

Review 

(MCR)

Apr 2016

Affirm mission need, 

examine proposed mission’s 

objectives, and validate the 

concept for meeting those 

objectives.

Passed SRR

System 

Requirements 

Review 

(SRR)

Standing Review 

Board (SRB) Oct 2016

Examine the functional and 

performance requirements 

and the preliminary project 

plan. Ensure the 

requirements and selected 

concept will satisfy the 

mission.

Passed PDR

Joint 

Confidence 

Level (JCL)

Tecolote Nov 2017

Determine realistic 50/70 

percent confidence level on 

reference budget and 

schedule.

N/A NET Sept 

2020

Preliminary 

Design 

Review 

(PDR)

SRB Nov 2017

Demonstrate the preliminary 

design meets all system 

requirements with acceptable 

risk and within cost and

schedule constraints.

Passed CDR
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

RESTORE & SPIDER (OSAM-1)

Formulation Development Operations

ET-53

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Joint 

Confidence 

Level (JCL)

TBD NET Sep 

2020

Determine realistic 50/70 

percent confidence level on 

budget and schedule to be 

approved.

CDR

Critical 

Design 

Review 

(CDR)

SRB NET Sep

2020

Demonstrate the maturity of 

the design is appropriate to 

support proceeding with fullscale fabrication, assembly, 

integration, and test.

SIR
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

SMALL SPACECRAFT, FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES & OTHER TECH 

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ET-54

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Small Spacecraft Technology 25.5 -- 46.0 46.2 48.2 52.7 57.7

Flight Opportunities Program 20.0 -- 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0

Space Nuclear Program 0.0 -- 100.0 142.4 168.1 190.0 256.8

Cryogenic Fluid Management 13.8 -- 104.2 137.0 160.1 137.3 145.5

Green Propellant Infusion Mission 4.4 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Terrain Relative Navigation 0.2 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

LeO-based Flight Test Inflatable 

Decelerator

20.0 -- 20.1 10.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment 6.5 -- 2.3 1.9 1.6 0.2 0.0

Archinaut 14.7 -- 20.5 13.6 3.6 0.0 0.0

Deep Space Optical Communications 39.4 -- 10.5 4.6 1.1 0.1 0.0

Deep Space Atomic Clock 0.6 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Tech Demo Management and Integration 4.3 -- 15.1 37.2 42.4 44.3 45.2

Tech Demo Selected ACO/TP 9.3 -- 2.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 158.7 -- 341.4 413.4 445.0 444.5 525.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Shown here is one of the two Optical Communications 

and Sensor Demonstration spacecraft that successfully 

concluded their demonstration mission in 2019.

SMALL SPACECRAFT TECHNOLOGY

The Small Spacecraft Technology program expands 

U.S. capability to execute unique missions through 

rapid development and demonstration of capabilities 

for small spacecraft applicable to exploration, science 

and the commercial space sector. Through targeted 

development and frequent in space testing, the 

program enables execution of missions at much lower 

cost than previously possible, substantially reduces 

the time required for development of spacecraft, 

enables new mission architectures using small 

spacecraft, expands the reach of small spacecraft to 

new destinations and challenging new environments, 
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

SMALL SPACECRAFT, FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES & OTHER TECH 

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ET-55

and enables the augmentation of existing assets and future missions with supporting small spacecraft.

Between 2020 and 2022, the Small Spacecraft Technology program anticipates reaching initial launch 

readiness for 19 spacecraft across 15 current missions, including the following.

Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment

At the end of 2019, Small Spacecraft Technology awarded a rapid lunar exploration precursor mission to 

deliver and operate a CubeSat in the lunar near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) targeted for 

Artemis/Gateway. The Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation 

Experiment led by three U.S. small business is expected to be the first spacecraft to operate in the NRHO 

and will demonstrate how to enter and operate in this orbit, as well as test new peer-to-peer navigation 

capability. This information will help reduce logistical uncertainty for Gateway as NASA works to return 

U.S. astronauts to the Moon.

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-funds-cubesat-pathfinder-missionto-unique-lunar-orbit/

Lunar Flashlight

The Lunar Flashlight mission will precede human explorers to the Moon to prospect for water resources 

that can be extracted to support sustainable exploration and commercial lunar activity. The CubeSat 

mission will use near infrared lasers to shine light into permanently shadowed craters at the lunar south 

pole while the on-board spectrometer measures surface reflection and composition to map water ice 

deposits and volatiles. The spacecraft is currently planned to launch with the Artemis I mission.

Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator

The missions in the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) series will test the operation of a variety 

of novel CubeSat technologies in orbit, providing significant enhancements to the performance of these 

small and effective spacecraft. The spacecraft, payload integration, and operations are provided under a 

commercial contract with Tyvak Nano-Satellite System, Inc. Launch sequence and timing depends on 

technical progress and flight partners. The goals of the first three PTD missions are as follows:

• The PTD-1 mission will demonstrate the Tethers Unlimited Inc. (TUI) HYDROS water-fueled 

thruster. The development of this thruster was supported through a Tipping Point public-private 

partnership between TUI and NASA. The HYDROS is intended to provide safe, highperformance propulsion for secondary payloads. The propulsion system is launched with only 

liquid water as the propellant and then uses electrolysis to split the water into gaseous hydrogen 

and oxygen for a simple bipropellant thruster once deployed on-orbit. In the future, this 

propulsion technology could be used with water found from lunar soil.

• The PTD-2 mission will demonstrate the Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) Hyper-XACT 

attitude determination and control system. The development of this improved attitude 

determination and control system was supported through a Tipping Point public-private 

partnership between BCT and NASA. The Hyper-XACT is intended to extend the capabilities of 

CubeSat attitude control systems for longer duration missions with tighter performance 

requirements by improving pointing performance, radiation tolerance, reliability, and system life. 
Exploration Technology: Technology Demonstration

SMALL SPACECRAFT, FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES & OTHER TECH 

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• The PTD-3 mission will demonstrate the MIT Lincoln Laboratory TeraByte InfraRed Delivery 

(TBIRD) optical communication system. The TBIRD was funded by NASA’s Space 

Communications and Navigation Program and is intended to achieve an unprecedented 200 

gigabit per second (Gbps) data downlink rate. This will be a thousand-fold increase over the 

current state-of-the-art CubeSat optical downlink demonstrated by the just completed Optical 

Communications and Sensor Demonstration mission.

Starling

Starling is a technology demonstration mission that will deploy a formation of four CubeSats to test 

multiple distributed mission technologies. Distributed systems of small spacecraft can responsively 

provide cost-effective multi-point science data collection, communications, monitoring, and inspection 

infrastructure in Earth orbit and to support Artemis and explorations destinations beyond. The Starling 

mission will: test network communication protocols with the goal of demonstrating a network that is 

resistant to multiple lost nodes and scalable to hundreds of spacecrafts; test formation flight control 

algorithms; test relative navigation methods that do not rely on Earth-centric resources like GPS; and 

demonstrate autonomous reactive operations that allow the distributed mission to reconfigure in response 

to external sensor data. The Starling mission includes contributions from Stanford University and Blue 

Canyon Technologies.

Tipping Point CubeSat Demonstration Missions 

Space Technologies’ fourth competitive Tipping Point public-private partnership solicitation included 

selection of four CubeSat missions including three for development and flight demonstration of efficient 

and affordable propulsion systems and one in autonomous operations.

• Accion Systems Inc. will mature a propulsion system based on the Tiled Ionic Liquid 

ElectroSpray thruster to demonstrate attitude control and course corrections capabilities for 

interplanetary CubeSats with a smaller, lighter, and lower power system than used by the MarCO 

mission.

• CU Aerospace LLC, NearSpace Launch, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will 

build and test the Dual Propulsion Experiment CubeSat equipped with two different propulsion 

systems. These systems were developed with NASA Small Business Innovation Research funding 

and offer high-performance, low-cost and safe pre-launch processing. 

• ExoTerra Resource LLC will build, test, and launch a CubeSat with a compact, high impulse 

solar electric propulsion module. The Courier Solar Electric Propulsion Module will be 

demonstrated in space as the CubeSat moves from low-Earth orbit to the radiation belts 

surrounding Earth. This small electric propulsion system could open up cis-lunar space and Mars 

to more affordable small spacecraft for targeted science and exploration missions.

• As access to space increases, so does the need for ground resources, such as tracking stations. 

With an in-space demonstration, Blue Canyon Technologies will mature the X-NAV autonomous 

navigation software solution for CubeSats, so they can traverse space with reduced need for 

navigational aid from ground stations on Earth.
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Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual Institute

Small Spacecraft, in partnership with Science, also maintains the Small Spacecraft Systems Virtual 

Institute, hosted at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, to leverage the growing 

small spacecraft community, promote innovation, identify emerging technology opportunities, and 

provide an efficient channel for communication about small spacecraft systems with industry, academia, 

and other Government agencies.

Recent and Planned Achievements

In 2019 the program successfully concluded the Optical Communications and Sensor Demonstration 

(OCSD) mission. This mission demonstrated the first-ever, high-speed laser communication from a 

CubeSat as well as performing the first semi-autonomous coordinated propulsive maneuver between two 

CubeSats. Supplemental to the primary objectives of the mission, OCSD also demonstrated a proof-ofconcept for CubeSat-to-CubeSat optical communications with the secondary payload on the Integrated 

Solar Array and Reflectarray Antenna mission that had previously been used to help develop the reflect 

array technology for MarCO.

The following small spacecraft missions are projected to reach flight readiness in FY 2020:

• The CubeSat Lasercom Infrared Crosslink mission is targeting flight of a risk reduction mission 

in 2020 ahead of demonstrating full duplex spacecraft to spacecraft optical communications 

crosslinks between two small CubeSats in FY 2021. 

• The third Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator mission will target very high-bandwidth optical 

downlink at 200 gigabits per second from a CubeSat. The Starling-Shiver distributed spacecraft 

demonstration mission in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory will launch in 

2020 to test formation flight, inter satellite networking, and other enabling capabilities for future 

mission architectures that use multiple small spacecraft to achieve a coordinated objective.

• The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System mission will demonstrate deployment of an 80 

square meters sub-scale composites boom supported solar sail system in low-Earth orbit as 

pathfinder for a future 500 square meters solar sail system suitable for low-cost deep space 

missions for heliophysics, small body planetary science, and human space flight support.

With an objective of expanding the capability of small spacecraft to execute missions at new destinations 

and in challenging new environments, Small Spacecraft Technology anticipates reaching initial launch 

readiness for 19 spacecraft across 15 current missions between 2020 and 2022.

FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM

The Flight Opportunities program facilitates rapid demonstration of promising technologies for space 

exploration and the expansion of space commerce through suborbital testing with industry flight 

providers. The program matures capabilities needed for NASA missions while strategically investing in 

the growth of the U.S. commercial spaceflight industry. These flight demonstrations take technologies 

from ground-based laboratories into relevant environments to increase technology readiness and validate 

feasibility while reducing the costs and technical risks of future missions. Awards and agreements for 
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flight demonstrations are open to researchers from industry, academia, non-profit research institutes, and 

other Government organizations. These investments help advance technologies of interest to NASA while 

supporting commercial flight providers and expanding space-based applications and commerce.

In 2019, the Flight Opportunities program facilitated the commercial suborbital flight testing of 43 

technology development payloads across four suborbital reusable launch vehicle flights, one vertical 

takeoff/vertical lander flight campaign, six high-altitude balloon flights and one parabolic campaign. U.S. 

commercial vendors providing flight services in 2019 included: Black Sky Aerospace, Blue Origin, 

Masten Space Systems, Near Space Corporation, Raven Aerostar, Virgin Galactic, World View, and Zero 

Gravity Corporation. Capabilities across several providers were used to test technologies integral to 

returning U.S. astronauts to the Moon and enabling future missions to Mars. 

For more information, go to:

https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/flightopportunities/One_Giant_Leap_for_Lunar_Landing_N

avigation

By early 2020 the program will have concluded all remaining investments in orbital small launch vehicle 

development. These investments have provided critical support to multiple U.S. companies entering this 

globally competitive market. With vehicles entering commercial service, the program is looking to 

transition from stimulating vehicle development to stimulating the market through the purchase of flight 

services. In 2020 and 2021, the program will continue to facilitate the use of commercial suborbital 

vehicles and expand the connection of these opportunities to technology development investments and 

subsequent orbital flight opportunities to streamline a rapid and affordable path for new technology into 

flight missions.

Recent and Planned Achievements

In early FY 2019, both Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin flew their first dedicated suborbital space flights 

for NASA technology demonstrations. These flights carried a series of space exploration and utilization 

technologies, including research that could: aid future missions in how they interact with the lunar surface 

to mitigate the impact of dust on humans and equipment; separate gas and liquid for in-situ resource 

processing and on orbit fuel transfer; and understand plant behavior to potentially grow food for sustained 

human activity beyond Earth. In February, Virgin Galactic demonstrated four additional payloads, flying 

for the second time in just three months.

Technology Demonstration Missions will partner with Flight Opportunities to conduct subsystem level 

testing and technology risk reduction via suborbital testing capabilities. This will allow technology 

demonstration projects access to U.S. suborbital providers, as well as parabolic and entry, descent, and

landing test capabilities to perform risk reduction of component hardware prior to system integration,

increasing mission success.

SPACE NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES

The Space Nuclear Technologies portfolio integrates NASA's previous technology development efforts 

for nuclear fission power and propulsion systems to a new path forward to enable long-duration surface 

missions on the Moon and eventually Mars, shorter duration human transport to Mars, and large payload 
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delivery vehicles to Mars and beyond. The new portfolio will foster partnerships with the U.S. 

Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as well as other relevant 

Government agencies who share interest in reliable and portable, clean energy capabilities, such as a 

shared investment in a common fuel design and fabrication capability for special purpose power and 

propulsion reactors.

The foundation for these capabilities is in focused technology development across four major elements:

(1) nuclear fission power to establish electric power reactor designs to support Artemis; and 

within Nuclear Propulsion: 

(2) nuclear fuel and reactor development, 

(3) nuclear fission power and propulsion study assessments, and 

(4) nuclear fission propulsion subsystem development. 

This program will place a high-priority on lunar surface power but will also continue to make progress on 

propulsion capabilities to support future human missions to Mars. Collectively, these efforts will provide 

critical demonstrations and system/mission trade studies to guide surface and in-space transportation 

activities that support human to Mars mission architecture and investment priorities. 

Live: Nuclear Fission Power

The goal is to develop a small, lightweight fission power system that could enable long-duration crewed 

missions to the Moon, Mars and destinations beyond. The intent is to demonstrate the system in an 

operational mission to verify functionality and performance (e.g., by powering a surface science or ISRU 

payload). The flight system will optimize the fission reactor heat source, energy conversion, flight 

radiators, radiation hard flight control electronics, and identify launch safety and security requirements 

with a target demonstration in the 2027 timeframe. The project will seek to identify design trades and 

collaborative opportunities with industry, and to the extent feasible take advantage of the interagency 

investment in a common fuel source for both nuclear power and propulsion systems noted above.

Upon successful demonstration, the technology can be used for long-duration human surface missions on 

the Moon and eventually Mars and will be capable of addressing the need for continuous power for day 

and night operations. The technology will enable mission operations in harsh environments, such as 

permanently shadowed craters. This work is being conducted in collaboration with DOE.

Go: Nuclear Propulsion

Unlike nuclear power, nuclear propulsion is not needed to support NASA's near-term lunar mission but

holds potential for future missions to Mars. Similar to nuclear fission power nuclear propulsion efforts 

will be done in collaboration with the DoD, DOE, and any other relevant Government agencies. NASA 

will work to the maximum degree to find synergies between nuclear power and propulsion efforts.

Specific activities in FY 2021 will include a focus on nuclear fuel and reactor development to mature fuel 

systems incorporating non-weapon's grade nuclear materials that provide high-performance, long life, and 

meet established safety standards for launch and space operations. This effort will focus on materials 

development, manufacturing, and testing. The prior Nuclear Thermal Propulsion/ fuel element 

development revealed gaps in all of these areas that must be overcome to achieve a credible reactor fuel 
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system. A key gap is a testing capability that allows prototypic fuel elements to be evaluated under 

relevant operating conditions that include the combined effects of radiation, temperature, and fluid flow. 

The portfolio will also include nuclear fission power and propulsion study assessments to inform future 

flight demonstrations and mission uses. In FY 2019, NASA initiated a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion/ flight 

demonstration study to evaluate the most promising flight system options in preparation for a System 

Feasibility Review to determine whether the technical progress justifies proceeding with the next stage of 

development. NASA will continue to conduct trade studies needed to define and compare mission 

capability and technology needs for electric power and in-space propulsion (both nuclear electric and 

nuclear thermal propulsion), in collaboration with industry and other government agencies.

Going forward, NASA will establish a nuclear fission propulsion subsystem maturation effort that 

includes design, analysis, and sub-scale ground and flight testing. Candidate Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

subsystems requiring further development before use include the propellant feed pumps, valves, engine 

nozzles, and decay heat removal. Candidate Nuclear Electric Propulsion subsystems requiring further 

development before use include the power conversion, heat rejection, power management and 

distribution, and electric thrusters. Subsystems that are common to both Nuclear Thermal Propulsion and 

Nuclear Electric Propulsion include: radiation shielding, neutron reflectors, reflector drive motors, and 

radiation tolerant sensors and electronics. The subsystem maturation effort will include widespread 

industry participation via competed solicitations and commercial product leveraging using either new or 

existing solicitations, such as Tipping Point and Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity.

NASA continues to develop Hydrogen cryogenic fluid management technologies targeting zero boil-off

capabilities needed for in space transportation systems requiring hydrogen (Nuclear Thermal Propulsion) 

as described below.

Go: Cryogenic Fluid Management 

In order to establish a human presence on a planetary surface and to support nuclear propulsion for deep 

space missions, cryogenic fluid management is an enabling technology to support a variety of NASA 

exploration missions, including in-space transportation systems to support humans to Mars using Nuclear 

Thermal Propulsion/ or hybrid propulsion systems; human lander systems; and lunar or Mars surface 

operations, including in-situ resource utilization. Using the results of an internal NASA road-mapping 

activity, a Cryogenic Fluid Management Request for Information, and direct discussions with industry 

partners to formulate the technology demonstration priorities and acquisition approach. The first phase of 

these technology maturation projects came in the form of Tipping Point public private partnerships that 

were awarded in late 2018. These proposals will include a lunar lander sub-orbital demonstration and a 

flight test of an advanced insulation.

The Evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) project is completing its work with a series of ground demonstrations 

at Marshall Space Flight Center and Glenn Research Center to validate the performance of propellant 

storage tanks designed for long-term on-orbit storage. In addition to managing the propellant boil-off by 

validating the effectiveness of advanced multi-layer insulation, the team is evaluating the reduction of 

ancillary system mass and complexity. The project has investigated using the remaining boil-off gases to 

replace existing pressurization and attitude control systems, and to provide electrical power for the Space 

Launch System (SLS) Exploration Upper Stage and other launch vehicle systems. The team is also 

developing new cryogenic monitoring instrumentation and analytical models to assist in determining 
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cryogenic system health during in space operations. For NASA, these technologies enable beyond lowEarth orbit exploration missions, while industry will likely infuse the technologies on next generation 

launch vehicles and on-orbit stages, making them more efficient and capable. By taking an incremental 

ground test approach, NASA is prioritizing technologies needed by Exploration, including SLS Upper 

Stage development, and the long-term needs of the aerospace industry. The project will build on the 

knowledge gained from previous investments and utilize existing Agency assets and test facilities capable 

of maturing cryogenic propellant transfer and storage technologies. 

Go: Green Propellant Infusion Mission 

Green Propellant Infusion Mission is a dedicated spacecraft to demonstrate non-toxic propellant 

propulsion with the goal to provide an alternate to hydrazine propellant applicable to a small to mediumsized spacecraft. Higher performing and safer propellant alternatives are at a tipping point. Once 

demonstrated in-space, rapid incorporation could occur into a variety of spacecraft. NASA selected AFM315E as an innovative, low-toxicity monopropellant alternative with improved performance over 

hydrazine. The AF-M315E propulsion system is expected to improve overall vehicle performance by 40 

percent and processing efficiency while decreasing operational costs by reducing health and 

environmental hazards. The green propellant formula, thrusters, and related systems will perform a series 

of in-space demonstration tests.

Recent and Planned Achievements

• NASA will complete feasibility studies for surface power and propulsion and development of 

mission concepts by mid-2020, including conducting trade studies between high assay low 

enriched uranium and high enriched uranium. 

• NASA will continue to work with DOE to formulate system design. Mission concepts for both 

fission-based power and propulsion are targeted by the end of FY 2020 with lunar surface power 

prioritized for near-term demonstration.

• The Evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) project completed its Structural Heat Intercept-InsulationVibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) thermal testing in January 2020. This test used both liquid 

nitrogen and liquid hydrogen to demonstrate the effectiveness of new multi-layer insulation and 

evaluate the potential benefit of using vapor vented from a propellant tank to intercept heat 

coming into the tank through structural elements. The result of the test will be shared in Spring 

2020.

• NASA launched the Green Propellent Infusion Mission via rideshare on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy 

All data collected to-date indicate that the propulsion system is performing as expected and that 

the thrusters are healthy.
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LAND: EXPANDED ACCESS TO DIVERSE SURFACE DESTINATIONS

Terrain Relative Navigation 

The Terrain Relative Navigation project will improve targeting accuracy for landing and provide hazard 

avoidance to enable access to scientifically compelling sites with acceptable risk. All of NASA's current 

human and robotic precursor mission architectures for planetary surface exploration require this 

technology. Using Terrain Relative Navigation, the Mars 2020 powered descent vehicle will estimate its 

location while descending through the Martian atmosphere. This allows the vehicle to determine its 

position relative to the ground with an accuracy of approximately 200-feet (60-meters) or less. Upon 

successful demonstration, this technology will provide capability to land near pre-deployed assets, 

provide the capability to avoid large scale landing hazards during entry, descent, and landing operations, 

and will reduce post-landing surface drive distances. This project delivered its flight hardware to Mars 

2020 in fall 2018 for mission integration.

Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID)

NASA, in partnership with United Launch Alliance, will conduct a flight test of inflatable aerodynamic 

decelerator technology to determine the feasibility of this technology in supporting high-mass entry,

descent, and landing on Mars. The reentry vehicle will be flown as a secondary payload on an Atlas V 

launch vehicle, used to deliver a primary payload to Earth orbit. After the primary payload is released, the 

aeroshell will be exo-atmospherically inflated and the Atlas V Centaur upper stage will orient and deorbit the reentry vehicle. The flight will test high-mass entry, descent, and landing technology at a scale 

(6-meter) and at atmospheric conditions similar to landing payloads on Mars. This project will also 

demonstrate capabilities for a high-mass return to Earth from low-Earth orbit, that could enable 

applications such as flight hardware re-use and return of products manufactured in space for terrestrial 

use. By conducting this effort with an industry cost-sharing partnership, NASA is significantly reducing 

the overall cost of this technology while enabling a potential commercial capability to achieve efficient, 

high-mass return to Earth from low-Earth orbit.

Recent and Planned Achievements

• LOFTID will conduct a critical design review in July 2020 and KDP-D in August 2020. NASA 

and United Launch Alliance finalized plans to fly LOFTID as a rideshare with the Joint Polar 

Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) on the Atlas V, scheduled for March 2022.

• NASA completed several Mars 2020 technology developments including Terrain Relative 

Navigation (TRN) and the Mars 2020 Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation with 

deliveries between fall 2018 and spring 2019 to support the Mars 2020 schedule.

LIVE: SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND WORKING FARTHER FROM EARTH

Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Experiment (MOXIE)

The Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) will demonstrate in-situ resource 

utilization technologies to enable propellant and consumable oxygen production from the Martian 
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atmosphere for future exploration missions. Specifically, MOXIE will produce oxygen from a Mars 

atmosphere, demonstrate the feasibility of ISRU on Mars, validate analytical models for scaling up of 

future ISRU systems, and provide valuable knowledge needed for future mission development. MOXIE 

will fly on the Science Mission Directorate's Mars 2020 mission. 

Recent and Planned Achievements

• MOXIE was delivered for integration into the Mars 2020 Entry, Descent, and Landing 

Instrumentation with deliveries between fall 2018 and spring 2019 to support the Mars 2020 

schedule. The instrument will be delivered to the Mars surface in February 2021 and begin 

conducting experiments after the mission completes its surface operations transition period.

EXPLORE: TRANSFORMATIVE MISSIONS AND DISCOVERIES

Archinaut (On Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing Demonstration-2)

In partnership with commercial industry, NASA develops and demonstrates technologies required to 

manufacture, assemble, and aggregate large and/or complex systems in space utilizing robotic and 

additive manufacturing technology.

Archinaut (Made in Space, Moffett Field, CA) was awarded in July 2019 to develop a flight 

demonstration model of their Phase I ground demonstration technology. Once deployed and positioned in 

orbit, a small spacecraft will 3D-print two beams that extend nearly 33-feet from each side of the 

spacecraft. As it continues to manufacture the hardware, these beams will unfurl solar arrays that can 

generate up to five times more power than traditional solar panels on similar-sized spacecraft. This

disruptive capability could transform the traditional spacecraft-manufacturing model by enabling in-space

creation of large spacecraft systems. No longer will developing, building, and qualifying a spacecraft

focus so heavily on an integrated system that must survive launch loads and environments. Archinaut 

could also greatly reduce cost while increasing capabilities for both NASA and commercial space

applications.

Deep Space Optical Communication

Deep Space Optical Communication technologies are considered essential for future human missions to 

Mars and have a wide range of applications for planetary science missions including those to Mars and 

the Jovian systems. The Deep Space Optical Communications project led by the Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory (JPL) will develop key technologies for the demonstration of a deep space optical flight 

transceiver and ground receiver that will provide greater than 10 times the data rate of a state-of-the-art 

deep space RF system (Ka-band). This capability will enable advanced instruments, live high definition 

video, telepresence that allow for deep space human exploration of the solar system. 

NASA successfully completed and reduced significant risks on technologies including a low mass 

spacecraft disturbance isolation assembly, a flight qualified photon counting detector array, a high 

efficiency flight laser amplifier, and a high efficiency photon counting detector array for the ground-based 

receiver. Deep Space Optical Communication will demonstrate the high bandwidth flight laser optical 

communication terminal on the Science Mission Directorate's Psyche mission. 
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Deep Space Atomic Clock 

The Deep Space Atomic Clock project led by JPL has the objective to validate a miniaturized, mercuryion, atomic clock that is 100 times more accurate than today’s state-of-the-art space clocks used for 

spacecraft navigation systems. Launched in June 2019, the Deep Space Atomic Clock is demonstrating 

ultra-precision timing in space and its benefits for one-way radio-based navigation. If successful, it will 

free up precious deep space communications bandwidth to perform greater scientific data return. The 

enhanced navigation and increased communications bandwidth permitted by the new clock will 

dramatically improve the exploration mission requirement for advanced communication capabilities. 

Precision timing and navigation provided by the new clock will also have the potential to improve the 

Nation’s next generation GPS system. The demonstration launched via rideshare on a SpaceX Falcon

Heavy (STP-2) in June 2019 and is funded in a partnership with SCaN.

Recent and Planned Achievements

• NASA will build on its ground demonstration of In-Space Robotic Manufacturing and Assembly 

through the continued use of public-private partnerships to conduct a flight demonstration for 

new technologies used to build large structures in a space environment. NASA awarded a Phase 2 

Tipping Point to Made in Space in July 2019. Along with Northrop Grumman, Made in Space 

will build and demonstrate the Archinaut, an IRMA system under this contract. NASA also 

awarded a Phase 2 to Maxar to build the SPace Infrastructure DExterous Robot (SPIDER), a 

robotic beam to be delivered to OSAM-1. Archinaut will conduct a preliminary design review in 

March 2020.

• Deep Space Atomic Clock was successfully activated and continues to operate normally. On 

Orbit commissioning is complete and has entered the performance testing phase. The Ultra-Stable 

Oscillator (USO) was powered on the week of November 25, 2019 and the remainder of the 

DSAC payload was powered on December 5, 2019.

• Deep Space Optical Communications held KDP- C in June 2019 and completed its Critical 

Design Review for its targeted delivery to Psyche by June 2021.
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Acquisition Strategy

These critical technology projects are defined as part of the strategic framework and capabilities, and 

through requirements determined by Federated Team, and through the Space Technology Mission 

Directorate's Strategic Technology Architecture Round-table (STAR) (STAR) process. In addition, Space 

Technology embraces competition and external partnerships, as such some of the technologies are

selected through annual Tipping Point, Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity, and other NASA 

solicitations.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Archinaut Made in Space Moffett Field, California

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Standing Review 

Board (SRB) NASA Dec 2019 DSOC Flight Critical Design Review Passed Jun 2020

SRB NASA Mar 2019 LOFTID Preliminary 

Design Review Passed Jul 2020
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 207.2 -- 402.8 478.7 542.6 544.8 481.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA selected Astrobotic, shown above, to deliver 

payloads to the Moon in 2021 as part of the Artemis 

mission. The company developed its Peregrine Lander for 

delivering payloads to lunar orbit and the lunar surface 

with NASA SBIR and STTR awards. 

NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research 

(SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer 

(STTR) programs leverage the Nation’s 

innovative small business community to support 

research and development in support of NASA's 

mission in human exploration, science, and 

aeronautics. In particular, this program will 

support NASA's the Moon to Mars objectives by 

identifying and accelerating relevant 

technologies drawn from the SBIR portfolios 

through post Phase II awards. These programs 

provide the small business sector with an 

opportunity to develop technology for NASA and 

to commercialize that technology to spur 

economic growth. 

The Agency actively works to facilitate the infusion of NASA-funded SBIR and STTR technologies into 

its missions and projects. Research and technologies funded by SBIR and STTR contracts have made 

important contributions to the Agency’s mission. Examples include: 

• An intelligent rover wheel with integrated sensing and perception subsystems to improve mobility 

on the Moon and planetary bodies that could also be used on Earth for autonomous tractors and 

other off-road vehicles;

• Solar panels that deploy like Venetian blinds and a lightweight, deployable solar panel that 

leverages recent advancements in thin film solar cell technology;

• Technology that enables autonomous and safe operations of unmanned aircraft systems over long 

periods of time in cluttered, complex environments;

• A simulation to screen, test, and validate commercial off-the-shelf hardware that could be used 

for high-performance computing systems that help mission managers efficiently select onboard 

electronics; and

• A high-resolution X-ray instrument to analyze surface rocks and core samples on planets and 

asteroids to advance our understanding of the Moon, Mars, and even Earth.
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These investments seek to achieve the program’s vision of empowering small businesses to deliver 

technological innovation that contributes to NASA’s missions, provides societal benefit, and grows the 

U.S. economy.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

NASA will prioritize technologies relevant to the exploration mission through all phases of SBIR/STTR 

awards.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The FY 2019 review and selection process was streamlined to recover as much time as possible from the 

delay imposed by the Government lapse in funding and to reduce the burden of the Phase I process on 

reviewers and rankers so as to honor our commitment to the small businesses that participate in our 

program.
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WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

• The FY 2020 annual solicitation was released in January 2020. In June 2020, NASA plans to 

announce approximately 360 new SBIR/STTR Phase I selections, valued at $45 million, from this 

solicitation. In addition, NASA announced Phase II selections - 22 STTR from the FY 2018 

solicitation with an approximate value of $16.5 million - in November 2019 and will award 

approximately 140 SBIR, with an approximate value of $105 million, from the 2019 solicitation 

in May 2020. 

• To increase technology transitions and commercialization, NASA will continue to offer PostPhase II award opportunities through vehicles such as the Phase II E program, the Civilian 

Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP), and an expanded Phase II Sequential 

program for both SBIR and STTR. The program will pilot a SBIR Phase II sequential vehicle 

focused on developing existing Phase II technologies related to the Agency objectives to return to 

the Moon and on to Mars.

• In Partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA will continue to make I-Corps 

training grant awards for Phase I awardees to encourage commercialization of technology. 

• NASA will continue to seek small business feedback to increase collaboration with small 

businesses through an annual industry day and Requests for Information. It will also modernize 

its business capabilities to reduce barriers to entry for firms, increase the quality of proposals, and 

improve the value proposition for firms.

• NASA will continue to pilot opportunities to accelerate NASA efforts in deep space exploration 

and those of the commercial aerospace sector, including continuing our initiative with the NSF 

SBIR program to support growth-oriented commercial space entrepreneurs.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

• The SBIR and STTR program office will continue to work with the other NASA mission 

directorates, Centers, and industry to identify subtopics, with a strong emphasis on technologies 

to support human exploration to the Moon and eventually Mars. NASA plans to release the 

annual SBIR and STTR solicitations in early 2021 and award new Phase I and Phase II selections 

the following summer.

• In particular, this program will support NASA's the Moon to Mars objectives by identifying and 

accelerating relevant technologies drawn from the SBIR portfolios through post Phase II awards. 

Pending appropriations, the programs will institutionalize the use of Phase II sequential awards to 

accelerate the use of SBIR technologies with a priority to support the Artemis campaign.

• NASA will implement new legislative authorities, as signed into law, such as direct to Phase II 

awards and expanded CCRPP. 

• The program office will explore ways to accelerate award timelines and improve the 

approachability of our program to entrepreneurial aerospace companies and underrepresented 

communities.
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Program Elements

SBIR

The SBIR program was established by statute in 1982 and was most recently reauthorized in 2016 to

increase research and development opportunities for small businesses. The program stimulates U.S.

technological innovation, employs small businesses to meet federal research and development needs,

increases the ability for small businesses to commercialize innovations they derive from federal research

and development, and encourages and facilitates participation by socially disadvantaged businesses. The

SBIR program is supported at a level of at least 3.2 percent of NASA’s extramural research and

development budget. The current maximum value for an SBIR Phase I contract will be $125,000 for a

period of performance of six months. For Phase II, the maximum total value of an SBIR award will be

$750,000 over a 24-month period of performance. NASA also supports several post-Phase II vehicles:

• Phase II Extended (II-E) contract options with incentives for cost sharing to extend the research 

and development efforts of the current Phase II contract. 

• Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP) contracts with incentives for cost 

sharing to extend the research and development efforts of the previous Phase II contract with 

strong customer pull for technology maturation. 

• Phase II sequential options to help raise the Technology Readiness Level value of technologies to 

the point that other investors will then advance the technology or to rapidly advance the TRL of a 

technology to enable NASA’s Artemis program.

• NASA also supports I-Corps training grants for Phase I awardees to enable small businesses to 

commercialize their innovations through an Interagency Agreement with the National Science 

Foundation.

STTR

The STTR program was established by statute in 1992 and was most recently reauthorized in 2016 to 

award contracts to small businesses for cooperative research and development with a non-profit research 

institution, such as a university. NASA’s STTR program facilitates transfer of technology developed by a 

research institution through the entrepreneurship of a small business, resulting in technology to meet 

NASA’s core competency needs in support of its mission programs. Modeled after the SBIR program, 

STTR is funded based on 0.45 percent of the NASA extramural research and development budget. The 

maximum value for an STTR Phase I contract is $125,000 for a period of performance of 13 months. For 

Phase II, the maximum total value of an STTR award is $750,000 over a 24-month period of 

performance. Phase II-E, CCRPP, Phase II sequential contract options, and I-Corps are also available to 

STTR participants. 
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Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

SBIR and STTR

Provider: Various Small Businesses and their research partners

Lead Center: NASA HQ; Level 2: Ames Research Center (ARC) 

Performing Center(s): All Centers play a project management and implementation role.

Cost Share Partner(s): SBIR/STTR Phase II-E matches cost share funding with SBIR and 

STTR up to $375,000 of non-SBIR and non-STTR investment(s) from a NASA project, 

NASA contractor, or third-party commercial investor to extend an existing Phase II 

project to perform additional research. SBIR/STTR CCRPP matches cost share funding 

up to $1,000,000 of non-SBIR and non-STTR investment(s) from a NASA project, 

NASA contractor, or third-party commercial investor to continue a former Phase II 

project to perform additional research for strong customer pull for the technology 

maturation.

Acquisition Strategy

NASA issues annual SBIR and STTR program solicitations, setting forth a substantial number of topic 

areas open to qualified small businesses. There are three phases for SBIR and STTR funding awards. 

Phase I awards give small businesses the opportunity to establish the scientific, technical, and commercial 

merit of the proposed innovation in alignment with NASA interests. The most promising Phase I projects 

are selected for Phase II awards through a competitive selection process based on scientific and technical 

merit, expected value to NASA, and commercialization potential. Phase II awards focus on the 

development, demonstration, and delivery of the proposed innovation. Phase II Extended (II-E) and the 

Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program support advancement of innovations developed 

under Phase II. Phase III supports the commercialization of innovative technologies, products, and 

services that result from a Phase I or Phase II contract. Commercialization includes further development 

of technologies and getting feedback to discover infusion opportunities into NASA programs, other 

Government agencies, or the private sector. Phase III contracts receive funding from sources other than 

the SBIR and STTR programs and may be awarded without further competition.

SBIR and STTR program management works collaboratively with NASA Center Chief Technologists 

(for STTR) and the Mission Directorates (for SBIR) during the SBIR and STTR acquisition process. This 

collaboration, from topic development through proposal review and ranking, supports final selection of 

proposals of high value to NASA. Mission Directorates and NASA Center program personnel interact 

with SBIR and STTR award winners to maximize alignment and implementation of the SBIR and STTR 

products with NASA’s future missions and systems. Topics and subtopics are written to address NASA’s 

strategic priorities.
Exploration Technology

SBIR AND STTR

ET-71

Award Distribution

The map below represents the FY 2019 SBIR and STTR investments through Phase I, Phase II, Phase IIE, and CCRPP awards. 
 

LEO AND SPACEFLIGHT OPERATIONS

LSO-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

International Space Station 1490.3 -- 1400.7 1390.7 1338.4 1314.1 1319.2

Space Transportation 2109.7 -- 1877.8 1771.4 1826.8 1848.7 1843.4

Space and Flight Support (SFS) 1000.4 -- 758.7 810.2 782.1 784.5 784.7

Commercial LEO Development 40.0 -- 150.0 175.0 200.0 200.0 200.0

Total Budget 4640.4 4140.2 4187.3 4147.3 4147.3 4147.3 4147.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

LEO and Spaceflight Operations .......................................LSO-2

International Space Station

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM................................................... LSO-4 

ISS Systems Operations and Maintenance.......................................................................LSO-7 

ISS Research...................................................................................................................LSO-14

Space Transportation....................................................................................LSO-28

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM ......................................................................... LSO-29

COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM ...................................................................... LSO-37

Space and Flight Support (SFS)

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION ................................................ LSO-46

Space Communications Networks ..................................................................................LSO-49

Space Communications Support.....................................................................................LSO-57

HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS.............................................................. LSO-64

LAUNCH SERVICES............................................................................................ LSO-70

ROCKET PROPULSION TEST ............................................................................ LSO-78

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROGRAM ...................................................... LSO-84

Commercial LEO Development.....................................................................LSO-86
 

LEO AND SPACEFLIGHT OPERATIONS

LSO-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

International Space Station 1490.3 -- 1400.7 1390.7 1338.4 1314.1 1319.2

Space Transportation 2109.7 -- 1877.8 1771.4 1826.8 1848.7 1843.4

Space and Flight Support (SFS) 1000.4 -- 758.7 810.2 782.1 784.5 784.7

Commercial LEO Development 40.0 -- 150.0 175.0 200.0 200.0 200.0

Total Budget 4640.4 4140.2 4187.3 4147.3 4147.3 4147.3 4147.3

Change from FY 2020 47.1

Percentage change from FY 2020 1.1%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA astronauts Kate Rubins (left) and Jeff 

Williams (right) are shown here preparing to 

grapple the SpaceX Dragon supply spacecraft from 

aboard the International Space Station.

The low-Earth orbit (LEO) and Spaceflight 

Operations account, comprised of the International 

Space Station (ISS), Space Transportation, Space and 

Flight Support, and Commercial LEO Development 

themes, enables NASA to better plan both 

Government and commercial access to space, and it 

lays the foundation to support commercial operations 

in LEO. These activities, which support existing and 

future space operations, commercialization, and space 

and flight support capabilities for both NASA and 

non-NASA missions, are a catalyst for economic 

development. Additionally, these activities advance 

scientific knowledge and foster new technologies that 

improve our lives. 

NASA's Commercial LEO Development effort is 

intended to stimulate both the development of commercially owned and operated LEO destinations from 

which NASA can purchase services and the continued growth of a commercial ecosystem in LEO. As 

those commercial LEO destinations are available, and without a gap in a U.S. presence in LEO, NASA 

intends to implement an orderly transition from current ISS operations to the new commercial enterprise 

as laid out in NASA's ISS Transition Report, dated March 30, 2018. 

The International Space Station is an example of American leadership in global space exploration, 

enabling a U.S.-led multinational partnership to advance shared goals in space. As a testbed for deep 

space exploration, the station is helping us learn how to keep astronauts healthy during long-duration 

space travel and demonstrating technologies for human and robotic exploration beyond LEO, to the 

Moon, and to Mars. ISS enables commercial industry, academic institutions, U.S. Government agencies, 
LEO AND SPACEFLIGHT OPERATIONS

LSO-3

and other diverse users to access a unique research platform for developing and demonstrating new 

technologies, treatments, and products for improving life on Earth.

The Crew and Cargo Program manages transportation services provided by both international partners 

and domestic commercial providers. Through the program, NASA continues to advance commercial 

spaceflight and supports American jobs.

Commercial Crew Program (CCP) partnerships with the private sector are working to develop and operate 

safe, reliable, and affordable crew transportation systems capable of carrying humans to and from space, 

including the ISS. Working with industry to develop and provide human transportation services to and 

from space will lay the foundation for more affordable and sustainable future human space transportation. 

These partnerships bolster American leadership in space, reduce our current reliance on foreign providers 

for this service, help stimulate the American aerospace industry, and allow NASA to focus on building 

the capabilities and expertise necessary for missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Space and Flight Support Program continues to provide mission critical space communications, 

launch and test services, and astronaut training to support its customer missions. The Space 

Communications and Navigation Program provides communication to missions in LEO and ISS utilizing

the Space Network. The Near Earth Network communicates with suborbital missions and some lunar 

orbits, while the Deep Space Network communicates with the missions most distant from Earth. The 

Communication Services Program focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of using commercially 

provided data relay services to support NASA missions. The Launch Services Program provides expertise 

and active launch mission management for more than 40 NASA and other Government missions in 

various stages of development. The Rocket Propulsion Test Program manages a wide range of facilities 

capable of ground testing rocket engines and components under controlled conditions, a critical 

foundation for the success of NASA and commercial rocket programs. The Human Space Flight 

Operations Program provides the training and readiness to ensure crew health and safety and mission 

success.

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/index.html
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station 

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM

LSO-4 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

ISS Systems Operations and Maintenance 1085.3 -- 1049.8 1047.8 1007.5 983.1 983.1

ISS Research 405.0 -- 350.9 342.9 330.9 331.0 336.1

Total Budget 1490.3 -- 1400.7 1390.7 1338.4 1314.1 1319.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The International Space Station as photographed in October 

2018.

The International Space Station (ISS) is 

the largest and most complex space-based 

research facility ever constructed, enabling 

distinct research opportunities, including 

research vital to the Artemis human lunar 

exploration missions and future Mars 

human exploration programs. Returns 

from the ISS research investment are not 

limited to scientific discovery and 

technology advancement. ISS is a 

collaborative venture with our 

international partners, including the 

Canadian, European, Japanese, and 

Russian space agencies. Engineers, 

scientists, and managers from around the 

world have directed their resources for the 

peaceful use of space and are now reaping 

the benefits to humanity. The ISS 

partnership has established new processes and relationships, which will continue to provide a cooperative 

foundation for the global enterprise of space exploration. The partnership allows members to collectively 

allocate resources and manage operational risks in a way that benefits all parties. 

The ISS's crewmembers orbit the Earth about every 90 minutes and have continuously occupied the 

facility since 2000. Once U.S. commercial crew launch services become available, NASA will be able to 

permanently increase the crew size on the U.S. Orbital Segment (USOS) to four astronauts. The USOS is 

the portion of ISS operated by the U.S. and its Canadian, European, and Japanese partners. Russia 

exclusively operates the Russian segment. The ISS spans the area of a U.S. football field (with end zones) 

and weighs more than 465 tons (930,000 pounds). Its solar arrays, which help power the vehicle, are 

longer than a Boeing 777's wingspan at 240 feet. The ISS has eight docking ports for visiting vehicles 

delivering crew and cargo. Orbiting Earth 16 times per day at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour, the ISS 

maintains an altitude that ranges from 230 to 286 miles. The complex has more livable room than a 

conventional five-bedroom house, with two bathrooms, a fitness center, a 360-degree bay window, and 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station 

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM

LSO-5 

state-of-the-art scientific research facilities. In addition to external test beds, the U.S. operating segment 

of the ISS houses three major science laboratories (U.S. Destiny, European Columbus, and Japanese 

Kibo). 

The four major focus areas of activity for the ISS program include: (1) returning benefits to humanity on 

Earth through space-based research and technology development; (2) serving as a key stepping stone on 

the pathway to deep space exploration; (3) enabling the development and advancement of a commercial 

marketplace in low-Earth orbit (LEO); and (4) maintaining U.S. global leadership of space exploration. 

Through its international and domestic partnerships, the program continues to build relationships to 

further expand expertise in a myriad of scientific fields to benefit humanity. 

NASA will continue research and technology efforts in LEO using the ISS to enable exploration with 

humans to the Moon and to Mars, while continuing to perform research that benefits humanity and leads 

to a robust ecosystem in LEO and supporting ISS National Laboratory research by private industry and 

other organizations. NASA is working to implement a step-wise transition of ISS from the current model 

of NASA sponsorship and direct NASA funding to a model where NASA is one of many customers 

purchasing services from a LEO human spaceflight enterprise via the Commercial LEO Development 

Program. NASA will gradually transition from current ISS operations to this new model to ensure that the 

U.S. always has a human presence in LEO. 

The ISS plays an essential role in facilitating the expanding sphere of human space exploration from LEO

to the Moon via the Artemis program and eventually to Mars. The ISS is currently the only microgravity 

platform capable of long-term testing of new life support and crew health systems, advanced habitation 

modules, and other technologies needed to expand our exploration horizons. Over the next several years, 

the research program will continue to focus on capabilities needed to maintain a healthy and productive 

crew in deep space, informing the Artemis missions. Manifested, or planned, experiments and 

demonstrations to enable human exploration at the Gateway, lunar surface, and into deep space include: 

tests of improved long-duration life support; advanced fire safety equipment; on-board environmental 

monitors; techniques to improve logistics efficiency; in-space additive manufacturing; advanced exercise 

and medical equipment; radiation monitoring and shielding; human-robotic operations; and autonomous 

crew operations. The facility enables scientists to identify and quantify risks to human health and 

performance and to develop and test preventative techniques and technologies to protect astronauts during 

extended time in space. The ISS platform and future commercial LEO destinations provide a rich 

environment for endless research possibilities in the areas of fundamental biological and physical 

sciences.

The ISS program aims to provide direct research benefits to the public through its operations, research, 

and technology development activities. As a National Laboratory, the U.S. segment of the ISS enables 

partners in Government, academia, and industry to utilize its unique environment and advanced facilities 

to perform investigations. The ISS National Laboratory is managed by the Center for the Advancement of 

Science in Space (CASIS). The focus of CASIS is to provide ISS access to academia, the commercial 

sector, and other Government agencies through partnerships, cost-sharing agreements, and other 

arrangements for research, technology development, LEO commercialization, and education. Observing 

from and experimenting aboard the ISS provides the opportunity to learn about Earth, life, and the solar 

system from a very different perspective. NASA and its partners also use this unique reference point to 

advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education efforts to inspire youth 

to pursue those fields. The results of the research completed on the ISS can be applied to many areas of 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station 

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION PROGRAM

LSO-6 

science, improving life on Earth, and furthering the experience and increased understanding necessary to 

journey to other worlds. 

For more on the ISS program, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html

For specific information on the many experiments conducted on ISS, go to: 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments_category.html

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

LSO-7 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 1085.3 -- 1049.8 1047.8 1007.5 983.1 983.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Astronaut Luca Parmitano of ESA (European Space Agency) is

shown here attached to an articulating portable foot restraint at the 

end of the Canadarm2 robotic arm during the second spacewalk to 

repair the International Space Station's cosmic particle detector, 

the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on November 22, 2019.

The International Space Station (ISS) is 

a complex research facility and human 

outpost in low-Earth orbit (LEO) 

developed in a collaborative, 

multinational effort led by the United 

States with partners in Canada, Europe, 

Japan, and Russia. It is supported by the 

commercial industry via the Crew and 

Cargo Program and Commercial Crew 

Program. The facility’s primary goals 

are to advance exploration of the solar 

system, enable unique scientific 

research, and promote commerce in 

space with industry partners as new 

commercialization concepts are 

explored. The Operations and 

Maintenance (O&M) project supports 

vehicle operations in the harsh 

conditions of space with constant, 

around-the clock-support. The ISS 

systems operate in extreme 

temperatures, pressures, and energies 

that challenge engineering techniques with minimal margin for error. The risks associated with operating 

the ISS are significant and must be effectively managed to protect against catastrophic consequences to 

mission success and human life. Successful risk mitigation activities on ISS in LEO pave the way for a 

more successful Artemis program and then to Mars.

Safely operating the ISS in the severe conditions of space and ensuring the crew always have a sufficient 

supply of food, water, oxygen, and repair parts demands precise planning and logistics. The 465-ton 

vehicle requires routine maintenance and is subject to unexpected mechanical failures, given its highly 

complicated systems and the harshness of space. Resolving problems can be challenging and often 

requires the crew to make repairs in space with support from ground teams on Earth. Astronauts aboard 

the ISS must rely on the materials available to them onboard. This requires the support team on Earth to 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

LSO-8 

 monitor and meticulously plan for replacement parts and consumables, such as filters and gas, as well as 

Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) like Inlet De-ionizing Bed, Microbial Check Valves, and MultiFiltration Beds, which are key components of the Regenerative Environmental Control Life Support 

System (Regen ECLSS). The coordination and support necessary for the ISS crew to live and work 

comfortably in space requires intensive Earth-based mission operations. Ground teams continually 

monitor the ISS performance, provide necessary vehicle commands, and communicate with the crew. 

Even before the astronauts leave Earth, the Systems O&M project, in conjunction with the Human Space 

Flight Operations (HSFO) program, provides the crew training to prepare them for their stay aboard the 

ISS. One example includes operation of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), an indoor underwater 

training facility, where astronauts, in a safe environment, can simulate specific extravehicular (EVA) 

activities to repair, replace, or install new instruments and operational systems. During training exercises, 

neutral-buoyancy diving is used to simulate the weightlessness of space operations. To achieve this effect, 

suited astronauts or pieces of equipment are lowered into the pool using an overhead crane and then 

weighted in the water by support divers so that astronauts experience minimal buoyant force and minimal 

rotational moment about their center of mass. 

The ISS program considers all aspects of the mission when developing operations plans to meet program 

objectives. These include scheduling crew activities, choreographing docking and undocking of visiting 

crew and supply ships, evaluating supplies of consumables, managing flight plan variability, and 

resolving stowage issues. The Systems O&M project ensures the ISS is always operational and available 

to perform its research mission.

Because the ISS is an international partnership, program decisions are not made in isolation; they require 

collaboration with multiple countries to ensure all technical, schedule, and resources supply 

considerations are taken into account. The experience NASA is gaining through integration with its ISS 

partners is helping the Agency to better prepare for future partnerships in human space exploration, such 

as on the Gateway or the lunar surface.

A critical component of the Systems O&M project is immediate emergency services and analyses 

conducted by mission control teams on Earth, known as vehicle and program anomaly resolution. 

Engineers and operators diagnose system failures and develop solutions, while program specialists 

respond to changing program needs and priorities through re-planning efforts. These teams ensure 

appropriate redundancy, training, and procedures are in place to respond to any type of failure at any time. 

The project requires sparing and repairing nine highly complex on-orbit systems made up of hundreds of 

unique ORUs. Additionally, software sustainment manages and executes millions of lines of flight code 

to support operation and control of the ISS. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The ISS System O&M project continued to maintain resources both on-orbit and on the ground to operate 

and utilize the ISS. The O&M project funded the Mission Control Center (MCC) which operates 24/7 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

LSO-9 

with primary responsibility for safety of crew and integrity of ISS. This required maintaining success in 

providing all necessary resources, including power, data, crew time, logistics, and accommodations, to 

support research while operating safely with a crew of six astronauts. The O&M project supported the 

arrival and departure of 16 flights, both domestic and international crew and cargo missions, to the ISS. 

This resulted in supporting one flight approximately every three weeks. Each flight required extensive 

planning and analyses to support on-orbit operations, as well as launching, docking, undocking, berthing, 

unberthing, deorbiting, packing, manifesting, hardware processing, and the on-orbit configuration.

NASA ground teams continued to monitor overall vehicle health and oversee general maintenance and 

performance of all the ISS vehicle systems, including command and data handling, communication and 

tracking, crew health care, environmental control and life support, electrical power, extravehicular 

activities (EVAs), robotics, flight crew equipment, propulsion, structures and mechanisms, thermal 

control, guidance, navigation, and control. In FY 2019, ISS had the following significant anomalies 

requiring critical contingency response, plus additional on-orbit troubleshooting/planning: 

• Battery Charge/Discharge Unit (BCDU);

• Lithium-Ion Battery 4A3; 

• Main Bus Switching Unit (MBSU) 3 failure; 

• Flight/truss jumper EVA planning; 

• ESA Life Support Rack; and

• Thermal Amine Scrubber troubleshooting. 

All these anomalies happened within a three-week period. Typically, the ISS Program supports three to 

four anomalies of this magnitude per year. Troubleshooting efforts led to the development of various 

products, including those required to replace the failed Lithium Ion battery with the old Nickel Hydrogen 

batteries, to regain functionality.

In addition to the hardware anomalies, the ISS Program provided immediate response to the Russian 60 

Soyuz docking abort. The 60 Soyuz (60S) flight experienced a communications anomaly, which required 

significant on-orbit re-planning to ensure a successful 60S docking re-attempt, 59S relocation, and 

SpaceX 18 departure. Efforts included the successful re-evaluation of several different vehicle traffic 

models (based on Russian planning data), provision of updated solar array, loads, and thermal analyses 

within a 36-hour period (versus a nominal period of two to four weeks).

The team supported two Russian EVAs and four U.S. EVAs in FY 2019. The two U.S. EVAs in March 

supported the lithium-ion battery installation. The EVA in August 2019 installed ISS Docking Adapter 

(IDA) 3. IDA 1 and IDA 3 enable visiting vehicles to attach to the ISS without the use of the robotic arm. 

With installation complete, these two common ports have enabled expanded opportunities for visiting 

vehicles, including the new spacecraft designed to carry humans for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, 

as well as further enhancing the commercialization of LEO.

The current nickel-hydrogen batteries on the ISS are nearing their end of life. The O&M project will 

continue replacing current nickel-hydrogen batteries with more efficient lithium-ion batteries over several 

years using multiple EVAs. Astronauts replaced the first three batteries in January 2017. The next set of

lithium-ion batteries were delivered to ISS in September 2018 on H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) 7 and 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

LSO-10 

were installed via EVA in March 2019. Another set of lithium-ion batteries were delivered to the ISS on 

HTV 8 in September 2019. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Throughout the year, NASA ground teams will continue to monitor overall vehicle health and oversee 

general maintenance and performance of all the ISS vehicle systems. The O&M project will continue to 

manage resource requirements and changes, including vehicle traffic, cargo logistics, stowage, and crew 

time. The O&M project is expected to support three Progress flights, one HTV flight, one crewed Soyuz 

flight, and five U.S. Commercial Resupply Flights (CRS) for a total of 10 flights; plus U.S. Commercial 

Crew or one additional Soyuz flight (as necessary).

The team plans to support two Russian EVAs and up to 15 U.S. EVAs in FY 2020. Three U.S. EVAs 

were completed in October 2019. The first two EVAs started the Port Side Truss (P6) lithium-ion battery 

installation in continuation of replacing the aging batteries with more efficient lithium-ion batteries. The 

other EVA completed in October 2019 replaced the failed P6 Battery Charge Discharge Unit (BCDU). In 

December 2019, the Expedition 61 crew completed the third in a series of complex spacewalks to install a 

new cooling system for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS). The AMS is a particle physics 

experiment module mounted outside ISS and measures antimatter in cosmic rays. This information is 

valuable for our understanding of the formation of the Universe and informs the search for evidence of

dark matter and dark energy. These first three spacewalks completed the primary task to install the 

upgraded cooling system, complete power and data cable connection for the system, and connect all eight 

cooling lines from the AMS to the new system. The intricate connection work required making a clean cut 

for each existing stainless-steel tube connected to the AMS; then connecting it to the new system through 

a process of metalworking known as swaging. Meanwhile, the Flight Control Team on Earth initiated 

power-up of the system and confirmed it is now receiving power and data. The fourth spacewalk, planned 

for January 2020, will conduct leak checks for the AMS’ refurbished cooling lines and complete the work 

to resume operations of the cosmic ray detector. The other two January EVAs are for the continuation of 

battery upgrades. 

The early April EVAs will install the Columbus Ka-Band (ColKa) system to the Columbus Module. This 

communication system will enhance and add new capabilities to the existing Columbus on-orbit and 

ground communications systems and create an additional bi-directional Ka-Band data transmission for the 

ISS. The second EVA in late April will install the Bartolomeo external payload platform on the Columbus 

Module of the ISS. The Bartolomeo platform will allow new, unique payload hosting opportunities and 

will offer the ISS' only unobstructed view of Earth and space. An additional EVA is planned for late April 

to complete pre-installation activities for the ISS Roll Out Solar Array (ROSA). In June, the NanoRacks 

Bishop Airlock will be installed via EVA. This is the first privately funded commercial airlock and it will 

increase the capability of the ISS for transferring equipment, payloads, and deployable satellites. 

Commercial opportunities through this Airlock begin with CubeSat and small satellite deployment from 

the ISS and include a full range of additional services to meet customer needs from NASA and the 

growing commercial sector. Currently, CubeSat and small satellites are deployed through the 

government-operated Japanese Kibo Airlock. Additionally, the crew on board should be able to assemble 

payloads typically flown in soft-stowage ISS Cargo Transfer Bags into larger items that cannot currently 

be handled by the Kibo Airlock. 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

LSO-11 

The final six EVAs planned in September 2020 will install the next round of lithium-ion batteries, which 

will be delivered on HTV 9 in May 2020. 

The ISS O&M project worked closely with the Commercial Crew Program (CCP) to support the uncrewed Boeing CST 100 Orbital Flight Test (OFT) in December and will assist the SpaceX Dragon 2 and 

Boeing CST 100 crewed test flights, as well as any additional follow-on crew rotation missions with U.S. 

astronauts that occur in this fiscal year. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The ISS Program will continue to support the CCP and commercial crew partners to ensure any 

challenges with the initial missions are addressed with minimal impact to ISS operations and research. 

NASA plans to work with international partners to maintain a continuous ISS crew member capability by 

coordinating and managing resources, logistics, systems, and operational procedures. The O&M project 

will continue to manage resource requirements and changes, including vehicle traffic, cargo logistics, 

stowage, and crew time. In addition to providing anomaly resolution and failure investigation (as needed), 

they plan and provide real-time support for activities, such as EVAs and visiting vehicles. The O&M 

project plans to support approximately 10 flights in FY 2021. 

The team will support three Russian EVAs and two U.S. EVAs in FY 2021. The U.S. EVAs will install 

the ISS ROSA. These six solar arrays will augment the ISS power production and ensure all power 

requirements are met through the life of the ISS.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

The table below provides a schedule for potential EVAs. However, the ISS conducts near-term, real-time 

assessments of EVA demands, along with other program objectives, to efficiently plan all required ISS 

activities. NASA remains postured to conduct EVAs on short notice in response to specific contingency 

scenarios. In addition, the ISS program balances routine maintenance EVAs against overall astronaut 

availability to maintain focus on utilization and research.

Date Significant Event

Oct 2019 Three U.S. EVAs

Nov 2019 Two U.S. EVAs

Dec 2019 U.S. EVA

Jan 2020 Three U.S. EVAs 

Feb 2020 Russia EVA

Apr 2020 Two U.S. EVAs

Jun 2020 Four U.S. EVAs

Oct 2020 Russia EVA
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

LSO-12 

Date Significant Event

Nov 2020 Two U.S. EVAs; two Russia EVAs

Jan 2021 Two U.S. EVAs; two Russia EVAs

Project Management & Commitments

While NASA maintains the integrator role for the entire ISS, each partner has primary authority for 

managing and operating the hardware and elements they provide. Within NASA, Johnson Space Center 

(JSC) in Houston, TX, leads project management of the ISS Systems O&M. 

Acquisition Strategy

The current Boeing vehicle sustaining engineering contract extends through September 30, 2020. 

Requirements of this contract include sustaining engineering of U.S. on-orbit segment hardware and 

software, technical integration across all the ISS segments, end-to-end subsystem management for most 

of the ISS subsystems and specialty engineering disciplines, and U.S. on-orbit segment and integrated 

system certification of flight readiness. The program is currently negotiating a contract extension to 2024 

with the current provider. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

U.S. on-orbit segment Sustaining 

Engineering Contract The Boeing Company JSC

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Other NASA Advisory 

Council (NAC) Nov 2019

Provides 

independent 

guidance for the 

NASA 

Administrator.

No new formal 

recommendations or 

findings from the May 2019 

report. Still awaiting the 

November 2019 report.

2020
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Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Other

NASA 

Aerospace 

Safety Advisory 

Panel (ASAP)

Sep 2019

Provides 

independent 

assessments of 

safety to the 

NASA 

Administrator. 

The panel encouraged 

NASA to develop 

contingency plans for 

continuity of the U.S. 

Operating Segment (USOS) 

operations and consider 

adjusting ongoing Soyuz 

and commercial crew seat 

assignments to reduce risk 

for any launch delays for 

either launch vehicle. 

2020
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 405.0 -- 350.9 342.9 330.9 331.0 336.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Expedition 60 Flight Engineer Christina Koch (NASA) is shown 

here activating the new BioFabrication Facility to test its ability 

to print cells on August 2, 2019. Researchers are exploring 

whether the weightless environment of space may support the 

fabrication of human organs in space. An incubator houses the 

tissue samples to promote cohesive cellular growth over several 

weeks. Earth’s gravity inhibits 3-D bioprinters and incubators 

from recreating and growing complex organic structures. 

The International Space Station (ISS) is an 

orbiting platform that astronauts and 

researchers use to develop technologies and 

understand the effects of space on human 

health for future human exploration 

missions. The unique microgravity 

environment enables scientific investigation 

of physical, chemical, and biological 

processes in an environment very different 

from Earth. As a U.S. National Laboratory, 

ISS provides the only current capability for 

human-assisted space-based research and is 

a foundation for efforts to expand 

commercialization of low-Earth orbit.

November 2, 2020 will mark the 20th 

anniversary of continuous human presence 

in space aboard ISS. In that span, this 

orbiting platform has evolved into a 

dynamic laboratory that hosts an increasing 

variety of government and commerciallyowned science facilities, external testbeds, 

and observatory sites. The research 

conducted aboard ISS, supported by this budget line item, is aligned to goals set by the National 

Academies of Science in the Decadal Survey on Life and Physical Sciences Research at NASA, while the 

technology demonstrations also support future programs such as Artemis. At the conclusion of Expedition 

60 in September 2019, more than 4,000 investigators from 108 countries have performed more than 2,800 

research investigations and technology demonstrations utilizing ISS. Over 1,804 papers have been 

published in scientific journals and magazines based on results of these investigations.

The ISS Research budget supports a broad portfolio of research and technology development to enable 

future human exploration, pioneer scientific discovery, expand our understanding of the universe and our 

home planet, and benefit our economy and life on Earth. ISS Research supports multi-user systems
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support (MUSS) activities, which provide strategic, tactical, and operational support to all ISS research, 

whether sponsored by NASA, international partners, or the ISS National Lab. MUSS supports new 

capabilities and technologies that benefit multiple ISS users and operation of in-orbit and ground control 

research facilities. ISS Research also supports research and applications funding to the external scientific 

community in support of research in biological and physical sciences that is relevant to exploration and 

seeks scientific discovery in the unique microgravity environment. 

ISS research supports the development of technologies that can be used in exploration campaigns, such as 

Artemis, and even longer-duration missions to Mars and beyond. ISS provides the best existing means to 

demonstrate technology and system readiness for use on a human occupied exploration vehicle by 

documenting performance in a spacecraft environment with humans-in-the-loop, piloting operational 

procedures and training requirements, determining logistics requirements, safety, and interoperability 

concerns with respect to overall space systems infrastructure. Examples of key exploration technology 

demonstrations on ISS include: 

• Roll out Solar Array (ROSA) technology improves the power density, stowage efficiency, and 

scalability of previously-used rigid panel arrays. ROSA was tested on ISS for strength, structural 

dynamics, and operations and will be used as part of the Gateway's Power and Propulsion module. 

In addition, this technology will be used to upgrade ISS power systems as soon as FY 2021. 

• Sextant used the ISS x-ray observatory, NICER, to successfully demonstrate a navigation system 

based on known positions of pulsars - deep space objects which emit regular bursts of radiation. 

Sextant showed that pulsar-based navigation systems could be used for exploration missions 

throughout the solar system like the satellite-based GPS systems we use on Earth. 

• Zero Boil-Off Tank (ZBOT) tested the use of active heat removal and forced jet mixing to 

minimize the "boil-off" loss of cryogenically-stored fuel. Long-term storage of cryogenic fluids is 

necessary for spacecraft propulsion and life support. The ability to reduce or eliminate losses for 

rocket fuels will greatly reduce the amount of fuels needed for exploration missions to the Moon 

and Mars.

• SAFFIRE is a series of experiments looking at flame growth and propagation on Cygnus cargo 

vehicles after they depart the ISS; and is funded in the Advanced Exploration System (AES) 

program. The experiment studies how fire behaves in microgravity. Results have informed 

NASA's choice of flame-resistant materials and provided crucial data on how fires spread in 

microgravity.

ISS Research contributes to Agency efforts for the commercialization of low-Earth orbit (LEO) to enable 

a sustained U.S. presence in this region of space. Research facilities onboard ISS continue to evolve from 

primarily government funded and operated to commercially owned and operated. Since 2012, commercial 

research facilities have greatly increased the breadth and volume of ISS-supported research, with 17 such 

facilities in operation at the start of FY 2020. In June 2019, NASA announced a set of policy directives 

intended to foster the growth of the U.S. commercial space sector. NASA's plans for expanding 

commercial activities in LEO build on and apply the lessons learned from over a decade of work and 

experience with commercial companies.
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The enabling of commercial cargo, research, and research facilities on ISS continues to spur innovative 

public-private partnerships. For example, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), a 

single purpose non-profit non-government organization (NGO), manages the ISS U.S. National 

Laboratory, which allows non-NASA users to conduct Research and Development (R&D) activities on 

ISS that benefit life on Earth and foster commerce in space. Non-NASA users of the ISS National 

Laboratory include academia, industry, and government agencies beyond NASA. Since 2012, over 450 

payloads have flown under the ISS National Laboratory allocation. Within the current ISS National 

Laboratory portfolio, 75 percent are new-to-space customers and 52 percent are from industry customers, 

which are promising indicators that the National Laboratory is beginning to broaden demand for LEO

activities.

Promoting the full and open sharing of data with research communities, private industry, academia, and 

the general public is one of NASA’s long-standing core values and is another way in which use of 

scientific data generated from ISS research is maximized. ISS is the primary science platform for the 

Open Science Initiatives of GeneLab for biological sciences data and Physical Sciences Informatics for 

physical sciences data. These initiatives enable next generation research by creating publicly available 

open-access data resources.

ISS research also supports investigations in human physiology and crew health and performance, led by 

NASA's Human Research Program (HRP). As NASA’s only current long-duration crewed orbital testbed, 

the ISS is used by researchers to study the effects of long-duration exposure to the space environment on 

the crew and devise and test countermeasures to offset health risks. This research is critical as the U.S. 

prepares for deep space human exploration. Research on model systems, spanning from cell culture to 

rodents, also benefit from the long-term microgravity environment and yield insights to help ensure that 

the highly applied risk reduction R&D strategy of HRP can understand underlying mechanisms and 

connect rapidly advancing biomedical research on earth to the mechanisms of the unique hazards and 

risks of human spaceflight.

ISS research funded through this line item continues to generate new knowledge. For example, data from 

the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02), a cosmic-ray observatory housed on ISS, reveals a level of 

high energy positrons in excess of that predicted. This may indicate an additional source involving 

interactions with dark matter. Already five years beyond its original life-expectancy, maintenance to this 

instrument scheduled for FY 2020 is expected to extend its use through the duration of the life span of the 

ISS, providing additional years of data collection to potentially shed more light on this cosmic mystery. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

ISS is funding the Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites activity which 

was previously funded out of Advanced Exploration Systems. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

FY 2019 saw new research facilities and Earth observation instruments come online, new capabilities 

piloted, and an increasingly diverse portfolio of commercial, fundamental science, and technology 

demonstration investigations conducted. The ISS Research budget supported, either directly or through 

MUSS integration services, 471 active investigations across all ISS partners. NASA and the ISS National 
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Laboratory combined to sponsor 243 U.S. research investigations, an increase of 8 percent from the 

previous fiscal year. For the ISS National Laboratory, the number of newly awarded projects (62) 

increased by 25 percent and the number of payloads delivered (87) to ISS increased by 16 percent. 

For more information, go to: 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/index.html

https://www.issnationallab.org/

This increase in U.S. research came despite the abort of flight 56S, which limited USOS crew to two for 

over five months. A total of 2,130 crew hours were dedicated to utilization for an average of 52.2 hours 

per week, which is only three hours per week less than FY 2018. Real-time data access for investigators 

and ground-control capabilities of commercial facilities also increased as data transfer bandwidth doubled 

to 600 megabits/second (Mb/s) both to and from the ISS. Overall, this resulted in an increased capacity 

for research which lessened the impact of the reduction in available crew time.

The ISS National Laboratory continued to drive upward trends for industry involvement in supply, 

demand, and investment related to its R&D portfolio. More than 75 percent of the 87 payloads 

represented R&D from the private sector. R&D activities onboard the ISS National Laboratory in 

FY 2019 included projects from industry - Goodyear, AstraZeneca, Time, Adidas, Nalco Champion, 

Budweiser, six startup companies funded in collaboration with Boeing, and others. Other projects were 

conducted from research entities such as MIT, Frederick National Laboratory, Johns Hopkins, U.S. Army, 

DARPA, Michael J. Fox Foundation, National Cancer Institute, Scripps Research Institute, University of 

California San Diego, and the University of Toledo. 

Industrial Biomedicine encompasses regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, protein crystal growth, 

rodent research, and other biomedical R&D areas. Industrial Biomedicine projects enable advancements 

with a defined pathway for translation from scientific research to industrial or clinical applications. More 

than half of newly selected projects in FY 2019 fall into this category. 

Two FY 2019 examples investigations within Industrial Biomedicine include:

• LambdaVision conducted studies on the ISS National Laboratory to improve the manufacturing 

process for its protein-based retinal implant capable of restoring vision in patients with retinal 

degeneration, which affects millions of people on Earth. LambdaVision’s retinal implant consists 

of multiple layers of a light-activated protein. However, when produced on Earth, gravity 

interferes with the uniformity of the layers.

• The National Stem Cell Foundation is studying neurodegenerative disease in space using cells 

derived from patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. This research focuses on 

the physics of how cells interact using a brain organoid. The research team expects to learn new 

information about how the cells communicate, integrate, and differentiate within a representative 

replica of human tissue. 

Advanced Materials projects develop next-generation production methods, improve understanding of 

mechanisms involved in material transformations, advance fundamental materials discovery, and test
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processes or manufacturing methods of novel design and synthesis pathways. Previous research partners 

have evaluated combustion studies, complex fluid flow, unique substance interaction, materials 

degradation, and in-orbit manufacturing, among others. Approximately 10 percent of the ISS National 

Laboratory R&D portfolio falls in this category, with more than 30 payloads launched to-date in support 

of these projects, supported by 10 commercial implementation partners. 

Examples of research within Advanced Materials include:

• Two ISS National Laboratory investigations focused on the production of ZBLAN optical fiber in 

ISS—one project from FOMS, Inc. and one from Physical Optics Corporation. These projects are 

piloting approaches to commercialize the production of ZBLAN fiber in space for use back on 

Earth. The in-orbit manufacturing promises to produce fibers with fewer imperfections, enabling 

lower-signal-loss optical communications for applications such as repeater-less transoceanic 

transmission, sensors used in the aerospace and defense industries, and improved medical devices 

(such as laser scalpels). FOMS (San Diego, CA), one of the companies who conducted testing in 

FY 2019, holds the first patent for technology to produce ZBLAN fibers in space. 

• Several companies are leveraging the Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA) 

hardware onboard the ISS to synthesize materials for use in radiation detection to meet growing 

technological demands of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of 

Energy. Illinois Institute of Technology completed their in-orbit operations in FY 2019 and 

announced preliminary positive results. If a certain quality threshold is reached, the university has 

a relationship with industry partner RMD to explore commercialization of a product. 

Two new commercially operated facilities, SlingShot and BioFabrication Facility, expanded the supply 

side of spaceflight R&D onboard the ISS National Laboratory in FY 2019. Not only do these facilities 

open up more R&D opportunities, they mitigate business risk, serving as a training ground for private 

industry in learning how to conduct business in space. 

As noted previously, the NASA GeneLab and Physical Science Informatics open science databases are 

increasing the use and value of results from ISS research. In FY 2019, 12 additional publications were 

generated demonstrating the power of analyzing from multiple spaceflight investigations in aggregate, 

and the utility of open-access databases in multiplying the benefits derived from biological space 

research.

Examples of research accomplishments in FY 2019, representing both NASA and ISS National 

Laboratory efforts, include:

• In FY 2019, startup company Orbit Fab successfully completed the first test of its Furphy tanker 

on the ISS, demonstrating the ability to transfer propellant between two small satellites. This new 

tanker technology has two patents pending and went from concept to flight onboard the ISS 

National Laboratory within one year. Based on this successful mission, the company raised $3 

million in venture capital in the first quarter of FY 2020. 

• The ability to grow and use plants is critical for future exploration programs. A variety of 

investigations were conducted to understand critical factors in plant growth in microgravity and to 

address future food system and nutritional risk for long duration crews. This applied work was 
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supported by a comprehensive study of the differences in genetics, metabolism, photosynthesis, 

and gravity sensing between plants grown in space and on Earth. 

• The SPHERES-Slosh investigation provided data on the behavior of fluids in microgravity crucial 

to maximizing the performance and reliability of liquid-fueled propulsion systems in space. Fluids 

models based on this data have been used on satellite missions from NOAA and NASA and have 

been distributed to launch vehicle providers (e.g., United Launch Alliance (ULA), SpaceX, 

Northrup Grumman). 

• SEOPS LLC's SlingShot, a small satellite deployer system, became operational, enabling small 

satellite deployment from Northrup Grumman's Cygnus cargo vehicle. SlingShot was used by 

DoD, DARPA, NASA, and private industry customers including UbiquitiLink. Since their 

technology demonstration, UbiquitiLink has raised $12 million toward their goal of providing 

satellite-based internet and cellular access for devices in areas without ground-based connectivity. 

• Techshot Inc.'s BioFabrication Facility (BFF) is a 3D printer for biological material began 

operation on ISS. Bioprinting in microgravity is beneficial because scaffolding is not needed to 

keep printed structures from collapsing, allowing scientists to overcome what has been a 

significant hurdle in ground-based biomanufacturing of tissues and organs. 

• Made in Space's Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) has produced more than 100 tools and 

other objects in orbit. In FY 2019, Made in Space secured a $74 million NASA contract for 

Archinaut, a program to manufacture and assemble spacecraft components in LEO—to support 

space exploration and commercialization technology needs. 

• The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) began acquiring science data on March 25, 

2019. The GEDI system uses lasers to generate precise measurements of forest canopy height, 

vertical structure, and surface elevation to characterize important nutrient cycling processes, 

biodiversity and habitat. This data is valuable for application in weather forecasting, forest 

management, glacier and snowpack monitoring, and generation of more accurate digital elevation 

models. 

• The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 (OCO-3) initiated a three-year mission to observe how carbon 

dioxide concentrations change throughout the day. In addition, OCO-3 can observe a type of 

radiation from plants called solar-induced fluorescence which could improve understanding of the 

photosynthesis in the carbon cycle in forests.

• The first results of the landmark Twins Study involving astronaut Scott Kelly and his brother Mark 

were published in April 2019. Changes identified through the rigorous biochemical and gene 

expression data collected may be useful clues to unraveling the mysteries of spaceflight changes 

such as immune system and vision changes which are of critical concern for future long-duration 

missions.

• The Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) was installed and is producing clouds of ultracold atoms known 

as Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). The experiment provides a unique opportunity to probe longstanding problems in quantum physics (the study of the universe at the very smallest scales) and 

explore the wavelike nature of matter.
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• Electromagnetic levitation of metals and bulk metallic glasses in the microgravity environment in 

FY 2019 provided data for: (1) better manufacturing of cast superalloy components to improve 

efficiency, safety, and reliability of rocket and jet engines; (2) understanding formation of Bulk 

Metallic Glasses, which are an emerging class of materials with applications such as cryogenic 

gears for planetary exploration; and (3) investigating thermophysical properties of hightemperature materials to allow more efficient and reliable production of metallic parts using these 

alloys. 

• Through the RR-9 experiment, Space Biology research was able to determine that retinal damage 

and blood-retinal barrier disruption while in microgravity confirms the need for countermeasure 

development for long-term human spaceflight. Astronauts may be at risk for retinal damage and 

late degeneration.

• Additional highlights from education and outreach initiatives include: Felix and Paul Studios 

filmed scenes for "The ISS Experience," a cinematic virtual reality (VR) series that documents life 

and research aboard the space station, making the human interaction between astronauts more 

tangible for audiences on Earth. 

• More than 5 million people were reached by ISS National Laboratory STEM initiatives in 

FY 2019, doubling FY 2018 metrics. More than 50 percent were students participating in 23 

currently active programs. Partner programs with the more expansive reach included Story Time 

From Space (in collaboration with American Girl) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 

Twin Cities Public Television (via the SciGirls in Space program).

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

FY 2020 planned activities will continue to increase the number of research facilities. Those facilities will 

be enabling an increasingly diverse portfolio of commercial, fundamental science, and technology 

demonstration investigations. In the first half of FY 2020 alone, 192 investigations are scheduled to be 

active, 119 of which are NASA and ISS National Laboratory sponsored. Of these investigations, 52 are 

new.

Several new technologies and systems supportive of Artemis exploration missions are scheduled for 

demonstration on ISS in FY 2020, including upgrades to the Universal Waste Management System, 

improvements to carbon dioxide removal, and a brine processor. Also, astronaut Christina Koch will 

break Scott Kelly's record for the longest stay on the ISS by a U.S. astronaut generating new medical data 

critical to identifying health risks, and formulating countermeasures, for future long-duration exploration 

missions. Planning for conducting additional one-year U.S. missions beginning in FY 2021 is underway. 

In FY 2020, ISS National Laboratory investigations from the first rodent research "Reference Missions" 

will begin to share results with the community of researchers. Reference missions adapt a standard rodent 

research format to maximize scientific research opportunities and resource utilization by providing 

multiple investigators access to biospecimens from a single mission. As part of their agreement for award 

of biospecimens, all investigators agree to share their data and publish their results after mission 

completion. These reference missions align with GeneLab and Physical Sciences Informatics databases
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discussed above and similarly multiply the opportunity for new knowledge gained and lower the barriers 

for new researchers with ideas about applications in biomedicine to investigate the use of ISS. 

New facilities anticipated to launch in FY 2020 include Airbus’s Bartolomeo and NanoRacks’s Bishop 

Airlock. An airlock is a module used to transfer payloads, including CubeSats, between the interior and 

exterior of the space station. Bishop is the first commercial airlock to operate on ISS and is expected to 

increase capabilities in both R&D as well as station operations. This airlock will have five times more 

capacity than the current airlock, will increase ISS capacity to downlink data from external instruments, 

and will accommodate the deployment of larger satellites (up to 150 kilograms). Technology development 

and proof-of-concept missions using highly subsidized or free (to the user) access to ISS capabilities have 

contributed significantly to the rapid maturation of small satellite capabilities and helped to spur the rapid 

growth in this new commercial market. 

Highlights of research planned in FY 2020, representing both NASA and the ISS National Laboratory 

efforts include:

• Testing of a Thermal Amine Scrubber, which removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from air aboard the 

ISS using actively heated and cooled amine beds. The system includes elements that reduce loss of 

water vapor and recover CO2 for use in electrolysis to produce oxygen. 

• The Fluid Boiling and Condensation Experiment will study large scale two–phase fluid flows to 

characterize heat transfer mechanisms that will contribute to thermal management designs for 

long-duration exploration. 

• The Biosentinel investigation will use living cells as biosensors to test the radiation environment 

of ISS as a pathfinder for radiation biosensors that could be used on future exploration platforms. 

On ISS, the biosensor will seek to measure DNA damage-and-repair response to space radiation in 

living cells for long-term space exposure; and correlate biological response with physical 

dosimeter data to validate models of radiation effects on biology. 

• The Turbine SCM is a commercial in-space manufacturing device that will add to Made In Space’s 

capabilities for additive manufacturing on ISS. This device allows manufacturing of single-piece 

superalloy turbine blisk (blade/disk combination) in microgravity for commercial use on Earth. If 

produced successfully in microgravity, additional gains can be made in the areas of part mass, 

residual stress and fatigue.

• The Spectrum Multi-Fluorescence Spectral Imager (Spectrum) was launched on the NG-12 

mission. Using Spectrum, scientists can examine genes in biological cells which may provide a 

key to understanding to how biological organisms respond and adapt to the stresses of spaceflight. 

• Science Module 3 (SM3) for the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL), will enable the first-ever 

implementation in space of a powerful scientific tool called atom interferometry. Atom 

interferometry splits and recombines atomic waves to create patterns of interference in a manner 

similar to light waves, with the essential difference that atoms, unlike photons, have mass and 

hence have inertia and are sensitive to gravity. The first use of SM3 will be to conduct tests of the 

Einstein Equivalence Principle with quantum matter which holds that all masses fall with the same 

acceleration.
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• The packed bed reactor experiment (PBRE) will test the effect of high gas flows through glass 

beads and perform the first of a series of experiments in support of the Advanced Environmental 

Systems (AES) to improve the performance of water recycling systems in space. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA will finish implementing new processes for payload development and integration that are focused 

on sending investigations to ISS as soon as they are ready, as opposed to the traditional process of being 

assigned to a specific flight that could be up to a year away. The improved timelines offered by these 

processes will better meet the demands of its users, resulting in quicker payload deliveries to ISS (within 

months in some cases). Thus, private sector users looking to leverage space-based activities to accelerate 

time to market for product enhancements will have a rapid path from project concept to flight. This 

bolsters the value proposition for space-based R&D. Similarly, R&D sponsored by NASA, by 

commercial entities, or by non-NASA government agencies can be executed within a timeline that 

enhances the relevance of the research projects. For these cutting-edge projects, scientific discovery and 

technological advancement moves quickly and will benefit by optimized timelines to flight.

Under the streamlined payload development and integration processes, the full flight manifest for 

FY 2021 is still in development. However, upcoming investigations expected to fly in FY 2021 include: 

• The beginning of additional 1-year missions for Human Research, with corresponding six-month 

missions and shorter missions enabling the comprehensive understanding of the effect of duration 

on the human risks of spaceflight. 

• Plant research investigations will focus on bioregenerative food production of pick and eat crops 

such as mizuna and tomatoes. Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) will test a new plant growth 

system on the ISS, eXposed Roots On Orbit Technology (XROOT). This will be the first test of 

aeroponics, a plant-cultivation technique in which the roots hang suspended in the air while 

nutrient solution is delivered to them in the form of a fine mist.

• Rodent Research topics will include the role of specific genes in stopping bone regeneration that 

is observed during microgravity exposure, the role of antioxidants in retinal disorders and 

neurovascular disease.

• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine improve human health and longevity, and FY 2021 

flight projects from multiple sponsors, including both NIH and NSF, will explore a range of 

related topics from stem cell biology to 3D printing. 

• Hnu’s Mobile SpaceLab will provide a tissue and cell culturing facility to perform sophisticated 

microgravity biology investigations. Biology experiments can be performed for up to a month 

without the need for crew operations. 

• Fluid physics will focus on questions applicable to thermal management designs for long-duration 

exploration including heat transfer in large scale two–phase fluid flows.
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• Combustion experiments will evaluate the effects of flame structure on soot inception and flame 

extinction to better understand how to reduce soot and nitrogen oxides that contribute to sources of 

air pollution, such as in the formation of smog and acid rain, and study solid fuel burning to 

improve knowledge of fire ignition and extinction mechanisms in reduced gravity. 

• Materials processing experiments will seek to improve processing in microgravity and identify 

optimal materials to use for joining hard metals in microgravity.

• Continued operation of numerous external instruments in Earth and Space science. 

• Continued demonstration of performance and reliability of next generation exploration 

technologies. 

• LaMont Aerospace’s RM3S small-satellite dispenser will further expand the small satellite 

capabilities of ISS by providing capability to deploy constellations of nano-satellites (1–10 

kilograms) and small satellites (200–500 kilograms) using an externally mounted system. This 

will reduce crew time requirements, airlock cycles, long-duration deployment windows, 

intravehicular activity safety compliance, and similar payload subsystem issues.

Project Schedule

An increment, or expedition, is a period of time for ISS operations that spans from one crew return 

mission to another. Three to five expeditions typically span a calendar year and each consists of cargo 

ship arrivals and departures, extensive research investigations, as well as standard crew maintenance and 

logistical tasks. The table below outlines tentative start dates for the upcoming increments to ISS. 

Date Significant Event

Oct 2019 Increment 61

Feb 2020 Increment 62

Apr 2020 Increment 63

Oct 2020 Increment 64

Dec 2020 Increment 65

Apr 2021 Increment 66

May 2021 Increment 67

Sep 2021 Increment 68

Nov 2021 Increment 69
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Project Management & Commitments

The ISS Program Office meets commitments to international partners for utilization access under the ISS 

Intergovernmental Agreements, and follows the guidance of the NASA Authorization act in providing 

access to on-orbit capabilities for National Laboratory research. The ISS Program interfaces with the 

National Laboratory and personnel from a wide variety of NASA organizations to integrate objectives 

into strategic plans and implement research.

Within NASA, mission directorates also prioritize their research investments for ISS based on exploration 

roadmaps for technologies needed to support NASA’s exploration goals, the Human Research path to risk 

reduction, and recommendations from the relevant National Academies of Science decadal surveys. These 

are demonstrated in non-ISS budgets of the Human Research Program (HRP), some activities in the 

Space Technology Demonstration Mission Directorate (STMD), and in specific Science Mission 

Directorate (SMD) projects.

The Space, Life, and Physical Sciences Research and Applications Division at NASA Headquarters 

manages Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) research and applications funded under ISS Research, 

primarily through grants to academic institutions and with implementation by multiple NASA Centers. 

Recommendations from experts at the National Academy of Sciences drive NASA’s strategy for 

implementing BPS research, as reflected in two publications: “Recapturing a Future for Space 

Exploration, Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era” and “Assessment of Implementation of 

the Decadal Survey on Life and Physical Sciences at NASA.” A new decadal survey is expected to be 

completed in FY 2021. 

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Biological and 

Physical 

Sciences

This element includes 

selection and 

implementation of 

NASA-sponsored 

biological and physical 

research

Provider: NASA Centers, contractors, and 

principal investigators

Lead Center: Headquarters (HQ)

Performing Center(s): Ames Research Center 

(ARC), Glenn Research Center (GRC), Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Marshall Space 

Flight Center (MSFC), Kennedy Space Center 

(KSC)

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

MUSS

MUSS activities support 

all research on ISS

(NASA sponsored and 

non-NASA sponsored) 

Provider: ISS program and contractors Lead 

Center: Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Performing Center(s): MSFC, ARC, GRC, KSC, 

JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

National 

Laboratory 

Cooperative 

Agreement

Manages the ISS U.S. 

National Laboratory

Provider: Center for the Advancement of 

Science in Space N/A
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Acquisition Strategy

NASA awards contracts and grants for conducting research on ISS. NASA prioritizes ISS research based 

on recommendations from the National Academies and the Decadal Survey on BPS in Space. NASA has 

selected CASIS to manage non-NASA ISS Research activities through the ISS National Laboratory. 

Peer review is the means to ensure a high-quality research program. Engaging leading members of the 

research community to assess the competitive merits of submitted proposals is essential to ensuring the 

productivity and quality of ISS Research. BPS research uses both traditional and open science NASA 

Research Announcements to provide researchers, selected by peer review, the opportunity to develop 

complete flight experiments and allow universities to participate in flight and ground research involving 

their scientists. CASIS also conducts independent reviews of science merit and economic valuation in 

selecting experiments for use of the ISS as a National Laboratory. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Vehicle Sustaining Engineering 

Contract The Boeing Company Houston, TX

Huntsville Operations Support Center COLSA Corporation Huntsville, AL

Mission Operations and Integration 

(MO&I) Contract Teledyne Brown Engineering Huntsville, AL

ISS National Laboratory Management 

Entity CASIS Melbourne, FL

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Other

National 

Academy of 

Science

Jan 2018

Review progress on 2011 

Decadal Survey for life 

and physical sciences 

research and recommend 

adjustments to BPS 

portfolio.

Several findings and 

recommendations for 

HEOMD to increase the 

scientific productivity of 

ISS research.

2021
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS RESEARCH

LSO-26 

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Other

NASA 

Aerospace 

Safety 

Advisory 

Panel 

(ASAP)

Oct 2018

Provides independent 

assessments of safety to 

the NASA Administrator.

Due to the potential for 

delays in the schedule for 

the first CCP flights with 

crew, senior NASA 

leadership should work 

with the Administration 

and the Congress to 

guarantee continuing 

access to ISS for U.S. 

crewmembers until such 

time that U.S. capability 

to deliver crew to ISS is 

established.

TBD

Other 

NASA 

Advisory 

Council 

(NAC)

Nov 2018

Provides independent 

guidance for NASA 

Administrator.

No new formal 

recommendations or 

findings for ISS.

TBD

One-time 

Independent 

Review 

Board (IRB)

IRB Jan/Feb 

2020

IRB to evaluate the ISS 

Nat'l Lab, managed by 

CASIS, to ensure we are 

on mission and 

appropriately resourced to 

produce breakthroughs that 

improve lives on Earth, 

including 

commercialization and 

Moon to Mars efforts.

TBD N/A
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: International Space Station: International Space Station 

Program 

ISS RESEARCH

LSO-27 

HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE

In FY 2019, NASA estimates ISS partners performed 486 research and technology investigations, 

including 233 new investigations. During this period, NASA estimates that NASA performed 233 

investigations, including 149 new investigations. The charts below display historical data, by partner 

agency, for research investigations performed on ISS since 1998, and a comparison of NASA-sponsored 

and National Lab-sponsored investigations. 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

SPACE TRANSPORTATION

LSO-28 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Crew and Cargo Program 1895.6 -- 1778.1 1708.1 1763.6 1784.1 1778.7

Commercial Crew Program 214.1 -- 99.7 63.2 63.2 64.6 64.6

Total Budget 2109.7 -- 1877.8 1771.4 1826.8 1848.7 1843.4

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The SpaceX Dragon space freighter is shown here 

approaching ISS as the Canadarm2 robotic arm is 

poised to reach out and grapple the commercial 

resupply ship (July 27, 2019). 

Space Transportation’s objective is to transport 

U.S. astronauts and cargo safely to and from space, 

including the International Space Station (ISS). 

This theme includes the Commercial Crew Program 

(CCP) and the Crew and Cargo Program. 

Maintaining ISS requires a fleet of vehicles and 

launch locations to transport astronauts, science 

experiments, critical supplies, and maintenance 

hardware; replenish propellant; and dispose of 

waste. 

CCP partners with the U.S. commercial sector to 

develop and operate safe, reliable, and affordable 

crew transportation to low-Earth orbit (LEO). 

NASA awarded Commercial Crew Transportation 

Capability (CCtCap) contracts to Boeing and Space 

Exploration Technologies Inc. (SpaceX) in 

September 2014. Through its certification efforts, NASA will ensure the selected commercial 

transportation systems meet NASA's safety and performance requirements for transporting crew to ISS.

Within the Crew and Cargo Program, NASA purchases cargo transportation to ISS under Commercial 

Resupply Services (CRS) contracts with Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada Corp., and SpaceX. NASA is 

transitioning from purchasing crew transportation to ISS from the Russian Roscosmos State Corporation, 

known as Roscosmos, to purchasing from commercial providers Boeing and SpaceX. The budget also 

supports other space transportation-related activities, such as integration work required to ensure that 

these visiting vehicles can safely dock or berth to ISS and the development of hardware like the NASA 

docking system.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-29 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 1895.6 -- 1778.1 1708.1 1763.6 1784.1 1778.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply spacecraft is 

shown grappled by the Canadarm2 robotic arm following 

its detachment from the Unity module and just before 

release. Behind the robotic arm, the SpaceX Dragon is seen 

still attached to the ISS Unity module (August 6, 2019). 

Maintaining the International Space Station 

(ISS) requires a fleet of launch vehicles to 

sustain a constant supply line of both crew and 

cargo that is crucial to ISS operations and 

research. Deliveries not only provide science 

experiments, supplies, and maintenance 

hardware, but also rotate crewmembers, return 

research and equipment for repair, and dispose 

of waste.

The Crew and Cargo Program manages 

transportation services provided by both 

international partners and domestic commercial 

providers. NASA’s commercial service 

contracts to resupply the ISS have changed the 

way the Agency does business in low-Earth 

orbit (LEO). With these contracts, NASA 

continues to advance commercial spaceflight, 

while supporting the American jobs created by 

this industry. 

Currently, NASA purchases cargo delivery to the ISS from Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital ATK) 

and Space Exploration Technologies Inc. (SpaceX) under the original Commercial Resupply Services 

(CRS) contracts, which will end in 2020. These vehicles provide between 2,200 - 3,500 kilograms (kg) of 

cargo to ISS each mission. The cargo provided to the ISS includes crew supplies, operations hardware, 

and numerous science research and technology demonstration investigations. 

Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and Sierra Nevada are working under the follow-on CRS-2 contracts for 

missions beginning in 2020. Under CRS-2, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada will launch CRS missions from 

Cape Canaveral, FL, as Space-X does today. Both of these providers also have or will have the capability 

to return science experiments to Earth. SpaceX uses its Falcon 9 rocket to launch the Dragon-2 docking 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-30 

cargo vehicle, while Sierra Nevada will use the Atlas V rocket to launch its Dream Chaser berthing cargo 

vehicle. Northrop Grumman primarily launches its Cygnus berthing cargo vehicle on the Antares rocket 

from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia. 

Northrop Grumman provides trash disposal and conducts additional experiments before the Cygnus 

spacecraft burns up in the atmosphere after leaving ISS. These capabilities enable studies of fire 

suppression, the launching of small satellites at high altitude, and other experiments not suited for ISS onboard operation. The Crew and Cargo Program budget supports all milestone payments for these 

contracted flights to provide cargo transportation for a multitude of users, including transportation for 

National Laboratory science research payloads.

The CRS contract vehicle is among NASA's most successful public-private partnerships. NASA used a 

series of fixed-price, milestone-based Space Act Agreements to support the development of several 

companies' efforts to develop commercial cargo resupply capabilities. As a result, NASA is now able to 

purchase these commercial services from several providers using fixed-price contracts, which offer more 

predictable budget requirements and provide cost savings to the Federal Government. This arrangement 

has resulted in a stronger U.S. space launch industry, redundancy in the cargo resupply mission area that 

has increased mission assurance, and robust private sector employment. NASA is leveraging these lessons 

learned in this program to expand science and research capabilities that these vehicles provide for CRS-2 

missions. The CRS contract vehicle has been used as an example by other programs, such as Gateway and 

the Human Lander System, to expand the successful use of public-private partnerships. 

Crew transportation is currently provided using the Russian Soyuz vehicle. NASA will continue to 

purchase Soyuz seats for crew transportation until a domestic capability is available. NASA has 

purchased Soyuz crew transportation services through both the Russian Roscosmos State Corporation and 

the Boeing Company. 

The Commercial Crew Program (CCP) manages the Commercial Crew transportation Capability 

(CCtCap) contracts with Boeing and SpaceX to develop and provide domestic crew transportation to the

ISS. CCP is funding the first Post Certification Missions (i.e., crew missions) to the ISS for each provider; 

the Crew and Cargo Program is funding the second and all subsequent missions. The first Post 

Certification Mission to ISS is scheduled for 2020. 

The Crew and Cargo Program also funds activities supporting visiting vehicles that provide transportation 

for the ISS, including integration activities and the LEO version of the NASA docking system.

As of December 2019, NASA had allocated approximately $19 billion towards the commercial crew and 

cargo program. These funds have supported the completion of two cargo vehicles, the ongoing 

development of two crew vehicles, and 31 successful cargo flights to ISS. Of that amount, NASA 

contributed $6 billion towards the development of the commercial crew and cargo systems. This is the 

amount NASA refers to as “investment” in the systems, and it includes NASA’s share of the commercial 

cargo development costs, as well as all NASA Commercial Crew Program development costs 

(Commercial Crew Development [CCDev] phases 1 and 2, the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability 

[CCiCap] initiative, Certification Products Contract [CPC], and CCtCap). The remaining amount of $13 

billion is the amount NASA has contracted for services, i.e., the transportation of cargo and crew to the 

ISS. This amount includes the current contract values for both CRS-1 and CRS-2 cargo contracts, as well 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-31 

as CCtCap crewed missions to the ISS. Within the current maximum contract value, NASA can still 

award another $10 billion under the CRS-2 contracts. Of the $19 billion NASA has allocated to these 

programs, $14 billion has been paid to the companies to date. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Northrop Grumman completed nine CRS milestones in support of seven commercial resupply flights, 

including milestones for successful completion of two flights in FY 2019. SpaceX completed 17 CRS 

milestones in support of 10 commercial resupply flights, including milestones for the successful 

completion of three flights in FY 2019. Under the CRS-2 contract, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada, 

and SpaceX performed integration milestones required to demonstrate new contract capabilities and 

design enhancements to support science and payload research objectives. SpaceX and Northrop Grumman 

have completed all seven integration milestones. Sierra Nevada has completed five of eight integration 

milestones with the completion of its functional interface/demonstration testing.

The program funded CCtCap contract milestones for crew missions that will be flown by Boeing and 

SpaceX. More information on CCtCap progress can be found under the CCP portion of this document. 

On October 11, 2018, the Soyuz 56S (MS-10) spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in 

Kazakhstan carrying American astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin. Shortly 

after launch, there was an anomaly involving the first-stage booster, and the launch ascent was aborted, 

resulting in a ballistic landing of the spacecraft. As designed, the vehicle’s launch abort system was 

initiated, enabling the safe return of the crew. A thorough investigation was completed by a Roscosmos 

commission, identifying the cause of the anomaly as the deformation of a contact sensor damaged during 

the rocket’s assembly at the Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. NASA was kept informed of the progress of the 

commission. NASA established its own team that worked alongside our Russian partners. The Soyuz 

successfully returned to flight on December 3, 2018, with Soyuz 57S. 

In total, the program supported five crewed Soyuz launches, including the aborted mission, and one 

uncrewed Soyuz launch. The uncrewed Soyuz launch was a test flight to test a modification of the launch 

abort system for integration with the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle prior to flying crew missions. The 

program also supported three launches of Progress, a Russian cargo vehicle, and one launch of H-II 

Transfer Vehicle (HTV), a Japanese cargo vehicle, not funded by NASA. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA expects five commercial resupply flights to deliver research and logistics hardware in FY 2020, 

including the first CRS-2 flights with Northrop Grumman and SpaceX. Northrop Grumman plans to 

launch two flights and complete 10 milestones in support of six CRS-2 flights. SpaceX plans to launch 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-32 

three flights and complete 13 performance milestones in support of eight CRS/CRS-2 flights. SpaceX 

plans to launch its first CRS-2 mission in August 2020. Sierra Nevada plans to complete two performance 

milestones in support of two CRS-2 flights. Sierra Nevada will complete two integration review 

milestones towards completion of their vehicle testing and final safety review work.

To achieve these planned FY 2020 cargo flights, NASA personnel are reviewing and concurring on 

vehicle design solutions through a series of integration reviews. In addition, NASA personnel are 

verifying spacecraft requirements are met by reviewing test and analysis data provided by the CRS-2 

contractors. 

The program will also continue funding CCtCap contract milestones for crew missions with Boeing and 

SpaceX. Currently those missions are planned to begin in 2020 after successful completion of the test 

flights and NASA certification. However, NASA's experience with new transportation systems has shown 

the difficulties associated with achieving first flights on time. Typically, problems have been discovered 

during test flights. For example, an anomaly on the Orbital Flight Test of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner 

was experienced in December 2019. Should the new transportation systems follow the same pattern, there 

is risk that the U.S. would not be able to provide ISS crew for a period. The absence of U.S. 

crewmembers at any point would make the U.S. Orbital Segment (USOS) inoperable and would diminish 

ISS operations to a very limited operational state; having only one U.S. crewmember would diminish ISS 

research, eliminate the possibility of EVAs for research or maintenance purposes, and make it much more 

challenging to address internal time-sensitive maintenance contingencies. The consequences of no U.S. 

crew on ISS warrant the consideration of alternate transportation opportunities. To ensure a stable crew 

plan as a contingency option in the event that commercial crew providers experience additional delays, 

NASA is considering contracting with Roscosmos for an additional Soyuz seat and associated services. 

Once U.S. commercial crew launch services become available, NASA will be able to permanently 

increase the crew size on the USOS to four astronauts. On average, this increase will double the total 

number of hours of crew time allocated to perform research on board the ISS each week. After the initial 

flights, the regular flight plan will provide for two commercial crew flights per year carrying four crew 

each flight. However, the first two flights for each provider may be scheduled in a shorter timeframe to 

reduce risk and accomplish more research.

The program will support one Soyuz launch. The program will also support three Progress launches and 

one HTV launch that are not funded by NASA.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The Crew and Cargo Program will enable continued research and technology development by providing a 

stable crew and cargo flight plan.

NASA expects five commercial resupply flights, including the first Sierra Nevada CRS-2 flight, to deliver 

research and logistics hardware in FY 2021. Northrop Grumman plans to launch two commercial 

resupply flights and complete 11 performance milestones in support of five CRS-2 flights. SpaceX plans 

to launch two commercial resupply flights and complete 13 performance milestones in support of seven
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-33 

CRS-2 flights. Sierra Nevada plans to launch one commercial resupply flight and complete five 

performance milestones in support of three CRS-2 flights. Prior to its launch, Sierra Nevada will complete 

three integration review milestones, which will complete its vehicle testing and safety reviews. These 

resupply flights will be vital for delivering not only the day-to-day supplies needed, but also the 

experiments that will enable the astronauts to continue important research on ISS. The flights will also 

support the increased number of research and science investigations enabled by the additional astronauts 

once commercial crew is available.

To achieve these planned FY 2021 flights, NASA personnel are reviewing and concurring with vehicle 

design solutions through a series of integration reviews to ensure new CRS-2 contract capabilities are 

being met. In addition, NASA personnel are verifying all spacecraft requirements are met by reviewing 

test and analysis data provided by the CRS-2 contractors.

The program will also continue funding CCtCap contract milestones for crew missions with Boeing and 

SpaceX. NASA is planning for at least one Boeing and one SpaceX mission. The flight schedule also 

includes three Soyuz launches and three Progress launches that are not funded by NASA. 

Project Schedule

Maintaining a regular rate of cargo delivery on a mix of NASA and partner vehicles ensures the ISS can 

sustain nominal operations and maintenance, while allowing the program to respond to any anomalies that 

might occur. The table below shows scheduled ISS flight plans for FY 2020 and FY 2021. While NASA 

is currently expecting commercial crew vehicles to begin flying in FY 2020, those dates are under review 

and not included in the table below. NASA funds SpaceX (SpX), Northrop Grumman (NG), and Sierra 

Nevada Corporation (SNC) cargo missions, Boeing and SpaceX crew missions, as well as Soyuz seats 

related to USOS crew requirements. The planned spacing of the Soyuz crew rotation flights ensures a 

continuous crew presence on the ISS and smooth transitions between crews.

Date Significant Event

Nov 2019 NG-12

Dec 2019 SpX-19

Dec 2019 Progress 74P

Feb 2020 NG-13

Mar 2020 SpX-20

Apr 2020 Soyuz 62S

Apr 2020 Progress 75P

May 2020 HTV-9

Jul 2020 Progress 76P
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-34 

Date Significant Event

Aug 2020 SpX-21

Oct 2020 Soyuz 63S

Oct 2020 NG-14

Nov 2020 3R (Russian Proton launch of Multipurpose Laboratory Module)

Dec 2020 Progress 77P

Jan 2021 SpX-22

Mar 2021 Progress 78P

Apr 2021 NG-15

Apr 2021 Soyuz 64S

May 2021 SpX-23

Jun 2021 6R (Russian Proton launch of Russian Segment-Node)

Jul 2021 Progress 79P

Sep 2021 SNC-1

Sep 2021 Soyuz 65S
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-35 

Project Management & Commitments

Johnson Space Center (JSC) is responsible for management of the Crew and Cargo Program.

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Crew 

transportation

Until a domestic capability is 

available, Soyuz seats will be 

purchased for crew transportation 

to ISS either though Roscosmos or 

Boeing. Once available, 

commercial crew transportation 

will be provided by Boeing and 

SpaceX and managed by the 

Commercial Crew Program.

Provider: Roscosmos; Boeing; SpaceX

Lead Centers: JSC, Kennedy Space 

Center (KSC)

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): Canadian Space 

Agency (CSA), European Space 

Agency (ESA), and Japan Aerospace 

Exploration Agency (JAXA) 

N/A

Cargo 

transportation

Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and 

Sierra Nevada will provide cargo 

transportation to the ISS via the 

major contracts described below. 

JAXA will provide additional 

cargo transportation as part of the 

ISS partnership. Roscosmos will 

also provide nominal cargo 

transportation via Soyuz purchased 

for crew transportation.

Provider: Northrop Grumman, 

SpaceX, Sierra Nevada, JAXA, and 

Roscosmos

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): Goddard Space 

Flight Center (GSFC), KSC 

Cost Share Partner(s): CSA, ESA, and 

JAXA

N/A

Acquisition Strategy

The ISS program competitively procures all ISS cargo transportation services, excluding services 

obtained via barter with our international partners or nominal cargo transportation provided by Soyuz. On 

January 14, 2016, NASA competitively awarded CRS-2 contracts to Orbital ATK (now Northrop 

Grumman), Sierra Nevada, and SpaceX, with cargo transportation services that began in November 2019. 

Like the current CRS contracts, CRS-2 contracts are milestone-based, fixed-price indefinite-deliveryindefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts. 

In September 2014, NASA’s CCP awarded CCtCap contracts to Boeing and SpaceX for commercial crew 

transportation services that are planned to begin in FY 2020. CCP is funding milestones on the first Post 

Certification Missions for each provider. The Crew and Cargo Program will fund the second and all 

subsequent missions. These crewed vehicles will provide a minimum of 220 pounds of cargo as specified 

by the ISS program. 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

CREW AND CARGO PROGRAM 

Formulation Development Operations

LSO-36 

NASA purchased, through Boeing, crew transportation, rescue, and related services for one USOS crew 

member on Soyuz in FY 2017 and one in FY 2018. The contract with Boeing also provided Soyuz crew 

transportation services for three USOS crew members in 2019. NASA purchased two additional crew 

launches from Roscosmos through March 2020 and crew rescue and return through early October 2020. If 

commercial crew services are not available by March 2020, NASA will only have one USOS crew 

member on ISS. NASA is considering contracting with Roscosmos to ensure a stable crew plan until 

domestic commercial crew services are available. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Crew transportation Roscosmos Moscow, Russia

Crew transportation Boeing Houston, TX

Crew transportation SpaceX Hawthorne, CA

Cargo transportation Northrop Grumman Dulles, VA

Cargo transportation Sierra Nevada Louisville, CO

Cargo transportation SpaceX Hawthorne, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Other

NASA 

Advisory 

Council

May 2019

Provides independent 

guidance for the 

NASA Administrator

The panel provided no new 

formal recommendations or 

findings for the ISS. 

2020

Other

NASA 

Aerospace 

Safety 

Advisory Panel

Sep 2019

Provides independent 

assessments of safety 

to the NASA 

Administrator

The panel encouraged NASA to

develop contingency plans for 

continuity of USOS operations

and consider adjusting ongoing 

Soyuz and commercial crew seat 

assignments to reduce risk of

any launch delays for either 

launch vehicle. 

2020
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM

LSO-37 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 214.1 -- 99.7 63.2 63.2 64.6 64.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is the first uncrewed 

Commercial Crew vehicle to visit the International 

Space Station. Here it is pictured with its nose cone 

open revealing its docking mechanism while 

approaching the station's Harmony module following 

its Demo-1 launch (March 2019). 

Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft atop the twostage United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off 

from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral 

Air Force Station in Florida for Boeing’s Orbital 

Flight Test, an uncrewed mission of NASA's 

Commercial Crew Program (December 2019). 

With technical guidance and oversight from NASA, the 

U.S. private sector is working to develop and operate 

safe, reliable, and affordable crew transportation to 

space, including to the International Space Station 

(ISS). Partnering with the commercial space industry 

for access to ISS and other low-Earth orbit (LEO)

destinations bolsters American leadership, reduces our 

current reliance on foreign providers for this service, 

and helps stimulate the American aerospace industry. 

Crew transportation is currently provided using the 

Russian Soyuz vehicle. By supporting the development 

of U.S. human spaceflight capabilities, NASA is also 

contributing to the foundation of a more affordable and 

sustainable future for human spaceflight in LEO and 

beyond. 

Through the Commercial Crew Program (CCP), NASA 

provides technical insight and financial support to 

industry partners during development of their crew 

transportation systems using milestone-based contracts, 

and will certify them to carry astronauts to and from 

the ISS. Under this acquisition model, NASA defines 

requirements upfront and pays the partner only once 

contract milestones are successfully completed. This 

approach shifts financial risk from taxpayers to the 

private sector, incentivizes increased cost-control, and 

decreases the cost of developing the systems.

The first phase of the development effort, which began 

in 2010, was a series of competitively awarded Space 

Act Agreements (SAAs) partnering NASA with 

domestic companies capable of contributing to the 

development of a U.S. human spaceflight capability. 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM

LSO-38 

These included Commercial Crew Development (CCDev and CCDev2) and Commercial Crew integrated 

Capability (CCiCap). Concurrently with the SAAs, the first phase of a two-phased certification plan 

began in 2012 with the Certification Products Contracts (CPCs). The CPC effort allowed the partners to 

gain insight into NASA human spaceflight requirements and gave NASA early insight into partner

designs and approaches. 

CCP entered the final certification phase in late 2014 with the award of two Commercial Crew 

transportation Capability (CCtCap) contracts to Boeing and Space Exploration Technologies Inc. 

(SpaceX). CCtCap requires both partners to complete design, development, test, evaluation, and 

certification of an integrated Crew Transportation System. The completed transportation systems will 

support four NASA or NASA-sponsored crew on each flight, and provide emergency crew return, 

transport/return of pressurized ISS cargo, and crew safe haven while docked to the ISS. 

There are numerous benefits associated with the CCtCap acquisition strategy (e.g., controlling costs in the 

long term and maximizing crew safety) as reinforced in statements by the Government Accountability 

Office (GAO), Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, and NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG). The 

CCtCap contracts incorporate higher-level requirements than past development efforts, enabling the 

partners to be innovative and creative in their designs. Additionally, having more than one commercial 

partner creates competition and does not leave the Government dependent on a sole partner, thereby 

providing a strong incentive to perform, generally controlling long-term costs and schedules, and 

mitigating the risk of failure of an individual partner. Additionally, under this model, NASA ensures that 

companies retain commercial rights to intellectual property, which will allow these crew transportation 

systems to serve a much larger market than only NASA.

The 2014 CCtCap awards represented a significant milestone in U.S. human spaceflight, with the goal of 

ending our reliance on foreign crew transportation to the ISS and certification of safe, cost-effective U.S. 

commercial crew transportation systems. In addition, this approach helped stimulate growth of new space 

transportation industry capabilities available to all potential customers, strengthened America’s space 

industrial base and provided a catalyst for future business ventures that can capitalize on affordable, 

globally competitive U.S. space access. Returning these launches to American soil has significant 

economic benefits, with more than 1,000 suppliers working across nearly every state on commercial crew 

spacecraft systems.

NASA measures partner progress against fixed-price milestones, based on performance of agreed upon 

entrance and success criteria. Although the content varies by partner, milestones are designed to 

demonstrate progress toward completing crew transportation system development, such as risk reduction 

testing, design reviews, hardware development, and flight tests. The Government pays for milestones only 

after completion. Also, the partners will own and operate their completed transportation systems. As 

mentioned in the Crew and Cargo program section, CCP manages the CCtCap contracts. In addition to 

funding the development and risk mitigation work, CCP also funds each partner's initial Post Certification 

Mission (PCM). Subsequent PCMs, currently planned for FY 2021 and beyond, are funded by the Crew 

and Cargo program. A total of six PCMs have been awarded to each partner. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space Transportation 

COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM

LSO-39 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA’s CCP completed its first uncrewed flight test in FY 2019, advancing NASA’s goal of returning 

human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil on commercially-built and operated U.S. rockets and spacecraft. 

Under CCtCap development activities, Boeing and SpaceX continued to develop, test, and integrate their 

unique space transportation systems.

In March 2019, the world witnessed SpaceX’s Demo-1 mission, an uncrewed flight test of Crew Dragon 

that launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket to the ISS and autonomously docked to station. After five days, it 

returned to earth, splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean. The Demo-1 mission was the first commerciallybuilt and operated American crew spacecraft and rocket to dock with the ISS. It was also the first 

autonomous docking of a U.S. spacecraft to the ISS and brought the program a significant step closer to 

launching crew once again from Florida’s space coast.

Boeing completed initial production of three CST-100 Starliner spacecraft inside the company’s

Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. 

The Starliner is designed for landing on land, making it reusable up to 10 times with a six-month 

turnaround time between launches. Boeing conducted environmental qualification testing to validate 

Starliner’s ability to withstand the harsh environments of launch, ascent, and spaceflight. Starliner’s 

propulsion system was put to the test at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico during an integrated 

service module hot fire test in April 2019. Boeing also completed the initial qualification series of 

parachute drop tests using a high-altitude balloon, and, working with NASA, completed a series of lawn 

dart drop tests to continue proving the reliability of Starliner’s parachute systems. In June 2019, the 

United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket arrived in Cape Canaveral, Florida in preparation for 

Boeing's uncrewed and uncrewed test flights. Boeing, ULA, NASA, and the Department of Defense 

(DoD) teamed up for integrated rehearsals of mission phases and various emergency escape and recovery 

scenarios. By the end of FY 2019, Boeing completed 36 of 44 milestones. 

SpaceX continued manufacturing its Crew Dragon spacecraft inside the company’s headquarters facility 

in Hawthorne, California. The company conducted a series of parachute tests that provided unique insight 

into parachute loading, behavior, and reliability, and helped to further refine the design. Teams from 

NASA, SpaceX and DoD continued to rehearse launch day operations, mission phases, and 

communication in both normal and emergency scenarios. Teams also practiced removing astronauts from 

Crew Dragon on the company’s recovery boat, rehearsing steps they will take after splashdown of 

SpaceX’s Demo-2 mission, which will be the company’s first with crew onboard. By the end of FY 2019, 

SpaceX completed 22 of 32 milestones. 

The nine U.S. astronauts selected for commercial crew missions continued to work closely with Boeing 

and SpaceX to ensure they are prepared for any situation that may arise during their mission and to live 

and work aboard the ISS. The astronauts will be the first humans launched from the United States since 

2011. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

While technical challenges remain, CCP will actively engage with the providers as they continue space 

hardware manufacturing, critical testing, and qualification and verification events. Boeing and SpaceX are 

planning to complete several significant CCtCap milestones necessary to perform the flight test of their
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COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM

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crew transportation systems. To meet NASA's requirements, the commercial partners must demonstrate 

that their systems are ready to begin regular flights to ISS. 

Boeing flew its Orbital Flight Test 1 (OFT-1) in December 2019. The test was able to demonstrate a 

successful launch and landing as well as some of on-orbit operations; however, an anomaly prevented 

fully completing on-orbit, rendezvous, and docking test objectives. Boeing will continue the production 

and outfitting of their three spacecraft crew modules and multiple service modules inside the Commercial 

Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at KSC. In addition, Boeing and ULA will make final preparations to 

the launch pad to ready the Atlas V complex for human spaceflight. Boeing will also perform their Pad 

Abort Test to validate end-to-end performance and functionality of the launch abort system. 

SpaceX conducted their final CCiCap milestone, an In-flight Abort Test. SpaceX will continue design, 

development, and test and evaluation work on their Crew Dragon spacecraft modules which the company 

currently has in various stages of production and testing. 

Boeing and SpaceX will complete final parachute and landing systems testing for the Starliner and Crew 

Dragon, respectively, as well as perform final spacesuit qualification and validation testing to ensure suits 

function as designed. Both industry partners plan to complete demonstration missions in FY 2020. After 

completion of both the uncrewed and crewed flight tests, NASA will review flight data to verify the 

systems meet certification requirements and are ready to begin regular servicing missions to the ISS. 

NASA purchased crew launches from Roscosmos through March 2020, and crew rescue and return 

through early October 2020. If the commercial crew transportation services are not available by 

March 2020, NASA will only have one United States Orbital Segment crewmember on the ISS. NASA is 

considering contracting with Roscosmos for one additional Soyuz seat and associated services to ensure a

stable crew plan until domestic commercial crew services are available. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Once CCtCap development and certification is complete, both partners' space transportation systems will

begin regularly flying astronauts to and from the ISS. These missions will represent major milestones in 

the return of human spaceflight from the United States. CCP will transition to sustaining operations at a 

level needed to safely operate with two commercial providers. CCP will continue to manage the CCtCap 

contracts, including providing technical oversight and managing modifications and upgrades to the 

transportation systems.
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Program Schedule

The following chart depicts the progression of Commercial Crew development efforts. 

Program Management & Commitments

The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) team at NASA Headquarters 

performs strategic management and oversight of Commercial Spaceflight, while KSC is responsible for 

CCP management, in collaboration with the Johnson Space Center (JSC). CCP partners with industry 

leaders and is utilizing a combination of SAA and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based fixedprice contracts to stimulate efforts to develop and demonstrate crew transportation capabilities. 

Program Element Provider

Commercial Crew Program

Providers: Blue Origin, Boeing, Sierra Nevada, SpaceX

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): All

Cost Share Partner(s): Industry Partners (shown above)
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Acquisition Strategy

CCP facilitates development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of 

achieving safe, reliable, and cost-effective access to and from space and the ISS. Under the partnership 

approach, NASA engineers have insight into a company’s development process and evaluate the systems 

for overall safety, reliability, and performance. The Agency’s technical expertise and resources are also 

accessible to a company. Because companies are only paid a fixed amount, they are incentivized to reduce 

costs and to apply their most efficient and effective manufacturing and business operating techniques 

throughout the process. Additionally, the companies own and operate their own spacecraft. 

In the early lifecycle stages, CCDev activities focused on stimulating industry efforts that successfully 

matured subsystems and elements of commercial crew spaceflight concepts, enabling technologies and 

capabilities. This was followed by CCDev2, which addressed new concepts to mature design and 

development of primary elements, such as launch vehicles or spacecraft. Subsequently, NASA continued 

this effort with CCiCap to continue partner progress in their integrated design and development efforts. 

For these initial efforts, NASA utilized SAAs, which provided maximum flexibility to the provider and 

maximum affordability to the Government. Concurrently with CCiCap agreements, NASA awarded CPCs 

to industry to begin the process of NASA certifying their crew transportation systems. The scope of the 

CPCs included the submittal and technical disposition of specific, early development certification 

products. The current and final stage of the acquisition lifecycle began with the award of two FAR-based 

fixed-price CCtCap contracts in September 2014 for the development, test, evaluation, and final NASA 

certification of a Crew Transportation System. CCtCap contracts include demonstration of crewed ISS 

missions and subsequent service missions, assuming sufficient budget and technical progress. The 

contracts also include a Special Studies Services section for special studies, tests, or analyses, as needed 

by NASA, to reduce Program risk. NASA's FAR based fixed-price contracts during this phase allow for 

compliance with NASA's existing mission and safety requirements for transporting crew to and from ISS. 

Major Contracts/Awards

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

CCDev2 (follow-on) Blue Origin Kent, WA

CCtCap Boeing Houston, TX

CCiCap Sierra Nevada Louisville, CO

CCiCap/CCtCap SpaceX Hawthorne, CA
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Independent Reviews

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Other Standing Review 

Board (SRB) Nov 2018

Assess funding and 

schedule reserve 

requirements, cost 

effectiveness during 

development and impacts 

to future sustaining 

operations, and efforts 

required for successful 

program implementation

While the SRB 

identified some risks, 

issues, and concerns, it 

found that the program 

has made good 

progress in the last year 

proceeding towards the 

production and test 

phase of the program

Not 

currently 

scheduled

Other Aerospace Safety 

Advisory Panel Sep 2019

Provide independent 

assessments of safety to 

the NASA Administrator 

No new formal 

recommendations or 

findings

2020

Other NASA Advisory 

Council Oct 2019

Provide independent 

guidance for the NASA 

Administrator 

No new formal 

recommendations or 

findings

2020
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Historical Performance 

The tables below represent historical performance through FY 2019, as of September 30, 2019, and only 

include funded milestones.

Commercial Orbital 

Transportation 

System (COTS) 

Partner

No. of 

Milestones

Total 

Potential 

Value 

(in $M) 

No. 

Milestones 

Completed

Funding 

for 

Completed 

Milestones

(in $M) 

% 

Milestones 

Completed

% 

Funding 

Completed Status

SpaceX 40 396.0 40 396.0 100% 100% Completed

Orbital 29 288.0 29 288.0 100% 100% Completed

Rocketplane-Kistler 15 206.8 3 32.1 20% 16% Terminated

CCDev1 Partner

No. of 

Milestones

Total 

Potential 

Value 

(in $M) 

No. 

Milestones 

Completed

Funding 

for 

Completed 

Milestones

(in $M) 

% 

Milestones 

Completed

% 

Funding 

Completed Status

Sierra Nevada 4 20.0 4 20.0 100% 100% Completed

Boeing 36 18.0 36 18.0 100% 100% Completed

Blue Origin 7 3.7 7 3.7 100% 100% Completed

Paragon Space 

Development 

Corporation 5 1.4 5 1.4

 

 100%

 

 100% Completed

United Launch Alliance 4 6.7 4 6.7 100% 100% Completed
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CCDev2 Partner

No. of 

Milestones

Total 

Potential 

Value 

(in $M) 

No. 

Milestones 

Completed

Funding 

for 

Completed 

Milestones

(in $M) 

% 

Milestones 

Completed

% 

Funding 

Completed Status

Sierra Nevada 13 105.6 13 105.6 100% 100% Completed

Boeing 15 112.9 15 112.9 100% 100% Completed

SpaceX 10 75.0 10 75.0 100% 100% Completed

Blue Origin 10 22.0 10 22.0 100% 100% Completed

CCiCap Partner

No. of 

Milestones

Total 

Potential 

Value 

(in $M) 

No. 

Milestones

Completed

Funding 

for 

Completed 

Milestones

(in $M) 

% 

Milestones 

Completed

% 

Funding 

Completed Status

Sierra Nevada 11 227.5 11 227.5 100% 100% Completed

Boeing 20 480.0 20 480.0 100% 100% Completed

SpaceX 15 460.0 14 445.0 93% 97% Active

CCtCap Partner

No. of 

Milestones

Total 

Potential 

Value 

(in $M)* 

No. 

Milestones 

Completed

Funding 

for 

Completed 

Milestones

(in $M) 

% 

Milestones 

Completed

% 

Funding 

Completed Status

Boeing 44 2,190.0 36 1,701.8 82% 78% Active

SpaceX 32 1,206.9 22 951.6 69% 79% Active

* Total Potential Value cited is limited to the design, development, test, and evaluation portion of the contracts. 

Excludes post certification mission and special studies milestones.
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Space Communications Networks 499.0 -- 388.2 388.6 372.6 372.6 372.6

Space Communications Support 103.5 -- 117.8 128.8 114.5 108.5 108.5

Total Budget 602.5 -- 506.0 517.4 487.1 481.1 481.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

DSS-56, shown here, is one of two new 34-

meter antennas being built in the Madrid 

Deep Space Communications Complex. 

NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN)

capabilities provide mission-critical communications and 

navigation services required by all NASA human and robotic 

missions. These missions range from high-altitude balloons, to 

the International Space Station (ISS) in low-Earth orbit 

(LEO), to Voyager 1, which is currently more than 13 billion 

miles from Earth, making it the most distant manmade object. 

SCaN retrieves science, spacecraft, and crew health data for 

all these missions, uploads commands, and sends data to 

individual control centers. Navigation services determine the 

precise location of a satellite to control its trajectory through 

space, gather valid scientific data, and avoid space debris or 

other spacecraft.

Without services to move data and commands between 

spacecraft and Earth, space assets worth tens of billions of 

dollars would be little more than orbital debris. SCaN 

provides secure, reliable, and adaptable communication 

services to NASA missions, as well as external customers 

who rely on space communications services on a daily basis. External customers include foreign 

governments, international partners, commercial entities such as launch service providers, and non-NASA 

U.S. missions to which SCaN provides services on a reimbursable basis.

SCaN’s three communications networks - the Space Network (SN), Near Earth Network (NEN), and 

Deep Space Network (DSN) - currently provide these critical services to customers. Both the NEN and 

the SN primarily support LEO, Earth Science missions. The SN is unique from the NEN and DSN 

because of its utilization of relay spacecraft, which allows for near real-time, low latency support that 

supports human spaceflight operations. The NEN and the DSN both utilize ground assets that transmit 

and receive data when they are within line of sight of the missions they support. The service range for the 

NEN is from near Earth to the vicinity of the Moon, while the DSN supports communications from the 

vicinity of the Moon and beyond. 
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All three networks will support Commercial Crew providers, launches of the Space Launch System 

(SLS), and the upcoming Artemis lunar missions.

The SN allows SCaN to offer 24/7 global telecommunication services for telemetry, tracking, and 

command for LEO spacecraft. The SN is a data communication system comprised of a constellation of 

Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) and various ground terminals. The SN provides services to 

missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and provides constant communication with the ISS, as well 

as its commercial and international partner servicing vehicles. The SN provides continuous 

communication services for every launch vehicle that carries a U.S. Government payload to space. 

The NEN primarily provides support to Earth Science missions and LEO polar orbiting satellites. NEN 

also supports an extensive and diverse customer base from suborbital to Lagrangian orbits by providing 

direct-to-ground data transfer from spacecraft at S, X, and Ka-band frequencies up to data rates of 

gigabits per second. The NEN utilizes a mix of Government, university, and commercial ground antennas 

to maximize the network's geographic coverage, minimize the impact of weather-related communications 

disruptions, and effectively manage financial resources.

The DSN is a keystone of NASA exploration of the solar system. It provides reliable, high-performance, 

and cost-effective telecommunications and tracking services to planetary missions. The DSN is an 

international network of 34-meter and 70-meter antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions 

and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The 

DSN currently consists of three deep-space communications facilities placed approximately 120 degrees 

apart around the world: at Goldstone, in California's Mojave Desert; near Madrid, Spain; and near 

Canberra, Australia.

NASA uses the SCaN-provided Goldstone Solar System Radar to track and characterize near Earth 

objects that pass within nine million miles of Earth and to determine their orbits for use by the Science 

Mission Directorate’s (SMD) Planetary Science Division in assessing the probability of a possible 

collision with Earth. The installation of new radar equipment, planned for completion in FY 2025, will

extend the radar's capability to a distance of 42 million miles, which increases the time to develop viable 

solutions to avoid orbital collision for planetary defense.

The three networks require maintenance, replenishment, modernization, and capacity expansion to ensure 

continued operation and to meet new mission needs. Human exploration of the Moon requires 

communications to support video, telemedicine, and advanced instruments that locate and identify 

exploitable resources on the Moon, such as subsurface ice. SCaN constantly monitors newly announced 

lunar missions to determine whether its capabilities will meet the new mission needs.

The SCaN program also includes support to ground communications links that move data among ground 

stations, NASA Centers, data centers, and mission operation centers. 

Space Communications Support provides efficient planning and integration of current and future network 

capabilities to meet customer mission needs while reducing costs. It provides systems engineering, 

architecture planning, communications data standards, technology development, testbeds for future 

capabilities, radio frequency spectrum management, and navigation policy. 

Operating in space requires significant international coordination. SCaN participates in several 

international organizations that coordinate compatibility and interoperability in space communications 
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SPACE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION

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 and navigation. SCaN’s standards development and management activity maintains a portfolio of 

international interoperability standards that enable joint space missions with other nations. SCaN also 

promotes new technologies and provides technical leaders and domain experts who ensure appropriate 

space communication standards are available to NASA missions. The research and technology avenues 

within SCaN aim to predict the needs of future communications missions in a manner that will yield 

initiatives with performance advancements and a reduction in costs. 

Amid soaring demand for wireless broadband, such as 5G mobile services, radio frequency spectrum 

management has become increasingly critical to the world’s spacefaring nations. SCaN coordinates 

nationally and internationally to protect radio frequencies critical to NASA space and science missions.

For more information, go to http://www.nasa.gov/scan

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Disruption Tolerant Network activity previously funded under the Advanced Exploration Systems 

program was transferred to SCaN.

The NASA Communications Services Office (CSO) budget will be transferred to the Office of the Chief 

Information Officer under the Safety, Security, and Mission Services account to better align with its 

management structure. The CSO mission network provides mission-critical routed data services to 

programs and projects across the Agency. This activity is managed by the OCIO. However, unlike other 

OCIO activities which are funded in the Safety, Security, and Mission Services account, the CSO budget 

is held within the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program. This creates a misalignment 

between the budget and management structure.
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Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS 

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 499.0 -- 388.2 388.6 372.6 372.6 372.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

DSS-53 reflector lift completed in August 2019 at the 

Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex, part 

of NASA's Deep Space Network, shown above. 

The Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) 

networks are the Space Network (SN), Near Earth 

Network (NEN), and Deep Space Network (DSN). 

Together they provide a 24/7 global, near-Earth and 

deep-space communications system, plus tracking and 

navigation services to more than 100 NASA programs 

and other U.S. Government, international civil space 

agencies, and commercial missions. This capability 

ensures NASA's ability to have continuous 

communication with its spacecraft. 

SCaN supports new spacecraft that are increasingly 

powerful, complex, and capable of acquiring ever 

increasing amounts of mission data, as well as 

missions launched more than 40 years ago that are still returning valuable science data. Each network 

supports a different set of customer requirements for spacecraft orbit, signal strength, and real-time 

coverage. All networks provide service to customer missions at a proficiency of more than 99 percent. To

continue providing this level of support, each network requires regular maintenance, modernization and 

capacity expansion, and IT security upgrades to combat the ever-growing cybersecurity threats toward 

U.S. assets.

NASA’s space communications networks provide ongoing services to Agency and customer missions, 

averaging approximately 600 tracking passes per day. Without these capabilities, customer missions like 

Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), Interior Exploration using Seismic 

Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight), Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2), 

Commercial Crew, and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) would not be able to deliver key 

science data or advance NASA's exploration goals. These networks will support the Artemis program as 

the Agency aims toward the goal of landing the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. Future 

investments will be focused on supporting the Artemis Program. Human exploration of the Moon requires 

communications to and from the Moon to support video, telemedicine, and advanced instruments to locate 

and identify exploitable resources on the Moon, such as subsurface ice. 
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Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS 

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The SN provides continuous global coverage to NASA missions in low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and to launch 

vehicles during their launch and ascent phase. This global, low latency, high data rate coverage is 

provided by a fleet of dedicated relay spacecraft. It is the primary U.S. communications link to the 

International Space Station (ISS), as well as for ground and balloon research in remote locations, such as 

the South Pole. The SN consists of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system of 

communications satellites in geosynchronous orbit and a set of space-to-ground link terminals at NASA’s 

White Sands Complex in New Mexico. SN space-to-ground link terminals are also located in Guam and 

Blossom Point, MD. The ground systems operate the TDRS fleet and route customer mission data 

between TDRS and ground terminals. Maintaining and modernizing this network is one of SCaN's top 

priorities. The SN provides continuous communication services for every launch vehicle that carries a 

U.S. Government payload to space. The upgrades to the SN ground stations are managed by the Space 

Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) project. 

The NEN provides direct-to-ground space communications to missions in LEO, geosynchronous, lunar, 

and highly elliptical Earth orbits, as well as from certain suborbital launch locations. While the SN 

provides global coverage via relay satellites, the NEN provides its global coverage via a mix of 

Government, university, and commercially operated ground stations. This geographic distribution 

minimizes the impact of weather-related communications disruptions by having assets located throughout 

the world. The NASA owned network’s ground stations are located at White Sands in New Mexico; U.S. 

McMurdo Antarctic Station; and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Chincoteague, VA. University 

operated ground stations are located at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, AK. The NEN also 

purchases commercial services from providers in Hawaii, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, South Africa, 

Australia, and Chile. NEN supports an extensive and diverse customer base from suborbital to Lagrangian 

orbits by providing direct-to-ground data transfer from spacecraft at S, X, and Ka-band frequencies up to 

data rates of gigabits per second. 

The NEN has recently augmented its ground station network with the addition of the Launch 

Communications Segment (LCS). This addition culminated with a ribbon cutting ceremony for one of its 

components, the Kennedy Uplink Station (KUS), on November 19, 2019. LCS will provide launch 

communications services for Orion and the Space Launch System (SLS).

The DSN, which has been in operation for more than 50 years, provides communication and tracking 

services to approximately 35 NASA and non-NASA missions beyond geosynchronous orbit (more than

26,000 miles above the Earth’s surface). The DSN is an international network of 34-meter and 70-meter 

antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for 

the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The DSN currently consists of three deep-space 

communications facilities placed approximately 120 degrees of longitude apart around the world: at 

Goldstone in California's Mojave Desert; near Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia. The sites are 

separated such that they ensure that any spacecraft in deep space can communicate with at least one 

station at all times as the Earth rotates. The DSN supports NASA's exploration of the solar system and 

beyond by providing reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective telecommunications and tracking 

services to planetary missions. 

In addition, NASA uses the SCaN-provided Goldstone Solar System Radar to track and characterize nearEarth objects that pass within nine million miles of Earth and helps determine their orbits for use by the 

Science Mission Directorate’s (SMD) Planetary Science Division in assessing the probability of a 
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conjunction. Investments in this system are underway to increase the capability in support of mission 

planning and planetary defense. 

The ongoing DSN Aperture Enhancement Project (DAEP) modernizes and upgrades the DSN’s ground 

stations to enhance capacity, improve flexibility to support customer missions, and reduce operations and 

maintenance costs. The project will augment the 70-meter antennas in California, Spain, and Australia 

with arrays of four 34-meter Beam Waveguide (BWG) antennas by 2025. Antenna arraying combines the 

signals received by multiple antennas to function as a single large antenna – in this instance as a 70-meter

antenna or less (as required). The BWG antennas are less complicated, more flexible, and more 

cost-effective to maintain than conventional antennas. In addition, they provide the same or better 

performance as the 70-meter antennas. When missions do not require all four antennas be arrayed, the 34-

meter antennas can support multiple spacecraft (as needed) individually or by arraying two or three of the 

34-meter antennas. Construction efforts, such as the new 34-meter antennas, use Construction of Facilities

funds appropriated in NASA’s Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration account. 

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/scan

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Disruption Tolerant Network activity previously funded under the Advanced Exploration Systems 

program was transferred to SCaN. 

The NASA Communications Services Office budget will be transferred to the Office of the Chief 

Information Officer under the Safety, Security, and Mission Services account to better align with its 

management structure. The CSO mission network provides mission-critical routed data services to 

programs and projects across the Agency. This activity is managed by the OCIO. However, unlike other 

OCIO activities which are funded in the Safety, Security, and Mission Services account, the CSO budget 

is held within the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, creating a misalignment 

between the budget and management structure.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Consistent with prior years' successes, the three space communications networks provided approximately 

245,000 tracking passes while maintaining an extremely high level of proficiency (approximately 99.95 

percent or higher), which is above the 95 percent required by the SCaN Program Commitment 

Agreement. 

The SN began working transition activities with customers in preparation for the completion of SGSS. 

Activities included support to SGSS for project integration, testing, deployment, training, and transition to 

operations. In August 2019, SN successfully transitioned TDRS-9 to SGSS to support level 6 testing. 

Systems integration activities progressed with SGSS completing a provisional acceptance test, which 

determined whether the system met functionality and performance requirements, a key milestone before 

the initial Operation Readiness Review (ORR). SGSS is currently testing with TDRS and user missions to 

ensure functionality and performance requirements. 
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NEN completed Depot Level Maintenance on an 18-meter antenna at the White Sands facility. Activities 

included proactively inspecting and replacing cables and mechanical systems reaching their failure 

threshold and not otherwise addressed by preventative maintenance. NEN also continued Ka-Band 

upgrades at the Alaska Satellite Facility scheduled for completion in FY 2020. NEN established KUS 

perpetual facility infrastructure support task. 

DSN completed the critical design review for the Three Links per Operator efficiency task and began 

implementation, allowing the DSN to maintain the same level of operators as additional antennas

continue to be added to the operational network. These planned efficiencies, including Follow-the-Sun 

Operations, and cost controls allowed for critical reinvestment into the network. Past reinvestments have 

included additional assets and replacement of obsolete equipment. 

In Madrid, Spain, the DAEP completed antenna fabrication for Deep Space Station (DSS)-56 and began

installation, integration, and test activities in July 2019 in preparation for operations in FY 2020. The 

project also began installation, integration, and test activities on DSS-53. The project completed the 

reflector lift in August 2019 and continued installation work on the antenna's lower pedestal shroud and 

panels. DAEP began the actuator study for DSS-23 at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications 

Complex to identify candidate actuators for the final Radiofrequency (RF)-Optical configuration. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

SCaN Networks will continue providing communications, tracking and navigation services to more than 

100 NASA, U.S. Government, civil space agency, and commercial missions at a 95 percent or higher 

proficiency rate. This service includes providing launch support on all new human spaceflight, 

Commercial Launch Vehicle (CLV), and robotic missions. All three networks will continue to identify 

and implement methodologies and processes, as well as upgrade equipment, to achieve improvements 

over historical operational efficiencies and goals. 

The SN began working transition activities with customers in preparation for the completion of SGSS in

FY 2021. In January 2020, SGSS will complete the initial ORR milestone, which is required to achieve 

the Final Acceptance Review. The SN will complete software training on the SGSS system following the 

level 6 test completion, which will provide opportunities for additional SN hands-on training. Post level 6 

testing will be led by the SN and supported by SGSS personnel in preparation for the 2nd ORR, which is

currently scheduled for August 2020. In October 2019, SN successfully completed GEN-III TDRS 

equipment moves from Space-Ground Link Terminals (SGLT)-5 to SGLT-3, a first step toward 

supporting Artemis I. SN is also completing final preparations for the ORR with the SN Legacy 

Enhancement for Artemis I. 

NEN's ribbon cutting for the Launch Communication Segment (LCS) occurred in November 2019. LCS 

stations are a critical link between the astronauts and mission controllers on crewed flights as well as a 

key component for the US Air Force eastern range in enabling next-generation space missions and launch 

vehicles departing to or from the Florida spaceport. NEN will complete Ka-band upgrades at the Alaska 

Satellite Facility. Upgrades at the Alaska Satellite Facility are expected to support future polar orbiting 

missions, such as NASA Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar 

(NISAR), in their requirement for high-data rate support. The NEN will support NISAR at 3.5 Gigabytes
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS): Space Communications and 

Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS 

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per second, which is the highest data rate ever supported for a NASA mission, far exceeding NEN's

current maximum data rate support of 300 Megabytes per second. 

DSN will complete the ORR and begin operations of the Three Links per Operator efficiency task in 

FY 2020. This will be the final phase of the Follow-the-Sun Operations task, which will further increase 

operational efficiency of the networks. Three Links per Operator also allows for the operation of 

additional assets, such as the two new antennas at Madrid, Spain, without increasing operational costs. 

The DAEP installation, integration, and test activities will also begin on DSS-53, scheduled for 

completion in FY 2021. These new antennas will transmit and receive across a wide range of radio 

frequencies for deep space communication with interplanetary robotic spacecraft to provide required 

capabilities for the expected growth of deep space missions launching over the next decade. DSS-56 will 

be transitioned into operations and begin supporting missions. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

SCaN Networks will continue to provide communications, tracking, and navigation services to more than

100 NASA, U.S. Government, civil space agency, and commercial missions at 95 percent or higher 

proficiency rate. This service includes launch support on all new human spaceflight, CLV, and robotic 

missions. All three networks will continue to identify and implement methodologies and processes, as 

well as upgrade equipment, to achieve improvements over historical operational efficiencies and goals. 

The SGSS project will complete readiness criteria required for Final Acceptance Review. SGSS will 

complete level 6 hand off, verifying requirements and validating capabilities, external interfaces, and 

system-level end-to-end operating procedures that can be accomplished through TDRS spacecraft 

shadowing (not commanding), while supported by SGSS Operations subject matter expert personnel. SN 

will augment the SGSS team with SN subject matter experts in front-end processors, modems, and 

receivers to characterize performance, troubleshoot and resolve problems, and perform regression testing. 

SN will also augment the SGSS development team with White Sands Complex (WSC) software 

engineering personnel. 

NEN will implement Delay Tolerant Networking Operations in support of future missions, including the 

Artemis program. The DAEP will complete installation, integration, and test activities of DSS-53. Both 

DSS-53 and DSS-56 will be transitioned into operations and ready to provide mission support.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS): Space Communications and 

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SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS 

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Project Schedule

The table below includes significant SCaN network milestones in FY 2020 and FY 2021. 

Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2020 Deep Space Network (DSN) complete Operations Readiness Review of Three Links per 

Operator 

Q1 FY 2020 DSN Aperture Enhancement Project (DAEP) release request for proposal for Deep Space Station 

(DSS)-23 excavation, pedestal, and antenna

Q2 FY 2020 Space Network Ground System Sustainment (SGSS) complete formal trainings 5-10

Q2 FY 2020 DAEP continues DSS-53 Ka-band installation integration and testing

Q2 FY 2020 SGSS Initial Operational Readiness Review (ORR)

Q3 FY 2020 DSN operational use of 3 Link Per Operator task begins

Q4 FY 2020 SGSS manufacturing prep for Post Incremental Technical Support 

Q4 FY 2020 SGSS White Sands Complex integration and testing level 5 & 6 dry run

Q4 FY 2020 SGSS 2nd ORR

Q4 FY 2020 DAEP DSS-56 DSN Service Readiness Review to Operational

Q1 FY 2021 Space Network (SN) Space Test Program-6 Launch Readiness Date

Q2 FY 2021 SN Optical 2 Orion Ground Segment ORR

Q3 FY 2021 DAEP DSS-53 DSRR to Operational

Q4 FY 2021 Near Earth Network Initiative for Ka-band Advancement (NIKA) Operations Readiness Review
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Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS 

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Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Space Network

Communication and 

navigation services to 

customer missions in lowEarth Orbit and launch 

vehicles

Provider: Space Network Project Office

Lead Center: Goddard Space Flight Center 

(GSFC) 

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): Non-NASA 

customers

N/A

NEN

Communication and 

navigation services to 

customer missions in low 

Earth, highly elliptical, and 

lunar orbits

Provider: NEN Project Office

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): Non-NASA 

customers

N/A

DSN

Communication and 

navigation services to 

customer missions in deep 

space

Provider: DSN Project Office

Lead Center: Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

(JPL) 

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): Non-NASA 

customers

N/A

SGSS

Replace outdated and 

deteriorating ground 

systems at Space Network 

ground terminals

Provider: SGSS Project Office

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): Non-NASA U.S. 

Government partners

N/A

Acquisition Strategy

The major acquisitions for the networks are in place. NASA uses reimbursable, international, and barter 

agreements, as well as competitive procurements. NASA’s JPL provides the management of the DSN. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

DSN JPL/California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA

Space Network Operations Peraton Herndon, VA

NEN Operations Peraton Herndon, VA
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS): Space Communications and 

Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS 

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Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

SGSS General Dynamics Mission Systems Scottsdale, AZ

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

SCaN Standing Review

Board Jun 2018

Program 

Implementation 

Review with focus on 

interdependencies, 

implementation 

planning, and risk gaps 

or shortfalls

Success criteria 

met; major 

strengths, 

observations, 

concerns, and 

issues were 

identified

FY 2020
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Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT 

Formulation Development Operations

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 103.5 -- 117.8 128.8 114.5 108.5 108.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) 

payload, shown here, is completed and in storage in the 

clean room at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. 

Scheduled to launch in 2020, LCRD will simulate 

communications support after validating optical 

communications for two years with a test payload on the 

International Space Station and two dedicated ground 

stations in California and Hawaii.

The Space Communications Support project 

supports NASA and the Space Communications 

and Navigation (SCaN) program through 

communications and navigation planning, 

management, and technology development. 

Evolving space communication systems will

transform future NASA mission capabilities. 

SCaN’s technology development effort invests 

in leading-edge communications technologies

that will enable, improve, and mature available 

spacecraft communication and navigation

technologies for both ground- and space-based 

use. Technology items are created and tested in 

laboratory settings before they are taken into 

space for further testing. Demonstrable 

technologies have proven themselves in 

laboratory tests and have begun experimentation 

and testing in space. Key technologies that 

SCaN is currently developing are wideband 

tunable modems and software-defined radios for 

use with commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) providers and cognitive networking. These 

technologies will demonstrate use of a common radio to provide cross-service support for NASA, 

commercial, and Department of Defense networks. 

Another key space communication technology is optical (i.e., laser) communications. NASA's Space 

Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) and SCaN are jointly developing the Laser Communications 

Relay Demonstration (LCRD). SCaN is funding ground operations and STMD is funding the payload. 

LCRD will be NASA's first long-period optical communications project that will demonstrate benefits for 

both deep space and near-Earth missions. To transmit a 30 centimeter resolution map of the entire 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS): Space Communications and 

Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT 

Formulation Development Operations

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Martian surface (at one bit/pixel) would take current radiofrequency (RF) systems two years, while a laser 

communications system operating at projected capacity would be able to complete transmission in nine 

weeks. 

Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) is another critical technology being developed through a 

joint SCaN/STMD collaboration. DSOC will conduct optical communications from deep space, 

demonstrating key capabilities related to pointing and implementation of the High Photon Efficiency 

signaling standard. SCaN sponsors the ground network, including the five kilowatt uplink beacon at Table 

Mountain and a superconducting single-photon-sensitive nanowire detector and real time receiver at the 

Palomar Observatory.

SCaN and STMD collaborated on the Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) demonstration, which was 

launched in June 2019. DSAC is currently in a post-launch checkout phase and will operate for a one year 

demonstration period. SCaN continues to invest in DSAC technology to mature designs for future mission 

use. DSAC technology will allow a spacecraft to calculate its own timing and navigation data in real-time. 

With existing technology, a spacecraft can navigate autonomously to the top of the Martian atmosphere 

with a one to two kilometers uncertainty. It is expected that DSAC will enhance deep space navigation

and reduce positional uncertainty to 100 meters, an improvement of a factor of 10 to 20 over today's 

capabilities, which will save fuel and enable more accurate scientific measurements. DSAC may also 

enable on-board navigation for both robotic and crewed missions.

SCaN is an active member of multiple international organizations (e.g., Interagency Operations Advisory 

Group [IOAG], Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems [CCSDS]) that coordinate space 

communication and navigation compatibility and interoperability, as well as the development of 

communications and data systems standards for spaceflight. Space communications data standards enable 

the world space agencies to support each other, reducing mission risk and reducing or eliminating the 

need to build and deploy their own space and ground assets. These standards provide significant cost 

savings to NASA without reducing services or coverage to space missions.

Electromagnetic spectrum is a valuable and limited natural resource that all NASA missions and most 

operations require for communications, navigation, remote sensing, and data services in the areas of Earth 

science, space science, human space exploration, and aeronautical research. All forms of wireless 

communication systems used by the U.S. Federal Government or by commercial entities use the 

electromagnetic spectrum, so the spectrum must be carefully controlled and coordinated. SCaN is 

responsible for ensuring access to the portions of the electromagnetic spectrum necessary to support 

NASA's mission needs. This responsibility includes ensuring interference-free operations and bandwidth 

availability. SCaN serves as the Agency's Spectrum Manager and provides NASA representatives to 

advocate for NASA's requirements at domestic spectrum governing bodies, including the Interdepartment 

Radio Advisory Committee at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration within 

the Department of Commerce. Internationally, NASA provides a U.S. delegate to multiple forums, the 

most important of which are the World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs), which convene every 

three to four years and include delegates from more than 150 nations. NASA's delegates play leading 

roles in several key WRC working groups and regional committees throughout the year. Among the 

purposes of these conferences is to review and revise the International Telecommunication Union's Radio 
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Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT 

Formulation Development Operations

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Regulations, which govern the international use of the electromagnetic spectrum. In both the domestic 

and international arenas, NASA continues to engage with the commercial sector to identify more 

flexibility in the use of spectrum resources that will meet mission objectives for the entire space 

community. 

NASA spacecraft in Earth's orbit employ Global Positioning System (GPS) timing signals for precision 

positioning and navigation for vehicles in space, allowing NASA to minimize the network 

communications and tracking burdens while maximizing spacecraft autonomy and operations. SCaN 

manages NASA’s policy on GPS use and plays a role in developing national and international position, 

navigation, and timing policy, helping to ensure compatibility and interoperability among U.S. and other 

spacefaring nations, promoting common definitions and specifications, and mitigating threats to the GPS 

spectrum. 

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/scan

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

SCaN continued its work with STMD on LCRD. SCaN completed both Optical Ground Station-1 (OGS1) at Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Optical Communication Telescope Laboratory facility (in California) 

and OGS-2 (in Hawaii) to support the LCRD launch. The LCRD payload was completed and is currently 

in storage awaiting shipment to be integrated as a hosted payload aboard the U.S. Air Force’s Space Test 

Program Satellite-6 (STPSat-6). The availability of STPSat-6 will determine the launch date. The 

Integrated LCRD LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T) and Artemis II Optical to 

Orion (O2O) projects completed their Critical Design Reviews (CDR) on November 15, 2019. ILLUMAT will implement Laser Communications on NASA spaceflight missions starting with demonstrations of 

operational utility between the LCRD and an ISS LEO user terminal. 

The DSOC optical ground station project completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR). Promising 

technologies were advanced in FY 2019, leading to future CubeSat demonstrations in FY 2020 such as 

the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) and the Cognitive Application Technology Satellite 

(CATSAT). TBIRD is an inexpensive, low weight, low power laser communications demonstration that 

will deliver very high data rates (200 Gigabits per second) to a small ground station. CATSAT will 

provide an integrated demonstration of advances in cognitive communications for space applications. 

In FY 2019, NASA initiated a wideband RF risk reduction initiative. The wideband effort will take two 

years to design, develop, and conduct benchtop testing of a prototype tunable wideband terminal. The task 

will integrate NASA, commercial, and Department of Defense waveforms into a common platform to 

demonstrate technology feasibility and conduct laboratory characterization testing. 
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Formulation Development Operations

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In June 2019, the U.S. Air Force hosted the DSAC demonstration unit as part of the Space Test Program 

2 mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Heavy. DSAC is a mercury ion clock that is an order of magnitude 

more stable than the current GPS clocks and will demonstrate its functionality and utility for one-waybased navigation for up to one year of operations.

Through participation in the IOAG and CCSDS, SCaN continued international coordination of space 

communication and navigation compatibility and interoperability, as well as the development of 

internationally interoperable space communication and data system standards. NASA missions use 

internationally interoperable standards to lower the life cycle costs and risks and provide innovative 

capabilities for current and future missions. Key progress continued for optical and space internetworking 

standards, which can be used in future space communications and exploration architectures.

At the direction of the Interoperability Plenary, the IOAG is beginning to engage industry in coordination 

of space communication and navigation cross support and interoperability. CCSDS recently released its 

first two industry standards for interoperable, free-space optical communications. Commonly known in 

the space-faring community as blue books, the CCSDS Recommended Standards publications establish 

comprehensive technology standards for the international space community. These publications include 

highly detailed specifications for the manufacture and use of interfaces, technical capabilities and 

protocols, and other controlling standards such as encoding regimes. 

As NASA's Spectrum Manager, SCaN continued to participate in domestic and international meetings, 

ensuring interference-free use of the electromagnetic spectrum supporting requirements for NASA's 

current and future missions. At the WRC-2019, SCaN focused on planned agenda items, such as 

renegotiating radio regulations in FY 2020 and working within the U.S. delegation to ensure continued 

access to the RF spectrum for NASA's mission requirements, the U.S. Government space interests, and 

the U.S. commercial space community. Additionally, SCaN continued coordinating spectrum use for all 

domestic and international deep space missions, as well as NASA near-Earth missions. Further, SCaN 

committed to supporting the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, through the 

Policy and Plans Steering Group, in developing a National Spectrum Strategy. The strategy is in support 

of the 2018 Presidential Memorandum on Developing a Sustainable Spectrum Strategy for America's 

Future and supporting regulatory goals established by the National Space Council. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

SCaN will continue its work with STMD in preparation for the LCRD launch. Final payload to spacecraft 

integration and testing will be completed with launch estimated to be late FY 2020. 

NASA plans to conduct component test and integration for the ILLUMA-T. O2O hardware will also be 

completed in late FY 2020. Additionally, initial development of CATSAT communication systems with 

cognitive software and waveforms will be completed, resulting in a PDR. TBIRD final assembly 

integration test and delivery will take place in FY 2020. 
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Formulation Development Operations

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In November 2019, SCaN participated in the U.S. delegation, led by the Department of State, to the 

WRC-2019 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to ensure continued access to the RF spectrum supporting 

NASA's mission requirements, U.S. Government space interests, and the U.S. commercial space 

community. SCaN will continue to coordinate spectrum use for all domestic and international deep space 

missions, as well as NASA near-Earth missions. 

SCaN continued in its role as Designated Federal Officer and Executive Director of the National SpaceBased Positioning, Navigation and Timing Advisory Board (PNTAB), which reports to the National 

Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Executive Committee (EXCOM). The PNT EXCOM is 

co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Transportation. Additionally, 

SCaN personnel support the coordination of the National Space Council Users' Advisory Group (UAG). 

The first meeting organized by SCaN was held on October 21, 2019. Each of the six subcommittees 

provided briefings on their ongoing activities and plans. The UAG identified synergies and areas of 

cooperation, and provided Recommendations to the Chair of the Council and its membership concerning 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, preparing the future U.S. space 

industry workforce, the need for radio frequemncy protection of space systems, and other areas of 

potential collaboration with the PNTAB.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA plans to launch the TBIRD CubeSat mission in FY 2021. TBIRD will demonstrate a revolutionary 

new approach for large volume data delivery of 5-10 terabytes per day from LEO to a single low-cost 

ground station. In FY 2021, initial development of CATSAT will complete a CDR and continue 

experiment planning and development. 

Through participation in the IOAG and CCSDS, SCaN will continue international coordination of space 

communication and navigation compatibility and interoperability, as well as the development of 

internationally interoperable space communication and data system standards. NASA missions use 

internationally interoperable standards to lower the life cycle costs and risks and provide innovative 

capabilities for current and future missions. Key progress is planned for optical and space internetworking 

standards. The IOAG will coordinate with industry, other parts of NASA, and international partners on 

space communications and navigation requirements.
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Navigation 

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Project Schedule

The table below includes significant Space Communication Support milestones in FY 2020 and FY 2021. 

Date Significant Event

Q2 FY 2020 LCRD Delivery to NGIS for integration onto STPSat-6

Q2 FY 2020 LCRD OGS-2 I&T completed

Q2 FY 2020 DSOC Flight CDR/Ground PDR

Q2 FY 2020 Cognitive Flight Demonstration Mission Concept Review

Q3 FY 2020 O2O and ILLUMA-T Testing and Integration Complete

Q3 FY 2020 O2O WSC Ground Terminal SDR

Q4 FY 2020 LCRD launch

Q1 FY 2021 TBIRD launch

Q3 FY 2021 Ship O2O for Integration on ORION

Project Management & Commitments

The SCaN program office at NASA Headquarters manages Space Communications Support functions. 

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Space 

Communications 

Support

Provides critical communication 

and navigation architecture 

planning, systems engineering, 

technology development, standards 

development and management, 

spectrum management, and policy 

and strategic communications for 

NASA

Provider: NASA

Responsible Center: HQ

N/A
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Navigation 

SPACE COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT 

Formulation Development Operations

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Acquisition Strategy

Space Communications Support functions use multiple small contracted efforts, most of which are 

support services functions. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

None.
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HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 133.1 -- 89.9 101.1 103.7 104.6 104.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

A new class of astronauts, shown here, graduated 

basic training on January 10, 2020. They will 

begin careers in exploration that may take them to 

the ISS, on missions to the Moon under the 

Artemis program, or someday, to Mars. 

The Human Space Flight Operations (HSFO) Program 

supports the astronaut corps, space flight readiness 

training, and health of crew members before, during, and 

after each spaceflight mission to the International Space 

Station (ISS). All crews on board the ISS have 

undergone rigorous preparation, which is critical to 

mission success. Within the HSFO program, the Space 

Flight Crew Operations (SFCO) element provides 

astronaut selection and space flight readiness training 

while the Crew Health and Safety (CHS) element 

manages all aspects of astronaut crew health.

To pave the way to the Moon and on to Mars, NASA is 

working with industry to develop the transportation 

systems that will carry crew to destinations beyond 

Earth’s orbit. NASA must also prepare the human 

system for living and working for extended periods in 

the hostile environment of space. As astronauts travel 

further from Earth, many different issues will arise and 

need investigating.

• What health risks will astronauts face and how are they resolved?

• What type of training will crews need to prepare for months of travel in the harsh space 

environment? 

• How will they deal with medical emergencies or technical anomalies when Earth is no longer 

within reach?

CHS, in collaboration with NASA’s Office of Chief Health and Medical Officer and the Human Research 

Program (HRP), answers these and other questions to ensure crew health, safety, and mission success. 

SFCO and CHS are responsible for astronaut space flight readiness training and health, while HRP funds 

research of human health and performance countermeasures, the human response to space, and 

technologies that enable safe, reliable, and productive human space exploration.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS) 

HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS

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EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

FY 2021 continues the proposal made in the FY 2020 Budget to consolidate the Aerosciences Evaluation 

and Test Capabilities budget in a different budget account. In addition, NASA is evaluating different 

models for more cost-effectively maintaining astronaut readiness and health.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

In FY 2019, SFCO continued to provide qualified astronauts for crewed missions aboard the Russian 

Soyuz spacecraft launch vehicle and U.S. commercial spacecraft, the SpaceX Dragon and Boeing 

Starliner. The Starliner test flight will include two NASA astronauts and a Boeing astronaut, and the 

SpaceX Dragon test flight crew will consist of two NASA astronauts. Five NASA astronauts launched on 

Soyuz to ISS in FY 2019. SFCO completed training for the 2017 Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) class 

and determined a FY 2021 ASCAN class is necessary to meet NASA's future human space flight mission 

manifest requirements. SFCO continued operation and maintenance of the T-38 high-performance jets in 

support of space flight readiness training, the Super Guppy aircraft for transporting oversized cargo for 

NASA's programs, and the Gulfstream aircraft in support of science missions and direct crew return 

missions from Russia.

In support of ISS, CHS provided preflight training, medical services, behavioral health management, 

physical conditioning, radiation monitoring, and occupational healthcare for astronauts. Medical, 

behavioral, physical conditioning and radiation monitoring services for NASA crewed SpaceX Dragon 

and Boeing Starliner commercial spacecraft added to CHS’s expanding support to new flight programs. 

CHS began implementation of the To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts Act (TREAT 

Astronauts Act). Full implementation will include expanding the occupational surveillance program for 

former astronauts to better understand long-term health consequences of space exploration. A charter for 

the TREAT Astronauts Act Board was developed and its initiation is awaiting Code of Federal 

Regulations publication. This Board will evaluate the degree to which medical conditions of former 

astronauts are associated with spaceflight. Data analytics capabilities, including the Integrated Medical 

Model (IMM), were expanded to support capabilities for NASA's Artemis, Gateway, and Lunar vehicles 

and supporting Commercial Crew development efforts. New tools for enhancing data mining and data 

analytics were brought on-line, which will inform future missions and vehicles based on human 

spaceflight risk assessments and astronaut occupational surveillance.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

SFCO will provide trained astronauts for NASA human space flight efforts, including for Expeditions 61 

through 63. SFCO will continue to operate and maintain the T-38 high-performance jets for crew space 

flight readiness training, the Gulfstream aircraft for support of direct crew return after completion of ISS 

Expeditions, and the Super Guppy aircraft for transporting oversized cargo for NASA's programs. SFCO 

will review crew training requirements for Artemis missions to identify efficiencies, particularly the need 

for, and ways to acquire, the benefits currently provided by high-performance aircraft flight experience. 

The FY 2017 ASCAN class graduated, and the selection process for the FY 2021 ASCAN class will 

begin. 

CHS maintains the Astronaut Occupational Health program that includes clinical certification for active 

astronauts and health and fitness through training, flight, and post mission recovery. CHS is implementing 
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requirements of the TREAT Astronauts Act to monitor, diagnose, and treat former astronauts and enhance 

behavioral health and medical data collection. CHS continues to develop the occupational surveillance

program for former astronauts and will include medical data obtained through the TREAT Astronauts 

Act. CHS is utilizing clinical text extraction software to mine astronaut medical records and efficiently 

capture data from clinical notes. To support mission increments, CHS will provide preflight training, 

medical and behavioral health management, physical conditioning, and baseline occupational 

surveillance, as well as technical expertise to NASA's Artemis mission architecture and vehicles. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

SFCO will direct and manage the astronaut corps and provide trained astronauts for NASA human space 

flight efforts, including for Expeditions 64 through 68. SFCO will continue to operate and maintain the T38 high-performance jets in support of space flight readiness training, the Gulfstream aircraft for support 

of direct crew return after completion of ISS Expeditions, and the Super Guppy aircraft for transporting 

oversized cargo for NASA's programs. SFCO will complete selection and begin new astronaut training 

for the FY 2021 ASCAN class.

CHS will maintain the Astronaut Occupational Health program that includes clinical certification for 

active astronauts and health and fitness through training, flight, and post mission recovery. CHS will fully 

implement requirements of the TREAT Astronauts Act to monitor, diagnose, and treat former astronauts 

and enhance behavioral health and medical data collection. This implementation will include full 

utilization of the TREAT Astronauts Act Board, which will assist in determining whether medical 

conditions are associated with spaceflight. CHS will continue development of the occupational 

surveillance program for former astronauts. Processes for inclusion of data obtained under the TREAT 

Astronauts Act in Information Management Platform for Data Analytics and Aggregation will be 

implemented. Continued use of clinical text extraction capabilities will generate usable data captured 

from medical notes in text files. To support ISS mission increments, CHS will provide preflight training, 

medical and behavioral health management, physical conditioning, and baseline occupational 

surveillance, as well as technical expertise to NASA's Artemis, Gateway, and Lunar mission architecture 

and vehicles. CHS will also provide medical and behavioral screening expertise to SFCO in support of the 

2021 ASCAN selection. 

Program Elements

SPACE FLIGHT CREW OPERATIONS (SFCO) 

SFCO directs and manages the astronaut corps activities, assigns flight crew, is responsible for human 

space flight readiness training, and maintains and operates the Johnson Space Center aircraft fleet, 

including the T-38 high-performance aircraft, the Gulfstream aircraft, and the Super Guppy transport 

aircraft. 

SFCO also determines the need for and selects astronaut candidates. It takes approximately two years 

from the decision to select a new astronaut class until the process is completed. Once selected, new 

astronauts must complete two years of training for eligibility and then 30 months of ISS training before 

qualifying for an ISS mission. The number of spacecraft seats U.S. astronauts will fill in the next four 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS) 

HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS

LSO-67 

years of human space flight determines the manifest requirement. The manifest includes projected 

commercial crewed flights to ISS, Commercial Crew test flights, and Artemis flights. Requirements for 

future missions, for example to Gateway and the Moon, will be planned as those missions become better 

defined. 

Astronaut space flight readiness training activities, implemented by SFCO, put the crew into operational 

environments which share some aspects of the fast dynamics, physical stress, and risk found in 

spaceflight. The training develops the skills and ability to work as a team in an environment that is fastpaced, is stressful, and carries potentially severe penalties for failure. It includes developing the skills 

necessary to respond in an emergency/high-stress environment and operate a high-performance aircraft. 

CREW HEALTH AND SAFETY (CHS)

CHS enables healthy and productive crew during all phases of spaceflight missions, implements a 

comprehensive astronaut occupational health care program, and works to understand, prevent, and 

mitigate negative long-term health consequences from exposure to the spaceflight environment. Using 

HRP research and other findings, CHS implements enhancements to astronaut occupational health 

protocols to ensure crew health and safety. In this collaboration, HRP concentrates on the research aspects 

of crew health, whereas CHS focuses on implementing the research results and mitigation plans into 

occupational health protocols. As research continues on ISS, CHS is actively seeking new approaches to 

apply research findings to improve NASA health protocols, including collaborative opportunities with 

other Federal agencies and academia. Further, CHS is implementing the TREAT Astronauts Act for 

former astronauts. This Act enables NASA to provide monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment to astronauts 

for spaceflight-related medical issues following retirement from NASA. In addition, NASA will be able 

to obtain more medical data to supplement the occupational surveillance program for former astronauts

and better assess the long-term effects of spaceflight on the human body to enable exploration. 

CHS is also responsible for maintaining the health of active astronauts during non-mission periods, 

focusing on three aspects of health care: preventive care, risk factor management, and long-term health 

monitoring. CHS integrates and coordinates information relevant to human health before, during, and 

after spaceflight. CHS documents and assesses all emerging health risks, such as Spaceflight Associated 

Neuro-ocular Syndrome and the risk of venous flow changes. CHS continues to collaborate with several 

non-NASA organizations, including the National Academies, to inform the risk decisions associated with 

long duration and exploration missions.
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Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Early 2020 Begin process to hire a FY 2021 ASCAN class

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

SFCO

Provider: SFCO

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): JSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

CHS

Provider: CHS

Lead Center: JSC

Performing Center(s): JSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

The section below identifies the current contract(s) that support SFCO and CHS. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS 

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Aircraft Logistics, Integration, Configuration 

and Engineering Yulista Tactical Ellington Field, Houston, TX

El Paso, TX

Human Health and Performance Contract KBR Wyle Houston, TX
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INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

National 

Council on 

Radiation 

Protection

(NCRP) and 

Measurements 

Nov 

2014

The NCRP reviewed NASA 

Radiation Protection 

Standards for crew member 

exposure to spaceflight 

radiation. 

NCRP Commentary 

Report 23: Radiation 

Protection for Space 

Activities: Supplement 

to Previous 

Recommendations

2020 

Performance NCRP Feb 

2016

The NCRP conducted a 

Phase I review of potential 

central nervous system 

(CNS) effects from radiation 

exposure during space 

activities.

NCRP Commentary 

Report 25: Potential 

Central Nervous System 

Risks Following Space 

Radiation Exposure

Phase II 

in 

progress
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 88.4 -- 91.9 101.9 92.2 92.2 92.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The L-1011 Stargazer aircraft, shown here, with the Pegasus 

XL rocket attached beneath, takes off from the Skid Strip 

runway at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on 

October 10, 2019. NASA’s Ionospheric Connection Explorer 

(ICON) is secured inside the rocket’s payload fairing. The 

air-launched Pegasus XL was released from the aircraft at 

9:59 p.m. EDT to start ICON’s journey to space.

The Launch Services Program (LSP) ensures 

access to space for the Nation’s civil sector 

satellite and robotic planetary missions. 

In addition to NASA’s science and discovery 

missions civil communications, geographic 

survey, and civil weather missions provide 

key services for our Nation and the world. 

The National Space Transportation Policy 

identifies the NASA Administrator as the 

launch agent for the Nation’s civil sector. LSP 

enables the Administrator to execute this role 

by acquiring and managing domestic 

commercial launch services for assigned 

missions, certifying new commercial launch 

vehicles for readiness to fly high-value 

spacecraft, performing mission design and 

launch integration activities, and directing 

launch mission assurance efforts to ensure the 

greatest probability of launch mission success. 

While no space mission is routine, LSP has

unique launch system expertise involving 

payloads containing nuclear power sources for launching one-of-a-kind science exploration missions to 

other planets, the Sun, or other locations in space. NASA relies on LSP to provide robust, reliable, and 

cost-effective launch services via commercial launch providers. NASA achieves assured access to space 

through a competitive mixed-fleet approach utilizing the breadth of U.S. industry’s capabilities. In 

addition, LSP provides launch-related expertise to other NASA programs, such as Commercial Resupply 

Services, Commercial Crew Program (CCP), and programs supporting the Artemis campaign. It also 

provides launch advisory support to NASA payload missions using launch services contributed by a 

foreign partner, to other Government agencies, and to the launch industry.

In addition to acquiring the commercial launch service, LSP arranges pre-launch spacecraft processing 

facility support and communications and telemetry during ascent for its customers. LSP offers insight into 

the commercial launch vehicle industry, which has been utilized by CCP. LSP also tracks lessons learned
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to identify and mitigate risks for future managed launches and certifies the readiness of new commercial 

launch vehicles for NASA and other civil sector uncrewed spacecraft. The program also conducts 

engineering analyses and other technical tasks to maximize launch success for every assigned payload.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) transferred the management and 

oversight of the CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) activity from the Advanced Exploration Systems 

Program to LSP to consolidate HEOMD space launch responsibilities within a single program. LSP is 

funding the Vandenberg Air Force Base Space Launch Complex-2 closeout and demolition cost, which is 

necessary because of the retirement of the Delta II launch vehicle. Per agreement with the Air Force, 

NASA is responsible for the final Delta II close out costs. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

LSP provided expertise and active launch mission management for over 60 NASA scientific spacecraft 

missions in various stages of development. LSP continuously works with the U.S. commercial launch 

industry to assess their designs and provide advice, which expands the selection of domestic launch 

vehicles available to NASA's missions and nurtures a competitive commercial launch service 

environment. 

LSP acquired new launch services for three future NASA missions through competitively awarded launch 

service task orders for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD):

Launch 

Date/Location

Launch

Vehicle Payload Customer Mission Objectives 

Apr 2021 

Cape Canaveral 

Air Force Station

Falcon 9 Full 

Thrust

Imaging X-Ray 

Polarimetry 

Explore (IXPE)

NASA 

SMD

Exploits the polarization state of light 

from astrophysical sources to provide 

insight into our understanding of X-ray 

production in objects (e.g., neutron stars, 

pulsar wind nebulae), as well as stellar 

and supermassive black holes.

Jul 2021

Vandenberg Air 

Force Base

Falcon 9 Full 

Thrust

Double Asteroid 

Redirection Test 

(DART) 

NASA 

SMD

DART will be the first demonstration of 

the kinetic impact technique to change 

the motion of an asteroid in space. 

Oct 2021

Cape Canaveral 

Air Force Station

Atlas V Lucy NASA 

SMD

A planned NASA space probe that will 

tour five Jupiter trojans, asteroids which 

share Jupiter's orbit around the Sun, 

orbiting either ahead of or behind the 

planet, and one main belt asteroid.

*LSP’s customers own and manage the payload mission objectives described above.

LSP successfully completed Category 3 certification of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust launch vehicle 

and continued pre-certification activities with Blue Origin's New Glenn, United Launch Services' (ULS)

Vulcan, Northrop Grumman's Omega, and SpaceX's Falcon Heavy launch vehicles. Certifying a 
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provider's launch vehicle enhances NASA’s understanding of commercially-built launch vehicles and 

enables LSP to better identify and manage launch risks. Certification also enhances competition as it 

results in multiple qualified launch vehicles and launch providers. 

LSP continued partnering with several universities and NASA Centers to launch small research satellites 

through the CSLI, which provides rideshare opportunities for small satellite payloads to fly on upcoming 

launches when space is available. These partnerships have provided regular educational opportunities for 

students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, which help 

strengthen the Nation’s future workforce. To date, CubeSats have been selected from 39 states and Puerto 

Rico, with 96 missions launched and 40 manifested on NASA, National Reconnaissance Office, United 

States Air Force, and commercial missions. In FY 2019, 19 CSLI CubeSat missions were launched. 

Venture Class Launch Service (VCLS) contracts for CubeSat satellites foster a commercial launch market 

dedicated to flying small satellite payloads, which provide an alternative to the current rideshare approach 

where one or more CubeSats or other small payloads take advantage of excess payload capacity on a 

rocket whose primary mission is to launch a larger satellite. In December 2018, Rocket Lab USA 

successfully launched 10 NASA CubeSats to low-Earth orbit aboard the Electron launch vehicle on the 

first ever VCLS mission. 

Launch 

Date/Location

Launch 

Vehicle Payload Customer Mission Objectives 

Dec 2018

New Zealand 

(North Island)

Electron CubeSats

NASA, one 

STEM school, 

and multiple 

universities

A demonstration flight to determine if new 

small launch vehicles can deliver NASA 

payloads to orbit at a fixed price. VCLS aims 

to provide a dedicated launch capability for 

smaller payloads, such as CubeSats, on smaller 

rockets.

*LSP’s customers own and manage the payload mission objectives described above.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

LSP will continue mission design and launch integration support to over 60 missions in various stages of 

development. In addition to launch preparation activities for five missions that will launch in FY 2021 

(Sentinel-6A, Landsat-9, IXPE, DART and SWOT), the current manifest shows LSP will manage and 

conduct the launch activities for three NASA missions and one venture class payload:

Launch 

Date/Location

Launch 

Vehicle Payload Customer Mission Objectives 

Oct 2019 

(Launched)

Cape Canaveral 

Air Force Station

Pegasus 

XL

Ionospheric 

Connection 

Explorer 

(ICON)

NASA SMD

A suite of instruments designed to 

explore the mechanisms controlling 

environmental conditions in space and 

how they are modified by weather on the 

planet.
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Launch 

Date/Location

Launch 

Vehicle Payload Customer Mission Objectives 

Feb 2020

Cape Canaveral 

Air Force Station

Atlas V Solar Orbiter NASA SMD

Solar Orbiter is a mission dedicated to 

solar and heliospheric physics. The 

program outlines key scientific questions 

that need to be answered about: the 

development of planets and emergence 

of life, how the Solar System works, the 

origins of the Universe, and the 

fundamental physics at work in the 

Universe. Solar Orbiter will be used to 

examine how the Sun creates and 

controls the heliosphere.

Feb 2020

Mojave, CA

Launcher

One CubeSats

NASA and 

multiple 

universities

A demonstration flight to determine if 

new small launch vehicles can deliver 

NASA payloads to orbit at a fixed price. 

VCLS aims to provide a dedicated 

launch capability for smaller payloads, 

such as CubeSats, on smaller rockets.

Jul 2020

Cape Canaveral 

Air Force Station

Atlas V Mars 2020 NASA SMD

A rover that will address high-priority 

science goals for Mars exploration, 

including key questions about the 

potential for life on Mars. The mission 

will seek signs of habitable conditions on 

Mars in the ancient past and search for 

signs of past microbial life.

LSP will continue to actively acquire new launch services for future NASA missions. The program is 

currently in the process of competitively awarding multiple Science Missions including GOES T and 

Psyche/EscaPADE/Janus.

Along with full end-to-end launch service management of awarded missions, LSP continues to offer 

advisory support, expertise, and knowledge to NASA programs and projects utilizing launch services not 

procured and managed by LSP. The program is currently providing these advisory services to several 

programs and missions, including the: 

• ISS Cargo Resupply Service missions;

• Commercial Crew Program; 

• James Webb Space Telescope (Webb); and

• NASA-Indian Space Research Organization Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) missions.

LSP will continue work towards certifying new commercial launch vehicles to launch high-value 

payloads. Certification activities are ongoing with Blue Origin's New Glenn, ULS' Vulcan, Northrop 

Grumman's Omega, and SpaceX's Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.
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KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

LSP will continue to execute the role of launch agent for the NASA Administrator on behalf of the U.S. 

civil sector, as described in the National Space Transportation Policy. The Program will provide 

management of NASA Launch Services contracts, launch mission assurance, mission design, and launch 

integration support to scientific spacecraft missions in various development phases. LSP will also 

continue work towards certifying new commercial launch vehicles to launch high-value payloads, as 

needed, and will continue launch service acquisition activities necessary to support NASA and other 

approved Government missions. 

The program will support commercial logistics acquisition services for Gateway and Human Landing 

System (HLS) and provide launch advisory services for Webb and NISAR. 

*FY 2021 Launch Dates shown in this table correspond to launch dates listed as Management Agreements

elsewhere in this document. 

Launch 

Date/Location*

Launch 

Vehicle Payload Customer Mission Objectives

Nov 2020

Vandenberg Air 

Force Base

Falcon 9 Full 

Thrust Sentinel 6A NASA 

SMD

To measure sea surface topography with 

high-accuracy and reliability to support 

ocean forecasting systems, 

environmental monitoring and climate 

monitoring. The mission provides 

continuity of the TOPEX and JASON 

missions, with improvements in 

instrument performance and coverage.

Early 2021

Vandenberg Air 

Force Base

Atlas V Landsat 9 NASA 

SMD

A planned U.S. Earth observation 

satellite designed and operated to 

repeatedly observe the global land 

surface at a moderate scale that shows 

both natural and human-induced change. 

NASA is in charge of building, 

launching, and testing the system, while 

the United States Geological Survey will 

process, archive, and distribute its data.

Apr 2021

Cape Canaveral 

Air Force Station

Falcon 9 Full 

Thrust

Imaging X-Ray 

Polarimetry 

Explorer (IXPE)

NASA 

SMD

Exploits the polarization state of light 

from astrophysical sources to provide 

insight into our understanding of X-ray 

production in objects (e.g., neutron stars, 

pulsar wind nebulae), as well as stellar 

and supermassive black holes.

Jul 2021

Vandenberg Air 

Force Base

Falcon 9 Full 

Thrust

Double Asteroid 

Redirection Test 

(DART)

NASA 

SMD

Will be the first demonstration of the 

kinetic impact technique to change the 

motion of an asteroid in space.
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Launch 

Date/Location*

Launch 

Vehicle Payload Customer Mission Objectives

Sep 2021

Vandenberg Air 

Force Base

Falcon 9 Full 

Thrust

Surface Water 

Ocean 

Topography 

(SWOT)

NASA

SMD

A joint mission between U.S. and 

French oceanographers and hydrologists 

to make the first global survey of Earth's 

surface water to provide a better 

understanding of the world's oceans and 

its terrestrial surface waters.

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Commercial Launch Vehicle 

(CLV) Launch Services

Provider: ULS, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (NGIS) (formerly 

Orbital ATK), SpaceX, Rocket Lab USA, Virgin Orbit

Lead Center: Kennedy Space Center (KSC) 

Performing Center(s): KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

ACQUISITION STRATEGY

LSP's acquisition strategy was created for the original NASA Launch Services (NLS) contracts for 

procuring CLV launch services from domestic commercial launch service suppliers. To meet the needs of 

science and technology customers who typically spend three to seven years developing a spacecraft 

mission, NASA created a contractual approach providing multiple competitive launch service options to 

cover small-, medium-, intermediate-, and heavy-sized missions. The follow-on contract mechanism, 

known as NLS II, has similar contract features. These features include: not-to-exceed prices, indefinitedelivery-indefinite-quantity contract terms, and competitive firm-fixed-price launch service task order 

based acquisitions. The NLS II ordering period has been extended to June 30, 2025. To ensure active

competition for NASA customers and encourage new launch capability development through these longterm contracts, NASA provides annual opportunities to U.S. industry to add new commercial launch 

service providers and/or launch vehicles to the contract.

LSP is also able to contract separately from the NLS contract mechanism if such an approach is necessary 

to meet a mission or customer need. For instance, launch service for the Parker Solar Probe mission 

funded by NASA SMD was competed outside and separate from the NLS II contract due to the special 

needs of that mission. In addition, VCLS awards for very small launch vehicles were conducted outside 

and separate from the NLS II contract to provide more flexibility to the new, small-class launch providers. 

NASA has also made efforts to provide a complete launch service, including payload processing at the 

launch site. LSP uses firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contracts for commercial 

payload processing capabilities on both the East and West coasts. The Payload Processing Facility (PPF) 

contracts are up for recompete. The East Coast Commercial Payload Processing Contract-4 (ECCPP-4) 

was awarded in April 2017 and the period of performance ends in April 2022. The West Coast 
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Commercial Payload Processing Contract-3 (WCCPP-3) solicitation was cancelled. LSP is currently 

awarding mission specific PPF contracts for those on the West coast.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Venture Class Virgin Orbit 

Rocket Lab USA

Long Beach, CA

Los Angeles, CA

NASA Launch Services-II-U ULS, LLC Centennial, CO

NASA Launch Services-II-S SpaceX Hawthorne, CA

NASA Launch Services-II-O NGIS (formerly Orbital ATK 

Corporation) Dulles, VA

East Coast Commercial Payload 

Processing-4 Astrotech Space Operations Titusville, FL

West Coast Commercial Payload 

Processing-Landsat 9 Astrotech Space Operations Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA

Integrated Processing Facility Spaceport Systems International Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA

Expendable Launch Vehicle 

Integrated Support (ELVIS) 2/3 a.i. Solutions, Inc. Lanham, MD

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Program 

Implementation 

Review (PIR)

Standing 

Review 

Board (SRB)

May 2014 Life Cycle 

Review

The SRB found LSP is a successful 

program with a strong technical and 

management team representing 

NASA’s core competency, 

demonstrating exceptional 

performance with a 97.4 percent 

launch success record. The SRB 

recommended continuation of LSP 

operations as currently performed. 

FY 2024*

*The FY 2024 milestone for LSP will be assessed by the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate 

(HEOMD) Associate Administrator, and a determination will be made as to whether a PIR is required or if it can be 

delayed another two years. The FY 2024 milestone is also subject to change depending on LSP's manifest/launch 

schedule for that year. 
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Historical Performance 

LSP managed CLV Missions from inception through FY 2019: 

Launch Vehicle 

Configuration Provider Number of Launches

Successful 

Launches

Unsuccessful 

Launches

Athena Lockheed Martin/Alliant Techsystems 1 1 0

Atlas IIA Lockheed Martin 5 5 0

Atlas IIAS Lockheed Martin 1 1 0

Atlas V

Lockheed Martin 2 2 0

ULS 17 17 0

Delta II Boeing Launch Services 27 27 0

ULS 16 16 0

Delta IV H ULS 1 1 0

Falcon 9 v1.1 Space X Launch Services 1 1 0

Falcon 9 FT Space X Launch Services 1 1 0

Pegasus Hybrid Northrup Grumman (formerly OSC) 1 1 0

Pegasus XL Northrup Grumman (formerly OSC) 16 16 0

Taurus XL Northrup Grumman (formerly OSC) 2 0 2

Titan II Lockheed Martin 3 3 0
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 60.0 -- 47.6 47.8 47.8 47.8 47.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Pegasus barge is shown here delivering Space 

Launch System (SLS) Core Stage Pathfinder to the B1/B-2 test stand for practice lifts and fit checks in 2019 

at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Developing and testing rocket propulsion systems is

foundational to spaceflight. Whether the payload is a 

robotic science experiment or a crewed mission, the 

propulsion system must be safe and reliable. A 

rigorous engine test program is a critical component 

of any rocket propulsion development activity. 

NASA’s Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) program 

maintains and manages a wide range of facilities 

capable of ground testing rocket engines and 

components under controlled conditions. This test 

infrastructure includes facilities located across the 

U.S. and provides a single entry point for any user of 

NASA rocket test stands. RPT retains a skilled 

workforce capable of performing tests on all 

modern-day rockets and supporting complex rocket 

engine development. RPT evaluates customer test requirements and desired outcomes while minimizing 

test time and costs. It also streamlines facility usage and eliminates redundant capabilities by closing and 

consolidating NASA's rocket test facilities, as appropriate. 

RPT is NASA’s implementing authority for rocket propulsion testing. It approves and provides direction 

on test assignments, capital improvements, and facility modernization and refurbishment to reduce 

propulsion test costs. RPT integrates multi-site test activities, identifies and protects core capabilities, and 

develops advanced testing technologies. 

The Agency has designated RPT as the NASA representative for the National Rocket Propulsion Test 

Alliance (NRPTA), an inter-agency collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD), to facilitate 

efficient and effective use of the Federal Government’s rocket propulsion test capabilities. The RPT 

Program Manager serves as a co-chair of the NRPTA Senior Steering Group and appoints NASA’s 

alliance co-chair. The alliance co-chair position is a rotational appointment chosen from primary Center 

representatives of RPT’s management board. 

For more information, go to: https://rpt.nasa.gov/
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EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

At Stennis Space Center (SSC), RPT continued testing the RS-25 engine in support of the Space Launch 

System (SLS) program. Development testing continued for Government and commercial companies 

seeking to test their engine systems on a reimbursable basis. For example, RPT tested Hydrocarbon Boost 

components designed by the U.S. Air Force for the RD-180 replacement project and tested an Aerojet 

Rocketdyne hydrocarbon engine for certification. Planned refurbishment and repair activities for critical 

enabling infrastructure included: continuing repair of SSC’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen barges, 

upgrading a high-pressure gas facility, replacing the E-Complex data acquisition system, replacing EComplex high-speed video equipment, and activating the B-2 test stand to prepare for SLS core stage 

testing. These modernization, refurbishment, and repair activities support the continued efficient and 

effective support of NASA and partner programs. SSC also completed the construction of the joint 

Michoud Assembly Facility/SSC Consolidated Fluid Component Processing Facility, which will provide 

an improved capability to multiple NASA facilities, programs, and customers. 

The White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) team conducted propulsion system development and certification 

testing for the NASA Orion European Space Agency (ESA) Service Module and completed certification 

testing for the Commercial Crew Program's Boeing CST-100 Service Module. These tests support human 

spaceflight certification. Other testing included activities for Aerojet Rocketdyne, the Missile Defense

Agency, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Navy. 

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) continued testing rocket engine technology improvements, 

including components constructed using select laser melting and other additive manufacturing processes 

that could lead to significant improvements in construction of these complex machines. 

At the Glenn Research Center-Plum Brook Station (GRC-PBS) In-Space Propulsion Facility (ISPF), RPT 

completed improvements for future space exploration propulsion needs through the Evolvable Cryogenics 

Project (eCRYO) in partnership with Space Technology Mission Directorate. RPT also supported

research to reduce the boil-off rate on large cryogenic upper stages with the Structural Heat Intercept, 

Insulation and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) in a simulated space environment (vacuum and 

thermal). The ISPF also supported the Science Mission Directorate Balloon program, and GRC-PBS 

completed the 30,000 pounds (lb.) of thrust and 300-second run-time refurbishment activity.

In FY 2019, RPT was also able to execute several large facility modernization programs, including the 

upgrade to Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) at WSTF, MSFC and SSC. These systems will gain 

efficiencies by utilizing a common NASA-developed software package called the NASA Data 

Acquisition System (NDAS). Funding was also allocated to modernize the Small Altitude Simulation 

System (SASS) at the WSTF by replacing the legacy steam boiler system with a more efficient modern 

steam generation system. The updated SASS allows the facility to continue to create the required 

environment for testing in-space propulsion systems for NASA and our Government and industry 

partners.
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WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Building on test results from previous years, RPT will continue to provide valuable propulsion data to the 

SLS and Orion programs as they prepare for Artemis I and Artemis II. These tests will provide data to 

validate baseline designs and increase confidence in technical performance, reducing risks and aiding in 

achieving launch readiness on schedule. This ongoing effort will allow the program to assess design 

changes that could affect performance and improve safety. RPT personnel will execute hot fire testing of 

the SLS RS-25 engine for Artemis Missions on SSC’s A-1 test stand and begin testing the SLS core stage

Green Run for Artemis I on the B-2 test stand. The Green Run test will help ensure mission success, and 

many aspects will be carried out for the first time, such as fueling and pressurizing the stage. The test 

series culminates with firing up all four RS-25 engines to demonstrate that the engines, tanks, fuel lines, 

valves, pressurization system, and software can all perform together just as they will on launch day. RPT 

will also continue engine certification of the Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68 liquid hydrogen/oxygen engine 

for the Delta IV launch vehicle on the B-1 test stand. 

At PBS, RPT will complete all planned modifications of the ISPF and begin testing of Northrop 

Grumman's OmegA launch system upper stage. 

At the WSTF, RPT will continue testing activities for the Orion ESA Service Module. RPT will also 

continue providing propulsion test services to the Missile Defense Agency, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and U.S. 

Air Force. 

All RPT facilities and personnel will continue maintaining and modernizing these test facilities that will 

be used to test future space vehicles in a simulated space environment and ambient conditions.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

RPT will continue to provide propulsion data to validate baseline designs, increase confidence in 

technical performance, reduce risks, and achieve launch readiness on schedule for the SLS and Orion 

programs and preparations for Artemis I and Artemis II. RPT personnel will execute hot fire testing the 

SLS RS-25 engine on SSC’s A-1 test stand and complete SLS core stage Green Run on the B-2 test stand. 

RPT will also continue engine certification of the Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68 liquid hydrogen/oxygen 

engine for the Delta IV launch vehicle on the B-1 test stand. Interstellar liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen 

testing will continue on the SSC E1 test stand's Cell 2. 

At PBS, RPT will perform hotfire and thermal vacuum testing of Northrop Grumman's OmegA launch 

system upper stage and thermal vacuum testing for the Sierra Nevada Dream Chaser Cargo System 

(DCCS) in the ISPF. 

At the WSTF, RPT will continue testing activities for the Orion ESA Service Module and continue the 

Commercial Crew Program Boeing CST-100 SM thruster acceptance test program. These test activities 

will support new service modules which are not recovered in flight. 

RPT facilities will continue maintaining a right-sized propulsion test portfolio to meet current and 

emerging test requirements and continue evaluating and implementing high-risk/high-priority facility 

maintenance and modernization projects to assure propulsion test assets are available to meet current and 

future propulsion test requirements. 
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Program Schedule

The following chart shows past, current, and planned test campaigns at SSC, MSFC, GRC, and WSTF 

rocket propulsion test facilities. The designations at the far left of the chart refer to the facility, the top of 

the chart shows time by quarter of fiscal and calendar year, and the key to the status of each facility is at 

the bottom. 

Most test stands and facilities are scheduled 18 months in advance. Defining scope of work, selecting test 

stands and fuel, and estimating labor and total cost to customers is a complex process that can take 18 to 

36 months. RPT is working now with internal and external customers to design testing programs for 

FY 2021 and beyond.
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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & COMMITMENTS

Program Element Provider

RPT

Provider: RPT

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): SSC, JSC/WSTF, GRC-PBS, MSFC, KSC, WFF

Cost Share Partner(s): Various other NASA programs, DoD, and commercial 

partners

ACQUISITION STRATEGY

None. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

None. 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

None.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS) 

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROGRAM

LSO-84 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 101.9 -- 23.4 42.0 51.2 58.9 58.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

In FY 2019 the funding displayed in the Communications Services Program (CSP) was included under the Space 

Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program and executed there under the title "Next Generation Capability" 

funding. Upon establishment of the CSP in FY 2020, NASA transferred the Next Generation Capability funding line 

from SCaN to CSP.

The Communications Services Program is being 

established to support commercially provided 

data relaying services, depicted above, to more 

efficiently meet future needs. 

The Communications Services Program (CSP) will focus 

on demonstrating the feasibility of commercially provided 

satellite communications (satcom) services to NASA 

missions. As an initial activity, the CSP will pursue 

opportunities that will allow future NASA missions to 

deploy flight-qualified capabilities. Ultimately, near Earth

users may transition from using NASA-owned networks 

to commercially-provided services. 

CSP will work with the commercial market to identify 

requirements and explore opportunities that are mutually 

beneficial to NASA and industry and will develop an 

acquisition model for incorporating commercial 

communications services into operations. NASA will 

define the acquisition strategy for transitioning near Earth

NASA users to suitable commercially provided services.

This acquisition strategy could include commercial 

service contracts, hosted payloads, and/or public-private

partnerships to demonstrate the feasibility of 

commercially provided satellite communications services. 

NASA expects to partner with multiple commercial 

entities to explore which services, technologies, and 

partnership strategies best fulfill NASA's requirements. These partnerships will bolster American 

industry, significantly reduce the cost of communication services to NASA, and maximize

interoperability between Government and commercial service providers while promoting a diverse 

commercial market.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations: Space and Flight Support (SFS)

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROGRAM

LSO-85

The funding being requested in FY 2021 for CSP will support the establishment of multiple partnerships 

between NASA and commercial satcom companies to develop and demonstrate capabilities that can meet 

NASA’s needs and begins the initial planning for acquisition of commercial satcom services.

Formulation activities will be directed by an existing NASA Headquarters office rather than by a 

newly-created entity or organization.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

COMMERCIAL LEO DEVELOPMENT

LSO-86 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 40.0 -- 150.0 175.0 200.0 200.0 200.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA will partner with industry to develop and

establish new platforms in low-Earth orbit (LEO), 

culminating in NASA’s participation as a customer in 

a robust space economy.

NASA seeks to maintain access to a space station 

and continue the U.S. human presence in low-Earth 

orbit (LEO) – both with Government astronauts and 

with private citizens – to support the utilization of 

space by U.S. citizens, companies, academia, and 

international partners and to expand the American 

foothold in space. Guided by NASA's Strategic 

Goals and Objective 2.1 to “Lay the foundation for 

America to maintain a constant human presence in 

low Earth orbit enabled by a commercial market," 

NASA is undertaking the Commercial LEO 

Development program as a focused effort to develop

a robust commercial space economy in LEO. The 

program is led out of NASA Headquarters with 

execution of the various program elements at 

Johnson Space Center. NASA's Commercial LEO 

Development program is supporting the 

development of commercially-owned and operated LEO destinations from which NASA, along with other 

customers, can purchase services and stimulate the growth of commercial activities in LEO. As 

commercial LEO destinations become available, NASA intends to implement an orderly transition from 

current International Space Station (ISS) operations to these new commercial destinations as laid out in 

NASA's ISS Transition Report, dated March 30, 2018. Transition of LEO operations to the private sector 

will yield efficiencies in the long term, enabling NASA to shift resources towards exploration objectives.

With the introduction of commercial LEO destinations, NASA expects to realize efficiencies from the use 

of smaller, more modern and efficient platforms and a more commercial approach to meeting the 

Agency's needs in LEO. In the longer term, the gradual emergence of additional customers for 

commercial LEO destinations will offer the opportunity for additional savings. 

To achieve the Commercial LEO Development program's overall goals, NASA developed and is 

implementing a five-point plan. This plan builds on, uses the capabilities of, and applies the lessons 

learned from over a decade of work and experience with commercial companies. The plan, entitled 

NASA's Plan for Commercial LEO Development, addresses how NASA partners with industry to develop 

commercial LEO destinations, stimulates demand for new and emerging markets in LEO, and takes nearterm steps to achieve a robust economy in LEO. The five key parts of the plan are: 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

COMMERCIAL LEO DEVELOPMENT

LSO-87 

(1) NASA established a commercial use and pricing policy for the ISS, enabling companies to reduce 

uncertainty and build business plans as they seek to perform commercial activities, including marketing. 

To enable this goal, NASA developed the NASA Interim Directive (NID) on Use of International Space 

Station (ISS) for Commercial and Marketing Activities (NID 8600.121). This document establishes new 

NASA ISS Program policies governing commercial and marketing activities using the U.S. Government 

(USG) modules of the ISS with the intent of catalyzing and nurturing new emerging markets leading to a 

commercial LEO economy. With this new policy, U.S. entities will have the ability to manufacture, 

produce, transport, or market commercial resources and goods, including products intended for 

commercial sale on Earth. The policy also addresses the inclusion of private astronauts on USG or

commercial missions to the ISS, conducting coordinated and scheduled activities, and associated on-orbit 

activities.

For more information on NID 8600.121, go to: 

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nid_8600_121_tagged.pdf

(2) NASA announced the intent to enable flight of private astronaut missions to the ISS, and released a 

solicitation to enable the assessment and approval of these missions. As part of NASA's mission to 

stimulate a LEO economy, NASA is proposing to facilitate up to two short-duration private astronaut 

missions per year to the ISS beginning as early as FY 2021. Private astronaut missions will be privately 

funded, dedicated commercial spaceflights on a commercial launch vehicle to conduct approved 

commercial and marketing activities on the ISS, or in a commercial segment attached to the ISS. These 

missions must use U.S. transportation vehicles certified by NASA, such as the ones developed by Boeing 

and SpaceX under NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). NASA expanded the International Space 

Station Utilization NASA Research Announcement (NRA) to assist U.S. entities pursuing these missions.

For more information on NASA's CCP, go to: 

https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/crew/index.html

For more information on the International Space Station Utilization NRA, go to: 

https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitationAmmendments.do?solId=%7B21E0270CBC1F-EFC4-3D87-30713B5FF373%7D&path=&redirectURL=

(3) NASA initiated a process for developing commercial LEO destinations, including the overall strategy, 

timeline, and solicitations for developing commercial destinations using the ISS Node 2 Forward Port and 

free-flyer destinations. An important part of NASA's strategy is stimulating the commercial space 

industry while leveraging commercial capabilities through partnerships and future contracts delivering

mission capabilities. These partnerships provide an opportunity for NASA and industry to develop 

capabilities meeting NASA human space exploration objectives in support of more extensive human 

spaceflight missions, while also supporting industry commercialization plans for expanding the frontiers 

of opportunities in space. 

NASA's long-term research and technology development efforts in LEO will be most cost-effective if a 

robust commercial human spaceflight economy emerges such that NASA is one of many customers of a 

broad portfolio of commercial products and services. To support the development of this broad portfolio 

of products and services, NASA is partnering with industry for the development of commercial 

destinations in LEO, either using the ISS or by going directly to a free-flying platform. 

NASA offered commercial use of the ISS Node 2 forward port and associated ISS services to enable 

development, launch, and demonstrations of one or more commercial destination modules attached to 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations

COMMERCIAL LEO DEVELOPMENT

LSO-88

ISS. In January 2020, NASA announced the selection of Axiom Space under the NextSTEP-2 Broad Area 

Announcement (BAA), (Appendix I) to enter into a public-private partnership with NASA. The primary 

objective is to successfully develop commercial markets through demonstration of products and services 

in one or more habitable commercial elements attached to ISS Node 2 forward port and to transition to an 

independent long-term, sustainable, commercial, human spaceflight enterprise in LEO. NASA will also 

fund award(s) made under NextSTEP-2 BAA (Appendix K) to enable additional partnerships for 

development and space flight demonstrations of free-flying commercial destinations in LEO. NASA 

seeks commercial destinations that will provide a diverse portfolio of products and services that meet both 

NASA and non-NASA needs. NASA intends to acquire services from commercial destination through a 

future competitive solicitation once more information is available about the services that will be offered.

For NextSTEP-2 BAA (Appendix I), go to: 

https://beta.sam.gov/opp/ea63938a251ffaf312bc4b3a8e7106b7/view?keywords=nextstep-2&sort=-

relevance&index=&is_active=true&page=1

For NextSTEP-2 BAA (Appendix K), go to: 

https://beta.sam.gov/opp/4588428134084aa9bdc65d4ba22b7ab2/view?keywords=%22NextSTEP2%22&sort=-

relevance&index=&is_active=true&page=2&date_filter_index=0&inactive_filter_values=false

(4) NASA laid out a plan pursuing opportunities to stimulate scalable and sustainable non-NASA demand 

for LEO destinations, working to leverage the capabilities of the ISS National Laboratory. This includes 

solicitations for advanced in-space manufacturing and industrialized biomedicine flight demonstrations, 

as well as efforts expanding the pipeline of potential users and seeking innovative approaches to broadly

stimulate demand. NASA is interested in developing and reducing the cost and technical barriers of 

access to LEO to strengthen a commercial market in LEO. NASA is working to develop and execute a 

targeted strategy for enabling the development and growth of a sustainable, scalable, and profitable nonNASA demand for LEO services. 

As an initial step, NASA expanded the International Space Station Utilization NASA Research 

Announcement (NRA) requesting proposals from U.S. industry for commercial concepts with a focus on 

the areas of in-space manufacturing and regenerative medicine/bioengineering. NASA will also consider 

other fields that may lead to a scalable, financially self-sustaining demand for LEO capabilities.

Successful ventures will include non-NASA funding and further mature concepts with potential for 

scalability, such as returning high-value items for terrestrial use, capturing sizeable markets or creating 

new markets, and disrupting existing technologies by taking advantage of the ISS and eventually followon human-rated destinations in LEO. 

For more information on the International Space Station Utilization NRA, go to: 

https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/solicitationAmmendments.do?solId=%7B21E0270CBC1F-EFC4-3D87-30713B5FF373%7D&path=&redirectURL=

NASA also released NextSTEP-2 BAA (Appendix J) requesting proposals from U.S. entities in support 

of further developing a LEO economy. This request for proposals seeks innovative approaches to 

reducing transportation costs to and from LEO destinations, broadening the base of industry, academia, 

and government researchers seeking to utilize LEO capabilities or other opportunities to foster long-term 

market growth.
LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

COMMERCIAL LEO DEVELOPMENT

LSO-89 

For NextSTEP-2 BAA (Appendix J), go to: 

https://beta.sam.gov/opp/46e62589e753679e97ff07ba0410241a/view?keywords=nextstep-2&sort=-

relevance&index=&is_active=true&page=1

(5) NASA updated a white paper quantifying the Agency's long-term needs in LEO. The NASA 

Transition Authorization Act of 2017 directed NASA to develop an ISS Transition Plan, specifically “to 

transition in a step-wise approach from the current regime that relies heavily on NASA sponsorship to a 

regime where NASA could be one of many customers of a LEO non-governmental human space flight 

enterprise.” To that end, NASA has examined its potential future needs in LEO, such as space life and 

physical sciences research derived from the National Academies Decadal Survey, research on the effects 

of the space environment on humans, technology demonstrations, life cycle testing of systems intended to 

be deployed in deeper space, and in-flight crew training. In a mature, sustainable LEO market, 

commercial destinations will have robust business bases that rely on NASA as one of many customers 

instead of as a primary customer. The white paper entitled "Forecasting Future NASA Demand in LowEarth Orbit: Revision Two - Quantifying Demand" forecasts the services NASA intends to purchase as a 

customer in this sustainable LEO marketplace. NASA is providing this forecast to aid industry in 

planning for future commercial LEO destination capabilities and will periodically update as NASA's 

forecasts of its future demand evolve. 

For the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, go to: 

https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ10/PLAW-115publ10.pdf

For the white paper entitled Forecasting Future NASA Demand in Low-Earth Orbit: Revision Two - 

Quantifying Demand, go to: 

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/forecasting_future_nasa_demand_in_lowearth_orbit_revision_two_-_quantifying_demand.pdf

NASA's Commercial LEO Development budget request for FY 2021 supports and will advance the 

Nation’s goals in LEO and for deep space exploration by furthering the development and maturity of the 

commercial space market. This development will enable private industry to assume roles that have been 

traditionally Government-only by creating new opportunities for economic growth through new markets 

and industries in LEO and potentially yielding long-term cost savings to the Government by leveraging 

industry innovation and commercial market incentives.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA publicly unveiled the Commercial LEO comprehensive plan on June 7, 2019, at NASDAQ in New 

York. Following the announcement, NASA released the draft port solicitation and the synopsis of 

solicitation for free-flyer development. In FY 2019, NASA also completed the NASA Interim Directive 

8600.121 on Use of ISS for Commercial and Marketing Activities and released multiple solicitations to 

stimulate demand and catalyze new markets for LEO services. NASA also released an updated white 

paper entitled "Forecasting Future NASA Demand in Low-Earth Orbit: Revision Two - Quantifying 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

COMMERCIAL LEO DEVELOPMENT

LSO-90 

Demand" that forecasts the services NASA intends to purchase from future commercial space station 

operators. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

A robust and competitive low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy would greatly accelerate progress in space. 

NASA is collaborating with industry on the development and demonstration of commercial destinations 

at ISS or as free-flyers. On January 27, 2020, NASA selected Axiom Space to provide a habitable 

commercial module, attached to the ISS Node 2 forward port. NASA plans to make award(s) for the 

development of a commercial free-flying destination by the end of FY 2020. 

In FY 2020, NASA will pursue opportunities to stimulate scalable and sustainable demand for LEO 

destinations through the award of contracts with companies seeking the opportunity to enhance the unique 

capabilities of the ISS, and utilize the ISS to develop and/or operate systems or facilities that may lead to 

a sustainable demand for a human-rated LEO platform. In FY 2020, NASA will begin to accommodate 

new commercial activities on the ISS under the NASA Interim Directive 8600.121 on Use of ISS for 

Commercial and Marketing Activities. NASA will also enter into agreements to initiate training of private 

astronauts and planning for private astronaut missions to the ISS. NASA also plans to conduct a Program 

Status Assessment (PSA) for Commercial LEO Development in the latter part of FY 2020, to assess 

progress to date and identify opportunities for improvement going forward. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA will continue development of the ISS commercial module and commercial free-flyer destinations 

that will lead to demonstrations in LEO. NASA will also continue awards and partnerships to mature and 

demonstrate promising new activities (e.g. advanced materials manufacturing, industrialized biomedicine, 

etc.) and leverage use of the ISS National Laboratory, facilitating increased demand for products and 

services in the LEO economy. 
LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

COMMERCIAL LEO DEVELOPMENT

LSO-91 

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Apr 2019 Request for proposals for demand stimulation using ISS

Jun 2019 Developed and released NASA’s Plan for Commercial LEO Development

Jun 2019 Released request for information regarding feedback and areas of improvement on NASA’s 

Plan for Commercial LEO Development

Jun 2019 NASA Interim Directive (NID) on Use of ISS for Commercial and Marketing Activities (NID 

8600.121)

Jun 2019 NASA’s demand forecast: “Forecasting Future NASA Demand in Low-Earth Orbit: Revision 

Two – Quantifying Demand”

Jun 2019 Request for proposals for commercial modules at the ISS

Jun 2019 Request for proposals for broadly stimulating demand in the LEO economy

Jun 2019 Request for proposals for private astronaut missions

Oct 2019 Draft request for proposals for commercial free-flying destinations in LEO

Jan 2020 Selection for commercial module at the ISS

2020 Release commercial free-flyer destination solicitation

2020 Award agreements for training private astronauts

2020 Award demand stimulation contracts

2020 Award commercial free-flying destinations in LEO

2021 Initial private astronaut mission to ISS

2021 Ongoing non-research and development commercial activities on the ISS

2021 Mature commercial concepts through research and development on ISS

2021 Agreements for additional private astronaut missions

2021 Additional awards for demand stimulation 

Program Management & Commitments

NASA Headquarters manages the Commercial LEO Development program.

Program Element Provider

Commercial LEO Development 

Program Management

Lead Center: NASA Headquarters (HQ)

Performing Center(s): Johnson Space Center (JSC) 

Cost Share Partner(s):TBD
LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

COMMERCIAL LEO DEVELOPMENT

LSO-92 

Program Element Provider

Partner(s) 

Provider: Axiom Space, Inc.

Lead Center: TBD

Performing Center(s): TBD

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD

Acquisition Strategy

NASA will utilize multiple acquisition tools for Commercial LEO Development. The established 

NextSTEP-2 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) contract vehicle is being used to develop commercial 

destinations in LEO. Through this approach, NASA will award firm-fixed-price contracts for a series of 

task orders to demonstrate capabilities in LEO, using Appendix I for commercial modules at the ISS and 

Appendix K for commercial free-flyer destinations. In addition, Appendix J is being used for firm fixed 

price contracts that will help broadly stimulate demand for products and services in LEO.

In parallel, NASA is employing the existing ISS Utilization NASA Research Announcement (NRA) to 

select and develop commercial concepts that will stimulate demand in the LEO economy. This NRA will 

also be used to solicit and evaluate proposals for private astronaut missions, and for non-research and 

development commercial activities on the ISS.

Major Contracts/Awards

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Commercial Destination Module for 

International Space Station Axiom Space, Inc. Houston, TX

Independent Reviews

N/A

Historical Performance 

N/A
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Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Earth Science 1931.0 1971.8 1768.1 1878.2 1846.1 1834.5 1984.6

Planetary Science 2746.7 2713.4 2659.6 2800.9 2714.9 2904.8 2830.7

Astrophysics 1191.1 1306.2 831.0 891.2 1000.9 959.7 975.5

James Webb Space Telescope 305.1 423.0 414.7 175.4 172.0 172.0 172.0

Heliophysics 712.7 724.5 633.1 807.8 841.8 834.1 804.1

Total Budget 6886.6 7138.9 6306.5 6553.5 6575.7 6705.2 6766.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Science............................................................................. SCMD-4

Earth Science

EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH .................................................................................ES-2

EARTH SYSTEMATIC MISSIONS...........................................................................ES-14

Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission (SWOT) [Development].........................ES-16

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) [Development] ......................................ES-23

Landsat 9 [Development]...................................................................................................ES-29

Sentinel-6 [Development] ..................................................................................................ES-35

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................ES-42

EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE PATHFINDER.............................................................ES-60

Venture Class Missions .....................................................................................................ES-61

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................ES-74

EARTH SCIENCE DATA SYSTEMS........................................................................ES-79

EARTH SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY..........................................................................ES-88

APPLIED SCIENCES ..............................................................................................ES-93

Planetary Science

PLANETARY SCIENCE RESEARCH ........................................................................PS-3
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Other Missions and Data Analysis ...................................................................................... PS-7

PLANETARY DEFENSE .........................................................................................PS-11

Double Asteroid Redirection Test [Development] .............................................................PS-13

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-20

LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION ............................................................PS-24

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-29

DISCOVERY ...........................................................................................................PS-33

Lucy [Development]...........................................................................................................PS-36

Psyche [Development].......................................................................................................PS-43

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-49

NEW FRONTIERS...................................................................................................PS-54

Dragonfly [Formulation] .....................................................................................................PS-57

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-62

MARS EXPLORATION............................................................................................PS-66

Mars Rover 2020 [Development].......................................................................................PS-68

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-76

OUTER PLANETS AND OCEAN WORLDS.............................................................PS-83

Europa Clipper [Development] ..........................................................................................PS-85

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-93

RADIOISOTOPE POWER.......................................................................................PS-95

James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope [Development] ............................................................ WEBB-2

Astrophysics

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH.......................................................................... ASTRO-2

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. ASTRO-9

COSMIC ORIGINS.......................................................................................... ASTRO-12

Hubble Space Telescope Operations [Operations] ................................................... ASTRO-13

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) [Operations]................. ASTRO-17

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-21

PHYSICS OF THE COSMOS .......................................................................... ASTRO-24

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-26

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION......................................................................... ASTRO-30

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-32

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER ........................................................................ ASTRO-35
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Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-39

Heliophysics

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH .............................................................................HELIO-2

Other Missions and Data Analysis ................................................................................ HELIO-9

LIVING WITH A STAR .......................................................................................HELIO-15

Solar Orbiter Collaboration [Development]..................................................................HELIO-16

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-22

SOLAR TERRESTRIAL PROBES .....................................................................HELIO-28

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-31

HELIOPHYSICS EXPLORER PROGRAM.........................................................HELIO-38

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-42
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Earth Science 1931.0 1971.8 1768.1 1878.2 1846.1 1834.5 1984.6

Planetary Science 2746.7 2713.4 2659.6 2800.9 2714.9 2904.8 2830.7

Astrophysics 1191.1 1306.2 831.0 891.2 1000.9 959.7 975.5

James Webb Space Telescope 305.1 423.0 414.7 175.4 172.0 172.0 172.0

Heliophysics 712.7 724.5 633.1 807.8 841.8 834.1 804.1

Total Budget 6886.6 7138.9 6306.5 6553.5 6575.7 6705.2 6766.9

Change from FY 2020 -832.4

Percentage change from FY 2020 -11.7%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

From the vantage point of space, NASA captures 

breath-taking images of our world and the universe. 

These images advance our scientific understanding in 

a multitude of disciplines. They also have the power to 

influence action and inspire learning.

Since NASA’s inception, scientific discovery 

about our Earth, the Sun, the solar system and the 

universe beyond has been an enduring purpose of 

the Agency as part of its three major strategic 

thrusts: discover, explore, and develop. NASA’s 

Science Mission Directorate (SMD) conducts 

scientific exploration enabled by observatories 

that view Earth from space, observe and visit 

other bodies in the solar system, and gaze out into 

the galaxy and beyond. NASA's scientific 

exploration will also inform human exploration of 

the Moon, Mars, and the solar system, providing 

valuable scientific data for such human missions. 

NASA’s science programs focus on three

interdisciplinary objectives:

• Discovering the secrets of the universe;

• Searching for life in the solar system and beyond; and

• Protecting and improving life on Earth.

NASA science programs address fundamental research about the universe and our place in it. How did the 

universe begin and evolve? How did our solar system originate? How and why is the Earth changing on 

all time-scales? This fundamental research covers all areas of science and the intersections thereof when 

addressing the question, "Are we alone?" NASA’s science programs also help protect and improve life on 

Earth through fundamental research that enables innovative and practical applications for decision-
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makers, including disaster response, natural resource management, and planetary defense. NASA also 

focuses on improving its operations and launching its science missions on schedule and on budget. Our 

discoveries continue to rewrite textbooks, inspire learners of all ages, and demonstrate U.S. leadership 

worldwide.

NASA uses the recommendations of the National Academies’ decadal surveys as important inputs in 

planning and prioritizing the future of its science programs. For almost 50 years, decadal surveys have 

proven vital in establishing a broad consensus within the national science community on the state of 

science, the highest priority science questions we can address, and actions we can take to answer those 

questions. NASA uses these recommendations to prioritize future flight missions, including space 

observatories and probes, as well as technology development and proposals for theoretical and suborbital 

supporting research. In determining the content of the Science portfolio, NASA also considers national 

priorities and policies, budgets, existing technological capabilities, partnership opportunities, and other 

programmatic factors.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The FY 2021 Budget provides $6.3 billion for Science and reflects expanded investments in lunar and 

Mars exploration and terminations of lower-priority programs.

The Budget accelerates the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) and other activities in the Lunar 

Discovery and Exploration program. NASA recently announced the selection of five additional CLPS 

providers. Early CLPS lunar missions will enable important technology demonstrations that will inform 

the development of future landers and other exploration systems needed for NASA's Moon-to-Mars 

campaign. The Budget proposes a collaboration with Canada on a Mars Ice Mapper, a remote sensing 

mission under study intended to map and profile the near-surface (3-15 meters) water ice, particularly that 

which lies in the mid-latitude regions, in support of future science and exploration missions, and 

continues support for a Mars Sample Return mission as early as 2026. 

Given the delay to initiating a contract for a commercial launch vehicle, the Budget supports the launch of 

the Europa Clipper as early as 2024 (one year later than previously proposed) on a commercial launch 

vehicle, which would save taxpayers over $1.5 billion compared to an SLS rocket. A Europa Lander 

mission, which was not supported by the science community in the Planetary Science decadal midterm 

report, is not funded. 

Consistent with prior requests, the Budget proposes termination of the Pre-Aerosol, Clouds, and ocean 

Ecosystem (PACE) and Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) 

Pathfinder missions. Given existing ocean and climate monitoring missions and future mission plans from 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and international partners, demonstrating 

expanded measurement capabilities is a not a priority for NASA funding.

The Budget again proposes to terminate funding for the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST)

mission and focus on the completion of the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb), now planned for 

launch in March 2021. The Administration is not ready to proceed with another multi-billion-dollar 

telescope until Webb has been successfully launched and deployed. The Budget also proposes termination 

of the SOFIA mission, which costs over $80 million per year and has not proven to be as scientifically 

productive as other missions. 
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ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

SCIENCE RESULTS

NASA investments continue to generate productive science and interesting results. In Planetary Science,

after three years orbiting Jupiter, Juno confirmed minute but distinct changes in Jupiter’s internal 

magnetic field over time. It is the first observation of this phenomenon, called secular variation, outside of 

Earth. The variation is best explained by Jupiter’s deep atmospheric winds shearing the magnetic fields as 

they pull electrically conductive hydrogen around the planet. Improving the understanding of Jupiter has 

important implications for studying and anticipating changes in Earth’s magnetic field.

In Astrophysics, as of October 2019, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has completed two 

thirds of the data collection for its exoplanet survey, identifying over 1,100 candidate planets orbiting 

other stars. TESS has recently discovered rocky, Earth-size planets, planets within the habitable zones of 

their host stars where temperatures are just right for liquid water to exist on the planet’s surface, planetary 

systems with multiple planets orbiting the same star, and planets within binary star systems having two 

suns in their sky.

In Earth Science, a review of snow pack trends found that there is extensive surface and satellite-based 

evidence of significant declines in the spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere starting in the mid 

1980’s. Scientists attribute the decline in snowpack to a response to recent warming. They also found that 

limitations in current satellite systems severely hamper our ability to monitor snow cover and trends in 

mountain regions. Persistent changes to the regional snowpack in a changing climate can have disruptive 

societal and economic impacts (e.g., water supply disruptions, agriculture challenges, and regional 

flooding).

In Heliophysics, the Parker Solar Probe spacecraft made three close passes through the Sun’s corona and 

returned a wealth of scientific data. These data are the subject of the papers published in Nature magazine 

on December 4, 2019. Included in these papers are major findings that tie directly to the mission 

objectives of understanding how the corona is heated to millions of degrees and how the solar wind is 

accelerated to supersonic speeds. It has long been thought that waves seen in the solar wind are relics of 

more intense waves back in the corona that heated the plasma. Researchers were hoping to see the waves 

increase in intensity closer to the Sun. To their surprise, the waves are stronger but also organized into 

coherent structures that travel at high speeds through the solar wind and can flip the direction of the 

magnetic field. These structures may be a sign that specific events at the Sun are expelled into space and 

heat the corona. Researchers also discovered an unexpected large rotational flow of the solar wind around 

the Sun. This large flow is ten times larger than predicted by models and challenges everything from our 

simulations of the Sun to predictions of how quickly the Sun loses angular momentum and slows down its 

spin.

NASA highlights these and many other scientific results in the pages that follow.

COST AND SCHEDULE PERFORMANCE

In June 2018, NASA announced a launch delay and cost growth on the James Webb Space Telescope. In 

December 2019, NASA submitted a Breach Report to Congress due to cost growth on the Mars 2020 

mission, which remains on track for launch in July 2020. Otherwise, most Science missions have 

continued to demonstrate good cost and schedule performance. Since 2011, when NASA implemented a 

requirement for missions entering development to budget at the 70 percent confidence level, we have 
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launched 22 Science missions subject to GAO reporting, with a total net budget underrun of three percent.

Twelve of those missions launched by NASA's original commitment date.

In the last 12 months, NASA launched the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3 (OCO-3) and Ionospheric 

Connection (ICON) missions. OCO-3 launched to the International Space Station four days late and was 

about one percent under budget. Due to issues with its Pegasus launch vehicle, ICON launched two years 

late, but was only five percent over budget. Both OCO-3 and ICON are performing well in orbit.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA Science includes about 100 missions, most of which involve collaboration with international 

partners or other U.S. agencies. Work on over 30 missions in formulation and development continues.

Launch of the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter Collaboration is scheduled for February 2020. Our Mars 2020 

rover is on track for launch in July 2020, as is ESA's ExoMars rover, which will carry the NASAprovided Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer Mass Spectrometer. Operations of more than 60 other Science 

missions continue. Suborbital flights using aircraft, sounding rockets, and balloons are ongoing, as are 

more than 3,000 competitively selected research awards to scientists located at universities, independent 

research centers, NASA field Centers, industry, and other government agencies.

By the end of FY 2020, NASA plans to make final selections from the nine candidate Heliophysics 

Missions of Opportunity, select the first Earth Venture Continuity (EVC-1) mission - focused on Earth's 

radiation budget, select the third full Earth Venture Mission (EVM-3), complete architecture studies of 

and start development of Landsat-Next systems, and make initial selections for the next Astrophysics 

Small Explorer and Astrophysics Mission of Opportunity.

The SMD-wide CubeSat/SmallSat initiative is responsive to recommendations from a 2016 National 

Academies report that concluded that small satellites are suitable to address specific high-priority science 

goals. The investment supports technology development in all science themes and provides new 

partnership opportunities among NASA and commercial partners.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, NASA plans to launch the James Webb Space Telescope and the Multi-Angle Imager for 

Aerosols (MAIA) Earth Venture-Class mission. NASA plans to select up to two new Discovery missions, 

the next Earth Venture - Instrument (EVI-6), and the next Heliophysics Mid-class Explorer (MIDEX). 

NASA plans to release a new Heliophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Announcement of Opportunity (AO)

and a new Astrophysics MIDEX AO, and it will begin formulation activities on the first Earth Science 

Designated Observable mission.

Themes

EARTH SCIENCE

From the vantage point of space, NASA satellites can view and study our home planet and its dynamic 

system of diverse components: the oceans, atmosphere, continents, ice sheets, and life. The Nation’s 
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scientific community can thereby observe and track global-scale changes, connecting causes to effects. 

Scientists can study regional changes in their global context, as well as observe the role that human 

civilization plays as a force of change. NASA’s Earth Science activities are an essential part of national 

and international efforts to understand change at all time-scales and to use Earth observations and 

scientific understanding in service to society. Through its partnerships with other agencies that maintain 

forecasting and decision support systems, NASA helps to advance national capabilities to predict climate, 

weather, and natural hazards; manage resources; and inform the development of environmental policy.

In January 2018, the National Academies released the second Decadal Survey for Earth Science and 

Applications from Space, which provided recommendations for the next decade (2018 - 2027). The 

primary recommendations were:

• Complete the program of record, including maintaining the Venture Class program and 

completing missions currently in formulation and development. This budget supports the 

recommendation, except for proposals to terminate funding for PACE and CLARREO Pathfinder.

• Establish a “Continuity Measurement” strand as an addition to the existing Venture-class program 

to provide opportunity for the demonstration of low-cost sustained observations. This budget 

supports the recommendation.

• Implement cost-capped medium- and large-size missions/observing systems to address the five 

“Designated” observables (Aerosols; Clouds, Convection, & Precipitation; Mass Change; Surface 

Biology & Geology; Surface Deformation & Change). This budget supports the recommendation, 

enabling the start of one Designated Observable mission in FY 2021.

• Establish a new competed “Explorer” flight line to provide opportunities for cost-capped 

medium-size instruments and missions. Due to budget limitations and other priorities, this budget 

does not establish an Earth Explorer program.

• Establish an “Incubator Program” to mature specific technologies for important – but presently 

immature – measurements. This budget supports the recommendation.

NASA asks the Earth Science Advisory Committee for input to ensure that our proposed programs 

maximize scientific productivity within the general framework established by the National Academies.

PLANETARY SCIENCE

To answer questions about the solar system and the origins of life, NASA sends robotic space probes to 

the Moon, other planets and their moons, asteroids and comets, and the icy bodies beyond Neptune. In 

FY 2019, NASA began a new Lunar Discovery and Exploration program that is part of the Agency's 

exploration initiative. The program develops instruments and other payloads for missions to the lunar 

surface. In partnership with industry and with other NASA organizations, the new program will address 

exploration, science, and technology demonstration objectives as the agency prepares for a sustained 

program of lunar exploration. NASA is also building the next Mars rover, which will launch in July 2020. 

The Mars 2020 rover will address key questions about the potential for life on Mars and will cache 

samples for a future Mars Sample Return mission. In January 2019, the New Horizons spacecraft 

completed the first fly-by of a Kuiper Belt object. NASA is operating spacecraft at Mars, Jupiter, and the 

Moon, and the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is orbiting and studying the potentially hazardous asteroid Bennu, 

with the intention of capturing and returning a sample to Earth.
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The primary recommendations of the National Academies’ 2012 Decadal Survey for Planetary Science 

were:

• Continue Discovery solicitations, with the cost cap adjusted for inflation and a 24-month cadence.

In the upcoming AOs, NASA will impose a cost cap of $500 million FY 2019 constant dollars for 

phases A through D, not including the cost of the launch vehicle or the value of any non-NASA 

contributions, per the Decadal recommendation. This cost cap is equivalent to the $450 million

FY 2015 in the previous AO, which led to the selection of the Lucy and Psyche missions. The 

out-year budget supports an approximate 30-month cadence for future launches. In addition, the 

Lunar Discovery and Exploration program includes the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, VIPER 

lunar rover, and payloads for delivery to the lunar surface and orbit.

• Continue New Frontiers with a $1 billion cost cap, and select two new missions by 2022. This 

budget supports the recommended cost cap for the AO released in February 2017, which resulted

in the 2019 selection of the Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan.

• Begin the two highest priority flagships: a Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher and a Europa 

mission. This budget supports both the Mars 2020 rover mission that will address the highest 

priority Mars science objectives recommended by the Planetary Decadal Survey and the Europa 

Clipper project. The budget includes $233 million in FY 2021 for studies and technology 

development (along with international partners) towards a Mars sample return mission, launching 

as early as 2026.

• Continue missions in development and flight, subject to senior review. This budget supports all 

missions selected for development, all missions in prime operations, and all extended missions.

• Increase research and analysis (R&A) spending by 5 percent above the FY 2011 budget level, and 

then 1.5 percent above inflation thereafter. This budget meets the recommendation.

• Increase Planetary Technology spending to six to eight percent of the total division budget, 

including completion of the advanced Stirling radioisotope generators. This budget meets the 

recommended goal for technology spending and includes funding for dynamic radioisotope 

power system development.

• Achieve a balanced program through a mix of Discovery, New Frontiers, and flagship missions 

and an appropriate balance among the many potential targets in the solar system. This budget 

achieves a balanced program by supporting the competed, Principal Investigator (PI)-led 

programs and two flagship missions (Mars 2020 rover and Europa Clipper). It also continues 

formulation of a Mars Sample Return mission for launch in 2026. To preserve the balance of 

NASA’s science portfolio and maintain flexibility to conduct missions that were determined to be 

more important by the science community, this budget provides no funding for a multi-billiondollar mission to land on Europa.

NASA asks the Planetary Science Advisory Committee for input to ensure that our proposed programs 

maximize scientific productivity within the general framework established by the National Academies.

ASTROPHYSICS

Space is the proving ground for many theories with breathtaking implications for our understanding of the 

physical universe, including the origin of the universe, black holes, dark matter and dark energy, and 

planets throughout the universe where life might exist. Having measured the age of the universe, the 

scientific community now seeks to explore further extremes: its birth, the edges of space and time near 

black holes, gravitational waves, and the mysterious dark energy filling the entire universe. Scientists 
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have recently developed astronomical instrumentation and analysis methodologies sensitive enough to 

detect planets around other stars. With thousands of extrasolar planets now known, scientists are using 

current NASA missions in conjunction with ground-based telescopes to seek Earth-like planets in other 

solar systems.

The 2010 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics recommended a coordinated program of 

research, technology development, ground-based facilities, and space-based missions for implementation 

during 2012–2021. The primary recommendations were:

• Complete the ongoing program. The Astro 2010 Decadal Survey assumed continuation of the 

current program, which at that time assumed the launch of Webb in 2014; full operations of the 

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) airborne observatory in 2012; and 

completion of three Explorer missions: the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) in 

2012, the Gravity and Extreme Magnetism (GEMS) Explorer in 2014, and the U.S. contribution 

to the Japanese ASTRO-H mission in 2014. This budget fully supports launch of Webb in March 

2021 and continued operations of NuSTAR (launched in 2012). NASA halted development of 

GEMS in 2012 due to cost overruns. NASA delivered the ASTRO-H instrument to Japan for 

launch in 2016; in response to the ASTRO-H spacecraft failure, this budget supports NASA's

participation in the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), Japan's planned recovery 

mission. This budget proposes termination of SOFIA given its high operating costs and low 

scientific productivity. 

• Support the ongoing core research program to ensure a balanced program that optimizes overall 

scientific return. This budget fully supports the ongoing core research program and funds a 

balanced program of strategic and PI-led missions, research and analysis, suborbital projects, and 

technology development addressing the highest priorities in cosmic origins, exoplanet 

exploration, and physics of the cosmos.

• Launch WFIRST by 2020. The Astro 2010 Decadal Survey did not account for the delay and cost 

growth of Webb. The budget provides no funding for WFIRST, as the Administration is not ready 

to proceed with another multi-billion-dollar space telescope until Webb has been successfully 

launched and deployed. Additionally, WFIRST was originally proposed as a less-than-$2 billion 

space telescope in the Decadal Survey. The current WFIRST architecture, which was supported 

by two National Academy studies, differs from that discussed in the 2010 Decadal Survey and is 

estimated to cost $3.3-$3.9 billion. 

• Augment the Astrophysics Explorers Program to support the selection of four missions and four 

smaller missions of opportunity each decade. This budget fully supports the recommended 

cadence of new Astrophysics Explorers missions, with AOs in 2011, 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2021, 

and a new class of small Pioneer-class Explorers.

• Launch the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) by 2025. This budget supports studies 

and technology development leading toward a potential contribution to an ESA-led gravitational 

wave observatory for launch in 2034.

• Invest in Technology leading toward an international X-ray observatory in the 2020s. This budget 

supports a U.S. contribution to the ESA-led Athena advanced X-ray observatory for launch in 

2031.

• Invest in a New Worlds technology development and precursor science program for a 2020s 

mission to image habitable rocky planets. This budget supports studies of two potential missions 

to image and characterize habitable rocky exoplanets as well as the technologies required to 

realize them, including coronagraphs, starshades, and advanced mirrors.
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• Invest in technology development and precursor science for a 2020s mission to probe the epoch 

of inflation. This budget supports the development of technology and conduct of precursor 

science required for a potential future mission to probe the epoch of inflation at the immediate 

beginning of the universe.

• Increase funding for several targeted areas of supporting research and technology. This budget 

focuses investments on the science opportunities of CubeSats/SmallSats, taking advantage of the 

technological progress in the public and private sector toward meeting high-priority science 

goals. This budget also supports increased funding for research and analysis, including 

recommended investments in advanced technology development, theoretical and computational 

networks, suborbital programs, laboratory astrophysics, and technology for future 

ultraviolet/visible space telescopes.

NASA is continuing to address many of the Decadal Survey recommendations, though in some cases at a 

slower pace than anticipated. Adjustments to the Decadal Survey recommendations are primarily due to 

overly optimistic Decadal assumptions regarding future budgets, and challenges and delays to programs 

such as Webb. Other factors that could not be anticipated by the Decadal Survey include changing 

international partnership opportunities, emerging technologies that have changed what can be 

accomplished, and advances in our scientific understanding of the universe. The 2016 Midterm 

Assessment of decadal survey progress found that “NASA has maintained a balanced portfolio through 

the first half of the decade and, with the assumption of successful completion of an ambitious Explorer 

schedule, will do so during the second half of the decade as well.” In 2019, NASA received the 

recommendations from the Senior Review of operating Astrophysics missions, which has informed the 

FY 2021 budget request.

NASA asks the Astrophysics Advisory Committee for input to ensure that our proposed programs 

maximize scientific productivity within the general framework established by the National Academies.

HELIOPHYSICS

The Sun, a typical small star midway through its life, governs our solar system. The Sun wields its 

influence through its gravity, radiation, solar wind, and magnetic fields, all of which interact with the 

Earth and its space environment. These processes are crucial for our understanding of the universe, and 

they relate directly to our ability to live in space as they produce space weather, which can affect human 

technological infrastructure and activities in space. Using a fleet of sensors on various spacecraft in Earth 

orbit and throughout the heliosphere, NASA seeks to understand the fundamental processes of how and 

why the Sun varies, how Earth and our solar system respond to the Sun, how the Sun and the solar system 

interact with the interstellar medium, and how human activities are affected by these processes. The 

science of heliophysics, including space weather, enables the predictions necessary to safeguard life and 

society on Earth and the outward journeys of human and robotic explorers.

The primary recommendations of the National Academies’ 2013 Decadal Survey for Heliophysics were:

• Maintain and complete the current program. The Decadal Survey assumed launch of Van Allen 

Probes by 2012, Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) by 2013, Magnetospheric 

Multiscale (MMS) by 2014, Solar Orbiter Collaboration (SOC) by 2017, Parker Solar Probe by 

2018, and continued current funding of the research program. Van Allen, IRIS, MMS, and Parker 

Solar Probe have launched. NASA plans to launch the ESA-led SOC mission in February 2020.
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• Implement the DRIVE (Diversify, Realize, Integrate, Venture, Educate) initiative, including the 

incorporation of smaller spacecraft and an increase in the competed research program from 10 

percent to about 15 percent of the budget request. This budget request meets these objectives and 

invests in the SMD-wide CubeSat/SmallSat initiative.

• Accelerate and expand the Heliophysics Explorer Program, resulting in an increase to the cadence 

of competed missions to one launch every two to three years. NASA launched IRIS in 2013, 

Global-Scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) in 2018, and ICON in October 2019. 

The proposed out-year budgets, if realized, would enable launch of the 2019 selections 

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE), Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere 

(PUNCH) and Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites 

(TRACERS) by August 2022. The budget also supports the launch by 2025 of one mission that 

will be selected through the 2019 MIDEX solicitation. NASA plans additional launches 

approximately every two years thereafter.

• Restructure Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP) as a moderate-scale, principal investigator-led flight 

program, and implement three mid-scale missions with an eventual recommended four-year 

cadence. This budget supports launch of the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

mission, which is PI-led, in 2024. NASA intends to competitively select future STP strategic 

missions as recommended by the Decadal Survey.

• Implement a large Living with a Star (LWS) mission to study Global Dynamic Coupling with a 

launch in 2024. NASA chartered a Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) for the 

Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) mission to leverage technical advancements and enable 

cost-effective solutions in anticipation of launch as early as 2026. The results of the STDT study 

provided the basis for pre-formulation planning activities to further develop the mission concept.

The Decadal Survey also made recommendations related to space weather applications, addressed 

collectively to the relevant government agencies. NASA will continue collaborating with other agencies 

to improve space weather observation and forecasting capabilities.

NASA asks the Heliophysics Advisory Committee for input to ensure that our proposed programs 

maximize scientific productivity within the general framework established by the National Academies.
Science

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Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Earth Science Research 454.1 -- 447.3 471.9 494.1 528.5 530.3

Earth Systematic Missions 932.7 -- 608.3 706.1 695.6 640.7 797.3

Earth System Science Pathfinder 223.8 -- 338.9 301.2 251.6 241.8 234.4

Earth Science Data Systems 202.0 -- 245.4 259.9 263.2 278.7 277.7

Earth Science Technology 63.4 -- 74.2 82.8 84.6 86.4 86.4

Applied Sciences 55.1 -- 53.9 56.3 57.0 58.5 58.5

Total Budget 1931.0 1971.8 1768.1 1878.2 1846.1 1834.5 1984.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Earth Science

EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH .................................................................................ES-2

EARTH SYSTEMATIC MISSIONS...........................................................................ES-14

Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission (SWOT) [Development].........................ES-16

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) [Development] ......................................ES-23

Landsat 9 [Development]...................................................................................................ES-29

Sentinel-6 [Development] ..................................................................................................ES-35

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................ES-42

EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE PATHFINDER.............................................................ES-60

Venture Class Missions .....................................................................................................ES-61

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................ES-74

EARTH SCIENCE DATA SYSTEMS........................................................................ES-79

EARTH SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY..........................................................................ES-88

APPLIED SCIENCES ..............................................................................................ES-93
Science: Earth Science

EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH 

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Earth Science Research and Analysis 316.5 -- 309.9 321.7 324.0 327.4 327.2

Computing and Management 137.6 -- 137.4 150.2 170.1 201.1 203.1

Total Budget 454.1 -- 447.3 471.9 494.1 528.5 530.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This image, constructed from IMERG data, shows the "grand 

average climatology" of global precipitation from June 2000 

to May 2019. NASA’s Precipitation Measurement Missions 

(PMM) have collected rain and snowfall from space for nearly 

20 years and, for the first time in 2019, scientists can access 

PMM’s entire record as one data set.

NASA’s Earth Science Research program 

develops a scientific understanding of Earth 

and its response to natural or human-induced 

changes. Earth is a system, like the human 

body, comprised of diverse components 

interacting in complex ways. Understanding 

Earth’s atmosphere, crust, water, ice, and life 

as a single, connected system is necessary to 

improve our predictions of climate, weather, 

and natural hazards. The Earth Science 

Research program addresses complex, 

interdisciplinary Earth science problems in 

pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of 

the Earth system. This strategy involves six 

interdisciplinary and interrelated science 

focus areas, including:

• Water and Energy Cycle: quantifying the key reservoirs and fluxes in the global water cycle, 

assessing water cycle change, and assessing water quality.

• Weather: enabling improved predictive capability for weather and extreme weather events.

• Earth Surface and Interior: characterizing the dynamics of the Earth’s surface and interior and 

forming the scientific basis for the assessment and mitigation of natural hazards and response to 

rare and extreme events.

• Climate Variability and Change: understanding the roles of ocean, atmosphere, land, and ice in 

the climate system and improving our ability to predict future changes.

• Atmospheric Composition: understanding and improving our predictive capability for changes in 

the ozone layer, Earth’s radiation budget, and air quality associated with changes in atmospheric 

composition.
Science: Earth Science

EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH

ES-3

• Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems: quantifying, understanding, and predicting changes in Earth’s 

ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, including the global carbon cycle, land cover, and 

biodiversity.

NASA’s Earth Science Research program pioneers the use of both space-borne and aircraft measurements 

in all of these areas. The Earth Science Research program is critical to the advancement of the interagency 

U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), established in 1989 and mandated in the Global 

Change Research Act of 1990 to develop and coordinate “a comprehensive and integrated United States 

research program which will assist the Nation and the world to understand, assess, predict, and respond to 

human-induced and natural processes of global change.” The Earth Science Research program also makes 

extensive contributions to international science programs, such as the World Climate Research Program.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

A recent study assessed the impact of assimilating Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave 

Imager (GMI) clear-sky radiance on the track and intensity forecasts of two Atlantic hurricanes during the

2015 and 2016 hurricane seasons using the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Forecast 

verifications against dropsonde soundings and reanalysis data show that assimilating GMI clear-sky 

radiance, when it does not overlap with overpasses of other microwave sounders, can improve forecasts 

of both thermodynamic (e.g., temperature and specific humidity) and dynamic variables (e.g., 

geopotential height and wind field), which leads to better track forecasts and a more realistic hurricane 

inner-core structure.

Persistent changes to the regional snowpack in a changing climate can have disruptive societal and 

economic impacts (e.g., water supply, agriculture, and regional flooding). In a review of snow pack 

trends, scientists found that there is extensive surface and satellite-based evidence of significant declines 

in the spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere starting in the mid 1980’s. They attribute the decline 

in snowpack as a response to recent warming. They also found that limitations in current satellite systems 

severely hamper our ability to monitor snow cover and trends in mountain regions.

Research supported by the NASA Glenn Research Center has advanced the understanding of algal blooms 

in the Great Lakes, and their consequences and impacts on human health. For example, it was determined 

through airborne hyperspectral imagery collected over Lake Erie that in order to successfully differentiate 

algal bloom types based on their spectral reflectance, a spatial resolution of no more than 50m is needed.

This resolution provides the best sensitivity to high concentration areas that are of significant importance 

for human health and subject to potential ecological damage.

Analysis of gravity field measurements from GRACE have provided new insights into seismic cycle 

processes at subduction zones. Following the magnitude 8.1 Samoa‐Tonga earthquake in September 

2009, investigators used GRACE and GPS data to detect largescale gravity increases (roughly equivalent 

to a centimeter in equivalent water height change) and ongoing subsidence. Given this intensified 

subsidence, postseismic rates of relative sea level rise in the surrounding islands increased. American 
Science: Earth Science

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Samoa saw the greatest postseismic subsidence, resulting in a relative sea level rise rate approximately 

five times faster than the global average sea level rise rate (3.4 millimeters/year). 

A study in the Journal of Volcanology integrated satellite-detections of ground deformation, sulfur 

dioxide emissions based on detections from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and Ozone 

Monitoring Instrument (OMI), and thermal features using data from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal 

Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer 

(MODIS), each of which contributed unique detections, validating a multi-sensor approach. The study 

found that most volcanic eruptions in the past few decades were measurable from satellites, and those not 

detected were associated with low volcano explosivity index eruptions and occurred in the earlier decades 

of remote sensing (pre-2000) when detection thresholds were high. The upcoming NASA-ISRO Synthetic 

Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission will add new capabilities for observing volcano deformation.

Researchers used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and a simple hydrological model to 

characterize 8 years of stable sliding of the Mud Creek landslide in California prior to its rapid 

acceleration and catastrophic failure on May 20, 2017. Their results suggest a large increase in pore-fluid 

pressure occurred during a shift from historic drought to record rainfall that triggered a large increase in 

velocity and drove slip localization, overcoming the stabilizing mechanisms that had previously inhibited 

landslide acceleration. Such increased precipitation extremes may make it more common for landslides to 

transition from stable to unstable motion.

A recent study examines the relationship between economic growth and air quality (nitrogen oxides, 

NOx, as an indicator) in the 100 most populated global cities, based on satellite nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 

data from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on the Aura satellite and gross urban product (GUP). 

For the period of 2005-2011, those cities denoted as high-income cities had decreasing NO2 levels 

compared to cities considered low-income. This is likely due to air pollution controls despite economic 

growth. The lower income cities showed increasing NO2 with industrialization, urbanization, and 

increasing energy consumption indicative of rapid economic growth.

Researchers published a comprehensive analysis of CO2 emissions in the urban domain of Boston and 

surrounding regions. The work establishes the template for monitoring and measuring fossil fuel emission 

from large urbanized areas, combining inverse modeling with extensive data from sensors on the ground, 

in aircraft, and from satellites. It introduced and validated new "big-data" approaches to determine actual 

emissions in an urban area, including spatial and temporal distributions. It lays the groundwork for 

Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 (OCO-3) measurements of urban emissions, which have the Boston urban 

domain as a principal early target.

Scientists analyzed a “marine heatwave” between 2013 and 2015 over the northeast Pacific Ocean, 

characterized by the highest surface temperatures ever recorded in a swath from near the Gulf of Alaska 

to off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. Satellite data showed that the heatwave was associated with a 

record decrease in the typically high cloudiness over an area of the Pacific off Baja California that is 

roughly half the size of the contiguous United States. Such a deficit in cloud cover coincided with a large 

increase in the amount of sunlight absorbed by the ocean surface, resulting in extremely warm 

temperatures. Their findings suggest that a positive feedback between clouds and ocean surface 

temperature can strongly contribute to significant and difficult-to-predict changes in marine climate.

Two papers came out that put the long-term changes in Arctic and Antarctic sea ice into perspective. The 

first extended the Arctic sea ice thickness, volume, and multiyear ice records by comparing the pre-
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satellite submarine data from 1958 – 1976 to the recent Cryosat-2 measurements from 2011 – 2018. They 

find that sea ice thickness at the end of the melt season decreased by 66 percent over the six-decade 

period. Between 1999 and 2017, multiyear ice cover has decreased by 50 percent and now covers less 

than one third of the Arctic Ocean. The study concludes that as much of the multiyear ice is lost, 

variations in sea ice thickness and volume will be controlled by the changes in seasonal ice, will be more 

moderate, and will be more sensitive to climate forcing. The second paper highlights the dramatic reversal 

in Antarctic sea ice extent trends seen from 2014 to 2017. Previous to 2014, Antarctic sea ice extent had 

substantial interannual variability but an overall small positive trend. From 2014 to 2017, Antarctic sea 

ice extent decreased to record low values with 2017 being a minimum. The rate of change during the 

four-year period exceeded the rate of change in any other four-year period from 1978 to 2018 in either the 

Arctic or the Southern Ocean.

An increasing amount of evidence from NASA Ocean's Melting Greenland (OMG) campaign and NASA 

data synthesis and modeling efforts (ECCO) suggests a leading role of oceans in controlling the fate of 

major land ice complexes of Greenland and Antarctica. NASA scientists show a direct link between 

warming ocean waters and accelerated mass loss, thinning, and glacier retreats. Similarly, new data also 

suggest that episodic cooling of ocean waters can slow down glacier melt and cause glacier thickening. 

This direct ocean-ice link has important implications for projecting future changes of sea level that need 

to account for ocean-induced melting and dynamic coupling between the ocean and cryosphere. 

Researchers demonstrated the utility of satellite salinity data to improve our understanding of El NinoSouthern Oscillation (ENSO) and ENSO-related precipitation. By analyzing NASA and ESA satellite 

salinity data, they established a relationship between the large-scale fresh pools in the tropical Pacific 

with ENSO-induced precipitation and oceanic transport associated with mesoscale eddies. The examples 

of the linkages of satellite salinity with climate modes of variability, such as ENSO and Madden-Julian 

Oscillation (MJO), demonstrate the potential of satellite salinity measurements to improve the 

representation of climate variability in ocean models and related forecasts (e.g., through assimilation of 

satellite salinity data into general circulation and coupled models).

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) project continued a strong 

record of supporting student research. In 2019, NASA held six in-person research symposia across the 

United States. In all, 261 students from 26 states presented 114 projects. Students represented a diversity

of racial and ethnic groups, and nearly a quarter came from households where languages other than 

English were spoken. GLOBE Observer added a tree height measurement to the mobile platform, 

supporting the “Trees Around the GLOBE Student Research Campaign.”

The Scientific Computing project expanded the Discover supercomputing cluster by 46,400 computing 

cores to support increasing scientific and engineering workloads. The project continued progress towards

a centralized storage architecture with a clear data management policy. The project also installed and 

operationalized a small number of graphics processing units designed for machine learning and artificial 

intelligence. The High End Computing Capability (HECC) project completed the construction of a 

modular computing facility. The project also installed the initial units of the Aitken supercomputer with 

four E-Cells (1,152 nodes or 46,080 cores) to support increasing scientific and engineering workloads.

The Space Geodesy project continued the development and deployment of a modern network that 

includes co-located next-generation Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), Satellite Laser Ranging, 

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated 

by Satellite stations. NASA completed the deployment of the new VLBI Global Observing System 
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(VGOS) antenna at the McDonald Geodetic Observatory in Texas. This instrument will join NASA’s 

VGOS antennas at Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory in Hawaii and Goddard Geophysical and 

Astronomical Observatory in Maryland in contributing measurements towards updates to the terrestrial 

reference frame.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA will continue to fund projects competitively selected from Research Opportunities in Space and

Earth Science (ROSES) 2018 and 2019. Notable new research solicitations include: a) the implementation 

of a new interdisciplinary science (IDS) solicitation with seven interdisciplinary themes of emerging high 

priority research, and b) a repurposed Satellite Calibration Interconsistency Study solicitation, refocused 

on the development of additional and/or enhanced products from operational geostationary satellites and 

the use of those products for scientific research, which is being implemented together with NOAA.

NASA’s Land Cover/Land Use Change (LCLUC) activity will continue to study changes in both humaninduced changes in land use and naturally-occurring changes in land cover. The recently-initiated 

South/Southeast Asia Regional Initiative (SARI) brings together numerous NASA-funded investigators to 

study this rapidly growing and changing region as a near-term area of emphasis within the ongoing, 

global LCLUC activity. The SARI program involves close coordination with scientists and managers in 

this region, holding meetings to facilitate scientific interaction and support training of local investigators 

in using NASA data. In 2020, such SARI trainings are planned for the Philippines and Sri Lanka. This 

year, the LCLUC program has also initiated an area of emphasis in the less studied region of Central Asia. 

NASA will complete the data validation, provision of data to public archives, and initial analysis and 

interpretation of data obtained during major field campaigns during FY 2019. Most notably, this includes 

(a) the joint NASA-NOAA Fire Influence on Regional to Global Environments – Air Quality (FIREXAQ) campaign carried out in the summer of 2019 using NASA’s DC-8 and ER-2 aircraft to study the 

atmospheric impacts of wildfires and agricultural burning in the US, and (b) the joint NASA/US Navy 

Cloud, Aerosol, and Monsoon Processes Philippines Experiment (CAMP2Ex) carried out using NASA’s 

P-3 aircraft in the summer of 2019 based in the Philippines to study tropical meteorology and aerosol 

science, especially the influence of aerosol particles on clouds, precipitation, and atmospheric radiation in 

the poorly sampled Maritime Continent/Western Pacific/South China Sea area.

The fall of 2019 marks the final deployment for Operation Ice Bridge, which has been carried out since 

2009 to bridge the gap in measurements of ice sheet thickness between the end of operations of NASA’s 

Ice, Cloud, and Elevation Satellite (ICESat) in 2009 and the launch of NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite in 

September 2018. In 2020, NASA’s G-V aircraft, instrumented with two laser altimeters that measure ice 

elevation, together with radar sounders, temperature sensors, a gravimeter, and multiple cameras, will fly 

out of Hobart, Australia, to survey a range of snow and ice properties of Antarctic and the Southern 

Ocean. This campaign will also have coordinated flights underneath ICESat-2 tracks as well as in-situ 

measurements in collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division.

The SnowEx2020 campaign, with both airborne and surface-based observations, is a snow remote sensing 

effort that makes use of multiple approaches (both active and passive) to improve our knowledge of 

measuring snow distribution and properties (especially snow water equivalent). The Arctic Boreal 

Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) will continue extensive data collection in northwest Canada and 

Alaska (highlighted by a recent second major coordinated airborne campaign) as a follow up to the 2017 
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campaign and to complement on-going ground-based measurements. NASA and the Indian Space 

Research Organization (ISRO) have initiated a combined L/S-Band radar campaign using an ISROprovided instrument and a NASA-provided airborne platform. The scientific foci of this effort include 

terrestrial ecology, cryospheric science, terrestrial hydrology, Earth Surface/Interior, and disaster-related 

observations.

The Export Processes in the Ocean from Remote Sensing (EXPORTS) activity will conduct its second 

and final field campaign in the North Atlantic in the spring of 2020. EXPORTS will develop a predictive 

understanding of the export and fate of global ocean net primary production and its implications for the 

Earth’s carbon cycle in present and future climates. It will employ the same observational approaches for 

the North Atlantic as it did for the Northeast Pacific 2018 field campaign, which include ships,

autonomous observations (via floats and gliders), and satellite remote sensing.

NASA continues its close relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of their Joint 

Program Planning Group (JPPG). The calibration/validation subgroup continues to facilitate cooperation 

in field campaigns that address the research and/or calibration/validation objectives of both agencies. 

NASA and ESA are also looking to continue their successful cooperation in integrating scientific efforts, 

initiating a new joint study on emissions of methane from permafrost. NASA and ESA will enhance 

scientific coordination on surface-based measurements of ozone and nitrogen dioxide distributions 

through the Pandonia Global Network (PGN). PGN provides calibration/validation support for several 

United States and European satellite instruments and provides data sets useful for refinement of 

algorithms to be used for future geostationary air quality measuring satellites launched by the United 

States, Europe, and Korea. 

The GLOBE project celebrates its 25th anniversary in April 2020. Initiatives, spread across the year, 

include commemorative activities at the Annual Meeting (held in July 2020 in Washington, DC), the 

release of an updated trainer and mentor-trainer certification process, and a review of existing scientific 

protocols.

The Space Geodesy Project (SGP) will continue building the next-generation Space Geodesy Satellite 

Laser Ranging (SGSLR) systems for deployment to McDonald Geodetic Observatory in Texas; Goddard 

Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory in Maryland (GGAO); and Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in 

collaboration with the Norwegian Mapping Authority. Testing of the first gimbal and telescope assembly 

for these systems will begin at GGAO. The new SGSLR stations will ultimately allow for automated 

operations that will facilitate larger numbers of measurements for improved satellite tracking and geodetic 

science. The SGP also will continue to work with the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) 

on the implementation plan for a new joint NASA-CNES geodetic site in Tahiti.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In 2021, NASA will select new awards solicited in ROSES 2020. While most of the solicitations 

represent the periodic solicitations of ongoing R&A elements, there are some efforts that are sufficiently 

different from previous years that merit particular attention. 

Three Atmospheric Composition research programs will initiate proposals for data analysis and modeling 

of NASA-supported airborne campaign and surface-based network data selected in response to a unified 

solicitation in ROSES 2020, covering the Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis Program, the 
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Radiation Science Program, and the Tropospheric Composition Programs. These tasks will begin in 

FY 2021 and will support analysis and modeling of combined satellite remote sensing data, airborne 

remote sensing and in-situ data and surface-based remote sensing and in-situ data.

NASA’s Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems focus area will initiate a focused activity that involves synergistic 

utilization from several newly launched sensors, most notably the ECOSTRESS, GEDI, and OCO-3 

sensors all flying aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This activity will provide new insights into 

the linkages among processes associated with evapotranspiration, solar-induced fluorescence, and growth 

of aboveground biomass, and the role these processes play in the global carbon cycle and the coupling 

between the terrestrial carbon and terrestrial hydrologic cycle. 

The Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction (MAP) activity will initiate tasks focused on the characterization 

and evaluation of precipitation in earth system models, especially those associated with intermediate-term 

(subseasonal-to-seasonal) global models.

An Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry (OBB) activity will enter a focused analysis phase for data 

obtained in the two field phases of its EXPORTS program (2018 in Northeast Pacific, 2020 in North 

Atlantic). The data synthesis activity will allow for comparison and contrasting of data from the two 

oceanic regions, as well as assessment of the results relative to the representation of carbon export 

processes in global biogeochemical models.

The New Investigator Program (NIP) will initiate a new round of tasks to support early career 

investigators. 

Program Elements

GLOBAL MODELING AND ASSIMILATION OFFICE

The Global Modeling and Assimilation Office creates global climate and Earth system component models 

using data from Earth science satellites and aircraft. Investigators can then use these products worldwide 

to further their research.

AIRBORNE SCIENCE

The Airborne Science project is responsible for providing aircraft systems to further science and advance 

the use of satellite data. NASA uses these assets worldwide in campaigns to investigate extreme weather 

events, observe Earth system processes, obtain data for earth science modeling activities, and calibrate 

instruments flying aboard earth science spacecraft. NASA Airborne Science platforms support mission 

definition and development activities. These activities include:

• Conducting instrument development flights;

• Gathering ice sheet observations as gap fillers between missions (e.g., Operation IceBridge);

• Serving as technology test beds for Instrument Incubator Program missions; 

• Serving as the observation platforms for research campaigns, such as those competitively selected 

under the suborbital portion of Earth Venture; and
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• Calibrating and validating space-based measurements and retrieval algorithms.

OZONE TRENDS SCIENCE

The Ozone Trends Science project produces a consistent, calibrated ozone record used for trend analyses 

and other studies.

INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE

Interdisciplinary Science includes science investigations, as well as calibration and validation activities, 

that ensure the utility of space-based measurements. In addition, this project supports focused fieldwork 

(e.g., airborne campaigns) and specific facility instruments upon which fieldwork depends.

EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

Earth Science Research and Analysis is the core of the research program and funds the analysis and 

interpretation of data from NASA’s satellites. This project funds the scientific activity needed to establish 

a rigorous foundation for the satellites’ data and their use in computational models.

FELLOWSHIPS AND NEW INVESTIGATORS

The Fellowships and New Investigators project supports graduate and early career research in the areas of 

Earth system research and applied science.

SPACE GEODESY

Geodesy is the science of measuring Earth’s shape, gravity, orientation, and rotation and how these 

properties change over time. The Space Geodesy Project (SGP) encompasses the development, operation,

and maintenance of a global network of space geodetic technique instruments, a data transport and 

collection system, data analysis, and the public dissemination of data products required to maintain a 

stable terrestrial reference system. SGP provides the data and analysis essential for fully realizing the 

measurement potential of the current and coming generation of Earth Observing spacecraft. 

EARTH SCIENCE DIRECTED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

The Earth Science Directed Research and Technology project funds the civil service staff who work on 

emerging Earth Science flight projects, instruments, and research.

GLOBAL LEARNING AND OBSERVATIONS TO BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT

GLOBE is a worldwide hands-on primary and secondary school-based project that promotes collaboration 

among students, teachers, and scientists to conduct inquiry-based investigations about our environment. 

NASA works in close partnership with NOAA and the National Science Foundation to study the 

dynamics of Earth’s environment, focused on atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere (soil), and biosphere. 
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Students take measurements, analyze data, and participate in research in collaboration with scientists.

NASA initiated a citizen science component, called GLOBE Observer, in 2016 that makes four protocols 

available for use by anyone in a GLOBE country. 

For more information, go to: http://www.globe.gov

SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING

The Scientific Computing project funds NASA’s Earth Science Discover supercomputing system, 

high-end storage and network, software engineering, and user interface projects at NASA Goddard Space 

Flight Center (GSFC), including climate assessment modeling and data analysis. Scientific Computing 

supports Earth system science modeling activities based on data collected by Earth science spacecraft. 

The system is separate from the High-End Computing Capability program at NASA Ames Research 

Center, so it can be close to the satellite data archives at GSFC. The proximity to the data and the focus 

on satellite data assimilation makes the Discover cluster unique in its ability to analyze large volumes of 

satellite data quickly. The system currently has approximately 100,000 computer processor cores.

HIGH END COMPUTING CAPABILITY (HECC)

HECC focuses on the Endeavour, Merope, Pleiades, Electra, and Aitken supercomputer systems and the 

associated network connectivity, data storage, data analysis, visualization, and application software 

support. It serves the supercomputing needs of all NASA mission directorates and NASA-supported 

principal investigators at universities. The funding supports the operation, maintenance, upgrade, and 

expansion of NASA’s supercomputing capability. These four supercomputer systems, with approximately 

865,000 computer processor cores, support NASA’s aeronautics, human exploration, and science 

missions. For example, the systems are being used to perform first-of-a-kind simulations helping 

engineers reduce risk from acoustic vibrations generated by Orion’s Launch Abort System motor. The 

systems also run simulations created with unprecedented resolution helping scientists understand how 

galaxies co-evolve with extensive reservoirs of gas around them.

DIRECTORATE SUPPORT

The Directorate Support project funds the NASA Science Mission Directorate’s institutional and 

crosscutting activities including: National Academies studies, proposal peer review processes, printing 

and graphics, information technology, the NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship program, working group 

support, independent assessment studies, procurement support for the award and administration of all 

grants, and other administrative tasks.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2020 ROSES-2019 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2020 ROSES-2020 solicitation release
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Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2021 ROSES-2020 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2021 ROSES-2021 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2022 ROSES-2021 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2022 ROSES-2022 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2023 ROSES-2022 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2023 ROSES-2023 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2024 ROSES-2023 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2024 ROSES-2024 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2025 ROSES-2024 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2025 ROSES-2025 solicitation release

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Global Modeling and 

Assimilation Office

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Airborne Science

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): AFRC, ARC, WFF, JSC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Scientific Computing

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Ozone Trends Science

Provider: Various 

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): LaRC, GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): USGCRP and SOST agencies

Interdisciplinary Science

Provider: Various 

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): HQ, JPL, GSFC, ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC, MSFC, JSC

Cost Share Partner(s): USGCRP and SOST agencies
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Program Element Provider

Earth Science Research and 

Analysis

Provider: Various 

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): All NASA Centers

Cost Share Partner(s): USGCRP and SOST agencies

High-End Computing 

Capability

Provider: ARC

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Directorate Support

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): All NASA Centers

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Fellowships and New 

Investigators

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): All NASA Centers

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Space Geodesy

Provider: Various 

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC, JPL

Cost Share Partners: N/A

Global Learning and 

Observations to Benefit the 

Environment

Provider: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): HQ, GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
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Acquisition Strategy

NASA implements the Earth Science Research program via competitively selected research awards. 

NASA releases research solicitations each year in the ROSES NASA Research Announcements. All 

proposals in response to NASA ROSES are peer reviewed and selected based on defined criteria. The 

program competitively awards funds to investigators from academia, the private sector, NASA Centers,

and other Government agencies.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Relevance

Earth Science 

Advisory 

Committee 

2019

To review progress 

towards Earth 

Science objectives in 

the NASA Strategic 

Plan

All six science focus 

areas remained on 

track in their annual 

performance towards 

the achievement of 

research goals

2020; 

annually 
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Surface Water and Ocean Topography 

Mission (SWOT)

109.1 82.2 63.9 32.8 11.5 9.5 9.5

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar 

(NISAR)

134.6 136.0 59.7 73.5 34.4 24.3 19.7

Landsat 9 137.4 108.9 86.5 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0

Sentinel-6 70.4 59.5 20.4 14.9 35.3 52.9 68.0

Other Missions and Data Analysis 481.2 -- 377.8 582.2 611.5 551.1 697.1

Total Budget 932.7 -- 608.3 706.1 695.6 640.7 797.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

One of the major goals of the ICESat-2 mission 

is to measure the elevation change of the ice 

sheets. By comparing elevation measurements 

from ICESat-2 (2018-19) with those of ICESat 

(2003-09), scientists can measure decade-long 

trends in ice sheet elevation. These results 

indicate that both the Antarctic and Greenland 

(pictured) ice sheets continue to lose ice along 

their margins.

The Earth Systematic Missions (ESM) program includes a 

broad range of multi-disciplinary science investigations 

aimed at understanding the Earth system and its response 

to natural and human-induced forces and changes. 

Understanding these forces will help determine how to 

predict future changes and mitigate or adapt to these 

changes. 

The ESM program develops Earth-observing satellite 

missions, manages the operation of these missions once 

on-orbit, and produces mission data products to support 

the research and applications communities.

Interagency and international partnerships are central 

elements of the ESM program. More than half of the 

projects in development under ESM have an international 

or interagency contribution, and several on-orbit missions 

provide data products in near real-time for use by the 

United States and international meteorological agencies 

and disaster responders.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR PROGRAMMATIC 

CHANGES IN FY 2021

The request for Other Missions and Data Analysis 

includes funds to begin the implementation of the first 

Designated Observable mission in FY 2021 and start other 
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Designated Observable missions as out-year budgets permit per the 2017 Decadal survey 

recommendation.

Consistent with prior Budget requests, this budget provides no funding for the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, 

ocean Ecosystem (PACE) and the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory Pathfinder 

(CLARREO Pathfinder) missions. PACE would have incorporated ocean color and atmospheric aerosol 

measurement capabilities that are an enhancement over current capabilities. The CLARREO Pathfinder 

mission would have demonstrated measurement technologies for a larger, more expensive future mission 

recommended in the 2007 decadal survey focused on improving detection of climate trends. Existing and 

planned missions from other NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and 

international partner satellite fleets are providing or will provide measurements to enable similar science. 

The PACE and CLARREO Pathfinder missions are in early mission development and are eliminated to 

achieve cost savings. 
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SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY MISSION 

(SWOT)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-16

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 136.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 136.8

Development/Implementation 305.3 109.1 82.2 57.0 17.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 571.5

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.9 14.9 11.5 9.5 9.5 0.0 52.2

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 442.1 109.1 82.2 63.9 32.8 11.5 9.5 9.5 0.0 760.4

Total Budget 442.1 109.1 82.2 63.9 32.8 11.5 9.5 9.5 0.0 760.4

Change from FY 2020 -18.3

Percentage change from FY 2020 -22.3%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

An artist’s conception shows the Surface Water Ocean 

Topography (SWOT) satellite, which entered the 

implementation phase in May 2016. SWOT will make highresolution, wide-swath altimetric measurements of the 

world's oceans and fresh water bodies to understand their 

circulation, surface topography, and storage. This multidisciplinary, cooperative international mission will produce 

science and data products that will allow for fundamental 

advances in understanding the global water cycle.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography 

(SWOT) mission will improve our 

understanding of the world’s oceans and 

terrestrial surface waters. The mission will 

make high-resolution measurements of ocean 

circulation, its kinetic energy, and its 

dissipation, through broad swath altimetry. 

These measurements will improve ocean 

circulation models, leading to better prediction 

of weather and climate. The mission will also 

revolutionize knowledge of the surface water 

inventory on the continents by making precise 

measurements of water levels in millions of 

lakes and water bodies and the discharge of all 

major rivers. This will allow for deeper 

understanding of the natural water cycle and 

potentially better water management.
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SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY MISSION 

(SWOT)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-17

The 2007 and 2017 National Academies decadal surveys endorsed SWOT. The mission will complement 

the Jason oceanography missions, as well as other NASA missions currently in operation and 

development to measure the global water cycle: Sentinel-6, Global Precipitation Measurement, Soil 

Moisture Active Passive, and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On. 

SWOT is a collaborative mission with the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES), Canadian Space 

Agency (CSA), and United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA).

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

SWOT will provide broad-swath sea surface heights and terrestrial water heights for at least 90 percent of 

the globe using a dual-antenna Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn). The SWOT payload will also 

include a precision orbit determination system consisting of Global Positioning System-Payload (GPSP), 

Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) receivers, and a Laser 

Retro-reflector Assembly (LRA). In addition, SWOT carries a Nadir Altimeter and a radiometer for 

tropospheric path delay corrections. NASA will provide a radiometer designed to determine tropospheric 

water vapor content, the GPSP system to complement DORIS for precise positioning of the satellite, and 

a backscattering laser for precise calibration of the other instruments. The CSA will provide a key 

component of the radar instrument – a set of Extended Interaction Klystrons (EIKs). The CNES will 

provide radar Radio-Frequency Unit (RFU), the Poseidon-3C Ku-/C-band altimeter, and a DORIS precise 

orbit determination system. The UKSA will provide commercial applications that will strengthen the 

international collaborations of the mission. SWOT's prime mission is three years.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The SWOT project completed development of the GPSP instrument and placed it in storage for delivery 

to CNES, initiated integration and testing of the KaRIn instrument including the CNES-supplied RFU and 

CSA-supplied EIKs, and initiated integration and testing of the nadir payload module including the

Advanced Microwave Radiometer-C (AMR-C) and LRA.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The SWOT project will complete the System Integration Review (SIR), the KaRIn instrument integration 

and testing, the nadir payload module integration and testing, and begin the integrated payload module 

integration and testing.
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SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY MISSION 

(SWOT)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-18

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The SWOT project will complete the integrated payload module integration and testing and ship it to 

Thales (the CNES spacecraft contractor) for observatory integration and testing.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

The milestones remain consistent with the confirmation baseline date, except for the Critical Design 

Review (CDR) and Key Decision Point-D (KDP-D). This is mainly due to delays in the development and 

delivery of the components related to the KaRIn instrument. The Launch Date remains unchanged.

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-C May 2016 May 2016

CDR Feb 2018 May 2018

KDP-D Oct 2019 Mar 2021

Launch Apr 2022 Apr 2022

Start Phase E Oct 2022 Oct 2022

End of Prime Mission Oct 2025 Oct 2025
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SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY MISSION 

(SWOT)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-19

Development Cost and Schedule

NASA and CNES will strive to launch SWOT in September 2021. Consistent with NASA policies 

regarding commitments to time and schedule, the SWOT launch will occur no later than April 2022.

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2017 571.5 >70% 2020 571.5 0%

Launch 

Readiness 

Date 

(LRD)

Apr 2022 Apr 2022 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost.

Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 571.5 571.5 0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 0 0 0

Payloads 181.6 288.9 +107.3

Systems I&T 4.9 4.7 -0.2

Launch Vehicle 131.3 107.8 -23.5

Ground Systems 34.7 31.0 -3.7

Science/Technology 46.7 37.6 -9.1

Other Direct Project Costs 172.3 101.5 -70.8
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY MISSION 

(SWOT)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-20

Project Management & Commitments

The Earth Systematic Missions program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has program 

management responsibility for SWOT. NASA assigned project management responsibility to the Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). SWOT is a partnership mission between NASA, CNES, CSA, and UKSA. 

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

KaRIn

Makes swath measurements 

of sea surface topography and 

lake and river heights

Provider: NASA, CNES, CSA, UKSA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): CNES (RFU), 

CSA (EIK), UKSA (Duplexer)

N/A

AMR Provides wet tropospheric 

delay correction of KaRIn

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

GPSP Provides orbit determination

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

LRA Provides orbit determination

Provider: NASA 

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

X-band Telecom Provides downlink of science 

data

Provider: L-3, Tesat

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Nadir Altimeter

Measures Jason-heritage 

ocean surface topography at 

nadir

Provider: CNES

Lead Center: None

Performing Center(s): None

Cost Share Partner(s): CNES

N/A
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY MISSION 

(SWOT)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-21

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

DORIS Provides orbit determination

Provider: CNES

Lead Center: None

Performing Center(s): None

Cost Share Partner(s): CNES

N/A

Spacecraft Bus Provides instrument platform

Provider: CNES

Lead Center: None

Performing Center(s): None

Cost Share Partner(s): CNES

N/A

Launch Vehicle Delivers spacecraft to orbit

Provider: SpaceX

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): None

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: The AirSWOT airborne instrument is 

insufficient to meet ocean 

calibration/validation needs,

Then: New, more complex approaches (insitu moorings, airborne LIDAR, GPS 

floaters) may be required, resulting in 

impacts to cost reserves.

The project is evaluating alternate ocean calibration/validation 

approaches using LIDAR and in-situ measurements in pre-launch 

field campaigns to confirm the approach and associated cost 

impact. The project is leveraging partnerships with academia, 

industry, other U.S. Government agencies, and CNES to address 

the cost reserve risk.

Acquisition Strategy

The acquisition strategy for SWOT leveraged Jason heritage by using JPL legacy instrument designs 

(AMR, GPSP, and LRA) and in-house build with a combination of sole source and competitive 

procurements. The KaRIn leverages Earth Science Technology Office investments and is an in-house 

development. The X-band Telecom was a competitive procurement. NASA selected SpaceX to provide a 

Falcon 9 launch vehicle through a competitive Launch Service Task Order evaluation under the NASA 

Launch Services II contract.
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY MISSION 

(SWOT)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-22

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

X-band Telecom L3 for modulator, Tesat for 

traveling wave tube amplifiers

San Diego, CA

Backnang, Germany

Launch Vehicle SpaceX Los Angeles, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance Strategic Review 

Board (SRB) May 2014

Systems Requirement 

Review (SRR)/Mission 

Definition Review (MDR)

Successful Apr 2016

Performance SRB Apr 2016 Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR)

Successful Feb 2018

Performance SRB May 2018 Critical Design Reviews 

(CDR)

Successful Sep 2020

Performance SRB Sep 2020 System Integration 

Review (SIR)

TBD Feb 2022

Performance SRB Feb 2022 Operational Readiness 

Review (ORR)

TBD N/A
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-23

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 117.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 117.0

Development/Implementation 290.4 124.6 125.0 55.2 45.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 640.4

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 19.9 25.4 21.2 15.8 6.7 88.9

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 407.4 124.6 125.0 55.2 65.0 25.4 21.2 15.8 6.7 846.3

Total Budget 407.4 134.6 136.0 59.7 73.5 34.4 24.3 19.7 6.7 896.3

Change from FY 2020 -76.3

Percentage change from FY 2020 -56.1%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The NISAR satellite, shown here, is a joint mission 

between NASA and the Indian Space Research 

Organization (ISRO), will be the first radar imaging 

satellite to use dual frequencies. NISAR will observe and 

take measurements of some of the planet's most complex 

processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet 

collapse, and natural hazards.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar

(NISAR) mission will provide an unprecedented, 

detailed view of the Earth using advanced radar 

imaging and a dual frequency (L-band and 

S-band) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). 

NISAR will be NASA's first dual frequency 

radar imaging satellite and will observe and 

measure some of the planet’s most complex 

processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice 

sheet collapse, and natural hazards (e.g., 

earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and 

landslides). The mission will reveal information 

about the evolution and state of Earth’s crust, 

broaden scientific understanding of our planet's 

changing processes and their effect on Earth's 

changing climate, and aid future resource and 

hazard management. 

Both the 2007 and 2017 Earth Science Decadal 
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-24

Surveys endorsed the NISAR science objectives. NISAR is a collaborative mission with the Indian Space 

Research Organization (ISRO).

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Budget provides an additional $10 million over a five-year period to support the production of a 

global soil moisture product. This satellite data product, which was recommended by the interagency 

Satellite Needs Working Group (part of the US Group on Earth Observations), would provide highresolution, calibrated soil moisture data that more closely aligns with the size of agriculture fields, forests,

and other phenomena that is of interest to multiple agencies.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

NISAR consists of a dual frequency (L-band and S-band) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). NASA will 

provide the L-band SAR, the engineering payload, the payload integration, and payload operations. ISRO 

will provide the S-band SAR, the spacecraft bus, the launch vehicle, observatory integration and testing, 

and spacecraft operations. NISAR has a prime mission of three years. 

NISAR will implement enhanced data acquisition and data downlink capability as well as a global soil 

moisture product for agricultural, forest, and modeling efforts, as recommended by the interagency 

Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG) process (a function of the US Group on Earth Observations). 

The SNWG identified multiple other agencies that would benefit from NISAR systematically collecting 

data over all of North America in Quad-pol 40 MHz mode, thus requiring additional data acquisition and 

downlink capability. The cost of these additional capabilities will be tracked outside of the Agency 

Baseline Commitment for cost, as the scope enhancements were approved after mission confirmation. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The project successfully completed the CDR in October 2018. The project supported the S-band SAR 

Detailed Design Review (DDR) January 2019 and the Interface DDR conducted by ISRO in May 2019. 

The project continued building and testing flight hardware. System integration and testing of the L-band 

SAR started in FY 2019. The project started planning and development of the SNWG's recommended 

data acquisition and data downlink capability enhancements. The project delivered the Clamshell Radar 

Instrument Structure (RIS) to ISRO in August 2019 for integration of S-SAR electronics. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The project is making progress in building, integration, and testing of the L-band SAR. The project will 

receive the S-band SAR from ISRO in FY 2020 and will start system integration and testing of the

combined L- and S-band SAR. The antenna reflector will also be delivered in FY 2020. The project will 

complete System Integration Review (SIR) followed by KDP-D.
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-25

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The project will continue system integration and testing of the entire payload along with the reflector and 

boom assembly in FY 2021. The project will deliver the payload with reflector and boom assembly to 

ISRO for integration with the ISRO-provided spacecraft bus.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES 

NASA has delayed the Key Decision Point D and payload delivery to ISRO by six months as a result of 

late subsystem deliveries.

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Key Decision Point (KDP-C) Aug 2016 Aug 2016

Critical Design Reviews (CDR) Oct 2018 Oct 2018

Key Decision Point (KDP-D) Dec 2019 June 2020

Payload delivery to ISRO Feb 2021 Aug 2021

Launch Readiness Date (LRD) Sep 2022 Sep 2022

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2017 661 >70% 2020 640.4 -3% LRD Sep 2022 Sep 2022 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost. 
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-26

Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 661.0 640.4 -20.6

Aircraft/Spacecraft 77.1 108.2 +31.1

Payloads 211.1 294.1 +83.0

Systems I&T 23.0 21.2 -1.8

Launch Vehicle 0.6 0.3 -0.3

Ground Systems 72.6 60.4 -12.2

Science/Technology 28.2 28.7 +0.5

Other Direct Project 

Costs 248.4 127.5 -120.9

Project Management & Commitments

The Earth Systematic Missions program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has program 

management responsibility for NISAR. NASA assigned project management responsibility to the Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). NISAR is a partnership between NASA and ISRO.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

L-band SAR Radar imaging payload

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

S-band SAR Radar imaging payload

Provider: ISRO

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ISRO

N/A
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-27

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Spacecraft Provides platform for the 

payload

Provider: ISRO

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ISRO

N/A

Launch Vehicle

Geosynchronous Satellite 

Launch Vehicle (GSLV); 

delivers observatory to orbit

Provider: ISRO

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ISRO

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: The ISRO-provided Geosynchronous 

Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II 

reliability does not meet the NASA-ISRO 

joint requirements, 

Then: There may be a significant delay in the 

launch date.

The project documented five success criteria to be met by the 

GSLV Mark II prior to the NISAR launch. Since ISRO has 

completed four successful GSLV launches in 2015, 2016, 2017, 

and 2018, two of the five criteria have been met, reducing this 

risk substantially. The remaining criteria can only be met closer 

to the NISAR launch date and NASA expects that ISRO will 

meet those criteria in due time. If there is a launch delay, the 

project carries reserve to mitigate the potential schedule risk. 

Acquisition Strategy

The design and build of the L-band SAR radar will be an in-house build at JPL, with competed 

subcontracts.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Solid State Recorder Airbus Germany

Reflector Antenna Astro Aerospace California
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic Missions

NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR)

Formulation Development Operations

ES-28

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

Strategic Review 

Board (SRB) Dec 2014

Systems 

Requirement Review 

(SRR)/Mission 

Design Review 

(MDR)

Successful Jun 2016

Performance SRB Jun 2016 Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR) Successful Oct 2018

Performance SRB Oct 2018 Critical Design 

Reviews (CDR) Successful May 2020

Performance SRB May 2020 System Integration 

Review (SIR) TBD Mar 2022

Performance SRB Mar 2022

Operational 

Readiness Review 

(ORR)

TBD N/A
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic MissionsMissions

LANDSAT 9

Formulation Development Operations

ES-29

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 234.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 234.8

Development/Implementation 256.1 137.4 108.9 85.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 587.7

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 16.1

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 490.9 137.4 108.9 86.6 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 838.5

Total Budget 490.9 137.4 108.9 86.5 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 838.5

Change from FY 2020 -22.4

Percentage change from FY 2020 -20.6%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Landsat 9 mission is a partnership between NASA 

and the U.S. Geological Survey. Landsat 9, shown in 

this artist's rendition, will continue the Landsat 

program’s critical role in monitoring, understanding 

and managing the land resources needed to sustain 

human life.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Landsat 9 mission will extend the record of 

multi-spectral, moderate resolution Landsat quality

data and meet operational and scientific

requirements for observing land use and land

change. 

Landsat 9 is a collaboration between NASA and the 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is a 

cornerstone of our nation’s multi-satellite, multidecadal, Sustainable Land Imaging (SLI) program. 

SLI is a NASA-Department of the Interior 

(DOI)/USGS partnership to develop, launch, and 

operate a spaceborne system and provide 

researchers and users with high quality, global, 

continuous land imaging measurements that are 

compatible with the existing 47-year Landsat 

record and will evolve through investing in and 

introducing new sensor and system technologies.
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic MissionsMissions

LANDSAT 9

Formulation Development Operations

ES-30

The Landsat data series, initiated in 1972, is the longest continuous record of changes in Earth’s surface 

as seen from space and the only U.S. satellite system designed and operated to make repeated

observations of the global land surface at moderate resolution. Landsat data is available at no cost to 

users, providing a unique resource for people who work in agriculture, geology, forestry, regional 

planning, education, mapping, and climate research.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

Landsat 9 has two science instruments: the Operational Land Imager 2 (OLI-2) and the Thermal Infrared 

Sensor 2 (TIRS-2). Landsat 9 is designed to provide 16-day continuous coverage of the global land mass 

with spatial resolutions of 15 meters for panchromatic light, 30 meters for visible and near-infrared and 

shortwave infrared light, and 120 meters for infrared light. In concert with other land-imaging satellites, 

including the currently operating Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 satellites, Landsat 9 will contribute to 

improved coverage for users. NASA will build, launch, and perform the initial checkout and 

commissioning of the satellite. USGS will develop the ground system, operate the Landsat 9 observatory, 

and process, archive, and freely distribute the mission’s data.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The OLI-2 and the TIRS-2 instruments were delivered to the Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems 

(NGIS) facility in Gilbert, Arizona and spacecraft integration began in FY 2019.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The Landsat 9 project will complete its System Integration Review (SIR), Key Decision Point-D 

(KDP-D) review, and spacecraft assembly in FY 2020 and will begin its observatory integration and 

testing phase of development. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The Landsat 9 project will complete observatory integration and testing, its Operational Readiness 

Review (ORR), its KDP-E review, and deliver the observatory to the launch site. Launch and early 

operations will be completed in FY 2021.
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic MissionsMissions

LANDSAT 9

Formulation Development Operations

ES-31

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

The November 2021 launch estimate reflects the agency baseline commitment made at the KDP-C review 

in December 2017. Currently, NASA is on-track to launch Landsat 9 in early calendar year 2021.

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-C Dec 2017 Dec 2017

Critical Design Review Apr 2018 Apr 2018

System Integration Review Aug 2019 Jan 2020

KDP-D Dec 2019 Apr 2020

Operational Readiness Review Sep 2020 Jan 2021

Launch Nov 2021 Nov 2021

Handover to USGS Mar 2022 Mar 2022

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2018 634.2 >70% 2020 587.7 -7% LRD Nov 2021 Nov 2021 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost.
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic MissionsMissions

LANDSAT 9

Formulation Development Operations

ES-32

Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 634.2 587.7 -46.5

Aircraft/Spacecraft 98.1 117.5 +19.4

Payloads 107.6 109.3 +1.7

Systems I&T 0 0.8 +0.8

Launch Vehicle 154.4 154.4 0

Ground Systems 17.2 20.0 +2.8

Science/Technology 9.2 8.8 -0.4

Other Direct Project 

Costs 247.7 176.9 -70.8

Project Management & Commitments

The Earth Systematic Missions (ESM) program at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has program 

management responsibility for Landsat 9. NASA assigned project management responsibility to GSFC. 

The Landsat 9 mission is a partnership between NASA and USGS.

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Operational 

Land Imager 2

Provide moderate resolution, 

multi-channel, wide swath 

visible imaging of the Earth's 

surface, consistent with 

previous Landsat missions.

Provider: Ball Aerospace

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Thermal Infrared

Sensor 2

Provide moderate resolution 

thermal infrared imaging of 

the Earth’s surface, consistent 

with previous Landsat 

missions.

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic MissionsMissions

LANDSAT 9

Formulation Development Operations

ES-33

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Spacecraft

Provide a platform with 

performance commensurate 

with OLI-2 and TIRS-2 

requirements

Provider: Northrop Grumman 

Innovation Systems (NGIS)

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Launch Vehicle Provide launch services for 

the Landsat 9 Observatory

Provider: United Launch Services LLC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center: Kennedy Space 

Center (KSC)

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Ground System Collect, process, archive, and 

freely distribute Landsat data

Provider: General Dynamics Mission 

Systems (GDMS)

Lead Center: USGS Earth Resources 

Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Performing Center(s): USGS EROS

Cost Share Partner(s): USGS

N/A

Mission 

Operations 

Element

Provide software and system 

with capabilities for 

command and control, 

mission scheduling, longterm trending and flight 

dynamics analysis

Provider: General Dynamics Mission 

Systems (GDMS)

Lead Center: USGS EROS

Performing Center(s): USGS EROS

Cost Share Partner(s): USGS

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: Schedule conflicts continue between 

Landsat 9 and other projects that have a 

higher national priority for test facilities or 

other resources at the spacecraft contractor,

Then: This could cause an adverse effect on 

the Landsat 9 mission schedule.

The Landsat 9 project management team, GSFC, and Science 

Mission Directorate senior management are proactively 

working with NGIS senior management to mitigate schedule 

conflicts as they arise. 
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic MissionsMissions

LANDSAT 9

Formulation Development Operations

ES-34

Acquisition Strategy

The acquisition strategy for Landsat 9 is the same strategy used for Landsat 8, formerly known as the 

Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). NASA selected Ball Aerospace to provide the OLI-2 

instrument through a sole source procurement. NASA selected NGIS (formerly Orbital ATK) to provide 

the Landsat 9 spacecraft through the GSFC Rapid Spacecraft Development Office selection process. 

NASA assigned the TIRS-2 instrument as a directed development to GSFC. NASA selected United 

Launch Services LLC to provide an Atlas V launch vehicle through a competitive Launch Service Task 

Order evaluation under the NASA Launch Services II contract.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

OLI-2 Ball Aerospace Boulder, Colorado

TIRS-2 GSFC Greenbelt, Maryland

Spacecraft Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Gilbert, Arizona

Launch Vehicle United Launch Services LLC Decatur, Alabama

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance Strategic Review 

Board (SRB)

Jun 2016

System 

Requirements 

Review (SRR)

Successful Sep 2017

Performance SRB Sep 2017 Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR)

Successful Apr 2018

Performance SRB Apr 2018 Critical Design 

Review (CDR)

Successful Jan 2020

Performance SRB Jan 2020 System Integration 

Review (SIR)

TBD Mar 2021

Performance SRB Jan 2021

Operational 

Readiness Review 

(ORR)

TBD N/A
Science: Earth Science: Earth Systematic MissionsSystematic Missions

SENTINEL-6

Formulation Development Operations

ES-35

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 15.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.5

Development/Implementation 130.9 70.4 59.5 18.4 12.1 32.1 49.6 64.5 23.5 460.9

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.8 3.2 3.3 3.5 23.6 38.4

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 146.4 70.4 59.5 20.4 14.9 35.3 52.9 68.0 47.1 514.8

Total Budget 146.4 70.4 59.5 20.4 14.9 35.3 52.9 68.0 47.1 514.8

Change from FY 2020 -39.1

Percentage change from FY 2020 -65.7%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

An artist’s conception shows one of the two Sentinel-6 

satellites. Sentinel-6’s primary mission objective is to 

continue ocean surface topography measurements beyond 

TOPEX/Poseidon and the Jason series of satellites, 

providing measurements essential to climate studies and 

operational oceanography. As a secondary objective, 

Sentinel-6 will collect high-resolution vertical profiles of 

atmospheric temperature, using GNSS radio occultation 

sounding techniques to support numerical weather 

prediction.

Image Credit: ESA 2015, Airbus Defence and Space

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Sentinel-6 mission will provide continuity 

of ocean topography measurements beyond the 

Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon 

(launched in 1992), Jason-1 (2001), Ocean 

Surface Topography Mission/Jason-2 (2008), 

and Jason-3 (2016) missions. The Sentinel-6 

mission consists of two satellites, Sentinel-6 

Michael Freilich and Sentinel-6B, that will 

launch approximately five years apart (2021 for 

Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich and 2026 for 

Sentinel-6B) to extend measurement continuity 

for at least another decade. This mission will 

serve both the operational user community and 

the scientific community by enabling the 

continuation of multi-decadal ocean topography 

measurements for ocean circulation and climate

studies. 

As a secondary mission objective, Sentinel-6 

will characterize atmospheric temperature and 
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humidity profiles by measuring bending angles of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals 

occulted by the Earth’s atmosphere. The project will process these measurement products on Earth within 

a few hours of acquisition on-board the satellite and make them available for ingestion into National 

Weather Service models to support weather forecasting capabilities.

Sentinel-6 is a collaborative mission with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of 

Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

On January 28, 2020, NASA along with its interagency and international partners, announced that the 

Sentinel-6A spacecraft has been renamed "Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich," in honor of NASA's recently 

retired Earth Science Division Director.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

NASA will provide the launch vehicle and launch services as well as a set of three instruments for each of 

the Sentinel-6 spacecraft. These two sets of instruments are Advanced Microwave Radiometer-Climate 

Quality (AMR-C), the GNSS-Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) receiver, and the Laser Reflector Array 

(LRA). Additionally, NASA will provide support for instrument integration and testing on the satellites, 

mission operations support for the NASA-developed instruments, an operational AMR-C science data 

processor for EUMETSAT, near real-time and offline data processing for GNSS-RO data, and mission 

data product archiving and distribution. The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich and Sentinel-6B observatories 

have a five-and-a-half-year prime mission.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The Sentinel-6 project completed the development and testing of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich NASA 

instrument payload. The project shipped the instrument payload to the ESA spacecraft integrator (Airbus) 

and completed the System Integration Review (SIR).

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The Sentinel-6 project will complete the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich Operational Readiness Review 

(ORR) and begin its launch campaign following completion of observatory-level integration and testing at 

Airbus and the IABG environmental test facility. The Sentinel-6 project will complete the development 

and testing of the Sentinel-6B NASA instrument payload and ship it to the ESA spacecraft integrator

(Airbus).
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KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The Sentinel-6 project will complete the launch campaign for the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich spacecraft, 

early operations, and begin its commissioning phase. The Sentinel-6 project will support the Storage 

Review for the Sentinel-6B spacecraft following completion of observatory-level integration and testing

at Airbus and the IABG environmental test facility.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Key Decision Point (KDP-C) Apr 2017 Apr 2017

CDR Oct 2017 Oct 2017

Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich US Payload delivery 

to ESA Mar 2020 Mar 2020

Sentinel-6B US Payload delivery to ESA Oct 2020 Oct 2020

Launch (Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich) Nov 2021 Nov 2021

Start Phase E (Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich) Feb 2022 Feb 2022

End Prime Mission (Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich) Aug 2027 Aug 2027

Launch (Sentinel-6B) Nov 2026 Nov 2026

Start Phase E (Sentinel-6B) Feb 2027 Feb 2027

End Prime Mission (Sentinel-6B) Aug 2032 Aug 2032
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Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2017 465.9 >70% 2020 460.9 -1%

LRD of 

Sentinel-6 

Michael 

Freilich

Nov 2021 Nov 2021 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost.

Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 465.9 460.9 -5.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 0 0 0

Payloads 65.8 87.7 +21.9

Systems I&T 8.8 8.5 -0.3

Launch Vehicle 280.7 280.7 0

Ground Systems 9.7 3.8 -5.9

Science/Technology 4.4 5.1 +0.7

Other Direct Project 

Costs 96.5 75.1 -21.4
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Project Management & Commitments

The Earth Systematic Missions program at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has program 

management responsibility for Sentinel-6. NASA assigned project management responsibility to the Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Sentinel-6 is a partnership with NOAA, the ESA, and the EUMETSAT. 

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

AMR-C

Provides high spatial resolution 

wet tropospheric path delay 

corrections for the ESA-supplied 

Ku/C-Band Altimeter

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

GNSS-RO

Supports secondary mission 

objectives for weather modeling 

and forecasting

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

LRA Provides orbit determination

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Ku/C-Band Altimeter Measures Jason-heritage ocean 

surface topography at nadir

Provider: ESA 

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ESA

N/A

Doppler Orbitography 

and Radiopositioning 

Integrated by Satellite 

(DORIS)

Provides orbit determination

Provider: ESA

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ESA

N/A

Spacecraft Bus Provides instrument platform

Provider: ESA

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ESA

N/A

Launch Vehicle Delivers spacecraft to orbit

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): Kennedy 

Space Center (KSC)

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
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Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: The AMR-C Supplemental Calibration 

System (SCS) becomes stuck at some 

location away from the science position due 

to an operational failure of the mechanism,

Then: The baseline AMR-C measurements 

will be lost.

The project has followed processes for eliminating foreign object 

debris in mechanical assemblies, ensured large torque margins, 

conducted a robust test program, built an engineering model, and 

performed a full life test. The project is using on-orbit 

torque/drag monitoring to park the SCS in science position and 

discontinue routine internal calibrations, if required. The 

engineering technical authority reviewed and approved these risk 

mitigations.

Acquisition Strategy

Sentinel-6 leverages Jason heritage by using JPL legacy instrument designs (AMR-C, GNSS-RO, and 

LRA) and in-house build with a combination of sole source and competitive procurements. NASA 

selected SpaceX to provide a Falcon 9 launch vehicle through a competitive Launch Service Task Order 

evaluation under the NASA Launch Services II contract.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

GNSS-RO Electronics MOOG Golden, CO

AMR-C Antenna Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems San Diego, CA

LRA ITE Laurel, MD

Launch Services SpaceX Los Angeles, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance Strategic Review 

Board (SRB) Aug 2016

Mission Concept Review 

(MCR)/Systems 

Requirement Review 

(SRR) Mission Design 

Review (/MDR)

Successful Feb 2017

Performance SRB Feb 2017 Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR) Successful Oct 2017
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Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance SRB Oct 2017 Critical Design Reviews 

(CDR) Successful Apr 2019

Performance SRB Apr 2019

Project System 

Integration Review (PSIR)Successful Aug 2021

Performance SRB Aug 2021 Sentinel-6 Michael 

Freilich ORR TBD Aug 2026

Performance SRB Aug 2026 Sentinel-6B ORR TBD N/A
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Earth Systematic Missions (ESM) Research 20.6 -- 24.9 23.9 27.0 30.5 30.5

Ocean Surface Topography Science Team 

(OSTST)

5.7 -- 5.8 5.9 6.0 6.2 6.2

Earth Observations Systems (EOS) 

Research

14.1 -- 10.7 10.7 10.7 10.7 10.7

Sage III 5.0 -- 4.6 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.8

Plankton,Aerosols,Clouds,ocean Ecosystem 

(PACE)

161.0 131.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Radiation Budget Instrument (RBI) 3.5 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sustainable Land Imaging 9.7 -- 19.8 100.6 100.8 129.2 129.2

Earth from ISS 1.5 -- 1.6 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Solar Irradiance Sensor-2 (TSIS-2) 8.7 -- 30.9 41.8 13.4 7.3 7.3

Earth Radiation Budget Science 13.6 -- 14.0 14.3 14.7 15.1 15.1

Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) 1.7 -- 7.4 4.9 3.2 2.5 1.5

Total Solar Irradiance Sensor-1 (TSIS-1) 4.0 -- 4.9 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.9

CLARREO Pathfinder 18.0 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Decadal Survey Missions 14.8 -- 38.3 153.2 247.4 178.8 325.4

Earth Science Program Management 37.9 -- 44.9 44.5 43.9 44.1 44.4

Precipitation Science Team 6.2 -- 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.8 6.8

Ocean Winds Science Team 3.0 -- 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3

Land Cover Science Project Office 1.3 -- 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4

Ocean Salinity Science Team 7.3 -- 7.5 7.6 7.8 8.0 8.0

Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) 12.4 -- 10.9 11.1 10.8 11.0 11.0

Quick Scatterometer 0.4 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Deep Space Climate Observatory 0.7 -- 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) 18.8 -- 20.9 21.4 21.5 22.1 22.1

Ocean Surface Topography Mission 

(OSTM)

2.3 -- 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership 

(Suomi NPP)

3.5 -- 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.0

Terra 24.8 -- 27.9 28.5 17.2 9.0 9.0

Aqua 28.6 -- 30.3 31.0 19.8 11.7 11.7

Aura 23.2 -- 22.4 22.8 12.4 9.0 9.0

SORCE 5.5 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 

(ICESat-2)

22.2 -- 20.5 21.5 17.3 17.7 17.7

GRACE Follow-On 1.3 -- 11.6 11.1 11.2 11.5 11.5

Total Budget 481.2 -- 377.8 582.2 611.5 551.1 697.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.
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The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Earth Systematic Missions Other Missions and Data Analysis includes operating missions and their 

science teams and competed research projects. Mission science teams define the scientific requirements 

for their missions and generate algorithms used to process the data into useful data products. The research 

projects execute competitively selected investigations related to specific mission measurements.

Also included here are Sustainable Land Imaging activities, as well as smaller missions in formulation 

and development, such as the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite Limb Sounder and Total and Spectral 

solar Irradiance Sensor-2.

Mission Planning and Other Projects

EARTH SYSTEMATIC MISSIONS (ESM) RESEARCH

ESM Research funds various science teams for the Earth Systematic missions. These science teams are 

composed of competitively selected individual investigators who analyze data from the missions to 

address related science questions.

Recent Achievements

Recent studies reconstructed the mass balance of the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Antarctic Ice Sheet 

using the mass balance method of estimating mass loss from the ice sheets. This method uses thickness, 

surface elevation, ice velocity, and surface mass balance to calculate how much ice is being lost. 

Advantages of this method are that it allows partitioning between different processes responsible for mass 

loss and the ability to extend the estimate further into the past using Landsat images to estimate glacier 

fluxes. The mass balance of the Greenland Ice Sheet over the 46-year period from 1972 to 2018 found 

that, since the 1980s, mass loss has increased six-fold as the mass balance began to deviate from its 

natural range of variability. The study concludes that Greenland has contributed 13.7 mm of sea level rise 

since 1972 with more than half coming in the last eight years. The mass balance of the Antarctic Ice Sheet 

over the 40-year period from 1979 to 2017 showed a six-fold increase in the rate of mass loss, 

contributing 14.0 mm of sea level rise during that time.

The high temporal resolution of satellite surface salinity enabled a better understanding of large-scale 

intra-seasonal phenomena, such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), which is the dominant climate 

mode at sub-seasonal time scales in the tropics that impacts the global weather and climate. Researchers 

used SMAP satellite salinity observations to detect the existence of 30- to 90-day period intra-seasonal 

oscillations in Bay of Bengal associated with MJO and the related impacts on surface density variations, 

emphasizing the role of upper-ocean dynamics in regulating MJO. The ability to detect such oscillations 

in salinity data will have direct bearing on our ability to understand and model the air-sea interaction 

processes, including development and intensification of weather disturbances.
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Scientists obtained accurate measurements of stratospheric aerosol optical depth from a multi-decade 

series of SAGE solar occultation instruments. These measurements have been continuous since the 

1980’s, except for a gap between the end of SAGE II in 2005 and the start of the SAGE III record in 

2017. A recent study analyzes CALIPSO observations from 2006 to 2015 to fill in this gap. Scientists 

constructed a record of aerosol optical depth from the tropopause to the mid-stratosphere and estimated

the climate forcing from stratospheric aerosol over the period. They identified volcanic influences on 

stratospheric aerosol loading, finding a 40 percent increase in stratospheric aerosol forcing during 2006-

2015 due to a series of moderate volcanic eruptions. This represents an important observational constraint 

on radiative forcing of the climate in recent decades.

Small flashes of reflected light—called glint—are found regularly in images taken by spacecraft 

observing the Earth and occur due to reflected solar radiation. While glint over water surfaces (oceans, 

but also lakes and rivers) are common, researchers found glint in Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera 

(EPIC) images also over land. Using the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft, which 

affords a continuous view of the “Earth at noon” observations, they show glint over land is due to 

specular reflection off horizontally oriented ice platelets floating in the air, while glint over oceans have 

contributions from reflection off either platelets floating above the ocean or a relatively smooth ocean 

surface. This technique of comparing observations of terrestrial glint with model simulations may provide 

new information not only for Earth sciences but also for planetary sciences (e.g., on atmospheric 

dynamics and the search for habitable exoplanets). Similarly, the NISTAR instrument on DSCOVR 

observes seasonal changes in Earth’s total outgoing radiation. The radiation energy balance measurement 

is important because it is the fundamental energy constraint on climate models, and difficult because 

reflected solar and emitted thermal radiation depend strongly on the viewing geometry. NISTAR’s unique 

viewing geometry for monitoring the Earth’s energy budget amounts to observing the Earth as an 

exoplanet, which opens a new perspective on exoplanet observation.

OCEAN SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY SCIENCE TEAM (OSTST)

Ocean Surface Topography Science Team (OSTST) uses scientific data from the Ocean Surface 

Topography Mission and Jason radar altimetry satellites, together with data from international altimetry

satellites such as the European Space Agency's (ESA) Sentinel-3a, to measure global sea surface height. 

Data from tide gauges and a handful of calibration stations such as the Harvest oil platform help validate 

the satellite data.

Recent Achievements

OSTST produced high-precision records of sea surface height, which indicated acceleration in rise of the 

global mean sea level over the past two decades and suggested the emergence of the human-induced 

changes in sea level. The science team also used ocean altimetry records to improve our understanding 

and forecasting of climate events, such as El Nino, and extreme events such as hurricanes and marine heat 

waves. OSTST produced enhanced coastal tidal models and estimates of general ocean circulation and 

large-scale transports (e.g., Meridional Overturning circulation), which improve our knowledge of 

distribution of heat in the climate system. 
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EARTH OBSERVATION SYSTEMS (EOS) RESEARCH

EOS Research funds science for the EOS missions, currently Terra, Aqua, Aura, and ICESat missions. 

The project competitively selects individual investigators to undertake research projects that analyze data 

from specific missions. Overall, most selected activities focus on science data analyses; however, some 

funded activities continue algorithm improvement and validation for the EOS mission instrument data 

products.

Recent Achievements

A space-qualified Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), built as the flight spare for the Tropical Rainfall 

Measuring Mission (TRMM), is operating on the ISS, extending the 17-year TRMM LIS record of 

tropical lightning measurements and expanding that coverage to higher latitudes missed by the previous 

mission. The ISS LIS measurements help calibrate and validate observations from the new Geostationary 

Lightning Mapper (GLM) sensors that are on NOAA’s two newest weather satellites GOES-16 and 17. 

ISS-LIS also provides two unique contributions: real-time lightning data for operational forecasting and 

warning applications over data sparse regions (e.g., oceans) and simultaneous and complementary 

observations with the recently launched European Space Agency’s Atmosphere-Space Interaction 

Monitor (ASIM), which is exploring connections between thunderstorms and lightning with terrestrial 

gamma-ray flashes (TGFs).

Scientists used tree cover information (from MODIS and Landsat) and topography (from SRTM) to 

model the distribution and vulnerability of more than 19,000 species of amphibians, mammals, and birds 

across the globe. These relationships enabled prediction of future extinction risk using a range of land use 

change scenarios derived from the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and Representative Concentration 

Pathways scenarios to the year 2070. Scientists identified substantial declines in suitable habitat for 

species worldwide, with approximately 1,700 species expected to become imperiled due to land-use 

change alone.

Researchers developed a first-of-a-kind ASTER Volcanic Thermal Output Database (AVTOD) that used 

manual analysis to identify and collect data for volcanic thermal output with 90 meter/pixel spatial 

resolution for 330 potentially active volcanoes found in Latin America between the years 2000–2017. 

Researchers found that 88 of these volcanoes to have some type of volcanic thermal feature detected by 

ASTER, including 16 which were detected from space for the first time. This database provides new 

insights about volcanic activity as well as a data-driven approach to improve key features in future 

sensors. 

Researchers investigated the relative contribution of the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts to dust loadings 

through long-range transport in an observational study. They used stereo observations of dust sources 

from MISR combined with observation-initiated trajectory modeling. MISR-derived dust plume top 

height and dust plume motion vectors confirm the peak of dust activation and transport potential in spring 

over the Gobi Desert and in both spring and summer over the Taklamakan Desert. Researchers assessed 

long-range trajectory patterns of Asian dust, including the influence on North America through 

trans-Pacific transport, using forward trajectories initiated by MISR dust plume observations. The 

trajectory patterns show substantial seasonal and interannual variability. Trajectory analysis reveals 

latitude-dependent spread of dust trajectories from the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts, with Taklamakan 

dust dominant southward of 50oN and Gobi dust dominant northward of 50oN in North America.
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The Korean Peninsula has experienced degradation in air quality both from rapid increases in local 

emissions and influences from external sources. As part of the Korea–United States Air Quality Study 

(KORUS-AQ) research, investigators incorporated data from the Aura, GOME-2, MOPITT, and the new 

AIRS/OMI ozone profile into a chemical data assimilation system to quantify the balance of meteorology 

and local emissions on Korean air quality. They showed that nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide 

emissions were 40 percent and 83 percent higher, respectively, than previous inventories leading to an 

increased mean ozone concentration. They further showed that mean ozone concentrations were 

persistently higher over Seoul than the broader KORUS-AQ domain.

NASA scientists compared surface temperature anomalies derived from the Atmospheric Infrared 

Sounder (AIRS) satellite with the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) surface temperature 

anomaly data set over the period 2003 to 2017. The GISS data set is derived from ISS data, so scientists 

produce the two data sets with completely different methodologies. There is a substantial agreement 

between the two data sets, providing support to the longer GISS data set and the methodology employed 

to derive it.

SUSTAINABLE LAND IMAGING

The Sustainable Land Imaging (SLI) program enables the development of a multi-decade, space-borne 

system that will provide U.S. users with high quality global land-imaging measurements. These 

measurements will be compatible with the existing 47-year Landsat record and will address near- and 

long-term issues of continuity risk. They will also evolve flexibly and responsibly through investment and 

introduction of new sensor and system technologies. Under the SLI framework, NASA will maintain 

responsibility for developing, launching, and initial checkout of space systems. The United States 

Geological Survey (USGS) will be responsible for collecting and documenting user needs, developing the 

associated ground systems, operating the on-orbit spacecraft, and collecting, calibrating, archiving, 

processing, and distributing SLI system data to users.

Through the implementation of SLI technology activities, NASA will enable new SLI measurement 

technologies, capabilities, and architectures. The Sustainable Land Imaging-Technology (SLI-T) program 

aims to: (1) demonstrate improved, innovative, full-instrument concepts for potential infusion into the 

architecture and design of the next generation of Landsat missions; and (2) develop technologies at the 

component and/or breadboard-level that have long-term potential to improve future land imaging 

instruments and systems significantly through substantial architecture changes. NASA will solicit 

instrument and subsystem development activities, coordinated with the Landsat science community. 

In order to minimize the risk of gaps while taking advantage of cost savings and capability enhancements 

resulting from the technology development activity outlined above, the Administration will make key 

strategic decisions on the next generation of Landsat observing system approaches as part of the FY 2022 

budget process.

Additional SLI activities support efforts to minimize costs and maximize the overall utility for U.S. users 

by responsibly engaging with international partners to ensure access to high-quality data and fusion of 

those measurements with those from the U.S. Landsat missions. In particular, NASA and USGS

conducted pre-launch cross-calibration investigations with the European developers of the Sentinel-2A/B 

land imaging system, ensuring uniform calibration of both Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2A/B instruments to 

the same standards. The USGS, supported by NASA and other agencies, is serving as the primary U.S.
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Government point of contact to ensure access to and archiving of Sentinel-2 data products for U.S.

research and operational users. 

Recent Achievements

In FY 2019 work continued on the second Sustainable Land Imaging Architecture Study Team (AST 

2019). The study will inform the design and implementation approach for the next phase of a sustainable 

and evolvable space-borne system to provide global, continuous Landsat-quality multispectral and 

thermal infrared measurements. The team produced a SLI Request for Information and completed an 

assessment of industry capabilities. The AST also engaged in international partnership discussions with 

multiple international entities. The AST completed two progress reviews and plans to deliver its findings 

to NASA and USGS leadership in FY 2020. 

The six ongoing investigations under the SLI-T element continue to make progress. Two of the three 

Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) instruments have completed engineering aircraft flight 

demonstrations and will complete science aircraft flight demonstrations in early FY 2020. The third 

concept will be undergoing fixes to the image quality and lab demonstrations in early FY 2020. 

All three of the SLI-T Technology Investments (TI) technology activities continue to mature cutting edge 

technologies with the potential to significantly improve future land imaging instruments and systems 

through substantial architecture changes. In FY 2020, NASA will release a new SLI-T solicitation 

covering both ATD and TI elements.

TOTAL SOLAR IRRADIANCE SENSOR-2 (TSIS-2)

The TSIS-2 instrument will maintain and extend the 40-year measurement record of total solar irradiance 

and spectral solar irradiance beyond 2023 provided by TSIS-1 and earlier missions. Researchers have 

used the solar irradiance data to understand how the solar energy affects the Earth system over an 11-year 

cycle and longer time scale. NASA is planning to implement TSIS-2 by leveraging the available spare 

parts from the TSIS-1 mission to the greatest degree possible. NASA will implement TSIS-2 as a Class D 

payload and as a free flyer. The mission will operate for no less than three years. Formulation began in 

FY 2019.

Recent Achievements

The TSIS-2 project officially began formulation in 2019. The project awarded a contract to the University 

of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) in Boulder to build the two 

instruments, which are based on the TSIS-1 design. The contract takes advantage of existing parts and 

expertise at LASP from the development of the TSIS-1 instruments. The project also performed two 

separate market research efforts to determine interest and capability in US industry to provide (1) a Class 

D spacecraft and (2) a launch vehicle, with positive responses in both categories. In CY 2020, TSIS-2 will 

award contractors for the spacecraft and the launch vehicle.

EARTH RADIATION BUDGET SCIENCE

The Earth Radiation Budget Science (ERBS) project produces climate data records of Earth’s radiation 

budget and the associated cloud, aerosol, and surface properties. The project utilizes data from the 

multiple radiation budget instruments in orbit and ancillary measurements to produce integrated, self-
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consistent data products over the entire suite of radiation budget instruments. The data products utilize 

coincident imager measurements and Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument 

broadband radiative fluxes from Terra, Aqua, Suomi NPP, NOAA-20 and operational geostationary 

satellite observations. In total, scientists have used 30 instruments on 24 spacecraft thus far to produce an 

accurate and temporally consistent description of the radiation budget, not only at the top of the 

atmosphere but also at the surface and within the atmosphere. The ERBS project is the only project 

worldwide whose prime objective is to produce global, climate-quality ERB data from dedicated ERB 

satellite instruments.

Recent Achievements

In 2019, the scientific community used CERES data products in many areas of research, including Earth’s 

energy imbalance, climate feedback, aerosol radiative forcing, atmospheric and oceanic energy transports, 

polar climate, and climate model evaluation. Scientists have also used CERES global flux data products

to support monitoring of solar panel operations and crop modeling. The ERBS team generated data 

products from all six CERES instruments currently flying on four satellites. They performed intercomparison campaigns between Terra, Aqua, Suomi-NPP, NOAA-20, and additional campaigns with the 

Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget instruments. After careful operational planning, the ERBS team 

placed the CERES instrument on Suomi-NPP in a rotating azimuth plane mode to enable the generation 

of new empirical angular distribution models for improved accuracy in determining radiative fluxes from 

measured radiances. The ERBS team also began a re-design of the CERES webpage to provide improved 

communication of mission science results to the public and ensure that the site is multi-platform 

compatible and adheres to rigid IT security guidelines.

OZONE MAPPING AND PROFILER SUITE LIMB SOUNDER (OMPS-L)

The advanced Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) tracks the health of the ozone layer and 

measures the concentration of ozone in the Earth’s atmosphere. OMPS is a three-part instrument: a nadir 

mapper that will map global ozone with about 50-km ground-resolution, a nadir profiler that will measure 

the vertical distribution of ozone in the stratosphere, and a limb profiler that will measure ozone in the 

lower stratosphere and troposphere with high vertical resolution. The entire OMPS suite currently 

operates on the Suomi NPP spacecraft. To ensure data continuity, a copy of this suite will fly on NOAA’s 

Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) mission, planned for launch in FY 2023. NASA is responsible for 

providing the OMPS-Limb profiler for integration on the OMPS instrument. The project budget also 

supports OMPS-Limb profilers for JPSS-3 and JPSS-4.

Recent Achievements

In FY 2019, NASA completed the development of the OMPS-Limb instrument for the JPSS-2 mission 

and successfully conducted the Pre-Ship Review. NASA finished assembly and functional testing of the 

JPSS-3 Limb instrument and will begin environmental testing in FY 2020.

DECADAL SURVEY MISSIONS

In January 2018, the National Academies released a new Earth Science Decadal Survey, entitled 

"Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space." This Decadal 

survey recommended completing missions that were already in formulation and development and 

additional observation capabilities including the following "designated observable" (DO) scientific areas: 
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Aerosols; Clouds, Convection, and Precipitation; Mass Change; Surface Biology and Geology; and 

Surface Deformation and Change.

NASA has initiated studies that are expected to result in missions/observing systems to address the DO 

priorities. These missions/observing systems will be cost-constrained projects. The first mission resulting 

from the DO studies will begin formulation activities no earlier than FY 2021.

Recent Achievements

In FY 2019, NASA initiated four multi-year pre-formulation studies to address each of the DO priorities 

identified in the Decadal Survey, implemented by a team of NASA Centers. Each of these study teams 

presented a progress report to Earth Science Division management in September 2019 and NASA 

approved them to continue pre-formulation studies in FY 2020.

EARTH SCIENCE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Earth Science Program Management budget supports critical flight project management functions 

executed by the ESM program offices at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Earth System Science Pathfinder Program Office at NASA Langley 

Research Center (LaRC).This budget supports:

• The GSFC conjunction assessment risk analysis function, which determines maneuvers required 

to avoid potential collisions between spacecraft and to avoid debris;

• The technical and management support for the international Committee on Earth Observation 

Satellites, which coordinates civil space-borne observations of Earth. Participating agencies strive 

to enhance international coordination and data exchange and to optimize societal benefit; 

• Senior Review Board teams, who conduct independent reviews of the various flight projects in 

Earth Science; and

• Earth Science division communications and public engagement activities.

PRECIPITATION SCIENCE TEAM

The Precipitation Science Team carries out investigations of precipitation using measurements from, but 

not limited to, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) mission, which ended in 2015, the 

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which launched in February 2014, and GPM mission 

constellation partner spacecraft. GPM mission constellation partners include NOAA, Department of 

Defense, Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and 

Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). This program supports scientific investigations 

in three research categories: 

• Development, evaluation, and validation of TRMM and GPM retrieval algorithms; 

• Development of methodologies for improved application of satellite measurements; and 

• Use of satellite and ground measurements for physical process studies to gain a better 

understanding of the global water cycle, climate, and weather and concomitant improvements in 

numerical models on cloud resolving to climate scales.
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Recent Achievements

Precipitation science team members actively used GPM Ground validation (GV) data and instruments in a 

wide range of precipitation studies related to validating space-borne rainfall and snowfall retrievals. Team 

members continued to use airborne and ground observations from GPM field campaigns to develop 

advanced algorithms for retrieving cloud microphysical properties of precipitation system for cold-season 

rain and snow over steep mountains and warm season convective storms. Scientists developed techniques 

to detect intense convection and hailstorms using data from GPM’s microwave imager (GMI). Team 

members provided a comprehensive evaluation of the 2013 Iowa Floods Study (IFloodS) radar-based 

rainfall products for hydrologic model testing. They used GV-team-developed calibration adjustments and 

data from both TRMM and GPM to calibrate nearly 20 years of Australian radar data and incorporated 

current data into the GPM Validation Network architecture as a tropical maritime site for GPM validation. 

In early FY 2019, NASA completed the competitive selection process for 40 Principal Investigators to be 

three-year members of the Precipitation Measurement Missions Science Team.

OCEAN WINDS SCIENCE TEAM

The Ocean Winds Science Team uses scientific data received from the QuikSCAT satellite, RapidScat

instrument, and other international missions, which measure ocean surface winds by sensing ripples 

caused by winds at the ocean’s surface. From this data, scientists can compute wind speed and direction 

thus acquiring global observations of surface wind velocity each day. Wind data from ships and buoys 

serve to calibrate the satellite data.

Recent Achievements

Satellite scatterometer data enabled discoveries of new mechanisms of air-sea interaction, improved 

forecasting of tropical hurricanes and cyclones, and allowed NASA to monitor ongoing changes of the 

Earth’s systems, including sea ice, land and snow cover, urban extent, carbon biomass, and ocean 

productivity. The science team is exploring a conceptually novel approach to measure winds from space, 

involving concurrent observation of ocean winds and currents in support of a potential future air-sea 

interaction mission recommended by the National Academies of Sciences. 

LAND COVER PROJECT SCIENCE OFFICE 

The Land Cover Project Science Office (LCPSO) maintains over 40 years of calibration records for the 

Landsat 1 through Landsat 8 series of satellites. The office also provides community software tools to 

make it easier for users to work with this data. In collaboration with USGS, LCPSO supports 

cross-calibration of the Landsat record with other international sensors, provision of preprocessed data 

sets for land-cover change analysis, and facilitates use of international data sets for improved land cover 

monitoring.

Recent Achievements

The LCPSO began migration of the Harmonized Landsat/Sentinel-2 (HLS) Product to global, operational 

capability. The HLS product merges surface reflectance observations from the US Landsat and European 

Sentinel-2 satellites to generate an improved data record of land and coastal change. The HLS project is 

working with NASA Earth Science Data Systems, Marshall Space Flight Center, and USGS to generate a 

global processing system for HLS data, leveraging commercial cloud capabilities. The office expects the 
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rollout of the forward processing capability in early 2020. LCPSO also continued to support analysis of 

land surface temperature (LST) retrieval algorithms for Landsat 8 and the upcoming Landsat 9 mission, 

resulting in the USGS plan to deploy a single-channel LST algorithm for Landsat 9, followed by a 

split-window (two-channel) approach sometime after launch.

OCEAN SALINITY SCIENCE TEAM 

The Ocean Salinity Science Team (OSST) supports the development and construction of surface salinity 

products from L-Band microwave radiometers such as Aquarius, SMAP, and data sets of opportunity 

such as ESA’s Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission. The team also seeks to understand 

upper-ocean processes that impact variability of surface salinity in order to improve interpretation of the 

space-based salinity products. The team is working on a SMAP salinity product that is consistent with the 

Aquarius salinity product, which ended in June 2015.

Recent Achievements

OSST produced global maps of ocean salinity with unprecedented coverage, accuracy, and resolution. 

New salinity maps improve the ability to study large-scale ocean processes, predict various climate 

phenomena (e.g., El Nino), and gain insights into the recent amplification of Earth’s hydrological cycle. 

Recent studies also demonstrate the utility of satellite salinity as a new resource to monitor hurricanes and 

the ocean’s response to tropical storms.

Operating Missions

ICE, CLOUD, AND LAND ELEVATION SATELLITE (ICESAT-2)

The ICESat-2 mission measures global elevation to provide an important multi-year record needed to 

determine sea ice thickness and ice sheet mass change. It also provides topography and vegetation data 

around the globe. These additional data products support estimates of biomass and carbon in aboveground 

vegetation in conjunction with related missions, measurements of ocean topography, inland water body 

elevation such as lakes and rivers, and cloud properties. The ICESat-2 observatory is comprised of one 

instrument, the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS), which measures the round-trip 

time of laser light from the observatory to Earth and back as the basis for the mission’s elevation 

measurements.

Recent Achievements

The ICESat-2 observatory and ATLAS instrument continue to operate nominally and have provided more 

than a trillion new elevation measurements since data collection began on October 14, 2018. NASA made 

ICESat-2 data available to the public on May 28, 2019 via the National Snow and Ice Data Center. To 

date, over 1,800 data users have downloaded over 1.1 million data files. The initial science results from 

ICESat-2 have demonstrated that the elevation data is accurate to less than 3 centimeters vertically, the 

location of each measurement on the surface of the earth is known to less than 10 meters horizontally, and 

that measurements from ICESat-2 are of comparable quality as measurements from low-flying 
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aircraft. The data show the ongoing ice loss from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, and that the ice 

shelves of Antarctica may be losing more ice than previously thought.

GRACE FOLLOW-ON

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission provides continuity of 

month-to-month mass change observations and high-resolution global models of Earth’s gravity field, as 

in the original GRACE mission (launched in 2002). The GRACE-FO mission allows scientists to gain 

new insights into the dynamic processes of Earth’s water cycle, including variations in water storage over 

land, the mass of glaciers and ice sheets, and sea level and ocean currents. GRACE-FO also maps large 

earthquakes and tectonic processes. Data from the mission, in combination with other existing sources of 

data, greatly improves scientific understanding of how Earth’s water cycle evolves. GRACE-FO data is 

vital to ensuring there is a minimal gap in mass change measurements following the decommissioning of 

the original GRACE mission. GRACE-FO is a partnership with the German Research Centre for 

Geosciences (GFZ).

Recent Achievements

NASA successfully launched the two GRACE-FO satellites on May 22, 2018. The mission transitioned 

into its operational science phase on January 28, 2019. The mission has delivered 14 complete monthly 

global mass change datasets as of the end of October 2019 and is currently meeting all mission 

science requirements. Accuracy of these global measurements is at a level consistent with the 

original GRACE mission and achieves vital continuity for stable long-term data analysis. GRACE-FO is 

now enabling scientists and resource managers worldwide to accurately and efficiently monitor changes 

in our Earth's ice sheets and glaciers, underground water storage, and crustal deformation due to major 

earthquakes. In addition, scientists will utilize data to track sea-level change and aid in the management of 

drought and water resources in the United States. The Laser Ranging Interferometer has also performed 

exceptionally well, reaching a precision factor 30 times better than the performance goal. This 

groundbreaking technology demonstration will serve as a foundational milestone for future 

gravity missions.

SOIL MOISTURE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE (SMAP)

The SMAP mission, launched in January 2015, provides a capability for global mapping of soil moisture 

with unprecedented accuracy, resolution, and coverage. The SMAP measurement system consists of a 

radiometer (passive) instrument and a synthetic aperture radar (active) instrument operating with multiple 

polarizations in the L-band range. Although the active radar instrument failed in July 2015, the radiometer 

is operating nominally, and continues to provide global mapping of soil moisture with accuracy, 

resolution, and coverage that exceeds the capability of other on-orbit systems. The SMAP project team 

has developed a blended data product that combines SMAP radiometer measurements with the European 

Copernicus Program’s Sentinel-1 active radar measurements. This operational product provides soil 

moisture information with higher spatial resolution whenever the two systems have coincident 

measurements.

SMAP’s prime mission ended in June 2018. The 2017 Earth Science senior review endorsed the SMAP 

mission for continued operations through 2020, and preliminarily, through 2023.
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Recent Achievements

SMAP science data products provide information on the status of surface soil moisture and vegetation 

water content conditions, allowing global monitoring every 1.5 days. The information is available to the 

science and applications communities. To-date, researchers have published over 800 studies in peerreviewed journals in a range of disciplines such as hydrology and water resources, ecology and 

agronomy, and other Earth system science disciplines. These studies have advanced the understanding of 

how water storage at the land surface affects regional climate and vegetation and crop conditions. Several 

national agencies continue their evaluation of SMAP data, including the multi-agency National Drought 

Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. There, scientists use SMAP time series data 

across the U.S. for surface soil moisture and changes in these data (in addition to data from other sources) 

to issue the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor, which serves as the basis for drought disaster declarations and 

for determining low-interest loans or tax-deferral eligibility. SMAP has consistently produced soil 

moisture products with low latency to enable usage by the U.S. Air Force's 557th Weather Wing, which 

provides services to several defense-related applications. SMAP soil moisture data products are also an 

effective predictor of how much precipitation becomes storm streamflow. Forecasting streamflow 

conditions is important for minimizing loss of life and property during flooding, as well as adequately 

planning for low streamflow conditions accompanying drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service and the Foreign Agricultural Service also use the SMAP 

data for operational assessments.

GLOBAL PRECIPITATION MEASUREMENT (GPM)

The GPM mission, launched in February 2014, advances the measurement of global precipitation through 

the combined use of active and passive remote-sensing techniques. Tracking storms as they move within 

the tropics and higher latitudes, GPM provides a three-dimensional view of their structural and 

microphysical properties and provides estimates of storm rainfall accumulations for major storm events. 

The GPM Microwave Imager measures energy from different types of precipitation within clouds to 

estimate heavy to light rain and to detect falling snow. The Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar provides 

three-dimensional information about precipitation particles, including their size distributions and 

associated rainfall rates, derived from reflected energy at two radar wavelengths at different heights 

within the cloud system. GPM is a joint mission with the Japan space agency, JAXA.

GPM completed its prime mission in June 2017 and is now in extended operations. The 2017 Earth 

Science senior review endorsed the GPM mission for continued operations through 2020, and 

preliminarily, through 2023.

Recent Achievements

In 2019, GPM improved, validated, and transitioned to production its merged multi-satellite rainfall 

product called IMERG, GPM's most downloaded product. This will enable the generation of a consistent 

20-year global rainfall dataset spanning the TRMM (2000-2015) and GPM (2014-present) missions. The 

GPM ground-validation group expanded IMERG validation efforts with a focus placed on evaluation of 

extreme events, including several recent U.S. hurricanes (e.g., Harvey, Florence). Scientists have made 

significant efforts in recent years to improve measurement of surface snowfall using NASA and 

NOAA/National Weather Service data in Michigan. They have incorporated these data and techniques 

into the GPM validation system for continental-scale use. GPM continued to leverage field measurements 

efficiently in collaboration with scientists in Finland and Canada to provide new ground-validation 
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“benchmark” radar-based snowfall datasets for direct validation of satellite products. GPM continued to 

cultivate collaborations and partnerships with government and non-government organizations, and private 

groups, to facilitate crosscutting applications of the data within their environments in areas such as 

ecology, water and agriculture, energy, health, and disasters. 

OCEAN SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY MISSION (OSTM)

OSTM (also known as Jason-2), launched in June 2008, measured sea surface height, and enabled

scientists to track changes in ocean currents, assess climate variability, and make improved maps of the 

sea floor. This mission was the third in a series of four ocean surface topography missions (Jason-1,

TOPEX/Poseidon, OSTM, and Jason-3). After the launch of Jason-3, OSTM moved into a new orbit 

configuration with very closely spaced ground tracks that scientists used to better understand gravity over 

the ocean, and make improved maps of the sea floor. OSTM was a joint mission with NOAA, CNES, and 

EUMETSAT.

Recent Achievements

Because of space radiation-induced anomalies to electrical components onboard the spacecraft, NASA 

decommissioned the OSTM mission in late 2019, exceeding its prime mission by eight years. Mission 

closeout is now underway, with reanalysis of the improvements to measurement of water depth and mean 

sea surface models. NASA will now reprocess all mission data to the state-of-the-art geophysical 

standards and will archive it for future use. The results from OSTM will be of great scientific benefit to 

the upcoming Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission, scheduled for launch in 2022.

SUOMI NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING PARTNERSHIP (SUOMI NPP)

The Suomi NPP mission, launched in October 2011, is a partnership between NASA and NOAA. The 

five instruments on Suomi NPP provide visible and infrared multi-spectral global imagery, atmospheric 

temperature and moisture profiles, total ozone and stratospheric ozone profiles, and measurements of 

Earth’s radiation balance. In addition to a wide range of applications studies, the NASA science focus 

areas served by Suomi NPP include atmospheric composition, climate variability and change, carbon 

cycle, ecosystems, water and energy cycles, and weather. Several primary Suomi-NPP products have 

demonstrated their capabilities to provide critical continuity and near-real-time data, extending the EOS 

observation long time-series in monitoring changes in land, ocean, and atmosphere as well as Earth’s 

radiation budget. NASA built and launched Suomi NPP. NOAA operates the spacecraft and instruments. 

NASA and NOAA continue to collaborate to ensure meeting the shared objectives of both agencies. 

Suomi NPP is currently in extended operations. 

Recent Achievements

In 2019, researchers using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) ocean color data 

unveiled the most comprehensive view of the distribution of a zooplankton species to date and altered our 

understanding of the behavior of this key zooplankton species. Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite

(OMPS) total ozone data indicate that the 2019 ozone hole is the smallest on record since its discovery in 

1982, thanks to the unusual warmer temperatures during the 2019 Antarctic spring. OMPS Limb Profiler 

data have further revealed details of the development of the Antarctic ozone hole in 3D. By adding the 

VIIRS observations, the NASA land products have now built a more than 50-year time-series about land
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surface vegetation resources and monitoring with implications on carbon storage, biodiversity, coastal 

zone impacts, and progress in cropland monitoring, which can provide early and local insights on crop 

yield and is critical for farmers, government agencies, and the financial markets. In addition, scientists 

used VIIRS data extensively to provide timely information during disaster events such as the Alaska and 

California wildfires in 2019. 

TERRA

Terra, launched in December 1999, is one of the Earth Observing System (EOS) flagship missions. It 

enables a wide range of interdisciplinary studies of atmospheric composition, carbon cycle, ecosystems, 

biogeochemistry, climate variability and change, water and energy cycles, and weather. The Terra 

mission has provided more than 19 years of continuous data collection, including fundamental 

observations of the Earth’s climate system, high-impact events, and adding value to other satellite 

missions and field campaigns. The spacecraft platform and five sensors are all fully functional, with the 

exception of the shortwave infrared bands in the Advanced Space-borne Thermal Emission and 

Reflection Radiometer instrument. Terra is a joint mission with Japan and Canada.

Terra is currently in extended operations. The 2017 Earth Science senior review endorsed the Terra

mission for continued operations through 2020, and preliminarily, through 2023.

Recent Achievements

The Terra mission provides a unique, cost-efficient, and long-term climate and environmental record not 

available from any other satellite platform. Recent work by the mission improved the spatial sampling and 

quality of Terra's data products. The products were also made easier to use and more widely available in 

response to feedback from the scientific community. As an example, a new global topography map had 

more than one million downloads within the first four weeks of its August 2019 delivery, highlighting 

both the accessibility and demand for the product. Multiple Federal agencies used Terra’s land and 

atmosphere products for volcanic ash monitoring, weather forecasting, forest fire monitoring, carbon 

management, and global crop assessment. Fire monitoring is an excellent example of the community 

making use of all of Terra’s five instruments to investigate fire location and intensity, burn areas and 

revegetation, and injection and transport of aerosols and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere. The 

mission’s long-term record shows a greening of global lands, especially in China and India. Decreases in 

the concentration of atmospheric pollutants such as hazes and dust are seen in the US and Europe while 

parts of Asia and the Middle East have increasing concentrations, reflecting the impacts of transportation, 

industrial and agricultural activity, climate change, and pollution controls. Terra products also provided 

the data record needed to evaluate the impact of variations in Arctic sea ice and ocean heat transport 

leading to improved climate model accuracy. The Terra Team received the prestigious 2019 William T. 

Pecora Group Award for the mission's outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth through 

remote sensing.

AQUA

Aqua, launched in May 2002, is one of the EOS flagship missions. Aqua improves our understanding of 

Earth’s water cycle and the intricacies of the climate system by monitoring atmospheric, land, ocean, and 

ice variables. It was the first satellite launched into what has become the afternoon constellation of 

satellites, known as the A-Train, and remains the anchor satellite of that constellation. Four of Aqua’s 
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Earth observing instruments – the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), the Advanced Microwave 

Sounding Unit, Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES), and the Moderate Resolution 

Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) – continue to collect valuable data about the Earth’s atmosphere, 

oceans, land, ice, and overall energy budget. These data are widely used by the science community, and in 

practical applications ranging from improved weather forecasting to monitoring forest fires, crop yields, 

volcanic ash plumes, and ice-infested waters. Aqua is a joint mission with Japan and Brazil.

Aqua is currently in extended operations. The 2017 Earth Science senior review endorsed the Aqua 

mission for continued operations through 2020, and preliminarily, through 2023.

Recent Achievements

The Aqua data are readily available to users worldwide and researchers used the data in thousands of 

scientific publications and in numerous practical applications. The remarkably stable AIRS measurements 

depict in a unique manner the evolution of the Earth’s climate during the 21st century. They confirm the 

Earth’s temperature evolution previously measured from ground-based instruments – including amplified 

warming in the Arctic region – doing so with the far greater spatial completeness allowed by the satellite 

perspective. Scientists have further used the AIRS data to discover new trends in cloud properties that 

may have a profound significance given the critical importance of the feedbacks between clouds and the 

Earth’s climate system. Scientists have used CERES data products in research on Earth’s energy 

imbalance, climate feedback, aerosol radiative forcing, atmospheric and oceanic energy transports, polar 

climate, and climate model evaluation. Research using CERES data has shown, for instance, that a 

complete disappearance of Arctic sea ice would contribute an additional heating (relative to a 1979 

baseline) equal to the effect of one trillion tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The MODIS data have 

shown an increase in foliage around the planet over the last two decades that includes greening in the 

U.S., Mexico, and especially India and eastern China, in part due to extensive tree-planting programs. 

Among the many practical applications of the Aqua data are extensive use of AIRS data in weather 

forecasting, use of CERES data in monitoring of solar panel operations and crop modeling, and use of 

MODIS data in wildfire monitoring, including monitoring the highly destructive Camp Fire in California 

in November 2018 and major fires in Brazil in August 2019 and in Australia in September 2019.

AURA

Aura, launched in July 2004, is one of the EOS flagship missions. Aura advances the understanding of 

changes in the Earth's radiation balance, air quality, and the ozone layer that result from changes in 

atmospheric composition, climate variability, and weather by measuring atmospheric chemical 

composition, tropospheric/stratospheric exchange of energy and chemicals, chemistry-climate 

interactions, and air quality. Aura is also part of the A-Train. Two of Aura’s four instruments are 

operational: the Microwave Limb Sounder and the Ozone Monitoring Instrument. Additional 

measurements include clouds, aerosols, solar spectral irradiance, and water vapor. Aura is a joint mission 

with the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom.

Aura is currently in extended operations. The 2017 Earth Science senior review endorsed the Aura 

mission for continued operations through 2020, and preliminarily, through 2023. The senior review also 

recommended the termination of operations for the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) on Aura 

and in response, NASA decommissioned TES in January 2018.
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Recent Achievements

Aura observations continue to be used in a wide range of peer-reviewed scientific studies of processes 

affecting ozone layer stability, including those both comparing observations to predictions from state-ofthe-art models, and studies assimilating Aura observations into models to further improve their predictive 

skill for a range of atmospheric phenomena. Aura observations have also provided new insights into 

processes controlling stratospheric humidity, an important climate variable. The annual number of human 

health studies that use Aura data continues to increase in 2019. Researchers are taking advantage of the 

long 15-year record and spatial coverage afforded by Aura data to strengthen inference of the relation 

between health outcomes and both pollutants and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Scientists use Aura data for a 

variety of air quality applications. Scientists identified a new air quality application for Aura data in 2019, 

which uses the data to infer carbon dioxide emissions from cities and power plants around the world using 

data of co-emitted nitrogen dioxide. The International Ozone Monitoring Instrument Team received the 

prestigious 2018 USGS-NASA Pecora Award for "sustained team innovation and international 

collaboration to produce daily global satellite data that revolutionized air quality, stratospheric chemistry, 

and climate research."

STRATOSPHERIC AEROSOL AND GAS EXPERIMENT III (SAGE-III)

Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III (SAGE-III), launched in February 2017, operates on the 

ISS, and provides global, long-term measurements of key components of Earth’s atmosphere. The most 

important of these are the vertical distribution of aerosols and ozone from the upper troposphere through 

the stratosphere. In addition, SAGE-III provides unique measurements of temperature in the stratosphere 

and mesosphere and profiles of trace gases, such as water vapor and nitrogen dioxide, which play 

significant roles in atmospheric radiative and chemical processes. These measurements are vital inputs to 

the global scientific community for improved understanding of climate and human-induced ozone trends. 

Recent Achievements

In its third operational year, the SAGE-III mission continues to demonstrate improvements in operational 

efficiency for payload commanding and science data collection. The SAGE-III instrument has observed 

the global impact of stratospheric aerosol loading from volcanic eruptions in the topics and Raikoke 

Island in 2019 and wildfires in both central Siberia in July/August 2019 and the northwestern regions of 

North America. The competitively selected SAGE-III/ISS Science Team held its second meeting in 

October 2019, and the mission continues to communicate with the international science community on the 

variations of stratospheric aerosol and ozone captured in the SAGE-III data products freely released to the 

public on a monthly schedule.

EARTH FROM ISS

NASA’s ISS program sponsored the development of several earth science instruments for the ISS. The 

Earth from ISS project will ensure the appropriate processing of data and its availability to the earth 

science research community from the data collected by these instruments. This project will invest in 

algorithm development, data production and distribution, as well as data analysis and modeling for the 

currently planned ISS earth science payloads.

The ISS Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) makes space-based global lightning observations, using the 

backup flight spare for the instrument that operated for 17 years on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring 
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Mission. LIS provides a great opportunity to not only extend the TRMM record of tropical lightning 

measurements, but also to expand coverage to the higher latitudes missed by the previous mission. LIS 

observations continue to support, and are used by, the global scientific research community, across a wide 

range of disciplines that include weather and extreme storms, climate studies, atmospheric chemistry, and 

lightning physics. Researchers use LIS to help calibrate and validate the observations from the new 

Geostationary Lightning Mapper operating on NOAA’s newest geostationary weather satellite, GOES-16.

Recent Achievements

The LIS successfully completed its two-year prime mission in 2019. The public release of validated data 

to the broader science community in the summer of 2019 represented an important milestone as the 

mission continues to support high-value science and applications activities. Another notable achievement 

has been comparing LIS observations with those of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) 

operating on NOAA’s newest weather satellites, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite16/17 (GOES-16/17), to help cross-validate both systems.

TOTAL SOLAR IRRADIANCE SENSOR-1 (TSIS-1)

The TSIS-1 mission provides absolute measurements of TSI and SSI, important for accurate scientific 

models of climate change and solar variability. TSIS-1 is comprised of two instruments, the Total 

Irradiance Monitor (TIM), and the Spectral Irradiance Monitor, which are the most accurate solar 

irradiance instruments in the world, allowing scientists to better understand solar variability at both short 

and long time scales. The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics built a highly sensitive thermal 

pointing system that the project uses to accommodate the instruments on the ISS. 

Recent Achievements

The TSIS-1instrument tracked daily Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) variations consistently to within 0.004 

percent and extended the TSI record to 40 years. New SSI data from TSIS-1 are the most accurate solar 

spectrum in the 200-2400 nanometer wavelength bands that help scientists evaluate the solar spectrum 

used in climate modeling. This solar spectral band accounts for 97 percent of solar energy input to the 

Earth system. Measuring the incoming solar energy at different spectral wavelengths provides critical 

elements for understanding how that energy is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and surface. The solar 

spectra measured during 2018-2019 established a new reference that allows cross-calibration with other 

satellite sensors for global climate and environmental studies. NASA has made the TSIS-1 SSI data 

available to Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS) as an international collaborative effort 

under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological 

Satellites (CGMS).

DEEP SPACE CLIMATE OBSERVATORY (DSCOVR)

DSCOVR, launched in February 2015, is a multi-agency (NOAA, United States Air Force, and NASA) 

mission with the primary goal of making unique space weather measurements from the Lagrange point 

L1. Lagrange point L1 is on the direct line between Earth and the Sun and provides about a 45-minute 

early warning for adverse space weather events. NASA provided the two Earth-observing instruments, the 

Earth Poly-Chromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Advanced Radiometer (NISTAR), to the DSCOVR satellite. NASA-processed EPIC and NISTAR data 

has been publicly available since June 2015 and includes: color images of the full sunlit disk of the Earth; 
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maps of ozone, clouds, aerosols, and vegetation; and measurements of sulfur dioxide from volcanic 

eruptions.

The DSCOVR NASA provided instruments completed their prime mission in 2018 and are currently in 

extended operations. The 2017 Earth Science senior review endorsed the DSCOVR mission for continued 

operations through 2020. On June 27, 2019, NOAA placed DSCOVR in a long-term Safe Hold Mode due 

to the degradation of one of the inertial navigation system gyros. Regular operations are expected to 

resume in early 2020 once a new flight software is uploaded that relies on the DSCOVR star tracker and 

Sun sensors alone.

Recent Achievements

In 2019, the EPIC and NISTAR data production team successfully processed new and improved versions 

of EPIC and the latest NISTAR data. The main improvements in the EPIC data are: (1) improved 

geolocation of each image, which greatly reduces the noise inherent in combining multiple images; (2) 

use of extended in-orbit calibrations for both UV and visible channels; and (3) extended dark current 

corrections. Improved ozone, reflectivity, erythemal irradiance, sulfur dioxide, and aerosol data are now 

available publicly from the UV channels. Standard products include EPIC vegetation data and the daily 

variation of solar illuminated green leaf area, a key measure of photosynthesis. The unique backscattering 

observation geometry of EPIC allowed the revisiting of models of surface reflection near the hot-spot 

direction; such models are very important for monitoring vegetation, especially in the tropics. The nearreal-time true color images of the Earth generated by EPIC remained highly popular with the public, 

especially during major storms. 
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Venture Class Missions 163.5 -- 263.6 230.8 183.6 176.9 169.4

Other Missions and Data Analysis 60.2 -- 75.3 70.4 68.0 64.9 64.9

Total Budget 223.8 -- 338.9 301.2 251.6 241.8 234.4

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

CloudSat and CALIPSO show the detailed inner 

structure of Typhoon Yutu on October 28, 2018 as 

it heads towards the Philippines. Yutu was a 

Category 5 super typhoon that caused over $800 

million dollars of damage and dozens of deaths. 

The CloudSat radar (bright purple and red) 

penetrates the intense inner eyewall at the heart of 

the storm while the CALIPSO lidar (dull red and 

yellow) show the large-scale cirrus clouds flowing 

out of the storm.

The Earth Science System Pathfinder (ESSP) program 

provides frequent, regular, competitively selected 

Earth science research opportunities that accommodate 

new and emerging scientific priorities and 

measurement capabilities. This results in a series of 

relatively low-cost, small-sized investigations and 

missions. Principal investigators lead these focused 

projects that contribute to studies of the atmosphere, 

oceans, land surface, polar ice regions, or solid Earth. 

ESSP projects include space missions, remote sensing 

instruments for space-based missions of opportunity, 

and extended duration airborne science missions. The 

ESSP program also supports the conduct of science 

research utilizing data from these missions. ESSP 

projects may involve partnerships with other U.S.

agencies and/or international organizations. This 

portfolio of missions and investigations provides 

opportunity for investment in innovative Earth science 

that enhances NASA’s capability for better 

understanding the current state of the Earth system.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

NASA selected Geosynchronous Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer (GLIMR) from the Earth 

Venture Instrument-5 solicitation within Venture Class and increased the GeoCarb lifecycle cost, 

reflecting more updated estimates for the cost of completing the instrument and obtaining a host 

spacecraft.
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 163.5 -- 263.6 230.8 183.6 176.9 169.4

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

GLIMR provides observations of ocean biology, chemistry, 

and ecology in the Gulf of Mexico, and portions of the 

southeastern United States from a commercial 

Geostationary satellite (shown in the figure above).

NASA’s Earth Venture Class Missions provide 

frequent flight opportunities for high-quality,

low-cost earth science investigations that can 

be developed and flown in five years or less. 

NASA selects the investigations through open

competitions to ensure broad community 

involvement and encourages innovative 

approaches. Successful investigations enhance 

our capability to understand the current state of 

the Earth system and enable continual 

improvement in the prediction of future 

changes. Solicitations include both space-borne and airborne/suborbital opportunities.

NASA established Venture Class Missions in response to recommendations in the 2007 National 

Academies’ report, "Earth Science and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next 

Decade and Beyond." The 2017 National Academies’ report, "Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A 

Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space," also endorses the Venture Class Missions. 

The Earth Venture Class Missions include four components: 

• Earth Venture Suborbital (EVS) investigations, which are sustained suborbital science 

investigations. NASA releases EVS solicitations every four years with a budget of approximately 

$120 million in FY 2018 dollars, and selects multiple investigations within each call, individually 

cost-capped at no more than $30 million. 

• Earth Venture Missions (EVM) are small space-based missions. NASA releases EVM 

solicitations every four years at a cost cap of approximately $166 million in FY 2018 dollars. 

• Earth Venture Instruments (EVI) are missions of opportunity hosted on space-borne platforms. 

NASA releases EVI solicitations every three years at a cost cap of approximately $108 million in 

FY 2018 dollars.

• Earth Venture Continuity (EVC), a new component in FY 2020, will fly on-orbit demonstrations 

of affordable measurement approaches for maintaining the long-term record of important Earth 

science measurements. NASA will release EVC solicitations every three years at a cost cap of 

approximately $150 million in FY 2018 dollars.
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The cadence of solicitations for EVI and EVC investigations will alternate every 18 months, releasing 

each approximately every three years. The cadence of EVS and EVM solicitation is independent of other 

Earth Venture solicitations.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

NASA confirmed the TROPICS instrument to proceed into development and increased its lifecycle cost 

for possible launch opportunities. NASA selected Geosynchronous Littoral Imaging and Monitoring 

Radiometer (GLIMR) from the Earth Venture Instrument-5 solicitation within Venture Class and 

increased the GeoCarb lifecycle cost, reflecting more updated estimates for the cost of completing the 

instrument and obtaining a host spacecraft.

Program Elements

VENTURE CLASS FUTURE MISSIONS

Earth Venture Class Future Mission funding supports the selection of new missions through 

Announcement of Opportunity (AO) solicitations at intervals of every four years for EVS and EVM; EVI 

and EVC will alternate every 18 months, each released approximately every three years. NASA released a 

solicitation for EVC-1 in December 2018 to address radiation budget measurement continuity. Proposals 

received in July 2019 are currently under review. NASA will select the first EVC-1 investigation and 

initiate project formulation in FY 2020.

CYCLONE GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM (CYGNSS) (EVM-1,

SELECTED IN 2012)

CYGNSS data enables scientists to probe from space key air-sea interaction processes that take place near 

the inner core of the storms and which play large roles in the genesis and intensification of hurricanes. 

The CYGNSS measurements also provide information to the hurricane forecast community, potentially 

enabling better modeling to predict the strength of hurricanes as they develop. CYGNSS also makes 

measurements over land that are used to image flood inundation, wetland extent, and surface soil 

moisture.

CYGNSS’s eight micro-satellite observatories receive both direct and reflected signals from Global 

Positioning System (GPS) satellites. The direct GPS signals pinpoint CYGNSS observatory positions and 

track fluctuations in GPS power, while the reflected signals are indicative of ocean surface roughness. 

Scientists use both measurements to derive the critical measurement of wind speed over ocean and water 

properties over land. CYGNSS launched in December 2016 and entered its extended mission phase in 

March 2019. NASA has approved CYGNSS for operation through September 2020. 

Recent Achievements

CYGNSS calibration improvements resulted in a significant reduction in the uncertainty of its high wind 

speed measurements. As a result, scientists now have better knowledge of surface wind speed and 
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associated latent heat flux in the inner core of storms. CYGNSS also provides valuable insight into the 

relationship between wind-driven surface fluxes and general tropical oceanic convection. Oceanographic 

studies are also underway to utilize CYGNSS’s altimetric ability to measure sea level, ocean currents, and 

eddy circulation. 

A study on new uses of CYGNSS measurements over land confirms the ability to retrieve volumetric soil 

moisture content at a level consistent with that of the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) 

mission. The hydrology community released an initial global soil moisture data product. In addition, 

CYGNSS is able to map flood inundation in the aftermath of hurricane landfall and wetland extent under 

heavy vegetation. Electromagnetic modeling studies are underway to understand and characterize the 

extremely high quality, spatially resolved imagery that is possible with CYGNSS over calm inland water 

bodies. 

Planned Future Achievements

The recent improvements in instrument calibration and resulting ocean wind measurement uncertainty 

will enable more comprehensive applications of CYGNSS measurements to forecast studies. These 

include data assimilation into hurricane forecast models for a large number of past storms to improve the 

statistical characterization of forecast skill improvement. Additionally, they will pave the way for 

eventual operational data usage, and data assimilation into storm surge prediction models, to assess the 

potential improvement in storm surge forecasting that will result from the frequent measurements of inner 

core wind strength and structure enabled by CYGNSS. 

A comprehensive effort to calibrate the land measurements will support the new measurements of soil 

moisture and inland waterway extent and validate the new data products derived from them. The 

calibration and validation activities will provide the data quality characterization needed for the land 

hydrology research and applications communities to engage with the new data products.

TROPOSPHERIC EMISSIONS: MONITORING OF POLLUTION (TEMPO) (EVI-1,

SELECTED IN 2012)

The TEMPO instrument will measure atmospheric pollution covering most of North America. A

commercial communications satellite will host the instrument and launch no earlier than 2021. On an 

hourly basis, TEMPO will measure atmospheric pollution from Mexico City to the Canadian tar/oil sands 

and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. TEMPO will provide measurements that include the key elements of 

air pollution chemistry (e.g., ozone, nitrogen dioxide) in the lowest part of the atmosphere. Measurements 

from geostationary orbit will capture the inherent high variability in the daily cycle of emissions and 

chemistry. Measuring across both time and space will create a revolutionary dataset that provides 

understanding and improves prediction of air quality and climate forcing.

Maxar Technologies of Westminster, Colorado will provide satellite integration, launch, and data 

transmission services for TEMPO. 

Recent Achievements

The TEMPO Instrument successfully completed a System Acceptance Review and is safely in storage at a 

Ball Aerospace facility in Colorado. Through the Hosted Payload Solutions contract, the U.S. Air Force 

Space and Missile Systems Center selected Maxar Technologies (formerly Space Systems/Loral) of Palo 
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Alto, California in June 2019 as NASA's first Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) hosting services effort. In 

addition, the project has completed the development of the Instrument Operations Center (IOC) software 

(a TEMPO-specific software exclusive of the host spacecraft interfaces), and Version 1 of the Science 

Data Processing Center (SDPC) software. 

Planned Future Achievements

TEMPO will begin formulating technical documents in FY 2020 to address host spacecraft integration 

needs such as interface documents, integration plans, and test procedures. Additionally, the project plans 

to start integration with the host spacecraft and to complete Version 2.0 of the Science Data Processing 

Center (SDPC) software during FY 2021.

ECOSYSTEM SPACEBORNE THERMAL RADIOMETER EXPERIMENT ON SPACE 

STATION (ECOSTRESS) (EVI-2, SELECTED IN 2014)

ECOSTRESS observes changes in global vegetation from the ISS. The sensors give scientists new ways 

to see how changes in climate or land use affect forests and ecosystems. ECOSTRESS uses a 

high-resolution thermal infrared radiometer to measure plant evapotranspiration and the loss of water 

from growing leaves and evaporation from the soil. These data reveal how ecosystems change with 

climate and provide a critical link between the water cycle and effectiveness of plant growth, both natural 

and agricultural. 

Recent Achievements

NASA has now collected over 45,000 ECOSTRESS scenes and achieved an acquisition rate that is 

approximately double the proposed acquisition rate. The data shows variations in plant water use and 

plant stress over different regions together with differences in plant water uptake over the daily cycle. 

Scientists have used measurements of water consumption over the contiguous United States and 

throughout the world to detect droughts. ECOSTRESS completed its prime mission on August 19, 2019 

and successfully transitioned to extended operations approved through FY 2020.

Planned Future Achievements

Now in extended operations, ECOSTRESS plans to have acquisitions through 2020 with further 

extensions beyond that date subject to successfully completing the Senior Review. A recently expanded 

science team will use the ECOSTRESS measurements for a variety of earth studies.

GLOBAL ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION (GEDI) LIDAR (EVI-2,

SELECTED IN 2014)

GEDI is a geodetic-class laser ranging system that provides 3-dimensional measurements of the Earth’s 

forests from the ISS. GEDI measures the height of the Earth’s temperate and tropical forests and their 

vertical structure. These data will help scientists to determine, for the first time, how much carbon forests 

are storing as biomass, and the net impact of deforestation and subsequent regrowth on atmospheric 

carbon dioxide that results from human-influenced activities and climate variations. GEDI is the first 

mission optimized for vegetation measurements from space and provides the first, global, and 

transparently available data set that can be used by various US agencies at relevant scales for both policy 

and land management. GEDI is in prime operations phase.
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Recent Achievements

NASA successfully launched GEDI from Kennedy Space Center on December 5, 2018, six-months 

earlier than scheduled due to excellent cost and schedule management. GEDI completed its on-orbit 

checkout in April 2019 and has been collecting data as planned. GEDI has already reached its success 

criteria of 1 billion observations over the land surface. This represents a 100-times increase over data 

previously available from the NASA ICESat mission. 

Planned Future Achievements

GEDI will begin public release of its data sets in late 2019 to make the world’s most accurate maps of 

canopy height, structure, and biomass. In addition, GEDI is collaborating with the German Space Agency 

(DLR) to fuse its observations with the commercial archive of their TanDEM-X radar satellites and to 

produce more accurate estimates of height and biomass.

EARTH VENTURE MANAGEMENT

Earth Venture Management provides for the development of AO solicitations and the Technical, 

Management, and Cost evaluations of proposals received in response to the AO solicitations. 

Additionally, it supports the airborne assets that the EVS investigations rely on for their airborne 

campaigns.

MULTI-ANGLE IMAGER FOR AEROSOLS (MAIA) (EVI-3, SELECTED IN 2016)

MAIA will use a multi-angle imager to assess linkages between different airborne particulate matter types 

and human health (including adverse birth outcomes, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and 

premature death). This project will retrieve concentrations of fine and coarse particles, sulfate, nitrate, 

organic and black carbon, and mineral dust particles in major urban areas around the globe on a 

one-kilometer grid. The MAIA science team will correlate the data with birth, death, and hospital records

and will use established epidemiological methodologies to correlate the exposure to particulate matter 

with adverse health outcomes. General Atomics will provide services required to host the MAIA

instrument on a commercial satellite in low-Earth orbit.

Recent Achievements

The MAIA instrument successfully passed the instrument Critical Design Review and continues 

fabrication in preparation for instrument integration and testing. General Atomics successfully completed 

the Hosting Services Requirements Review and the Hosting Services Preliminary Design Review. 

Planned Future Achievements

MAIA plans to complete its instrument integration and majority of testing in order to deliver the 

instrument directly to General Atomics in early FY 2021 to begin integration to the host spacecraft. 

MAIA anticipates no storage time for the instrument. Meetings and reviews with the host will continue 

and include the Hosting Services Critical Design Review.
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TIME-RESOLVED OBSERVATIONS OF PRECIPITATION STRUCTURE AND STORM 

INTENSITY WITH A CONSTELLATION OF SMALLSATS (TROPICS) (EVI-3,

SELECTED IN 2016)

TROPICS will make measurements over the tropical latitudes to observe the thermodynamics and 

precipitation structures of Tropical Cyclones (TCs) over much of the storm systems’ lifecycles. TROPICS 

will take measurements of the temperature within the atmosphere, spatially and vertically resolved, as 

well as humidity, cloud ice, precipitation horizontal structure, and instantaneous surface rain rates. These 

measurements and the increased temporal resolution provided by the CubeSat constellation will enable

better understanding of the TC lifecycles and the environmental factors that affect the intensification of 

TCs.

The TROPICS mission consists of six CubeSats, which will each have a cross-track scanning multiband 

passive microwave radiometer in a 1U payload (1U, a CubeSat unit, is roughly equivalent to a 4-inch 

cubic box). NASA will place TROPICS in secured storage after completion while evaluating suitable 

launch opportunities.

Recent Achievements

TROPICS completed the System Integration Review (SIR) for delivery-to-storage. 

Planned Future Achievements

TROPICS scheduled the System Acceptance Review in January 2020. NASA will assess launch 

opportunities.

GEOSTATIONARY CARBON CYCLE OBSERVATORY (GEOCARB) (EVM-2,

SELECTED IN 2016)

GeoCarb will advance our understanding of Earth’s natural exchanges of carbon between the land, 

atmosphere, and ocean. The primary goals of the mission are to monitor plant health, vegetation stress 

throughout the Americas, and to probe, in unprecedented detail, the natural sources, sinks, and exchange 

processes that control carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane in the atmosphere. 

The mission will launch on a commercial communications satellite to make observations over the 

Americas from an orbit of approximately 22,000 miles (35,400 kilometers) above the equator. GeoCarb

will measure daily the total concentration of carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide in the 

atmosphere with a horizontal ground resolution of 3 to 6 miles (5 to 10 kilometers). GeoCarb also will 

measure solar-induced fluorescence, a signal related directly to changes in vegetation photosynthesis and 

plant stress.

Recent Achievements

The project was approved to proceed into the implementation phase in December 2019.

Planned Future Achievements

In FY 2020, GeoCarb will begin final design and fabrication and proceed to its Critical Design Review. 

GeoCarb will continue instrument development, ground system development and host selection. 
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EARTH VENTURE SUBORBITAL-3 (EVS-3; SELECTED IN 2018)

Five investigations will start in 2020 to look into a range of pressing research areas such as intense East 

Coast snowfall events and the impact of small-scale ocean currents on global climate. These 

investigations are:

• Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms 

(IMPACTS) studies the formation of snow bands in East Coast winter storms. Better 

understanding of the mechanisms of snow band formation and the factors that influence the 

location of the most intense snowfall will help improve forecasts of these extreme weather events. 

• Aerosol Cloud Meteorology Interactions over the Western Atlantic Experiment (ACTIVATE) 

identifies how aerosol particles change cloud properties in ways that affect Earth’s climate 

system. The investigation will focus on marine boundary layer clouds over the western North 

Atlantic Ocean that have a critical role in our planet’s energy balance. 

• Delta-X investigates the natural processes that maintain and build land in major river deltas 

threatened by rising seas. The project will improve models that predict loss of coastal land from 

sea level rise by improving estimates of how deltas add land—a process that involves trapping 

sediments and creating organic soils as plants grow. 

• Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere (DCOTSS) explores how strong 

summertime convective storms over North America can change the chemistry of the stratosphere. 

These storms regularly penetrate deep into the lower stratosphere, carrying pollutants that can 

change the chemical composition of this atmospheric layer, including ozone levels. 

• Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics and Vertical Transport (S-MODE) examines the potentially 

large influence that small-scale ocean eddies have on the exchange of heat between the ocean and 

the atmosphere. The project will collect a benchmark data set of climate and biological variables 

in the upper ocean that influence this exchange. 

Recent Achievements

After EVS-3 commenced in FY 2019, all investigations proceeded in developing their Investigation 

Implementation Plans. The Earth System Science Pathfinder Program Office (ESSP PO) assembled a 

board to assess readiness for confirmation, and held Confirmation Assessment Meetings for ACTIVATE, 

DCOTSS, and IMPACTS. NASA approved the same three investigations to move into their 

implementation/deployment phase upon successful Investigation Confirmation Reviews. ACTIVATE, 

Delta-X, IMPACTS, and S-MODE held Science Team Meetings during FY 2019.

Planned Future Achievements

S-MODE and Delta-X will complete the ESSP PO Assessment and conduct Confirmation Assessment 

Meetings and Investigation Confirmation Reviews during FY 2020. 

In FY 2020, all five investigations will begin deployments and will hold science team meetings.

EARTH SURFACE MINERAL DUST SOURCE INVESTIGATION (EMIT) (EVI-4;

SELECTED IN 2018)

EMIT will use a sensor mounted to the exterior of the ISS to determine the mineral composition of natural 

sources that produce dust aerosols around the world. Scientist do not currently have a global inventory of 
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the natural mineral sources of dust, and as a result, the global impacts of dust on weather, atmospheric 

circulation, and other aspects of Earth's environment are not well established. 

EMIT's hyperspectral instrument will measure the different wavelengths of light emitted by minerals on 

the surface of deserts and other dust sources in order to determine their composition. By measuring in 

detail which minerals make up the dust, EMIT will help answer the critical question of whether 

mineral-based dust has a cooling or warming effect on the atmosphere. EMIT's modeling component will 

use the data collected to advance the understanding of the role of atmospheric dust in Earth's climate and 

better predict how it can be expected to change in the future. 

Recent Achievements

The EMIT project is currently completing preliminary design and technology completion in preparation 

for the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) scheduled in FY 2020. 

Planned Future Achievements

EMIT will conduct its PDR, followed by a confirmation review in early FY 2020. The project will also 

prepare for its critical design review in late FY 2020.

POLAR RADIANT ENERGY IN THE FAR INFRARED EXPERIMENT (PREFIRE)

(EVI-4; SELECTED IN 2018)

PREFIRE will fly miniaturized thermal spectrometers on a pair of small CubeSat satellites to measure 

far-infrared emissions and how they change throughout the day and over seasons. These CubeSats will 

orbit Earth's poles to probe a little-studied portion of the radiant energy emitted by Earth for clues about 

Arctic warming, sea ice loss, and ice-sheet melting. These observations will allow scientists to assess how 

changes in thermal infrared emissions at the top of Earth's atmosphere are related to changes in cloud 

cover and surface conditions below, such as the amount of sea ice and meltwater on the surface of ice. 

Recent Achievements

The PREFIRE project is currently completing preliminary design and technology. The project is working 

toward a PDR in FY 2020.

Planned Future Achievements

PREFIRE plans to conduct its confirmation review in late FY 2020. 

GEOSYNCHRONOUS LITTORAL IMAGING AND MONITORING RADIOMETER (GLIMR)

(EVI-5; SELECTED IN 2019)

GLIMR will provide unique observations of ocean biology, chemistry, and ecology in the Gulf of 

Mexico, portions of the southeastern United States coastline, and the Amazon River plume – where the 

waters of the Amazon River enter the Atlantic Ocean. It will closely monitor the health of our oceans and 

assess risks for coastal communities to protect both our environment.
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NASA will integrate GLIMR on a NASA-selected platform and launch in the 2026-2027 timeframe into a 

geosynchronous orbit where it will be able to monitor a wide area, centered on the Gulf of Mexico, for up 

to 15 hours a day. From this vantage point, the hyperspectral ocean color radiometer will measure the 

reflectance of sunlight from optically complex coastal waters in narrow wavebands. GLIMR will gather 

many observations of a given area each day in a way that would not be possible from a satellite in a lowEarth orbit. This is a critical capability in studying phenomena, such as the lifecycle of coastal 

phytoplankton blooms and oil spills.

Recent Achievements

NASA selected GLIMR in August 2019. In October 2019, NASA held a kick-off meeting with the PI 

institution (University of New Hampshire), with the project management team and its major contractors. 

Planned Future Achievements

GLIMR will begin formulation activities in FY 2020. The project will complete System Requirement 

Review (SRR)/Mission Definition Review (MDR) followed by KDP-B in FY 2020. 
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Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

FY 2020 TROPICS Instrument Delivery to storage

FY 2020 EVI-6 (instrument) solicitation released

FY 2020 EMIT Preliminary Design Review

FY 2020 EMIT Confirmation Review

FY 2020 PREFIRE Preliminary Design Review

FY 2020 PREFIRE Confirmation Review

FY 2020 GeoCarb Confirmation Review

FY 2020 GLIMR Key Decision Point-B Review

FY 2021 MAIA Instrument Delivery host spacecraft

FY 2021 TEMPO launch readiness

FY 2021 EVS-4 (suborbital) solicitation released

FY 2022 EVC-2 (Continuity Measurement) solicitation released

FY 2023 MAIA launch readiness

FY 2023 GeoCarb launch readiness

FY 2023 EVM-4 (mission) solicitation released

FY 2024 EVI-7 (instrument) solicitation released

FY 2025 EVS-5 (suborbital) solicitation released

Program Management & Commitments

The Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) program at Langley Research Center (LaRC) manages the 

Venture Class projects. The “Provider” in the following table lists the PI institution for each project.

Program Element Provider

EVS-3: IMPACTS

Provider: University of Washington

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, AFRC, GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVS-3: ACTIVATE

Provider: University of Arizona

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
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Program Element Provider

EVS-3: DCOTSS

Provider: Texas A&M University

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): AFRC, ARC, GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVS-3: S-MODE

Provider: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): JPL, JSC 

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVS-3: Delta-X

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVM-1: CYGNSS

Provider: University of Michigan

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVM-2: GeoCarb

Provider: University of Oklahoma

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, GSFC, JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVI-1: TEMPO

Provider: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): LaRC, GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVI-2: ECOSTRESS

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): USDA

EVI-2: GEDI

Provider: University of Maryland

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVI-3: TROPICS

Provider: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
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Program Element Provider

EVI-3: MAIA

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVI-4: EMIT

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): GSFC, JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVI-4: PREFIRE

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

EVI-5: GLIMR

Provider: University of New Hampshire

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): LaRC, GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

NASA will issue Venture Class solicitations at intervals of every four years for EVS and EVM, and every 

3 years for EVI and EVC, alternating every 18 months. NASA will select all Venture Class missions

through full and open competition.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

CYGNSS

PI Institution: University of Michigan

Instrument Provider: Southwest Research Institute

Launch Vehicle Provider: NASA

PI: Ann Arbor, MI

Instrument: San Antonio, TX

Launch Vehicle: Cape Canaveral, 

FL

TEMPO

PI Institution: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Instrument Provider: Ball Aerospace & Technologies 

Corp.

Host Services Provider: Maxar Technologies

PI: Cambridge, MA

Instrument: Boulder, CO

Host Services: Westminster, CO

GeoCarb

PI Institution: University of Oklahoma

Instrument Provider: Lockheed Martin

Launch Vehicle Provider: TBD

PI Institution: Norman, OK

Instrument: Palo Alto, CA

Launch Vehicle Provider: TBD
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Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

GLIMR

PI Institution: University of New Hampshire

Instrument provider: Raytheon

Host Services Provider: TBD

PI: Durham, New Hampshire

Instrument: El Segundo, CA

Host Services: TBD

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

Standing 

Review 

Board (SRB)

Q1 FY 2020 EMIT PDR Successful Q4 FY 2020

Performance SRB Q2 FY 2020 GeoCarb CDR TBD Q3 FY 2022

Performance SRB Q3 FY 2020 PREFIRE PDR TBD Q4 FY 2020

Performance SRB Q4 FY 2020 PREFIRE CDR TBD Q1 FY 2021

Performance SRB Q4 FY 2020 EMIT CDR TBD Q1 FY 2022

Performance SRB Q1 FY 2021 PREFIRE ORR TBD Q1 FY 2022

Performance SRB Q1 FY 2022 EMIT ORR TBD N/A

Performance SRB Q1 FY 2022 PREFIRE ORR TBD N/A

Performance SRB Q3 FY 2022 GeoCarb ORR TBD N/A

Performance SRB Q2 FY 2023 TEMPO ORR TBD N/A
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

ESSP Missions Research 13.0 -- 18.5 20.7 26.3 29.3 29.3

Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 6.5 -- 7.0 6.5 2.8 0.0 0.0

Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition 19.0 -- 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0

OCO-2 6.4 -- 9.9 10.1 10.4 10.7 10.7

GRACE 3.4 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

CloudSat 5.4 -- 8.7 4.8 0.3 0.0 0.0

Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared 

Pathfinder Satellite Observations 

(CALIPSO)

6.5 -- 6.2 3.3 3.3 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 60.2 -- 75.3 70.4 68.0 64.9 64.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) Other Missions and Data Analysis projects include operating 

missions and mission-specific research. These innovative missions will enhance understanding of the 

current state of the Earth system and enable continual improvement in the prediction of future changes.

Mission Planning and Other Projects

ESSP MISSIONS RESEARCH

ESSP Missions Research provides funds for the science teams supporting ESSP operating missions. The 

science teams are comprised of competitively selected individual investigators who analyze data from the 

missions to address relevant science questions. A solicitation for a new science team for Ecosystem 

Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) will be competed in 

ROSES 2019 and awards made in FY 2019 and FY 2020. In addition, a Global Ecosystem Dynamics 

Investigation (GEDI) science team will begin in FY 2020. 

Recent Achievements

Convective clouds produce a significant proportion of the global precipitation and play an important role 

in the energy and water cycles. From CloudSat and CALIPSO observations, researchers found that 

aerosols can inhibit or invigorate convection, depending on aerosol type and concentration. On average, 

smoke tends to suppress convection and results in lower cloud altitudes than clean clouds. Polluted 

continental aerosol tends to invigorate convection and promote higher cloud altitudes. The dust aerosol 

effects are regionally dependent and their signs differ from place to place in South America, Central 
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Africa, and Southeast Asia. The observational findings indicate that aerosol type is one of the key factors 

in determining the aerosol effects on convective clouds.

The GRACE mission unveiled Earth’s changing freshwater landscape, which has profound implications 

for water, food, and human security. Global estimates based on GRACE trends suggest increasing water 

storage in high and low-latitudes (wetting), with decreased storage in mid-latitudes (drying). Even though 

the GRACE record is relatively short, this observation of large-scale changes in the global hydrological 

cycle shows an important early confirmation of the changes predicted by climate models through the 

twenty-first century. Of the world’s 37 largest aquifer systems, 13 suffered critical depletion during the 

GRACE observational period, with many linked to anthropogenic activities. Additionally, the integration 

of GRACE terrestrial water storage data and other observations within a land-data assimilation system 

produced significant improvement in the accuracy of drought tools (e.g., U.S. Drought Monitor). 

Researchers compared the capability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems Reflectometry (GNSS-R) 

with respect to imaging radar (SAR) to characterize surface inundation dynamics in a tropical wetlands 

complex to assess capabilities of each and potential for synergistic use of these technologies for mapping 

inundation dynamics under dense tropical forest canopies. They examined JAXA PALSAR-2 L-band 

radar, CYGNSS GNSS-R, and ground measurements of vegetation structure and surface inundation and 

found that the capability of CYGNSS for mapping wetland extent and inundation dynamics in complex 

tropical landscapes, alone or in combination with other remote-sensing techniques such as those based on 

imaging radar, contributed to enhanced mapping of these regions. CYGNSS data were useful in mapping 

relatively high resolution (approximately 1 kilometer) changes in inundation extent with high temporal 

fidelity (approximately 7 days), which will allow for better mapping of inundation dynamics in tropical 

wetlands, providing the potential for stand-alone mapping of inundation processes or extending the utility 

of existing techniques (e.g., SAR).

A study estimated the spatio-temporal variations of groundwater storage between January 2003 and

September 2010 in the Amazon Basin by decomposing the total terrestrial water storage measured by 

GRACE into the individual contributions of other hydrological reservoirs, using multi-satellite data for 

the surface waters and floodplains, and using model outputs for the soil moisture. Finding includes the 

seasonal variations of groundwater storage represent between 20 and 35 percent of the terrestrial water 

storage seasonal volume variations of the Amazon. 

GRACE estimates key changes in the ice sheets, as it is the only direct measure of changes in mass. The 

footprint of GRACE allows detection of regional changes that indicates mass loss along the entire 

perimeter of Greenland and loss focused along the Amundsen Sea Embayment in Antarctica. During the 

GRACE period, Greenland measured an average mass loss of 258 gigatons (Gt) per year, while 

Antarctica measured an average mass loss of 137 Gt per year. GRACE also allowed monitoring of 

interannual variability in mass loss from the ice sheets and estimates of mass change trends in areas 

outside the poles.

COMMERCIAL SMALLSAT DATA ACQUISITION

The Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) project, (previously known as the Small Satellite 

Constellation Initiative) identifies, evaluates, and acquires data from commercial sources to support 

NASA's Earth science research and applications activities. This will provide a cost-effective means to 

augment and/or complement the suite of Earth observations acquired by NASA and other U.S.
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Government agencies, as well as those acquired by international partners and made available to NASA 

and its stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on data acquired by small-satellite constellations, affording the 

means of complementing NASA acquired data with higher resolutions, increased temporal frequency or 

other novel capabilities in support of existing Earth science and application activities.

NASA-funded researchers examine and analyze the data set(s) to determine the utility of the commercial 

data products. The evaluation phase takes approximately 12-18 months. NASA may enter into a longer 

term agreement for continued access to data pending a favorable evaluation. CSDA provides an 

opportunity for vendors with new or significantly enhanced capabilities to have their data evaluated by 

NASA for longer-term procurement.

Recent Achievements

In FY 2019, NASA initiated the first evaluation activities of the commercial data. NASA purchased data 

from Planet Labs Inc., DigitalGlobe Inc., and Spire Global Inc. and provided it to over 35 individual 

evaluators. NASA plans to complete evaluations from the pilot activities by mid-FY 2020. NASA will 

begin contracts for longer-term access to favorably evaluated commercial data. 

NASA released a Request for Information announcing the second evaluation opportunity in September 

2019.

Operating Missions

OCO-3

Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 (OCO-3) is a complete stand-alone payload built using the spare OCO-2 

flight instrument, with additional elements added to accommodate installation and operation on the ISS. 

The OCO-3 instrument consists of three high-resolution grating spectrometers that collect space-based 

measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide with the precision, resolution, and coverage needed to 

assess the spatial and temporal variability of carbon dioxide over an annual cycle.

Recent Achievements

NASA successfully launched OCO-3 on May 4, 2019 and installed the instrument on the ISS Japanese 

Experiment Module – Exposed Facility. After a successful on-orbit checkout, the three-year prime 

mission is now underway. The project began delivering lower-level science data products in FY 2020.

OCO-2

Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2), launched in July 2014, collects precise carbon dioxide 

measurements across the globe each day from its vantage point in low-Earth orbit. With these data, 

scientists are gaining greater insight into how much carbon dioxide the Earth emits by natural sources and 

human activities and the natural processes removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This 

information may help decision-makers to manage carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the human impact 

on the environment.
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The OCO-2 instrument has collected almost 1 million soundings globally each day since September 2014, 

completed its prime mission in October 2016, and is now conducting extended mission operations. The 

2017 Earth Science Senior Review endorsed the OCO-2 mission for continued operations through 2020, 

and preliminarily through 2023.

Recent Achievements

The OCO-2 measurements of carbon dioxide, now spanning five years, include a major El Nino event and 

the subsequent La Nina. The science community is studying and using the impacts to prevailing weather 

patterns and the consequent changes in carbon dioxide uptake and release around the globe. The project 

team works closely with science team members responsible for making and testing laboratory 

measurements of the fundamental properties of carbon dioxide and oxygen. These new parameters have

been integrated into a new version of the data processing algorithms and make clear improvements in the 

quality of the project data products. This update will form the basis of a new data version in FY 2020 for 

public distribution. The OCO-3 project team will use the updated data processing algorithms as the basis 

of their first release of data products from their observations aboard the ISS.

CLOUDSAT

CloudSat, launched in April 2006, measures cloud characteristics to increase understanding of the role of 

clouds in Earth’s radiation budget. This mission provides estimates of the percentage of Earth’s clouds 

that produce rain, provides vertically-resolved estimates of how much water and ice are in Earth’s clouds, 

and estimates how efficiently the atmosphere produces rain from clouds. CloudSat collects information 

about the vertical structure of clouds and aerosols that other Earth-observing satellites do not collect. 

These data improve models and provide a better understanding of the human impact on the atmosphere. 

CloudSat is currently in extended operations. The 2017 Earth Science senior review endorsed the 

CloudSat mission for continued operations through 2020, and preliminarily through 2023.

Recent Achievements

In the past year, significant effort has continued to refine estimates of cloud heights, boundaries, and 

dangerous overshooting convection from the new Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 

sensors using CloudSat as a verification dataset. The project continues to exploit synergies with other 

NASA missions. For example, CloudSat released and continues refinement of a new synergy cloud 

product that combines information from CALIPSO and the OCO-2 satellite with CloudSat, resulting in 

the first ever direct measurements of cloud thickness of low altitude clouds and fog. The project also 

continues to collaborate with NASA’s Global Precipitation Measurement mission to routinely produce a 

data product of coincident satellite overpasses to improve estimates of rain and snow around the globe, 

which now spans from the GPM launch to the present date. The utility of CloudSat to the science 

community is evident in the more than 2,600 peer-reviewed publications that cite the data.

CLOUD-AEROSOL LIDAR AND INFRARED PATHFINDER SATELLITE OBSERVATION 

(CALIPSO)

The CALIPSO mission, launched in April 2006, provides the first comprehensive three-dimensional 

measurement record of aerosols, helping to better understand how aerosols form, evolve, and are 
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transported over the globe. The mission provides data on the vertical structure of clouds, the geographic 

and vertical distribution of aerosols, and detects sub-visible clouds in the upper troposphere. CALIPSO 

also indirectly estimates the contribution of clouds and aerosols to atmospheric temperature.

CALIPSO is currently in extended operations. The 2017 Earth Science senior review endorsed the 

CALIPSO mission for continued operations through 2020, and preliminarily through 2023.

Recent Achievements

CALIPSO continues to provide unique profile observations of clouds and atmospheric particle (aerosol) 

layers over the globe. Last year, CALIPSO lowered its orbit to resume flying in formation with CloudSat 

to maximize science value with their combined measurements. The team released improved

three-dimensional monthly averaged cloud and aerosol products that help consolidate the CALIPSO 

observations in more accessible formats for the science communities. The team further prepared and 

published journal papers describing new aspects of algorithms used in the generation of the CALIPSO 

data product suite. In addition, the mission supported NASA field missions exploring the impact of forest 

fires on weather and air quality in the western United States and on the impact of aerosols on convective 

cloud formation and precipitation in the Philippines. The team also supported validation activities for the 

new European Aeolus Wind/Aerosol satellite mission. 
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 202.0 -- 245.4 259.9 263.2 278.7 277.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Data from NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite2 (ICESat-2) are now available at NASA’s National Snow 

and Ice Data Center Distributed Active Archive Center 

(NSIDC DAAC). ICESat-2 launched on September 15, 2018 

on a three-year mission to measure Earth’s height in 

unprecedented detail. This composite image is a 

measurement of Artic sea ice freeboard taken by ICESat-2’s 

instrument: the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter 

System (ATLAS). Freeboard is the difference between the 

top of the ice and the ocean. Pink equals higher elevation. 

Blue/white equals lower elevation. White circle equals no 

data.

The Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS)

program oversees the life cycle of Earth

science data with the principal goal of 

maximizing the scientific return from NASA's 

missions and experiments for research and 

applied scientists, decision makers, and the 

United States.

The ESDS program acquires, processes, 

preserves, and distributes observational Earth 

science data from spacecraft, aircraft, and 

in-situ sensors to support Earth Science 

research focus areas. The ESDS program 

primarily accomplishes this via the Earth 

Observing System Data and Information 

System (EOSDIS), which has been in 

operation since 1994. 

Over the past 24 years, EOSDIS has 

continuously evolved to take advantage of improved technology to meet the increasing demands of data 

providers and users. By 2022, the ingest rate of data into the EOSDIS archive is projected to grow from 

the current 3.9 petabytes (PB) per year to as much as 47.7 PB per year. As this ingest rate increases, the 

total volume of data stored in the EOSDIS archive is also expected to grow—from its current size of 27

PB to more than 37 PB by 2020; by 2025, the volume of data in the EOSDIS archive is projected to be 

250 PB.

This anticipated growth in both the data ingest rate and the overall archive volume poses challenges for 

archiving, distribution, and analysis of data. To address these challenges, the ESDS program adopted a 

strategic vision to develop and operate multiple components of EOSDIS in a commercial cloud 

environment to meet the needs of future missions with high data volumes (e.g., Surface Water Ocean 

Topography (SWOT) and NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)) as well as providing 

improved data management and user access for many ongoing Earth science missions.

The program continuously evolves its capabilities by communicating with users, adopting new 

technologies, and supporting vibrant competitive research elements within the Data System Evolution 
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(DSE) project. These activities help prioritize data system investments to more efficiently manage user 

needs and identify technologies to improve the processing, preservation, and access to the diverse data 

NASA collects. 

For more information, go to: https://earthdata.nasa.gov

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Program will expand its capabilities to support data from new missions, including SWOT and 

JPSS-2. In response to recent recommendations from the interagency Satellite Needs Working Group, the 

program will also begin producing additional data products, including a data product for subweekly 

global surface water extent and a data product for subweekly 10 meter to 30 meter land surface change 

detection.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The EOSDIS archives grew to over 33 petabytes in FY 2019. EOSDIS distributed over 1.9 billion data 

products to 4 million users around the world. EOSDIS provided data stewardship to over 11,000 unique 

data products from more than 100 instruments.

The program released several new datasets from new on-orbit missions for public access, including 

GRACE-Follow On, ECOSTRESS, and ICESat-2. The program provided the ability to search over 

34,000 data collections in the Common Metadata Repository, with 98 percent of queries completing in 

less than one second. The Common Metadata Repository itself has grown to manage over 464 million 

records describing NASA Earth science data collection.

ESDS continued development of a commercial cloud environment in order to meet the needs of future 

high data volume missions such as SWOT and NISAR, as well as providing data management and user 

access for many ongoing Earth science missions. NASA deployed the NASA Compliant General 

Application Platform (NGAP), which provides underlying capabilities needed by cloud applications to 

meet NASA security, business, and financial requirements. NASA deployed and integrated the initial 

version of Cumulus, a lightweight cloud-native framework for data ingest, archive, management, and 

distribution with NGAP. The program developed a transition plan for defining high priority data sets as 

candidates to migrate to the commercial cloud. Finally, EOSDIS completed 100 percent of technical 

qualification requirements for the SWOT archive and distribution. 

The NASA Sentinel Gateway continued to serve data from our partnership with the European Space 

Agency (ESA), delivering over 2 million files (over 2.7 petabytes) of data from the ongoing acquisition 

and distribution of data from the ESA's Sentinel 1-A/B, 3-A/B, and 5-P missions for NASA researchers 

and application scientists.

The Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS (LANCE) system maintained over 530 unique,

near real-time datasets and produced one petabyte of data within three hours of satellite acquisition. ESDS 

added new products from Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS), Visible Infrared and Imaging 

Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and supported both the assessment of the Satellite Needs Working Group 

survey as well as developing a response to those needs. 
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During FY 2019, 24 competitively selected Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research 

Environments (MEaSUREs) activities completed their first year. NASA made these awards via the 

ROSES 2017 solicitation and the awards have a total performance period of five years. The following are 

selected highlights:

• High Latitude Improvement of Long-term GPCP Precipitation Products Using Recent NASA 

Missions: The Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) provides a monthly precipitation 

dataset from 1979 to the present by combining observations and satellite precipitation data into 

2.5°x2.5° global grids. Researchers use GPCP frequently to study trends, changes, closure in 

water and energy cycles, and for evaluation of climate models. The overall goal of this 

MEaSUREs activity is to improve GPCP precipitation data records in high-latitudes, where 

important new sources of calibration are now available. The proposed work will complement 

previous investments by MEaSUREs, and other programs, to ensure that GPCP will continue to 

serve as a science community standard product with global coverage.

• Greenland Ice Mapping Project-3 (GIMP-3): The technology for deriving ice velocity in 

Greenland is mature as demonstrated through ongoing and past Greenland Ice Mapping Projects 

(GIMP-1&2). Through these projects, this team repeatedly measured ice velocity in Greenland, 

establishing a record since 2000. Through GIMP-3 they continue this effort to extend the record 

of ice flow velocity through 2022, a period when Greenland will likely continue to evolve rapidly 

with the current warming. The GIMP-3 products will be entirely compatible with prior products 

but will take advantage of new sensors launched in the last five years (e.g., Landsat 8, Sentinel 

1A/B, and Sentinel 2A/B) to greatly improve temporal and spatial sampling.

• A Moderate Spatial Resolution Data Record of 21st Century Global Land Cover, Land Use, and 

Land Cover Change: The goal of this MEaSUREs activity is to create a 30-meter spatial 

resolution data record that provides a high-quality representation of current and past global land 

cover, land use, and land cover change at annual time steps for the period 2001-2020. To achieve 

this goal, the project will: (1) develop and maintain a global database of high-quality training and 

validation data that will be used to estimate classification models and quantify the accuracy of 

mapped products; (2) implement land cover and land cover change algorithms at global scale 

using Landsat data; and (3) distribute science data sets at multiple spatial resolutions, including 

characterization of errors and uncertainty, that support the user community who require 

information related to land cover, land use, and land cover change at local-to-global scales.

• Multi-decadal time series of vegetation chlorophyll fluorescence and derived gross primary 

production: Measurements of Solar Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) emitted from plants 

have provided a novel measure of photosynthetic activity (or Gross Primary Production, GPP) 

that instruments can measure globally from space and which yields significant insights for 

studying terrestrial carbon cycle dynamics. This activity will deliver a set of observational SIF 

Earth System Data Records (ESDR), which calibrates and blends together independent retrievals 

from multiple satellites into a consistent, multi-decadal record spanning the period 1996-2020.

• Creating an extended and consistent ESDR of the ocean surface winds, stress and their 

dynamically-significant derivatives for the period 1999-2022: Ocean surface winds and wind 

stress are key components of the Earth system. They are a major driver of the ocean circulation 

and affect the air-sea interactions, providing fuel to the weather systems by modulating the 

sensible and latent heat fluxes. This activity will develop a consistent data record of the ocean 

surface winds as observed by the two technologically different observing systems: the Ku-band 

pencil beam (all NASA and ISRO instruments) and the C-band push-broom (all EUMETSAT 

instruments).
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WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Work will continue on the development of open source cloud optimized software that provides a cloudbased framework for data ingest, archive, distribution, and management of the Earth science data 

archives. ESDS will also improve cloud processes for cost monitoring, reporting, budgeting, and 

execution activities. ESDS is prioritizing EOSDIS data products for cloud migration by defining a 

mechanism for selecting high priority datasets that maximize use of commercial cloud technology for data 

access and exploitation. Activities will continue in support of several flight projects, instrument teams, 

and science teams to prepare for upcoming missions, including the Earth Venture Suborbital-3 (EVS-3) 

investigations.

All 24 MEaSUREs activities will continue work according to the established cooperative agreement plans 

and milestones.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The program will expand its capabilities to support data from new missions, including: SWOT, JPSS-2, 

Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA), Sentinel-6A, NISAR, and SWOT.

Program Elements

EARTH SCIENCE DATA AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (ESDIS)

The ESDIS project manages the geographically distributed science systems of EOSDIS including the 

Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAAC), Science Investigator-led Processing Systems (SIPS), the 

Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for the Earth Observing System (LANCE), and core 

systems. Together these systems support processing of satellite data and seamless interdisciplinary access 

to EOSDIS data, including data products, data services, and data handling tools for a broad range of user 

communities including scientists, U.S. Government agencies, commercial users, and the general public. 

• SIPS generate high-quality science products from Terra, Aqua, Aura, S-NPP, and JPSS missions 

at facilities under the direct control of the instrument principal investigators / team leaders. 

Products produced at SIPS undergo extensive quality assurance before the Program transfers 

them to DAACs for archiving and distribution to users.

• DAACs archive, document, and distribute data and provide user support for NASA's past and 

current Earth-observing satellites, Sentinel 1, 3, and 5P satellites, airborne investigations, and 

field measurement programs. Acting in concert, the DAACs provide reliable, robust services to 

users whose needs may cross the traditional boundaries of a science discipline, while continuing 

to support the unique needs of users within specific science discipline communities. The DAAC

facilities, hosted at NASA or other institutions, each specialize in a science discipline such as 

atmosphere, calibrated radiance, solar radiance, cryosphere, human dimensions, land, or ocean

science.

• LANCE generates and provides access to near real-time products from the Atmospheric Infrared 

Sounder, Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2, Microwave Limb Sounder, Moderate 

Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere, Ozone 
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Monitoring Instrument, Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite, and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer 

Suite (VIIRS) (VIIRS-Land and VIIRS Atmosphere) instruments in less than three hours from the

time of observation. The data support NASA applications users who are interested in monitoring 

and analyzing a wide variety of natural and man-made phenomena.

The EOSDIS system supports a number of core systems to provide a common entry point to discover 

access and visualize data from the distributed DAACs and SIPS. The program developed core systems to 

reduce duplication and improve user access to EOSDIS data, including:

• Common Metadata Repository (CMR) is a high-performance, high-quality, continuously 

evolving metadata system that catalogs all data and service metadata records for EOSDIS;

• Global Imagery Browse Services (GIBS) provides visual representations of NASA Earth science 

data at full resolution in a free, open, and interoperable manner;

• NASA-compliant General Application Platform is a cloud-based platform that provides a scalable

and flexible application platform solution;

• Cumulus is a cloud optimized software package for performing Earth science data ingest, archive, 

and distribution capabilities to support all EOSDIS missions;

• Earth Observing System Networks provide end-to-end network connectivity between users and 

geographically distributed DAACs via a variety of physical networks including wide area and 

local area networks;

• The NASA Earthdata website (see: https://earthdata.nasa.gov) integrates information from across 

EOSDIS. Earthdata is the entry point for EOSDIS data, articles, documentation, and 

collaboration; and

• The NASA Sentinel Gateway transfers data from the European Commission's Copernicus 

Programme Sentinel 1-A/B, 3-A/B, and 5P satellites to DAACs for archival and distribution to 

users.

DATA SYSTEM EVOLUTION (DSE)

The Data System Evolution project funds various research opportunities, as well as interagency initiatives 

and promotion of data and service interoperability through development and implementation of standards.

DSE is composed of two competitive components: Advancing Collaborative Connections for Earth 

System Science (ACCESS), and Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program (CSESP). DSE also supports 

the Interagency Implementation and Advance Concepts Team (IMPACT) activity, and the development 

of long-term data records needed by NASA scientists.

• IMPACT at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) works with other Government 

agencies to increase the use of NASA Earth observation data. The team also assesses, 

independently evaluates, and makes recommendations to improve EOSDIS services and 

processes, leads stewardship of airborne science observations, and develops proof of concept data 

system capabilities. IMPACT works closely with the Satellite Needs Assessment Working Group 

(SNWG) and collaborates with other agencies to design and implement systematic plans to assist 

other agencies in incorporating NASA Earth observation data into their workflows.

• ACCESS supports the evolution of ESDIS by investing in technology to enhance the analysis, 

delivery, and preservation of Earth science data. NASA solicits proposals in this competitive 

program element every two years. The intent is to identify and develop promising technology 

prototypes into operational tools to infuse into the EOSDIS. 
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• CSESP consists of two elements: (1) the collection and analysis of data by citizen scientists 

across all Earth Science focus areas and (2) technological development and production of lowcost sensors for measurement and monitoring. NASA solicits proposals in this competitive 

program element every three years.

DSE activities also support the widespread use of NASA Earth science observations through the 

development and implementation of standards, through collaborations with other space agencies and by 

leading activities to improve discoverability of NASA data within Geoplatform.gov (see: 

https://www.geoplatform.gov/).

MAKING EARTH SYSTEM DATA RECORDS FOR USE IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS 

(MEASURES)

The overall objective of MEaSUREs is to provide Earth science higher-level data products and services 

driven by NASA’s Earth science goals. These data products, called Earth Science Data Records, are 

critical for understanding Earth System processes; assessing variability, long-term trends, and changes in 

the Earth System; and providing input and validation means to modeling efforts. MEaSUREs is a 

competitive program element solicited every five years.

MEaSUREs emphasizes linking together multiple satellites into a constellation, developing the means of 

utilizing a multitude of data sources to form a coherent time series, and facilitating the use of NASA’s 

extensive data in the development of comprehensive Earth system models. In addition, MEaSUREs 

activities include infusion or deployment of applicable science tools that contribute to data product quality 

improvement, consistency, merging or fusion, or understanding. 

Program Schedule

The ESDS program solicits research opportunities approximately every two years for ACCESS, every 

three years for Citizen Science for Earth System Science, and every five years for MEaSUREs. The 

ESDIS project continuously delivers software to improve functionality and improve efficiency.

Date Significant Event

Q3 FY 2020 Cumulus Operational Release 

Q4 FY 2020 Cumulus Operational Qualification Test for SWOT

Q1 FY 2021 ROSES ACCESS Solicitation Released

Q2 FY 2021 ROSES CSESP Solicitation Released

Q4 FY 2021 Cumulus Operational for SWOT

Q2 FY 2022 ROSES MEaSUREs Solicitation Released

Q1 FY 2023 ROSES ACCESS Solicitation Released

Q2 FY 2024 ROSES CSESP Solicitation Released
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Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2025 ROSES ACCESS Solicitation Released

Program Management & Commitments

The Earth Systematic Missions program at GSFC provides program management for the ESDIS project.

NASA Headquarters manages the DSE and MEaSUREs projects.

Program Element Provider

EOSDIS core system

Provider: Various

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Alaska SAR Facility (Fairbanks, 

AK)

Provider: University of Alaska

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Atmospheric Science Data 

Center (Hampton, VA)

Provider: LaRC

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Goddard Earth Science Data and 

Information System Center

(Greenbelt, MD)

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Land Processes Data Center

(Sioux Falls, SD)

Provider: USGS

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

National Snow and Ice Data 

Center (NSIDS; Boulder, CO)

Provider: University of Colorado

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

DAAC (Oak Ridge, TN)

Provider: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
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Program Element Provider

Physical Oceanography DAAC

(Pasadena, CA)

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Socio-economic Data and 

Applications Center (SEDAC; 

Palisades, NY)

Provider: Columbia University

Lead Center: N/A

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Crustal Dynamics Data 

Information System (Greenbelt, 

MD)

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Global Hydrology Research 

Center (Huntsville, AL)

Provider: University of Alabama

Lead Center: MSFC

Performing Center(s): MSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

Research opportunities within DSE are available through NASA’s ROSES announcements. NASA 

competitively selects ESDIS support contracts through full and open competition.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

EOSDIS Evolution & Development Raytheon Riverdale, MD

NSIDC University of Colorado Boulder, CO

Alaska SAR Facility University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK

SEDAC Columbia University Palisades, NY

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

The American Customer Satisfaction Index measures customer satisfaction with the NASA Earth 

Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) at a national level for each Distributed Active 

Archive Center (DAAC) on an annual basis. The average aggregate Customer Satisfaction Index score for 

NASA EOSDIS over the last 11 years is 77. It also identifies the key areas that NASA can leverage across 

the DAACs to continuously improve its service to its customers.
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Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality American Customer 

Satisfaction Index 2019

Survey current 

EOSDIS users to 

assess satisfaction 

with current services

Customer 

Satisfaction Index: 

77

2020
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 63.4 -- 74.2 82.8 84.6 86.4 86.4

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Developed at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and 

Space Physics, the Compact Spectral Irradiance 

Monitor (CSIM), shown above, is an ultra-compact, 

solar spectral irradiance (SSI) monitor covering 200-

2400 nanometer with the SI-traceable accuracy and onorbit stability to meet solar input measurement 

requirements for establishing benchmark climate 

records. Launched on December 3, 2018, onboard a 

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the CSIM instrument design 

marks a significant departure from the previous 

spectral irradiance monitor instruments – such as those 

on the SORCE and TSIS missions – achieving large 

reductions in mass, volume, and power requirements, 

and enabling a flight-qualified instrument on a six-unit

CubeSat. 

Advanced technology plays a major role in 

enabling Earth science research and applications. 

The Earth Science Technology Program (ESTP) 

enables previously infeasible science 

investigations, improves existing measurement 

capabilities, and reduces the cost, risk, and/or 

development times for Earth science instruments 

and information systems.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN 

FY 2021

None.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The ESTP worked on 119 active projects in 

FY 2019. For projects eligible to do so, 39 percent 

advanced at least one Technology Readiness Level 

(TRL) during FY 2019, and at least eight projects 

advanced more than one TRL. Nearly 100 students 

from 37 institutions nationwide were involved with 

ESTP-funded projects during the year. 

The program infused several projects, past and 

present, into science measurements, airborne 

campaigns, data systems, or other follow-on 

activities during the year. For example, the HyperAngular Rainbow Polarimeter 2 is a wide-angle 

imaging polarimeter with direct heritage from the 

HARP CubeSat. The HARP CubeSat is a 

technology validation project that launched in November 2019. Once on-orbit, HARP will demonstrate its 

ability to provide science-quality multi-angle imaging data of clouds and aerosols at four wavelengths.
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Another ESTP-funded project, OceanWorks, created a data analytics platform – the Apache Science Data 

Analytics Platform (SDAP) – for ocean science that is now in use by the Physical Oceanographic Data

Active Archive Center at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. SDAP enables web-based analysis of massive 

oceanographic data sets that scientists previously needed to download to analyze offline.

The program awarded 22 proposals through a competitive solicitation under the Advanced Information 

Systems Technology (AIST) program element. The projects fall under one of two thrusts, the New 

Observing Strategy or Analytic Center Framework. The former includes technology looking for new ways 

to design and approach Earth observing missions and the latter seeks new ways to process and understand 

big and often complex Earth science data. Both thrusts aim to reduce the overall risk and cost of 

achieving NASA’s goals to effectively monitor and understand our planet. The new awards will 

commence in FY 2020.

A project funded by the In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technologies (InVEST) was launched into 

orbit onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 on December 3, 2018. The project, Compact Spectral Irradiance 

Monitor (CSIM), is an ultra-compact solar spectral irradiance (SSI) monitor covering 200-2400 

nanometer with the SI-traceable accuracy and on-orbit stability to meet solar input measurement 

requirements for establishing benchmark climate records. The CSIM instrument design marks a 

significant departure from previous instruments, achieving large reductions in mass, volume, and power 

requirements, and enabling a flight-qualified instrument on a six-unit CubeSat. With operations planned 

for one year, the CSIM project is demonstrating that a CubeSat-sized instrument can maintain climate 

data record measurements.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

With emphasis on the measurements identified by the 2017 Earth Science Decadal Survey, the ESTP 

plans to issue solicitations in FY 2020 for the Advanced Component Technology (ACT) and In-Space 

Validation of Earth Science Technologies (InVEST) program elements. Additionally, under the Decadal 

Incubation program element, ESTP anticipates the competitive selection of two study teams. These teams 

will perform investigations to define the needs and capabilities of their relevant target observable area, in 

either Planetary Boundary Layer or Surface Topography and Vegetation. The findings of each study team 

will recommend activity areas including but not limited to modeling, observing system simulation 

experiments, field campaigns, and emerging technology developments that the program will use in 

developing subsequent solicitations of this project.

The program also plans technology demonstration launches in FY 2020, beginning with the 

Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter HARP CubeSat, which launched in November 2019. NASA also 

expects to launch the Compact Infrared Radiometer (CIRiS) CubeSat later in FY 2020. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, the program plans to release solicitations under the Instrument Incubator Program (IIP), the 

Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST), and the Decadal Incubation (DI) program elements.

This will be the first competitive solicitation for technology projects under the DI program element.
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Program Elements

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES (ATI)

This project enables development of critical component and subsystem technologies for instruments and 

platforms, mostly in support of the Earth Science decadal survey. Current awards focus on areas such as 

space-qualified laser transmitters, passive optical technologies, and microwave and calibration 

technologies. Other awards support measurements of solar radiance, ozone, aerosols, and atmospheric gas 

columns for air quality and ocean color for coastal ecosystem health and climate emissions. 

The InVEST program element selects new technologies to validate in space prior to use in a science 

mission. This is necessary because the space environment imposes stringent conditions on components 

and systems, some of which we cannot test on the ground or in airborne systems. Validation of earth 

science technologies in space will further reduce the risk of new technologies in future Earth Science 

missions.

INSTRUMENT INCUBATOR

This project develops instruments, instrument concepts, and measurement techniques at the system level, 

including laboratory breadboards and operational prototypes that often lead to ground or airborne 

demonstrations. NASA currently funds 29 Instrument Incubator efforts. These instrument prototypes 

support several measurements such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ocean color, and solar spectrum 

from ultraviolet to infrared for earth science. Instrument Incubator supports the development of 

instrument design and prototyping through laboratory and/or airborne demonstrations for innovative 

measurement techniques that have the highest potential to meet the measurement capability requirements 

of the NASA earth science community in both the optical and the microwave spectrum.

DECADAL INCUBATION

NASA created this project in response to the recommendation of the 2017 Earth Science Decadal Survey. 

It focuses on maturing observing systems, instruments, technologies, and measurement concepts to 

address high priority science for the next decade (2027 – 2037) in two targeted observable areas. These 

observable areas are the Planetary Boundary Layer and Surface Topography and Vegetation. Anticipated 

developments in this project include various observation and information system technologies, 

modeling/system design, analysis activities, and small-scale pilot demonstrations in support of the two 

observables.

ADVANCED INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY (AIST)

This project develops end-to-end information technologies that enable new Earth observation 

measurements and information products. The technologies help process, archive, access, visualize, 

communicate, and understand science data. Currently, AIST activities focus on two primary thrust areas 

needed to support future Earth science measurements:
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• Analytic Center Framework (ACF): ACF technology projects aim to harmonize tools, data, and 

computing environments to meet the needs of Earth science investigations of physical processes 

and natural phenomena. These investigations integrate new or previously unlinked datasets, tools, 

models, and a variety of computing resources together into a common platform to address 

previously intractable scientific questions. Additionally, these projects seek to generalize custom 

or unique tools used by a limited community in order to make them accessible and useful to a 

broader community.

• New Observing Strategies (NOS): NOS technologies support planning, evaluating, implementing, 

and operating a dynamic set of observing assets consisting of various instruments located at 

different vantage points (e.g., in situ, airborne, and on-orbit) to create a more complete picture of 

a natural phenomenon or physical process. The emergence of new sources of observational data, 

including high-quality instruments on smallsats, CubeSats, and commercial space platforms, 

allows measurement of phenomena that could not be studied using previously available 

observational techniques.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2020 ROSES-2019 selection no earlier than six months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2020 ROSES-2020 solicitation

Q1 FY 2021 ROSES-2020 selection no earlier than six months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2021 ROSES-2021 solicitation

Q1 FY 2022 ROSES-2021 selection no earlier than six months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2022 ROSES-2022 solicitation

Q1 FY 2023 ROSES-2022 selection no earlier than six months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2023 ROSES-2023 solicitation

Q1 FY 2024 ROSES-2023 selection no earlier than six months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2024 ROSES-2024 solicitation

Q1 FY 2025 ROSES-2024 selection no earlier than six months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2025 ROSES-2025 solicitation
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Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Instrument Incubator

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): GSFC, JPL, LaRC, ARC, AFRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Advanced Information Systems

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): GSFC, JPL, LaRC, MSFC, ARC, GRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Advanced Technology 

Initiatives

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): GSFC, JPL, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Decadal Incubation

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): TBD

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

NASA primarily procures tasks through full and open competition, such as through the ROSES 

announcements. The solicitation of technology investments is competitive and selected from NASA 

Centers, industry, and academia as well as other Government agencies, Federally Funded Research and 

Development Centers, and nonprofit organizations.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

None.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

National Academies of 

Science, Committee on Earth 

Science, and Applications 

from Space (CESAS)

Mar 2018

Provide results of the 

ESTP and outline 

program's ongoing 

response to 2017 

decadal survey

CESAS was 

pleased with the 

current status of 

the program

2020
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 55.1 -- 53.9 56.3 57.0 58.5 58.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This image shows the Cyanobacteria Assessment Network 

(CyAN) mobile application (app), which uses satellite data to 

alert users that a harmful algal bloom could be forming based on 

specific changes in the color of the water in more than 2,000 of 

the largest lakes and reservoirs across the United States. NASA 

funded the app together with EPA, NOAA, and USGS, and the 

app debuted in July 2019. The image on the left shows how users 

can drop pins in locations of interest. The image on the right 

shows satellite data.

The Applied Sciences program leverages 

NASA Earth Science satellite 

measurements and new scientific 

knowledge to enable innovative and 

practical uses by public and private sector 

organizations. It supports near-term uses of 

Earth science knowledge, discovers and 

demonstrates new applications, facilitates 

adoption of applications, and builds 

capabilities.

Applied Sciences projects improve 

decision-making activities to help the 

United States better manage its resources, 

improve quality of life, and strengthen the 

economy. NASA develops Earth science 

applications in collaboration with endusers in public, academic, and private 

organizations.

The program supports activities in 

thematic Earth science applications areas, 

in capacity building with uses of Earth 

observations, and in planning for future 

NASA missions.

Examples of these applications include:

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture uses NASA soil moisture data to support its monthly global 

crop production estimates;

• The U.S. Forest Service uses wildfire detection data and progression predictions to improve 

determination of fire boundaries and to expedite restoration of key ecosystems;

• Inclusion of satellite data in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Environmental 

Public Health Tracking Network data for county-level UV exposure information;
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• State and local government use of satellite-based water quality data to assess algal bloom 

magnitude, frequency, duration, and extent and to map indicators and threats to human health 

from harmful algal blooms;

• Disaster-response organizations use of data from multiple Earth observing satellites during 

volcanic eruptions, including surface deformation, sulfur dioxide monitoring, and damage proxy 

maps;

• Application of land cover information by the Nature Conservancy to conduct a reverse auction, 

pay landowners, and increase prime habitat for migrating wild birds;

• Local governments use of satellite-based land-surface temperature data, emissivity data, and 

imagery to identify populations most vulnerable to extreme heat and guide service efforts;

• Use of satellite images and data to support companies’ fishing operations and support sustainable 

fisheries; and

• Use of satellite observations of volcanic ash to inform air traffic controllers and the aviation 

industry of hazards along major airplane routes.

The program supports the sustained use of these products in the decision-making process of user 

organizations. The program also encourages potential users to envision and anticipate possible 

applications from upcoming satellite missions and to provide input to mission development teams to 

increase the societal benefits of NASA missions.

For more information, go to: https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

RTI International and partners have assimilated Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) and other 

satellite data to deploy and operationalize a forecast system that provides improved water supply forecasts 

for the Colorado River basin for better water management decisions.

South Dakota's Department of Health operationalized a previously piloted and satellite-enhanced West 

Nile Virus model, which provides weekly and seasonal risk forecasts at the county-level by assimilating 

data from MODIS and North American Land Data Assimilation System.

Through NASA support of U.S. humanitarian interests, Kenya's Crop Insurance Program uses 

Landsat-based crop masks to expand their coverage, enhancing economic resilience of affected farmers 

and reducing costs 70 percent.

During the U.S. Midwest floods, the State of Missouri used flood products derived from MODIS, 

Landsat, and other satellites to survey flood extent and crop damage. FEMA, National Guard, South 

Carolina, and others used NASA data for situational awareness during Hurricane Dorian. Satellite-based 

damage and flood-proxy maps supported the deployment of rapid damage assessment teams in the 

Bahamas.
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The investment industry used the Sargassum Watch System, which uses Landsat and MODIS to map and 

forecast harmful algal blooms in the Caribbean to forecast demand in hotels and flights. The U.S. Agency 

for International Development's (USAID) Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) now 

integrates drought forecasting capabilities based on an Applied Sciences-sponsored seasonal water deficit 

forecasting system using downscaled and bias corrected GEOS-5 forecasts and land surface models in 

NASA’s Land Information System for the Middle East and Africa. The monthly predictions of seasonal 

water deficits using NASA data and models inform decision makers on droughts that can affect food 

vulnerability and security. FEWS NET produces those forecasts and uses the NASA products at monthly 

climate forecast discussions to support food aid decision-making.

The DEVELOP program, an endeavor for early career professionals to work with user organizations to 

apply Earth science data, engaged 255 young professionals working on 54 activities. Their work involved 

127 unique partner organizations and served efforts in 40 U.S. states.

The Applied Remote Sensing Training program (ARSET) conducted 15 virtual and in-person trainings, 

with a record reach of 16,431 instances of participation from all 50 U.S. states and 148 countries, 

representing 4,048 organizations worldwide. ARSET partnered with Conservation International to 

increase the reach of NASA Earth observations with indigenous peoples. A bilingual training on “Earth 

Observations for Indigenous-Led Land Management” reached 34 tribal entities, which was more than 

ARSET had reached over the previous 10-years combined.

The SERVIR program (managed jointly with USAID) and partners conducted 48 activities and 51 

trainings that reached 791 individuals from 45 organizations in 51 countries. Sixteen activities in the 

SERVIR Applied Sciences Team concluded, delivering results on food security, weather and climate, 

disasters, and water management activities. SERVIR launched its fifth hub, SERVIR-Amazonia, in late 

2018 in partnership with a consortium led by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture in Cali, 

Colombia. SERVIR published the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Handbook in a collaboration with 

SilvaCarbon to provide comprehensive guide for SAR-based methods to monitor forests and estimate 

biomass.

The United Nations Development Program and other organizations worked with Applied Sciences to use 

data derived from MODIS, Landsat and other sources to develop landslide risk products for southeast 

Bangladesh, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees have fled to since 2017. The UN agencies 

integrated the data into their early warning systems for use in reducing landslide risk in fragile camps 

areas during the 2019 monsoon and cyclone season. These products helped them better identify potential 

evacuation routes, supported the development of future camp planning and design, and reflected greater 

uses of satellite-derived data for reducing risk before a disaster occurs.

Applied Sciences launched the Space for U.S. website (see: https://www.nasa.gov/SpaceforUS/) 

highlighting uses of Earth observations by each State. Applied Sciences completed a technical content 

strategy to improve its communications activities, including content across technical, narrative, and 

personal stories to broaden awareness and induce uptake of NASA Earth observations in decision making. 

The Water Resources applications team conducted a dedicated science communications training, 

including guidance on story telling of technical topics.

Applied Sciences expanded future applications and diversified engagement with users for upcoming 

satellites, including the Early Adopters program for missions in formulation and development. Ten 

missions now have Early Adopter programs, helping organizations' become familiar with expected data 
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products and prepared to use the data soon after launch, accelerating societal benefits from the missions. 

As a result of engagement with Early Adopters, the SWOT Applications and Science Teams decided to 

reduce data latency for SWOT products from 45 days to less than three days, enabling short-latency 

oceanographic and hydrologic applications for societal benefit. Mission application teams worked with 

ARSET and the NASA Distributed Active Archive Centers on technical training courses, providing 

hands-on experiences with pre-launch mission data products and application scenarios.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Eleven activities in the Health and Air Quality applications area continue, addressing topics on malaria 

control decision making, respiratory health of U.S. military personnel deployed in Asia, Midwest state 

implementation plans for air quality, dust forecasting for Valley Fever in Southwestern US, ambient air 

pollution in cities, and cholera risk early warning. The current, 13-member Health and Air Quality 

Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST) will conclude, completing four Tiger Team activities with health 

managers and stakeholders on uses of Earth observations for regional haze planning, background ozone 

for state implementation plans, air pollution and climate indicators, and health burden of wildfires. 

Applied Sciences will conduct a competitive solicitation to select members for a new HAQAST.

In the disaster applications area, 10 activities selected in FY 2019 will commence. Emphasizing a multihazard risk assessment and aligned with the goals of the Sendai framework, these activities address topics 

of floods, wildfires, landslides, oil spills, volcanic ash for aviation safety, hailstorm risk, and rapid 

damage mapping. The Sendai framework is a United Nations initiative to help communities worldwide 

manage, mitigate and plan responses to a wide array of disasters.

Twenty-eight activities in the Ecological Forecasting applications area continue, addressing topics of 

wetlands management, land conservation, dynamic seascapes, ecosystem accounting, agribusiness and 

extractive industry sustainability, and coastal resiliency. Nine activities support the use of NASA Earth 

observations by 19 countries to implement their response to the United Nations Sustainable Development 

Goals 14 (Life below Water) and 15 (Life on Land). 

The next SERVIR Applied Sciences Team commences with 20 applications activities conducted in 

partnership with regional hubs in Eastern and Southern Africa, West Africa, Lower Mekong, Hindu Kush 

Himalaya, and Amazonia to address challenges in food security, weather and climate, land cover, 

disasters, and water resources. The 20 activities include work from 50 research institutions from 22 U.S. 

states. The SERVIR Amazonia hub has its first full year of activities and operation. DEVELOP will again 

sponsor three terms, expecting to conduct at least 50 feasibility studies applying Earth observation to 

localized decision making in at least 35 U.S. states. ARSET will develop at least 10 trainings from 

introductory to advanced level, which they will deliver online and in-person, expecting to reach over 

10,000 people in over 130 countries around the world. All learning materials will be available in English 

and Spanish, with some trainings delivered in both languages.

Eight activities in the Water Resources applications area will finalize results related to uses of Earth 

observations to address global water security, threats to water quality, and imbalances between 

agricultural water supplies and agricultural water requirements. The Western Water Applications Office 

will deliver assessments of two water basins to identify stakeholder priorities for future activities and will 

also deliver initial results on soil moisture and evapotranspiration (water use) products in Western states.

The NASA Harvest Consortium on food security will deliver a new Agriculture Knowledge Hub interface 
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through Amazon Web Services, enabling more users to access global agriculture information from Earth 

observations.

Applied Sciences will develop a plan to expand NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource 

(POWER) tool, supporting use of NASA Earth observations by the renewable energy and building design 

industries. Applied Sciences will determine efforts required to improve engagement with the private 

sector for expanding the user base for, and applications of, NASA's Earth observations. 

The Program will conduct a peer review evaluation of the Valuation of Applications Benefits Linked to 

Earth Science (VALUABLES) consortium, which conducts impact assessments on the socioeconomic 

benefits resulting from uses of Earth observations. This peer review shifted from late FY 2019 to early 

FY 2020 and will assess progress toward NASA's objectives. 

For more information, go to: https://www.rff.org/valuables/

Applied Sciences will continue its engagement with the applications community as part of current and 

future NASA Earth science missions, expand the number of Early Adopters, and support satellite mission 

teams to implement new guidance on the inclusion of applications in flight mission concepts.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Eleven Ecological Forecasting applications activities and six Water Resources applications activities will 

conclude in FY 2021. Thirty-two activities will complete supporting nine specific elements in the Group 

on Earth Observations (GEO) Work Programme. Applied Sciences will conduct the mid-point peer 

review for the NASA Harvest consortium focused on food security and agriculture applications. 

Additionally, NASA’s Western Water Applications Office (WWAO) will complete the assessments of all 

six western water basins, enabling analysis and synthesis on ways to replicate applications projects 

effectively across basins.

The Applied Sciences program will initiate a range of activities for strengthening engagement with the 

private sector to expand uses of Earth observations. Partnerships with incubators and accelerators will 

support applications with early-stage and developing companies. Activities with academic technology 

transfer offices, cooperatives, and multi-sector consortia will enable uses of commercialization 

mechanisms to expand applications and identify types of engagement. The program will implement user 

analysis research in the applications themes to characterize user communities and opportunities to refine 

priorities. The activities will support, and are in alignment with, the 2019 National Plan for Civil Earth 

Observations. 

NASA will initiate improvements for an enhanced POWER tool supporting the building design and 

energy efficient industries. The next Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team will commence, 

including new tiger team activity for agile, rapid response to near-term activities identified together with 

state and local officials. The Capacity Building program expects its engagements and trainings to reach 

over 15,000 people and 125 countries worldwide as well as continue its success in reaching people in all 

50 U.S. States.
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Program Elements

CAPACITY BUILDING

The Capacity Building project enhances U.S. and developing countries’ capacity (e.g., human, scientific, 

technological, institutional, and resource capabilities) to make decisions informed by Earth science data 

and models. Capacity Building builds skills in current and future workforce and creates opportunities in 

under-served areas to broaden the benefits of Earth observations. This project supports training, 

information product development, internships, data access tools, short-term application test activities, user 

engagement, and partnership development. This project has three primary elements: 

• SERVIR: A joint venture with USAID that supports developing countries to improve their 

environmental management and resilience to climate change through uses of Earth observations 

in development decision making.

• ARSET: A professional-level training program for accessing and using Earth observations data 

through computer-based webinars and hands-on courses for all types of organizations.

• DEVELOP: A national training and development program for individuals to gain experience 

applying Earth observations through 10-week interdisciplinary activities to address community 

needs.

MISSION AND APPLIED RESEARCH

The Mission and Applied Research project enables involvement by applications-oriented users in the 

planning, development, and other activities of Earth Science satellite missions. It enables end-user 

engagement to identify applications early in and throughout the mission life cycle, and integrates end-user 

needs in design and development, enabling user feedback and broadening advocacy. Mission and Applied 

Research organizes community workshops to identify priority needs as well as studies to inform design 

trade-offs and identify ways to increase the applications value of missions. This project advises flight 

projects on activities to develop the applications dimension of a mission in development to help broaden 

benefits and maximize the return from the investment in the mission.

DISASTER SUPPORT

The Disaster Support project enables development of innovative applications using NASA satellite 

mission data as well as other activities to ensure timely, valuable support to responders when disasters 

occur. The Disaster Support project sponsors the use and integration of Earth observations in the 

decisions and actions of disaster-related organizations, including use of feasibility studies, in-depth 

activities, workshops, and needs assessments. The project also sponsors activities to improve a 

preparatory-based approach to enhance value and usability of NASA Earth Science products in support of 

disaster response and recovery across a wide range of disaster types including floods, earthquakes, 

volcanoes, and landslides. This project pursues partnerships with disaster groups that can carry forward 

NASA-developed information and tools to support the responders they serve. The project will begin to 

focus greater attention on supporting disaster risk assessment and disaster resilience.
Science: Earth Science

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APPLICATIONS

The Applications project sponsors the integration of Earth observations in the decisions and actions of 

community organizations. There are formal applications areas in Ecological Forecasting, Food Security 

and Agriculture, Health and Air Quality, and Water Resources. The applications areas support feasibility 

studies, in-depth activities, applied science teams, consortia, workshops, and needs assessments. Each 

applications area participates in major conferences and events that their partners attend in order to meet 

and engage managers and users.

• Ecological Forecasting: The ecological forecasting applications area promotes the use of Earth 

observations and models to analyze and forecast changes that affect ecosystems and to develop 

effective resource management strategies. Primary user communities are natural resource 

managers (both land and marine) and those involved in conservation and sustainable ecosystem 

management.

• Food Security and Agriculture: The food security and agriculture applications area promotes the 

use of Earth observations along the value chain for the functioning and resilience of food systems. 

The area supports a multi-organizational consortium to enhance domestic and international food 

security and improved agricultural practices, especially for economic progress and humanitarian 

pursuits.

• Health and Air Quality: The health and air quality applications area promotes the use of Earth 

observations data & models in the implementation of air quality standards, policy, and regulations 

for economic and human welfare (particularly involving environmental health and infectious 

diseases). This area addresses issues of toxic and pathogenic exposure and health-related hazards 

and their effects for risk characterization and mitigation.

• Water Resources: The water resources applications area supports the use of Earth observations in 

water resources management related to water demand, supply, and quality. The area includes five 

functional themes: drought, streamflow and flood forecasting, evapotranspiration and irrigation,

water quality, and climate effects on water resources.

In addition to these activities, the Applications project supports the following initiatives:

• NASA Harvest Consortium: The program sponsors a multi-organizational consortium to advance 

the use of Earth observations for enhanced food security and improved agricultural practices, 

especially benefitting private sector stakeholders domestically and humanitarian efforts 

internationally.

• Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Work Programme: Applied Sciences supports specific 

elements in the GEO Work Programme to further U.S. and NASA interests internationally, 

leveraging resources of other countries and organizations. This initiative specifically fosters a

broader involvement of domestic organizations in a U.S. national approach to GEO and the Work 

Programme, increasing opportunities for these organizations. 

• VALUABLES Consortium: The Valuation of Applications Benefits Linked to Earth Science. The 

program supports a multi-organizational consortium to support the development of analytic 

techniques to quantify the benefits, in social and economic terms, from uses of Earth observations 

to improve decisions. VALUABLES also helps build familiarity in the Earth science community 

with concepts and methods and helps communicate the benefits of Earth observations. 

• Western Water Applications Office: The Western Water Applications Office (WWAO) is a 

targeted initiative to contribute Earth observations to help solve important and pressing water-
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resource problems faced by the western United States. WWAO involves several NASA Centers 

to engage public and private sector stakeholders in the western water management community for 

innovative ways to apply Earth observations in managing water supply and accommodating a 

growing demand.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2020 ROSES-2019 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2020 ROSES-2020 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2021 ROSES-2020 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2021 ROSES-2021 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2022 ROSES-2021 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2022 ROSES-2022 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2023 ROSES-2022 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2023 ROSES-2023 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2024 ROSES-2023 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2024 ROSES-2024 solicitation release

Q1 FY 2025 ROSES-2023 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2025 ROSES-2024 solicitation release

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Applications

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC, GSFC, JPL, LaRC, MSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service (NPS), U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, NOAA, USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land Management, Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention
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ES-101

Program Element Provider

Capacity Building

Provider: Various

Lead Center: LaRC, MSFC, GSFC

Performing Center(s): ARC, GSFC, JPL, MSFC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): USGS, Groundwork USA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

University of Georgia, NOAA, Arizona State University, Boston University, USAID, 

EPS, NOAA, NWS

Disaster Support

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC, GSFC, JPL, LaRC, MSFC 

Cost Share Partner(s): Department of Homeland Security (DHS), NOAA, USDA, 

USGS, USAID, USACE, National Guard

Mission and Applied 

Research

Provider: Various

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC, GSFC, JPL, LaRC, MSFC 

Cost Share Partner(s): USDA, CNES, ISRO, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European 

Space Agency

Acquisition Strategy

NASA bases the Earth Science Applied Science acquisitions on full and open competition. Grants are 

peer reviewed and selected based on NASA research announcements and other related announcements.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Relevance

Applied Sciences 

Advisory 

Committee

Nov 2019

Review 

strategy and 

implementation

. 

Provided recommendations 

on private sector 

engagement, and suggested 

several modes of 

engagement such as 

incubators and 

accelerators. Endorsed the 

technical content strategy 

and recommended full 

implementation to advance 

communications

May 2020; 

semi-annual

Relevance

Applied Sciences 

Advisory 

Committee

May 2020

Review 

strategy and 

implementation

TBD Nov 2020: 

semi-annual
Science

PLANETARY SCIENCE

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Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Planetary Science Research 276.6 -- 305.4 288.6 285.1 295.2 286.7

Planetary Defense 150.0 -- 150.0 147.2 97.6 98.0 98.0

Lunar Discovery and Exploration 188.0 -- 451.5 517.3 491.3 458.3 458.3

Discovery 409.5 -- 484.3 424.4 434.8 570.1 505.8

New Frontiers 93.0 -- 179.0 314.3 332.8 326.9 285.0

Mars Exploration 712.7 -- 528.5 588.4 671.2 798.7 855.3

Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds 793.6 -- 414.4 370.7 239.4 192.3 171.7

Radioisotope Power 123.3 -- 146.3 150.1 162.8 165.4 169.8

Total Budget 2746.7 2713.4 2659.6 2800.9 2714.9 2904.8 2830.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Planetary Science

PLANETARY SCIENCE RESEARCH ........................................................................PS-3

Other Missions and Data Analysis ...................................................................................... PS-7

PLANETARY DEFENSE .........................................................................................PS-11

Double Asteroid Redirection Test [Development] .............................................................PS-13

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-20

LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION ............................................................PS-24

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-29

DISCOVERY ...........................................................................................................PS-33

Lucy [Development]...........................................................................................................PS-36

Psyche [Development].......................................................................................................PS-43

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-49

NEW FRONTIERS...................................................................................................PS-54

Dragonfly [Formulation] .....................................................................................................PS-57

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-62

MARS EXPLORATION............................................................................................PS-66

Mars Rover 2020 [Development].......................................................................................PS-68
Science

PLANETARY SCIENCE

PS-2

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-76

OUTER PLANETS AND OCEAN WORLDS.............................................................PS-83

Europa Clipper [Development] ..........................................................................................PS-85

Other Missions and Data Analysis ....................................................................................PS-93

RADIOISOTOPE POWER.......................................................................................PS-95
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Planetary Science Research and Analysis 195.7 -- 223.0 206.2 204.4 207.1 204.4

Other Missions and Data Analysis 80.9 -- 82.4 82.4 80.7 88.1 82.3

Total Budget 276.6 -- 305.4 288.6 285.1 295.2 286.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Scientists associated with NASA’s Solar System 

Exploration Research Virtual Institute may have 

discovered the oldest Earth rock ever—on the 

Moon. A lunar sample returned by the Apollo 14 

astronauts may contain a bit of Earth from about 4 

billion years ago. The two-gram fragment of rock is 

composed of quartz, feldspar, and zircon - all 

commonly found on Earth, but highly unusual on 

the Moon. Chemical analyses show the fragment 

crystallized in a terrestrial-like oxidized system at 

terrestrial temperatures, rather than in the reducing 

and higher temperature conditions characteristic of 

the Moon.

The Planetary Science Research program provides the 

scientific foundation for data returned from NASA 

missions exploring the solar system. It is also 

NASA’s primary interface with university faculty and 

graduate students in this field and with the research

community in general. The program develops 

analytical and theoretical tools, as well as laboratory 

data, to support analysis of flight mission data. These 

capabilities allow Planetary Science to answer 

specific questions about, and increase the 

understanding of, the origin and evolution of the solar 

system. The research program achieves this by 

supporting research grants solicited annually and 

subjected to a competitive peer review before 

selection and award. The Planetary Science Research 

program focuses on five key research goals:

• Advance the understanding of how the 

chemical and physical processes in our solar system 

operate, interact, and evolve;

• Explore and observe the objects in the solar 

system to understand how they formed and evolve;

• Explore and find locations where life could 

have existed or could exist today;

• Improve our understanding of the origin and 

evolution of life on Earth to guide our search for life 

elsewhere; and

• Identify and characterize objects in the solar 

system that pose threats to Earth or offer resources for human exploration.
Science: Planetary Science

PLANETARY SCIENCE RESEARCH

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EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The budget for competed research and analysis is intended to support an overall 25 percent proposal 

selection rate and initiates the 2023 Decadal Survey in June 2020, with a final delivery in 2022.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

After three years orbiting Jupiter, Juno confirmed minute but distinct changes in Jupiter’s internal 

magnetic field over time. It is the first observation of this phenomenon, called secular variation, outside of 

Earth. Jupiter’s deep atmospheric winds shearing the magnetic fields as they pull electrically conductive 

hydrogen around the planet best explains the variation. Improving the understanding of Jupiter has 

important implications for studying and anticipating changes in Earth’s magnetic field.

Latest analysis of data from the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer revealed that 

meteoroid bombardment ejects water from the Moon’s surface. New findings show meteoroids excavate 

50 – 200 tons of lunar water annually, and that ejected water is partially lost into space and partially 

redeposited into lunar soil. These results show that meteoroid strikes likely contribute to polar ice 

deposits found in “cold traps” on the Moon, improving our understanding of a critical lunar resource for 

future robotic and human exploration.

A recent study proposes that prior to the development of photosynthesis, early life-forms on Earth may 

have been able to generate metabolic energy from sunlight using a purple-pigmented molecule called 

retinal. Scientists have observed a number of pigments containing the retinal molecule that absorb light, 

including one called bacteriorhodopsin found in early haloarchaeal life forms. The strong absorption peak 

of retinal is different from, but complementary to that of the green chlorophyll pigment. These absorption 

properties may create unique spectral signatures on exoplanets that telescopes could remotely detect. 

Expanding the categories of surface signatures to include light-harvesting life that use pigments other than 

chlorophyll is an important step in life-detection efforts.

The distinction between cometary and asteroid impact craters on Mars has been historically difficult to 

determine, but computational simulations and laboratory experiments by researchers have produced 

significant insight into this problem. The research showed that impacts from comets produce radial, 

thermal wind streaks due to their higher speed and volatile content and concluded that approximately one 

percent of the craters on Mars formed in the last two billion years are due to Long-Period cometary 

impacts. Researchers then extrapolated this finding to the Earth-Moon system. The analysis of NEOWISE 

data tells us that, cometary impacts should be about six times more frequent on Earth. After including the 

Jupiter-family and Haley-type comets, the model predicts that approximately 16 percent of all terrestrial 

impacts are cometary. This study has important implications for understanding both the past impact 

environment of Mars and future impact hazards for Earth. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In pursuit of fundamental science that guides planetary exploration, the Planetary Science Research 

program will continue to select highly rated Research and Analysis (R&A) proposals that support 

planetary missions and goals. Planetary science will continue archiving and distributing relevant mission 

data to the science community and the public in a timely manner. The Planetary Science Research 

program will continue to work with the other divisions of NASA's Science Mission Directorate to further 
Science: Planetary Science

PLANETARY SCIENCE RESEARCH

PS-5

research exoplanets by continuing and furthering the multi-division, multi-disciplinary approach to this 

topic.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In pursuit of fundamental science that guides planetary exploration, the Planetary Science Research 

program will continue to select highly rated R&A proposals that support planetary missions and goals. 

Planetary science will continue archiving and distributing relevant mission data to the science community 

and the public in a timely manner. 

Program Elements

PLANETARY SCIENCE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (R&A)

Planetary Science R&A enhances the scientific return from on-going and completed spaceflight missions 

and provides the foundation for the formulation of new scientific questions and strategies for answering 

those questions. R&A develops new theories and instrumentation concepts that enable the next generation 

of spaceflight missions. R&A funds research tasks in areas such as astrobiology and cosmochemistry; the 

origins and evolution of planetary systems; the observation and characterization of extra-solar planets 

(i.e., exoplanets) and the atmospheres, geology, and chemistry of the solar system’s bodies other than the 

Earth or the Sun.

Program Schedule

The Planetary Science Research Program will conduct its next call for research proposals as part of the 

Science Mission Directorate’s annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 

research calls in February 2020. The program issues solicitations every year. A Senior Review process 

assesses all missions in the extended operations phase every three years and all data archives every three 

or four years.

Date Significant Event

Feb 2020 ROSES-2021 NRA solicitation release

Mar 2020 Planetary Data System Senior Review

Mar-Apr 2020 Out-of-Cycle Senior Review (InSight and Juno)

Q1 FY 2021 ROSES-2021 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Feb 2021 ROSES-2022 NRA solicitation release

Q1 FY 2022 ROSES-2022 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Feb 2022 ROSES-2023 NRA solicitation release
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Date Significant Event

Mar-Apr 2022 Senior Review Operating Missions

Q1 FY 2023 ROSES-2023 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals 

Feb 2023 ROSES-2024 NRA solicitation release

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

R&A

Provider: NASA

Lead Center: Headquarters (HQ)

Performing Center(s): Ames Research Center (ARC), Glenn Research 

Center (GRC), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory (JPL), Johnson Space Center (JSC), Langley Research 

Center (LaRC), Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), HQ

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

The R&A budget will fund competitively selected activities from the ROSES omnibus research 

announcement.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality

Planetary Science 

Advisory 

Committee (PAC)

2019

Review to assess 

progress against 

strategic objectives 

of Planetary 

Science.

Recommendation 

was to maintain a 

strong program 

consistent with the 

decadal survey.

2020

Quality

Planetary Science 

Advisory 

Committee (PAC)

2020

Review to assess 

progress against 

strategic objectives 

of Planetary 

Science.

TBD 2021
Science: Planetary Science: Planetary Science Research

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

PS-7

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Advanced Multi-Mission Operation System 40.2 -- 39.9 40.8 38.2 38.3 38.3

Planetary Science Directed R&T 3.4 -- 3.7 3.5 4.6 12.6 6.9

Planetary Data System 17.0 -- 19.1 19.1 18.9 18.0 17.9

Astromaterial Curation 12.5 -- 12.9 12.2 12.2 12.4 12.4

Science Data & Computing 2.7 -- 2.7 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.8

Rosetta 1.0 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Robotics Alliance 4.1 -- 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0

Total Budget 80.9 -- 82.4 82.4 80.7 88.1 82.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

On April 6, 2019, NASA's Mars InSight mission measured and 

recorded, for the first time ever, a likely "marsquake." The figure 

above illustrates the seismic event detected by the lander. Three 

distinct kinds of ground vibrations were detected by the spacecraft's 

seismometer, called the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure 

(SEIS): vibrations from Martian wind; the seismic event itself; and 

the spacecraft's robotic arm as it moved to take pictures.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Other Missions and Data Analysis 

includes activities and infrastructure 

that support NASA planetary science 

research and missions, such as the

Advanced Multi-Mission Operation 

System, Planetary Data System, and 

Astromaterial Curation.

Mission Planning and 

Other Projects

ADVANCED MULTI-MISSION 

OPERATION SYSTEM 

(AMMOS)

AMMOS provides multi-mission 

operations, navigation, design, and 

training tools and services for Planetary 

Science flight missions, as well as other Science Mission Directorate missions, and invests in improved 

communications and navigation technologies. The AMMOS project will continue to provide and develop 

multi-mission software tools for spacecraft navigation, command, control, assessment, mission planning,

and data archiving. Utilizing the AMMOS common tools and services lowers individual mission cost and 
Science: Planetary Science: Planetary Science Research

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-8

risk by providing a mature base for mission operations systems at significantly reduced development 

time. AMMOS also provides support to our international space agency partners on an as-needed basis. 

This support typically pertains to navigation assistance and scheduling of NASA’s Deep Space Network 

(DSN) assets. AMMOS is a system of reusable software tools and services comprising a mission ground 

operations and ground data system that is used across multiple NASA missions. 

Recent Achievements

AMMOS has grown its customer base to over 60 missions, including InSight, MarCO, Juno, MAVEN, 

OSIRIS-REx, Parker Solar Probe, New Horizons, MESSENGER, Hayabusa2, Chandrayaan-2, and 

ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. The growing list of customers and partners includes NASA centers, 

universities, industry, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers and international space 

organizations. The breadth of its support spans heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics and 

Earth-science missions. Recent accomplishments include increased open-sourcing of AMMOS software 

components. This open-sourcing has enabled increased adoption and long-term viability while reducing 

cost, a significant security expansion, and the dissemination of operations-enabling AMMOS software 

tools to GSFC, APL, ARC, and Morehead University.

PLANETARY SCIENCE DIRECTED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

This project funds the civil service staff that will work on emerging Planetary Science flight projects, 

instruments, and research. The workforce and funding will transfer to projects by the beginning of 

FY 2021.

PLANETARY DATA SYSTEM (PDS)

The PDS is an online data archive that furthers NASA’s Planetary Science goals by efficiently collecting, 

archiving, and making accessible digital data produced by, or relevant to, NASA’s planetary missions, 

research programs, and data analysis. The archive includes imaging experiments, magnetic and gravity 

field measurements, orbit data, and various spectroscopic observations. Space-borne data from over 

50 years of NASA-funded exploration of comets, asteroids, moons, and planets is publicly available 

through the PDS archive.

Recent Achievements

PDS received data from 17 planetary missions since August 2018. PDS also received data sets from 

ground-based observations, laboratory data, and higher order data sets from NASA data analysis 

investigations. The archive grew by approximately 175 terabytes to a total of approximately 1.7 

petabytes.

ASTROMATERIAL CURATION

The Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office at JSC curates extraterrestrial material under NASA 

control. Curation is an integral part of sample return missions. Activities conducted by the Curation office 

include: (1) research into advanced curation techniques to support future missions; (2) sample return

mission planning; (3) archiving of witness, engineering, and reference materials related to sample return 

missions; (4) recovery and transport of returned materials; (5) initial characterization of new samples; (6)
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OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-9

preparation and allocation of samples for research; and (7) providing clean and secure storage for the 

benefit of current and future generations. 

Samples currently curated include Antarctic meteorites, cosmic dust, and samples collected on the Moon 

(Apollo and Luna), from the Sun (solar wind captured by Genesis), a comet (Stardust), an asteroid 

(Hayabusa), microparticle impact samples (on space-exposed hardware) as well as witness materials 

(small foils and plates placed in spacecraft assembly cleanrooms to collect molecules and particles) and 

coupons (representative pieces of materials used in construction of spacecraft) for several past, present, 

and future sample return missions (e.g., Apollo, Genesis, Stardust, OSIRIS-REx, Mars 2020). Planning 

and research efforts are currently underway to develop the technologies and procedures for proper 

curation of samples from future missions to asteroids (OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2), Mars, Mars’ moons 

(Martian Moons eXploration), and comets. NASA plans to receive Hayabusa2 and MMX samples under 

international agreements with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). New laboratory space is 

being constructed and outfitted within the curation facility to prepare for receipt of the OSIRIS-REx and 

Hayabusa2 samples, as well as to do advanced cleaning and curation research. 

Recent Achievements

In March 2019, NASA began construction on the facilities that will house the new OSIRIS-REx and 

Hayabusa2 samples, as well as new advanced-curation and advanced-cleaning facilities to develop and 

implement new technologies and procedures for handling those samples. JSC is preparing to purchase a 

benchtop X-ray Fluorescence system and has installed a state-of-the-art scanning Raman system to use in 

concert with the existing X-ray computed tomography scanner for non-destructive characterization of 

astromaterials. NASA has made significant strides in advanced curation science by developing techniques 

for automated small particle manipulation, especially for samples inside dry-Nitrogen purged glove 

boxes.

NASA is working to ensure that the project properly curates samples returned as part of the Mars Sample 

Return program or the Artemis missions to the Moon to maximize future science results. These 

collections are in addition to the eight current collections housed in 22 clean rooms, from which the 

project has allocated more than 1,400 samples to more than 400 registered Principle Investigators (PIs) in 

more than 25 countries around the world for scientific research.

SCIENCE DATA AND COMPUTING

This project, through the National Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (NSSDCA), preserves 

NASA’s science data collected since the first robotic missions in the 1960s. The NSSDCA also serves as 

the back-up archive for the PDS. In addition to serving as a depository that makes unique data and 

metadata available, the NSSDCA provides the space science community with stewardship, guidance, and 

support so that data made available to the research community is well documented to provide independent 

usability.

Recent Achievements

The NSSDCA has made great progress in converting many of the original data sets, which exist in analog 

form in their original media, to digital data sets accessible online by researchers. The Lunar Data Node

continues to restore old Apollo data, packaging the data and overseeing their archive with the PDS. This 

process involves reading the data, converting it to standard digital formats, and collecting and making 
Science: Planetary Science: Planetary Science Research

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-10

sense of the data formats and writing documentation so the researchers can easily access and use the data. 

NASA has archived 30 data sets within PDS, packaged seven data sets in PDS-compliant formats, and 

restored and are in the process of packaging 20 data sets, which should undergo review in 2020.

NSSDCA is scanning selected critical parts of the microfilm archive into digital formats in an ongoing 

effort; approximately 250,000 frames of microfilm have been scanned to-date.

ROBOTICS ALLIANCE PROJECT 

The Robotics Alliance Project (RAP) is dedicated to increasing interest in engineering, technology, 

science, and mathematics disciplines among youth in the United States. RAP’s goal is to create an 

inspired, experienced, technical workforce for the aerospace community. Annual activities and events 

expose students to challenging applications of engineering and science. The RAP supports national 

robotic competitions in which high school students team with engineering and technical professionals 

from government, industry, and universities to gain hands-on experience and mentoring.

Recent Achievements

In FY 2019, RAP sponsored 300 FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

Robotics Competition teams (approximately 8,000 students), 50 VEX robotics teams (approximately 500 

students), and sponsored and/or supported 18 FIRST Robotics Competition events (affecting 

approximately 50,000 students).
Science: Planetary Science

PLANETARY DEFENSE 

PS-11

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

DART 98.0 72.4 66.4 9.1 4.5 0.0 0.0

Other Missions and Data Analysis 52.0 -- 83.6 138.1 93.1 98.0 98.0

Total Budget 150.0 -- 150.0 147.2 97.6 98.0 98.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Yearly progress in discoveries of near-Earth asteroids larger than 140 meters in 

size.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech 

The focus of planetary 

defense missions is to detect 

and provide follow-up 

observations for precision 

orbit determination and 

physical characterization of 

asteroids and comets with the 

potential to impact the Earth, 

as well as mounting efforts 

(from civil disaster response 

preparations to in space 

object deflection or disruption 

missions) to mitigate the 

effects of an impending nearEarth object (NEO) impact 

event.

The Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) manages the Planetary Defense program. PDCO 

administers the Near-Earth Object Observations (NEOO) project, which funds and coordinates efforts to 

find, track, and characterize any asteroid or comet that could become an impact hazard to Earth. Scientists 

conduct these NEO observation efforts at observatories supported by NASA on the ground and in space, 

as well as by the National Science Foundation and space situational awareness facilities of the United 

States Air Force.

In addition to finding, tracking, and characterizing NEOs, NASA’s planetary defense goals include 

researching techniques for deflecting or disrupting, if possible, potentially hazardous objects (PHOs) that 

are determined to be on an impact course with Earth to provide options for United States government 

response to any detected impact threat. In the event that deflection or disruption of the PHO is not 

possible due to insufficient time available before impact, the PDCO is responsible for providing expert 

input to other government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for 

emergency response operations. The PDCO participates in implementing the U.S. National Near-Earth 

Object Strategy and Action Plan.
Science: Planetary Science

PLANETARY DEFENSE

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For more information, go to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/National-NearEarth-Object-Preparedness-Strategy-and-Action-Plan-23-pages-1MB.pdf

The PDCO responsibilities include:

• Managing NASA's Planetary Defense Program;

• Ensuring the early detection of PHOs - asteroids and comets whose orbit are predicted to bring 

them within 0.05 Astronomical Units, equal to about 5 million miles, of Earth's orbit, and of a 

size large enough to reach Earth’s surface (i.e., greater than perhaps 30 to 50 meters);

• Tracking and characterizing PHOs and issuing warnings about potential impacts;

• Providing timely and accurate communications about PHOs; and

• Performing as a lead coordination node in U.S. Government planning for response to an actual 

impact threat (see: https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/overview).

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

This budget supports the initiation of an instrument project, the IR telescope, for detection and tracking of 

NEOs for use on a future space-based telescope spacecraft. The current mission concept, known as the 

NEO Surveillance Mission, would position a spacecraft at the Sun-Earth L1 gravity Lagrange point and 

would operate in the infrared part of the spectrum, which has the advantage of increased sensitivity to the 

objects as they are heated by the Sun and more accurate characterization of NEO sizes.
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Formulation Development Operations

PS-13

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 40.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 40.6

Development/Implementation 22.9 98.0 72.4 65.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 258.3

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.4 9.1 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.0

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 63.5 98.0 72.4 66.4 9.1 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 313.9

Total Budget 63.5 98.0 72.4 66.4 9.1 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 313.9

Change from FY 2020 -6.0

Percentage change from FY 2020 -8.3%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Artists depiction (not to scale) of the DART spacecraft approaching 

impact with the moonlet of the double asteroid Didymos. Here, 

Didymos is close enough to the Earth to allow ground-based 

telescopes to measure the change in the moonlet’s orbit caused by 

the impact.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test 

(DART) is the first planetary defense 

mission demonstrating the kinetic 

impact technique to change the motion 

of an asteroid in space. The target 

asteroid for DART is the binary 

asteroid system Didymos. The 

Didymos system consists of the 

primary asteroid, Didymos A, that is 

about 780 meters (1/2 mile) across, and 

a “moonlet,” Didymos B, that is about 

163 meters (535 feet) across. The 

DART spacecraft will demonstrate the 

kinetic impact deflection method by 

deliberately crashing into Didymos B at 

a speed of approximately 13,000 miles 

per hour, with the aid of an onboard 

camera and sophisticated autonomous navigation software. The collision will change the period of the 

orbit of the moonlet around the main body by a fraction of one percent, enough to be measured using 

telescopes on Earth. By targeting the small moonlet in a binary system, the DART mission plan makes 
Science: Planetary Science: Planetary Defense

DOUBLE ASTEROID REDIRECTION TEST

Formulation Development Operations

PS-14

this demonstration possible without causing any detectable change to the orbit of the system about the 

Sun. The DART mission will demonstrate the effectiveness of the kinetic impact technique for deflecting 

a hazardous asteroid. NASA will use the mission to improve our understanding of the physics involved 

and our readiness to respond to an actual asteroid impact threat.

NASA’s DART spacecraft has a launch readiness date of February 2022. The targeted impact date with 

the Didymos B is October 2022, when the Didymos system is within 11 million kilometers of Earth, 

enabling subsequent observations of the change the orbital period of the moonlet by ground-based 

telescopes and planetary radar.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

PROJECT PARAMETERS

NASA plans to launch DART no later than February 2022. DART carries a single camera, the Didymos 

Reconnaissance and Asteroid Camera for OpNav (DRACO), used by the DART SMARTNav system to 

guide the spacecraft to impact the moonlet of the double asteroid Didymos. DART will use X-Band 

communications through the NASA Deep Space Network to downlink the DRACO images prior to 

impact, which will allow the reconstruction of where on the moonlet the impact occurred. Researchers 

will measure the change in the orbital period of the moonlet caused by the impact during the 2022 

Didymos double asteroid close approach to the Earth, using the world-wide network of optical and radio 

telescopes.

The DART spacecraft will enable the demonstration of the NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster –

Commercial (NEXT-C) solar electric propulsion system as a new technology for in-space propulsion 

systems. The next-generation NEXT-C system, based on the Dawn spacecraft propulsion system, will 

provide significant flexibility in future mission timelines, including significantly widening the viable 

launch period (compared to most planetary missions), as well as decreasing the cost of the launch service.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

DART passed its critical design review in June 2019. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

DART will continue final design and fabrication activities, complete its mission operations review, 

integration readiness review and test readiness review, and conduct its KDP-D gate review for entry into 

the assembly, integration and test phase. 
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PS-15

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

DART will complete its assembly, integration and test activities in preparation for launch.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Formulation Authorization Mar 2016 (Rev B) Mar 2016 (Rev B)

MCR May 2015 May 2015

SRR/MDR Sep 2016 Sep 2016

KDP-B Mar 2017 Mar 2017

PDR Apr 2018 Apr 2018

KDP-C Aug 2018 Aug 2018

CDR Jun 2019 Jun 2019

KDP-D Apr 2020 Apr 2020

ORR/FOR Mar 2021 Mar 2021

MRR/FRR May 2021 May 2021

Launch Readiness Feb 2022 Feb 2022

KDP-E Mar 2022 Mar 2022

Asteroid Impact/End of Flight 

Operations Oct 2022 Oct 2022

End of Ground Observations and 

Data Analysis Sep 2023 Sep 2023
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PS-16

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2019 258.3 70% 2020 258.3 0 LRD 2/22 2/22 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost.

Development Cost Details

NASA confirmed DART to proceed into implementation in August 2018. The NEXT-C electric 

propulsion technology demonstration system is contributed and is not included in the development cost of 

this mission.

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 258.3 258.3 0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 71.7 95.4 +23.7

Payloads 5.3 6.3 +1.0

Systems I&T 16.5 19.4 +2.9

Launch Vehicle 41.0 68.8 +27.8

Ground Systems 5.7 6.8 +1.1

Science/Technology 3.2 3.8 +0.6

Other Direct Project 

Costs 114.9 57.8 -57.1
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DOUBLE ASTEROID REDIRECTION TEST

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PS-17

Project Management & Commitments

The John Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) has project management 

responsibility for DART.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

DART 

Spacecraft 

DART Project design and 

implementation, with the 

exception of subcontracted 

subsystems and the 

government-provided 

NEXT-C electric 

propulsion system

Provider: JHU-APL

Lead Center: JHU-APL

Performing Center(s): JHU-APL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

DRACO

The Didymos 

Reconnaissance and 

Asteroid Camera for 

OpNav (DRACO)

Provider: JHU-APL

Lead Center: JHU-APL

Performing Center(s): JHU-APL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

NEXT-C

Government-furnished 

electric propulsion system 

not included in LCC

Provider: Aerojet

Lead Center: GRC

Performing Center(s): GRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Launch 

Vehicle

Launch vehicle and all 

launch services

Provider: Space-X

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
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DOUBLE ASTEROID REDIRECTION TEST

Formulation Development Operations

PS-18

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: The SMARTNav autonomous 

guidance system used to guide the 

spacecraft during the final approach to 

impact is not sufficiently robust to 

variations in the observed binary system,

Then: The spacecraft may not hit the 

target.

The Project has developed and is continuing to refine a 

high-fidelity emulator of the end-to-end performance of the 

DRACO camera, image processing pipeline, and 

SMARTNav algorithms. The Project is varying (in a 

Monte Carlo analysis) the characteristics of the Didymos 

system (e.g., size, shape, albedo of each body, orbit 

characteristics), the approach conditions, and the DRACO 

and spacecraft parameters to demonstrate the robustness of 

the design to the range of variations that DART may 

encounter when it arrives at Didymos.

Acquisition Strategy

NASA is acquiring the flight system for the DART mission from JHU/APL. NASA selected Space-X to 

provide a dedicated Falcon-9 launch vehicle through a competitive Launch Service task order awarded by 

NASA's Launch Services Program. NASA is acquiring the NEXT-C propulsion system via the Glenn 

Research Center from Aerojet.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Prime Contract, Mission 

Formulation, and Mission 

Implementation

JHU-APL Laurel, MD

Launch Vehicle SpaceX Hawthorne, CA
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PS-19

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

Institutional 

Review Team 

(IRT)

Sep 2016

System Requirements 

Review (SRR) to assess 

readiness for preliminary 

design and technology 

completion (Phase B)

After the SRR, 

NASA decided to 

establish the 

DART SRB and 

insert an SRB 

Status Review 

before approving 

KDP-B

PDR

Performance

Standing 

Review Board 

(SRB)

Feb 2017

SRB Status Review to 

assess SRR results, 

progress/ resolution of 

SRR actions, changes 

since the SRR, and to 

assess readiness for 

Phase B

Successful PDR

Performance SRB Apr 2018

Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR) to assess 

readiness for final design 

and fabrication (Phase C)

Successful CDR

Performance SRB Jun 2019

Critical Design Review 

(CDR) to assess 

readiness for to assess 

readiness for project to 

begin system assembly, 

integration, and test (start 

of Phase D)

Successful ORR

Performance SRB Mar 

2021

Operational Readiness 

Review (ORR) to assess 

readiness for system 

launch, checkout, 

(completion of Phase D), 

operations, and 

sustainment (Phase E)

TBD
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OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

PS-20

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Near Earth Object Observations 52.0 -- 83.6 138.1 93.1 98.0 98.0

Total Budget 52.0 -- 83.6 138.1 93.1 98.0 98.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Mission Planning and Other Projects

NEAR-EARTH OBJECT OBSERVATIONS (NEOO)

The NEOO project uses ground and space-based assets to look for Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) that have 

any potential to collide with Earth and characterizes them to assess if any could do significant damage to 

the planet. NEOs range in size from a few meters to approximately 34 kilometers. NEOs of one kilometer 

or larger in size are close to 1,000 in number, while those between one kilometer to 100 meters in size 

may number as much as 38,000. 

The NEOO project supports a network of search and characterization observatories and the data 

processing and analysis required to understand the near-Earth population of small bodies. In accordance 

with the findings and recommendations of the National Academies studies on the NEO hazard in 2010 

and on visible and infrared NEO survey capabilities in 2019, NASA continues to:

• Analyze the small body data collected by the reactivated the Wide-field Infrared Survey 

Explorer (WISE) mission, now called NEOWISE, and support increased follow-up and analysis 

of this data;

• Increase collection of NEO detection and characterization data by the Catalina Sky Survey, the 

Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Reporting System (Pan-STARRS), and the United States 

Air Force’s (USAF) Space Surveillance Telescope; 

• Support the operation of the four small telescope wide field survey sites called the Asteroid 

Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), designed to detect smaller asteroids as they 

approach the Earth and warn of any imminent impact, two of which will operate at southern 

hemisphere sites;

• Support the continued and enhanced operation of planetary radar capabilities at the National 

Science Foundation’s Arecibo Observatory (now under University of Central Florida 

management) and NASA’s Goldstone Deep Space Network facilities; and

• Investigate both ground and space-based concepts for increasing capacity to detect, track, and 

characterize NEOs of all sizes.
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OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-21

Since NASA’s search started in 1998, the project has found over 96 percent of these objects that are 

one kilometer and larger, and about 36 percent of all those larger than 140 meters in size. NEOs 

discovered and characterized by the project may also be viable targets for future robotic and human

exploration, and possible eventual candidates for asteroid resource utilization operations. 

For more information on NEOO, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/planetarydefense/overview and 

https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/about/search_program.html

The Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) is NASA’s infrared-optimized three-meter telescope sited at an 

altitude of 13,600 feet on the extinct volcano Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai’i. The NEOO 

project funds IRTF operations and IRTF is a primary NASA planetary defense asset for NEO physical 

characterization. IRTF continues its mission of strategic support of NASA flight missions and science 

goals in both planetary science and astrophysics while being on-call for rapid response observations of 

NEO targets of opportunity and potential threats.

For more information on IRTF, go to: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/

The NEOWISE mission uses the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) spacecraft, a 40-centimeter 

(16-inch) diameter infrared telescope in Earth-orbit that continues an all-sky astronomical survey with its 

two detectors, which remain in non-cryogenic operations. NEOWISE capabilities and vantage point 

enable contribution to NEO discovery and, more significantly, understanding the physical properties of 

large numbers of NEOs, comets, main-belt asteroids, and other minor planets.

For more information on NEOWISE, go to: 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/neowise/mission/index.html

NASA will initiate a space-based infrared instrument for NEO search and characterization toward the 

goal of a NEO surveillance mission.

Recent Achievements

In FY 2019, asteroid search teams funded by the NEO Observations project found another six near-Earth 

asteroids (NEAs) larger than one kilometer (km) in size with orbits that come close to Earth’s vicinity. 

Asteroid search teams also found 2,178 NEAs less than one km in size and observers found one 

additional Earth-approaching comet, bringing the total known population of NEOs to 20,944 NEAs and 

108 Earth-approaching comets as of September 30, 2019. The high-precision orbit predictions computed 

by the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at JPL show that none of these objects are likely to strike the 

Earth in the next century. However, as of October 24, 2019, there are 2,021 near-Earth asteroids (of which 

156 are larger than one km in diameter), with 86 found in FY 2019, in orbits that could become a hazard 

in the more distant future and warrant continued monitoring.

NASA and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, with other space agencies and 

organizations participation, held the sixth International Academy of Astronautics Planetary Defense 

Conference on April 29- May 3, 2019. This key biannual worldwide meeting involved updates on 

planetary defense research and technology as well as an asteroid impact scenario to exercise the 

participating U.S. government agencies and international entities.

Researchers studied asteroids in detail during their close-approaches to Earth, characterizing small or 

potentially hazardous asteroids and yielding important new near-Earth asteroid discoveries. During FY 
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OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-22

2019, 74 asteroids passed Earth within the distance from the Earth to the Moon. Six of the smaller 

asteroids (less than 20 meters in size) passed within the distance of the geosynchronous satellites. All 74 

asteroids were discovered in the days either just prior to or just following close-approach. Researchers 

discovered a larger asteroid, 2019 OK, just before it approached at one-fifth the distance to the Moon. 

NASA estimates the asteroid to be 60-130 meters in size, and is the largest asteroid known to pass that 

close to Earth in the last century. In July 2019, researchers found asteroid 2006 QV89, which has an 

uncertain orbit, not to be where it would need to have been for a possible impact to Earth in September 

2019. This finding eliminated the small but finite impact probability.

The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) in coordination with the NASA-sponsored Minor 

Planet Center that received the observations, with follow-up observers, and with ESA's Near-Earth Object 

Coordination Center confirmed the discovery of a second interstellar object, a comet designated 

2I/Borisov (C/2019 Q4). The Scout system at CNEOS flagged the new discovery by an amateur 

astronomer on August 30, 2019 at the MARGO observatory in Nauchnij, Crimea. The team calculated the 

comet's precise trajectory to determine that it originated from outside our solar system. Characterization 

observations by NEOO-funded observers and the Hubble Space Telescope indicated that the comet is not 

unlike those in our own solar system. 

NASA tasked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2018 to analyze the 

advantages and disadvantages of telescope capabilities in detecting NEOs. The findings in the report 

issued in June 2019 found that a space-based infrared NEO survey telescope would be more effective than 

space-based visible telescopes, providing much tighter constraints on NEO diameters for approximately 

the same costs. The report also pointed to the value of continued short and long-term ground-based 

observations for orbit determination and physical characterization to help assess risk. 

During FY 2019, the NEOWISE mission completed its fifth year of NEO survey operations. The 

instrument recently surpassed 111 billion recorded measurements of asteroids, comets, stars, and galaxies, 

and provided critical data on near Earth objects as well as other objects in our solar system. The 

cumulative NEOWISE data release products from five years of operations include almost 15 million 

single exposure images, and 760 thousand confirmed detections of 32 thousand moving objects in the 

solar system. Scientists have referenced data from NEOWISE in over 1,000 separate astronomical 

publications and continue to use this data to generate major insights in the study of minor planets. NASA 

is extending operations to July 2020 when engineers expect the spacecraft to exceed usable temperatures. 

The mission will be complete at that time. Updates to PDS will occur at the end of the mission with the 

reprocessing results and other updated results.

A space-based infrared instrument for NEO search and characterization formulation continued its 

extended Phase A study. The instrument's focus is exclusively on planetary defense asteroid and comet 

survey requirements, with tasks targeted toward decreasing risk by procuring and developing components 

for the infrared focal plane detector and by conducting the modeling needed to define thermal and 

operational requirements.

WORK IN PROGRESS FY 2020

The NEOWISE spacecraft, whose orbit has been moving away from the ideal sun synchronous orbit 

alignment since its year of prime operations in 2010, will likely reach a point in summer 2020 where the 

Sun's light will reach too far down into the telescope. The heat will effectively blind the infra-red 
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OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-23

detectors, terminating the useful life of the spacecraft. NEOWISE has no orbital maintenance thrust 

capability, therefore, it cannot compensate for this natural movement.

NASA plans to initiate a space-based infrared instrument for NEO search and characterization toward the 

goal of a NEO surveillance mission. NASA plans to hold a KDP-B review for the instrument in FY 2020 

allowing it to proceed to the preliminary design and technology completion phase.

The United States Air Force’s (USAF) Space Surveillance Telescope is in the process of test and

commissioning in Australia. NASA continues to coordinate with USAF Space Command on a logistical 

and funding path for transferring the data from Australia to the US used for asteroid detection and 

tracking. The Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research team continues to prepare the data processing

pipeline for the data.

The Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) team identified partners and sites in South 

Africa and Chile and will continue the component procurements and the development of the two new 

ATLAS observatory stations in those locations.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA will continue to support a network of search and characterization observatories and the data 

processing and analysis required to understand the near-Earth population of small bodies. NASA will 

continue instrument formulation for a potential space-based infrared capability, the NEO Surveillance 

Mission, that would support NEO survey objectives as identified in the 2019 National Academies study 

and the goal of finding at least 90 percent of the 140 meter and larger near-Earth asteroids.
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LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION 

PS-24

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Other Missions and Data Analysis 188.0 -- 451.5 517.3 491.3 458.3 458.3

Total Budget 188.0 -- 451.5 517.3 491.3 458.3 458.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Moon, shown above, is our nearest neighbor and a 

location rich in scientific interest and potential resources.

NASA's exploration strategy, including the 

Artemis program, will provide an innovative and 

sustainable approach to scientific and human 

exploration with commercial and international 

partners to enable human expansion across the 

solar system and to bring new knowledge and 

opportunities back to Earth. The Agency will 

achieve these accomplishments through publicprivate partnerships with emerging commercial 

capabilities and innovative approaches to 

achieving human and science exploration goals, 

including the return of humans to the Moon.

The Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program (LDEP) in the Science Mission Directorate is a key 

component of the Agency's exploration strategy. It includes the establishment of commercial contracts for 

lunar landing transportation services, the development of instruments that serve lunar science, long-term 

exploration and utilization needs, the development of smallsats that will provide innovative 

investigations, continued operations of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and the development of 

long-duration lunar rovers that will utilize commercially developed landers to get to the lunar surface.

NASA is prioritizing capabilities that support lunar resource analysis and prospecting to inform future 

human space flight objectives.

In partnership with United States industry and the scientific community, the program is developing lunar 

surface payloads (and supporting orbital payloads) along with cost-effective ways to deliver and provide 

services for these payloads. These payloads and services address the nation’s lunar exploration, science, 

and technology demonstration goals, many of which are outlined in the National Academies of Sciences 

2011 Decadal Survey: Vision and Voyages for Planetary Sciences in the Decade 2013-2022, the National 

Research Council 2007 Report: The Scientific Context for the Exploration of the Moon, and the NASA 

Strategic Knowledge Gaps.

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/library/skg.html
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NASA plans to fly NASA instruments and technology demonstration payloads on existing and 

forthcoming commercial missions and purchase transportation services to the Moon for the NASA 

payloads or instruments (to include landing and surface access to agreed-upon locations on the lunar 

surface). NASA payloads will obtain "utilities" from commercial landers such as power, communications, 

thermal control, etc., during launch integration, launch, and cruise phase, and potentially after landing. In 

addition, NASA will pursue the purchase of science or engineering data provided by contractor payloads 

and the return of payload and/or samples to the Earth.

One area of focus will be instrumentation to advance the knowledge and technologies for the use of local 

resources, such as lunar water ice. Working with the science and human exploration communities, our 

international partners, and United States industry, NASA will refine the goals and objectives for a robust

and sustainable lunar exploration and science program.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The budget for LDEP increases in FY 2021 to adequately fund the enhanced Commercial Lunar Payload 

Services (CLPS) landing capability to deliver the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover 

(VIPER) to the lunar surface. NASA will award the procurement for the VIPER delivery service in FY

2020. The budget also supports planning for the delivery of larger scientific, exploration, and technology 

payloads.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA released the CLPS Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure commercial lunar landing services and 

selected nine companies in November 2018 to receive CLPS contracts. NASA then issued its first 

delivery task order and two companies, Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines, are under contract to deliver 

NASA payloads to the surface of the Moon in 2021. The NASA payloads consist of science, technology, 

and exploration-focused instruments. Both Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines are delivering payloads 

provided by customers other than NASA. NASA also released a CLPS study task order relating to 

mobility and enhanced landing capability. This task order resulted in awards to Lockheed Martin and 

Astrobotic.

NASA continued operations of LRO. LRO provides a treasure trove of lunar data that helps to

characterize and conduct detailed surveys of potential landing sites for commercial missions.

NASA released a call for smallsats through the Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration 

(SIMPLEX) research announcement in support of planetary science investigations. NASA selected one 

prospective investigation of the Moon called Trailblazer for further mission concept study. In addition, 

NASA awarded grants to several teams of scientists through the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis 

NASA research announcement. These teams are analyzing specially curated lunar samples including an 

Apollo 17 lunar sample that has been sealed since it was returned to Earth in 1972.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA awarded 12 NASA-provided lunar payloads and 12 lunar surface instrument and technology 

payloads to begin building a robust pipeline of instruments to fly on CLPS. Final development of these 
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PS-26

instruments continues in FY 2020. NASA conducted discussions between the instrument principal 

investigators and the awarded CLPS providers. Funding for future instrument development through the 

Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation (DALI) research call continues. The VIPER 

rover development continues with the preliminary design review (PDR) planned for April 2020. In 

November 2019, NASA made selections of five new CLPS contracts for enhanced landing capability. 

NASA will release a task order and make an award to the CLPS providers to deliver the VIPER rover to 

the lunar surface in early FY 2023.

NASA continues to engage with the science community, NASA’s international exploration partners, and 

United States industry to refine the exploration, scientific, and technology objectives in support of LDEP. 

NASA continues to operate LRO in support of scientific research and future science and exploration 

mission planning. NASA will provide LRO landing site characterization capabilities to international 

partners for future lunar lander missions when requested. 

NASA is conducting studies to develop mobility capabilities for future science and resource 

investigations. NASA will release a request for information (RFI) to obtain data concerning existing or 

future mobility capabilities that NASA could procure through commercial services.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, NASA will continue to work with the selected CLPS providers to launch and land NASA 

scientific, exploration, and technology payloads on the surface of the Moon. 

Planning for the delivery of larger scientific, exploration, and technology payloads will continue across 

the NASA mission directorates, utilizing the CLPS providers to deliver these payloads to the lunar 

surface.

The VIPER rover will complete its critical design. Integration discussions will continue between the 

VIPER project and the awarded landing delivery service provider.

NASA will competitively select additional robotic lunar surface payloads. These payloads will fly on the 

CLPS-provided launch and landing services to the lunar surface. 

NASA will continue operations of LRO and offer LRO landing site characterization capabilities to 

international and commercial partners upon request.
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LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION

PS-27

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

FY 2019 Award first CLPS mission task order

FY 2019 Award Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation (DALI) program 

procurements

FY 2019 Award robotic surface payloads procurements

FY 2019 Conduct rover capability studies/Assess commercial lander options for rover

FY 2020 Award second CLPS mission task order

FY 2020 Award CLPS on-ramp providers for enhanced landing capability

FY 2020 Award VIPER rover delivery services task order

FY 2020 Request for proposal for robotic surface payloads

FY2020 Release request for information for commercial lunar mobility services

FY 2020 Request for proposal for the DALI program

FY 2021 Request for proposal for Lunar Surface Instrument and Technology Payloads Awards

FY 2021 Request for proposal for the DALI program

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Lunar Reconnaissance 

Orbiter

Lead Center: Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)

Performing Center(s): GSFC, Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Jet 

Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Lunar Surface Instrument and 

Technology Payloads

Provider: Various

Lead Center: Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Performing Center(s): TBD

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD

Commercial Lunar Payload 

Services

Provider: Various

Lead Center: Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Performing Center(s): TBD

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD
Science: Planetary Science

LUNAR DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION

PS-28

Acquisition Strategy

LDEP uses flexible contract mechanisms, such as indefinite-delivery-infinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, to 

enable the flexible and rapid procurement of commercial transportation services to deliver NASA 

scientific, exploration, and technology development payloads to the surface of the Moon, plus potential 

supporting services (orbital assets) and sample return. 

In parallel, NASA uses its established solicitation mechanisms, such as the Research Opportunities in 

Space and Earth Science (ROSES) NASA Research Announcement (NRA) and the Stand Alone Missions 

of Opportunity (SALMON) Announcement of Opportunity (AO) processes, to select and develop 

exploration, scientific, and technology development payloads for delivery to the Moon. In some cases, 

NASA may direct a NASA Center to develop a lunar capability or surface payload when it is in the 

Government's best interest, such as when that capability supports multiple NASA applications or when a 

commercial entity or international partner identifies a near-term opportunity for a lunar surface mission 

on a timeframe that does not support competitive selection. However, to the maximum extent possible, 

NASA will leverage commercial efforts.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work 

performance)

Commercial Lunar Payload Services Astrobotic Technology Pittsburgh, PA

Commercial Lunar Payload Services Intuitive Machines Houston, TX

Commercial Lunar Payload Services Lockheed Martin Bethesda, MD
Science: Planetary Science: Lunar Discovery and Exploration

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

PS-29

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Lunar Future 1.8 -- 70.0 107.4 111.9 111.0 111.0

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) 22.0 -- 22.0 22.0 22.0 22.0 22.0

Lunar Instruments 55.7 -- 37.5 70.8 75.8 70.8 70.8

Commercial Lunar Payload Services 68.4 -- 254.0 254.0 254.0 254.0 254.0

Lunar Internationall Mission Collaboration 0.5 -- 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

VIPER 39.7 -- 67.5 62.6 27.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 188.0 -- 451.5 517.3 491.3 458.3 458.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Mission Planning and Other Projects

New work with LRO raises the possibility 

that thick ice-rich deposits exist on the 

Moon. If confirmed, this potential reservoir 

of frozen water on the Moon, depicted above, 

may be sufficiently massive to sustain longterm lunar explorations.

COMMERCIAL LUNAR PAYLOAD SERVICES

With the strategic goal of supporting affordable commercial 

operations on and near the Moon that support NASA and 

the needs of an emerging private sector market, the 

Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) is opening 

competition to United States commercial providers of space 

transportation services, consistent with the National Space 

Transportation Policy and Commercial Space Act. CLPS 

consists of a multi-vendor catalog, 10-year indefinitedelivery-indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, managed 

through task order competition for specific lunar surface 

transportation services of payloads with NASA being one of 

several customers.

Recent Achievements

NASA announced awards to an inaugural nine companies 

for the CLPS 10-year IDIQ contract in November 2018 for 

landed lunar payload delivery services. NASA then issued 

its first delivery task order, and two companies, Astrobotic 

and Intuitive Machines, are under contract to deliver NASA 

payloads to the surface of the Moon in 2021. The NASA 
Science: Planetary Science: Lunar Discovery and Exploration

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-30

payloads consist of science, technology, and exploration-focused instruments. Both Astrobotic and 

Intuitive Machines are delivering payloads provided by customers other than NASA. See the list of 

commercial service company awardees in the Major Contract/Awards table of the Lunar Discovery and 

Exploration Program section.

NASA released a CLPS study task order relating to mobility and enhanced landing capability. This task 

order resulted in awards to Lockheed Martin and Astrobotic.

In July 2019, NASA issued an on-ramp opportunity to add additional companies to the CLPS catalog. 

The on-ramp focused on adding additional enhanced landed capabilities to the CLPS contract for nearterm Agency exploration needs. NASA selected five new CLPS providers in November 2019.

LUNAR INSTRUMENTS

NASA is developing instruments and technology payloads to manifest on both CLPS and international 

lunar lander missions. These instruments come from United States academia and industry, as well as from 

NASA Centers.

Recent Achievements

NASA announced awards in February and May of 2019 for near ready-to-fly lunar surface instruments 

and technology payloads to fly on the early CLPS missions. NASA awarded 12 NASA-provided lunar 

payloads and 12 lunar surface instrument and technology payloads to begin building a robust pipeline of 

instruments to fly on CLPS. Funding for future instrument development through the Development and 

Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation (DALI) research call will continue in FY 2020.

NASA provided the laser retro-reflector assembly (LRA) on the first Israeli lunar lander built by SpaceIL. 

The LRA provides a location marker for any lunar orbiting spacecraft, or future landers, which has a laser 

to obtain geolocation data relative to the LRA. NASA installed a similar LRA on the India Space 

Research Organization (ISRO) Chandrayaan-2 lunar lander. Unfortunately, neither lander was able to 

execute a soft landing on the lunar surface.

LUNAR INTERNATIONAL MISSION COLLABORATION

Under the Lunar International Mission Collaboration (LIMC) activity, NASA funds participating science

investigators and provides international collaborators lunar landing site characterization data, as well as 

navigation and data relay services, in exchange for United States participation.

Recent Accomplishments

NASA signed agreements with the Israel Space Agency (ISA) and the India Space Research Organization

(ISRO) to fly laser retro-reflectors assemblies on their respective lunar landers. A similar agreement is 

under discussion with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to fly an LRA on their Smart 

Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) lander scheduled to fly in 2021. In addition to providing LRAs, 

NASA also provided Deep Space Network support to aid in mission communication for both ISA and 

ISRO during their respective lunar lander missions. NASA used the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

spacecraft to attempt to image the final landing sites of the ISA lander and the ISRO lander. LRO imaged 

the ISA lander location, while LRO is still searching for the ISRO lander location.
Science: Planetary Science: Lunar Discovery and Exploration

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-31

NASA will continue to look for opportunities to fly LRAs and other instrumentation in collaboration with 

existing and future international partners.

VIPER

A CLPS provider will deliver the NASA-built Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) 

to the South Pole of the Moon in early FY 2023. The goal of VIPER is to provide key information on the 

distribution of volatiles (e.g., water, methane, hydrogen) on the lunar surface and within one meter below 

the surface. It will rove for tens of kilometers and operate for several months.

LUNAR FUTURE 

Lunar Future supports a variety of activities that help NASA achieve human and science exploration 

goals, including the return of humans to the Moon. From the recent Small Innovative Missions for 

Planetary Exploration call, NASA selected a smallsat called Trailblazer for further mission concept study. 

Trailblazer will use a hyperspectral imager to map the mineralogy of the lunar surface. This data will 

provide new information on the migration of surface volatiles, as well as look for other resources (e.g., 

ice, water). NASA awarded several grants through the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis NASA 

research announcement to analyze specially curated lunar samples, including one Apollo 17 lunar sample 

sealed since it was returned to Earth in 1972. The purpose of keeping these samples in pristine condition 

was to wait for new analysis capabilities to come into existence.

NASA is also studying future lunar mission capabilities, including long-duration rovers that can survive a 

lunar night and future orbiters that would acquire new key data sets.

Operating Missions

LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER (LRO)

Over the upcoming year, LRO will continue characterizing areas on the Moon that may contain volatiles 

at or near the surface. LRO's observations will continue to improve what we know about the interior of 

the Moon based on surface observations of geologically young volcanic deposits and apparently young 

tectonic features. LRO will also characterize landing sites in support of the upcoming United States 

commercial lunar lander missions. Such characterization leverages data from all instruments to identify 

not just safe landing sites but also ones that maximize the scientific return from a landed mission.

Recent Achievements

The LRO mission continues to focus on lunar volatiles (e.g., ice, water), where these volatiles come from, 

how they move about on the lunar surface, and where they end up. LRO has also been characterizing the 

thermal history of the Moon by identifying unusual volcanic features that may be geologically young, as 

young as 50 million years old. Such features are targets for all instruments as the mission works to use 

multiple datasets to investigate the Moon. By re-imaging the Moon to detect changes in the surface over 

the life of the mission, LRO continues to refine constraints on the rate at which meteor impacts disturb 

and overturn the surface. 
Science: Planetary Science: Lunar Discovery and Exploration

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-32

LRO data has put new constraints on the rate of crater formation on Earth. The LRO team discovered that 

the rate of large crater formation on the Moon has been two to three times higher over approximately the 

last 290 million years than it had been over the previous 700 million years. This discovery indicates that 

the Earth has fewer older craters on its most tectonically stable regions because the impact rate was lower 

about 290 million years ago and not because of erosion erasing them as had been previously thought.
Science: Planetary Science

DISCOVERY 

PS-33

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Lucy 165.5 210.8 153.4 63.7 16.5 18.6 22.9

Psyche 174.2 219.3 187.4 152.4 28.7 29.0 32.0

Other Missions and Data Analysis 69.8 -- 143.5 208.3 389.6 522.5 450.9

Total Budget 409.5 -- 484.3 424.4 434.8 570.1 505.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

InSight lander on the surface of Mars. This ‘selfie’ is a mosaic 

made up of 14 images taken between March 15 and April 11, 

2019, by InSight's Instrument Deployment Camera, located on 

its robotic arm.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

NASA’s Discovery program supports 

innovative, competitively-selected 

Planetary Science missions. Discovery 

provides scientists the opportunity to 

identify innovative ways to unlock the 

mysteries of the solar system through 

missions to explore the planets, their 

moons, and small bodies, such as comets 

and asteroids.

The Discovery program currently has one

operational spacecraft, the Interior 

Exploration using Seismic Investigations, 

Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight), and 

two missions in development: Lucy and 

Psyche. The program has developed and 

delivered the Strofio instrument as a part of 

the joint European Space Agency (ESA) 

and Japanese Aerospace Exploration 

Agency (JAXA) BepiColombo mission to Mercury. NASA and JAXA are engaged in joint studies for 

NASA’s participation in the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission to the moons of Mars, planned 

for launch in 2024. NASA has competitively selected MEGANE (Mars-moon Exploration with Gamma 

rays and Neutrons), a neutron and gamma-ray spectrometer instrument, for flight on the MMX spacecraft.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 
Science: Planetary Science

DISCOVERY

PS-34

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Psyche completed its preliminary design review in March 2019.

Psyche passed its Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C) gate review in May 2019 and entered its final design 

and fabrication phase (KDP-C).

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Lucy successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) in October 2019. It will conduct its KDPD gate review in August 2020 and proceed into its assembly, integration, and test phase (KDP-D).

Psyche will conduct its CDR in April 2020. 

MEGANE will conduct its KDP-C gate review in May 2020 and enter its final design and fabrication 

phase (KDP-C).

NASA will select missions from the 2019 Discovery Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to develop 

concept study reports. NASA plans to receive the reports by October 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA will evaluate the concept study reports and down-select up to two missions to proceed into 

formulation from the 2019 Discovery AO.

Psyche will conduct is KDP-D gate review in January 2021 and begin its assembly, integration, and 

testing of the flight hardware in February 2021.

InSight will complete its prime mission.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

2019 Release 2019 Discovery AO solicitation

2020 Select proposals from 2019 Discovery AO for concept study reports

2021 Lucy Launch

2021 Down-select up to two missions from 2019 Discovery concept study reports

2022 Psyche Launch

2023 Release 2023 Discovery AO solicitation
Science: Planetary Science

DISCOVERY

PS-35

Program Management & Planned Cadence

The Discovery Program is a multiple-project program, with responsibility for implementation assigned to 

the Planetary Missions Program Office, located at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

The Discovery Program has an objective to launch a flight mission an average of once every 36 months, 

with a goal of one every 24 months, commensurate with the availability of adequate funding. This budget 

provides for an average mission cadence of every 27 months.

Acquisition Strategy

NASA competitively selects new Discovery missions, releasing AOs when available funding allows. 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

The Discovery Program’s next Program Implementation Review (PIR) will occur in 2021.

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

PIR Standing Review 

Board (SRB) Aug 2016

Review 

implementation of 

program

Passed 2021
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

LUCY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-36

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 94.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 94.7

Development/Implementation 44.2 165.5 210.7 153.4 40.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 614.2

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 23.4 16.5 18.6 22.9 190.8 272.2

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 138.9 165.5 210.7 153.4 63.8 16.5 18.6 22.9 190.8 981.1

Total Budget 138.9 165.5 210.8 153.4 63.7 16.5 18.6 22.9 190.8 981.1

Change from FY 2020 -57.4

Percentage change from FY 2020 -27.2%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Lucy will for the first time investigate Trojan 

asteroids, which are of particular scientific 

interest because they are leftovers of giant planet 

formation and provide a fossil record of the early 

history of the outer Solar System.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Lucy will investigate the "fossils" of planet formation. 

The mission name honors the primitive Australopithecus 

human fossil Lucy and the influence it has had in 

advancing understanding of the history of our species. 

The Lucy mission supports the goals of advancing the 

knowledge of our planetary origin and gaining 

understanding of the formation and evolution of our 

solar system.

The Lucy mission will investigate six primitive 

asteroids: one in the main asteroid belt, four Jupiter 

Trojans orbiting ahead of the planet, and a binary system 

(two asteroids in orbit around each other) of Trojans 

orbiting behind Jupiter. Scientists believe Trojans are 

primitive, volatile, and organic rich bodies that are 

gravitationally shepherded by Jupiter. These bodies are 

the leftover building blocks of the giant outer planets. 

Lucy is the first mission to visit the Jupiter Trojan asteroids. NASA plans to launch no later than 

November 2021.
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

LUCY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-37

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

NASA selected the Lucy mission in December 2016 from the Discovery Program’s 2014 Announcement 

of Opportunity (AO). Lucy, with a launch date no later than November 2021, will reach its first Trojan in 

2027, and it will have its final Trojan asteroid encounter in 2033. During its lifetime, Lucy will perform 

five Trojan encounters, closely studying these fascinating objects (one encounter is of a nearly equal mass 

binary).

Lucy's 21-day launch window is open from October 16, 2021, to November 5, 2021. Lucy’s instrument 

payload includes a panchromatic and color visible imager (L’Ralph), a high-resolution visible imager 

(L’LORRI), and a thermal infrared (IR) spectrometer (L’TES). In addition, Lucy will perform Doppler 

mass determinations using its radio subsystem.

Lucy will have a heliocentric trajectory and perform all its flybys in a period of 11.6 years. Lucy will fly 

by and extensively study several different taxonomic classes of Jupiter Trojans, plus a main belt asteroid 

binary. A fortuitous orbital alignment that is unlikely to recur in the near future enables this 

comprehensive tour.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Lucy successfully completed its critical design review (CDR) and continued final design and fabrication 

and risk reduction activities throughout FY 2019.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Lucy will conduct its System Integration Review (SIR), followed by Key Decision Point-D (KDP-D), and 

proceed to its system assembly, integration, and test phase (Phase D) in September 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Lucy will complete its assembly, integration, and test activities in preparation for launch.
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

LUCY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-38

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-C Nov 2018 Nov 2018

CDR Oct 2019 Oct 2019

SIR July 2020 Jul 2020

KDP-D Aug 2020 Aug 2020

Operations Readiness Review (ORR) 

/ Flight Readiness Review (FRR) Aug 2021 Aug 2021

Launch Nov 2021 Nov 2021

Start Phase E Dec 2021 Dec 2021

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2019 622.2 70% 2020 614.2 -1.3%

Launch 

Readiness 

Date 

(LRD)

Nov 2021 Nov 2021 0

Note: The confidence level (CL) estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes on cost. 
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

LUCY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-39

Development Cost Details

NASA confirmed Lucy to proceed into implementation in October 2018. 

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 622.2 614.2 -8.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 161.3 157.3 -4.0

Payloads 43.2 43.0 -0.2

Systems I&T 30.7 30.7 0

Launch Vehicle 161.2 148.3 -12.9

Ground Systems 17.2 17.2 0

Science/Technology 14.3 13.3 -1.0

Other Direct Project 

Costs 194.3 204.4 +10.1

Project Management & Commitments

The principal investigator for Lucy is from the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Goddard Space 

Flight Center (GSFC) manages the Lucy mission and will provide systems engineering, safety and 

mission assurance, project scientists, flight dynamics, payload management, and mission system 

management.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Spacecraft Spacecraft bus and 

propulsion system

Provider: Lockheed Martin

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

LUCY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-40

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Panchromatic 

Visible Imager 

and IR 

Spectrometer 

(L’Ralph =

Multi-spectral 

Visible Imaging 

Camera + Linear 

Etalon Imaging 

Spectral Array)

Provides color and near 

IR images to 

discriminate between 

and map compositional 

units

Provider: SwRI/GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

High-Resolution 

Visible Imager 

(L’LORRI)

Provides high resolution 

images to determine 

shape, geology, and 

albedo of the Trojans 

asteroids

Provider: Johns Hopkins University 

(JHU)/Applied Physics Laboratory 

(APL)

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Thermal 

Emission 

Spectrometer 

(L’TES)

Provides thermal inertia 

maps of the Trojans’ 

elemental composition

Provider: Arizona State University 

(ASU)

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Radio Science

Utilizes the X-band radio 

telecommunications 

system to measure the 

Trojans’ mass

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Launch Vehicle Launch vehicle and 

related launch services

Provider: United Launch Alliance 

(ULA)

Lead Center: Kennedy Space Center 

(KSC)

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

LUCY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-41

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: The solar array schedule erodes such that 

the solar arrays are not delivered by the 

assembly, test, and launch operations 

(ATLO) need date,

Then: The Lucy environmental test program 

will need to be reordered and re-planned, 

resulting in cost and schedule impacts.

Implementing schedule risk mitigation, including 

working multiple shifts and weekends. Building 

additional ground support equipment to allow for 

parallel fabrication and testing. Completing qualification 

test program on representative coupons (materials used 

in construction of spacecraft). Completed pathfinder 

program to inform the fabrication process. Adding 

personnel to augment existing staff. Project investigating 

potential ATLO work-arounds.

Acquisition Strategy

NASA competitively selected the Lucy mission through a competitive Discovery 2014 AO and a downselection in 2017. All major acquisitions are in place. The major elements of the mission and spacecraft 

are as proposed for the AO. NASA competitively selected the launch vehicle through the NASA Launch 

Services program.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA selected Lucy through the Discovery Program AO released on November 5, 2014. The Planetary 

Missions Program Office in Huntsville, AL, provides programmatic oversight of the mission. 

Element Vendor Location (of work 

performance)

Spacecraft, System Integration and 

Test, Launch Operations, Mission 

Operations

Lockheed Martin Denver, CO

PI, Co-Is, Science Team, Science 

Operations, Payload Management SWRI Boulder, CO

Project Management, Systems 

Engineering, SMA, Navigation, 

L’Ralph Instrument

GSFC Greenbelt, MD

Launch Vehicle ULA Cape Canaveral, FL
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

LUCY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-42

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

Standing 

Review Board 

(SRB)

Sep 2018 Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR) Successful Oct 2019

Performance SRB Oct 2019 CDR Successful Jul 2020

Performance SRB Jul 2020 SIR TBD Jul 2021

Performance SRB Aug 2021 ORR TBD
Science: Planetary Science: DiscoveryDiscovery

PSYCHE 

Formulation Development Operations

PS-43

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 92.3 51.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 143.7

Development/Implementation 0.0 122.8 219.3 187.4 152.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 681.9

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 28.7 29.0 32.0 81.1 170.8

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 92.3 174.2 219.3 187.4 152.4 28.7 29.0 32.0 81.1 996.4

Total Budget 92.3 174.2 219.3 187.4 152.4 28.7 29.0 32.0 81.1 996.4

Change from FY 2020 -31.9

Percentage change from FY 2020 -14.5%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Shown here is an artist’s impression of the Psyche 

spacecraft.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Psyche mission will explore one of the most 

intriguing targets in the main asteroid belt, a giant 

metal asteroid known as 16 Psyche. This asteroid 

measures approximately 140 miles in diameter and, 

unlike most other asteroids that are rocky or icy 

bodies, is likely comprised mostly of metallic iron 

and nickel, similar to Earth’s core. Scientists 

theorize that Psyche may be the exposed core of an 

early planet that could have been as large as Mars, 

but which lost its rocky outer layers due to a 

number of violent collisions billions of years ago. 

The mission will help scientists understand how 

planets and other bodies separated into their 

layers—including cores, mantles, and crusts—early 

in their histories.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.
Science: Planetary Science: DiscoveryDiscovery

PSYCHE

Formulation Development Operations

PS-44

PROJECT PARAMETERS

NASA plans to launch the mission in August 2022 for arrival at 16 Psyche in January 2026, where the 

spacecraft will spend 21 months in four different orbits. Each orbit will be successively closer to the 

asteroid to study its shape and magnetic field, topography and spectral characteristics, gravitational field, 

and elemental compositions, respectively. Each orbit provides knowledge and constraints needed to guide 

one or more future orbits, and operators have ample time to update the models, plans, and sequences. 

Psyche's instrument payload includes a multispectral imager, a gamma ray and neutron spectrometer, and 

a magnetometer. Psyche will use the X-band radio telecommunications system to measure 16 Psyche's 

gravity field. The mission will aid in our understanding of iron cores and the formation of planets. It will

provide insight into terrestrial planets, including Earth, by directly examining what scientists theorized 

was once the interior of a differentiated body. In addition, it will allow us to explore a world not made of 

rock or ice, but of metal.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Psyche conducted its preliminary design review (PDR) in March 2019. The project conducted its Key 

Decision Point-C (KDP-C) gate review and entered the final design and fabrication phase (Phase C) in 

May 2019.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Psyche will continue final design and fabrication and hold its critical design review (CDR) in April 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Psyche will conduct its KDP-D gate review in January 2021 and will begin the assembly, integration, and 

testing phase (KDP-D) of the flight hardware in February 2021.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-C May 2019 May 2019

CDR Apr 2020 Apr 2020

System Integration Review (SIR) Dec 2020 Dec 2020

KDP-D Jan 2021 Jan 2021

Operations Readiness Review (ORR) May 2022 May 2022

Launch Aug 2022 Aug 2022
Science: Planetary Science: DiscoveryDiscovery

PSYCHE

Formulation Development Operations

PS-45

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Phase E Start Sept 2022 Sept 2022

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2020 681.9 70% 2020 681.9 0

Launch 

Readiness 

Date 

(LRD)

Aug 2022 Aug 2022 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost. 

Development Cost Details

This is the first report of development costs for this mission.

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 681.9 681.9 0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 199.9 223.5 +23.7

Payloads 49.6 53.1 +3.5

Systems I&T 19.2 19.1 -0.1

Launch Vehicle 154.3 154.3 0

Ground Systems 16.1 16.6 +0.5

Science/Technology 9.3 9.1 -0.2
Science: Planetary Science: DiscoveryDiscovery

PSYCHE

Formulation Development Operations

PS-46

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)

Other Direct Project 

Costs 233.5 206.1 -27.4

Project Management & Commitments

The Principal Investigator is from Arizona State University (ASU) and leads the management of the 

mission. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) serves as the development Center for the Psyche mission

and provides systems engineering; mission assurance; spacecraft design, build, and test; mission and 

science operations; navigation; and ground data systems.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Solar Electric 

Propulsion Chassis

Spacecraft bus and 

propulsion system

Provider: Maxar

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Psyche 

Multispectral 

Imager

Provides highresolution images using 

filters to discriminate 

between 16 Psyche's 

metallic and silicate 

constituents

Provider: ASU

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Magnetometer

Detects and measures 

the remnant magnetic 

field of 16 Psyche

Provider: University of California, 

Los Angeles (UCLA)

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Gamma Ray and 

Neutron 

Spectrometer

Detects, measures, and 

maps 16 Psyche's 

elemental composition

Provider: APL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Science: Planetary Science: DiscoveryDiscovery

PSYCHE

Formulation Development Operations

PS-47

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Gravity Science

Utilizes the X-band 

radio 

telecommunications 

system to measure 16 

Psyche's gravity field

Provider: Massachusetts Institute of 

Technology (MIT)

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Launch Vehicle Launch vehicle and 

launch services

Provider: TBD

Lead Center: Kennedy Space Center 

(KSC)

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Deep Space 

Optical 

Communications 

(DSOC)

Demonstrates DSOC 

technology's 

capabilities

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): NASA 

Human Exploration and Operations 

Mission Directorate 

(HEOMD)/Space Technology 

Mission Directorate (STMD)

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: The cost of Xenon, used for the ion 

propulsion engine, exceeds the planned 

amount due to market fluctuations,

Then: Project could incur additional cost.

Perform a market study of options for how and when to

purchase Xenon.

Acquisition Strategy

NASA competitively selected the Psyche mission through a competitive Discovery 2014 AO and a down 

selection in 2017. All major acquisitions are in place. The major elements of the mission and spacecraft 

are as proposed for the AO. NASA competitively selects the launch vehicle through the NASA Launch 

Services program.
Science: Planetary Science: DiscoveryDiscovery

PSYCHE

Formulation Development Operations

PS-48

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA selected Psyche through the Discovery Program AO released on November 5, 2014. The Planetary 

Missions Program Office in Huntsville, AL provides programmatic oversight of the mission.

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Spacecraft Maxar Palo Alto, CA

Project Management, Systems 

Engineering, SMA, Spacecraft Design, 

Build and Test, Navigation, Operations, 

Ground Data System

JPL Pasadena, CA

PI, Co-Is, Imager, Science Data Center ASU Tempe, AZ

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

Standing 

Review 

Board 

(SRB)

Mar 2019 PDR Successful Apr 2020

Performance SRB Apr 2020 CDR TBD Dec 2020

Performance SRB Dec 2020 SIR TBD May 2022

Performance SRB May 2022 ORR TBD TBD
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

PS-49

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

InSight 23.1 -- 11.8 8.8 8.8 0.0 0.0

Strofio 0.9 -- 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.8

International Mission Contributions (IMC) 3.1 -- 11.0 16.5 16.6 15.9 32.6

Planetary Missions Program Office 13.2 -- 15.0 16.1 16.2 16.2 16.2

Discovery Future 13.0 -- 67.0 122.5 307.5 450.4 359.9

Discovery Research 7.7 -- 7.9 8.8 8.6 8.6 8.6

Dawn 0.2 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Planetary SmallSats 4.9 -- 19.7 28.6 30.0 30.0 30.0

Mars-moon Exploration with GAmma rays 

and NEutrons (MEGANE)

3.9 -- 9.7 5.9 1.0 0.6 1.8

Total Budget 69.8 -- 143.5 208.3 389.6 522.5 450.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

In June 2019, NASA selected three finalists among a 

dozen concepts for future small satellites. The finalists 

include a 2022 robotic mission to study two asteroid 

systems (Janus, top image), twin spacecraft to study the 

effects of energetic particles around Mars (EscaPADE, 

bottom left), and a lunar orbiter to study water on the 

Moon (Lunar Trailblazer, bottom right).

Discovery Other Missions and Data Analysis 

funds research and analysis, management 

activities, operations of active missions, small 

projects, and international collaborations. It 

includes missions of opportunity, operating 

missions, competed research, funding for future 

mission selections, and program management 

activities.

Mission Planning and Other 

Projects

STROFIO

Strofio (STart from a ROtating FIeld mass 

spectrOmeter) is a unique mass spectrometer,

part of the suite of instruments flown onboard 

the joint European Space Agency (ESA) and 

Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency 

(JAXA) BepiColombo spacecraft, launched on 
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-50

October 20, 2018. Strofio will determine the chemical composition of Mercury’s surface, providing a 

powerful tool to study the planet’s geologic history.

Recent Achievements

The Strofio instrument, onboard the BepiColombo spacecraft, continues in the cruise phase of its nineyear voyage to Mercury. The project has completed the initial near-Earth commissioning phase testing of 

the Italian Space Agency’s instrument suite, which includes NASA’s Strofio instrument contribution. 

This testing included the successful retrieval of Strofio science data packets from the BepiColombo data 

processing unit.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION CONTRIBUTIONS (IMC)

There are more scientifically interesting destinations across the solar system than any one country’s 

program can quickly undertake. NASA works closely with other space agencies to find opportunities to 

participate in each other’s missions. These opportunities complement NASA-led planetary missions and 

address additional Decadal Survey priorities when appropriate. Under the International Mission 

Contributions, NASA funds instruments and scientific investigators and will provide navigation and data 

relay services in exchange for participation. International missions include the Japanese Space Agency’s 

Hayabusa2 and Akatsuki (Venus Climate Orbiter) missions. The Akatsuki mission is in orbit around 

Venus and will investigate the planet for at least the next four years. Hayabusa2 arrived at the Ryugu 

asteroid in June 2018, successfully deployed Japanese and European rovers in 2019, touched down, and 

collected samples for return to Earth. The spacecraft is currently on its journey back to Earth, with a 

planned landing in December 2020. In addition, NASA is currently collaborating with ESA on a potential 

Venus Mission Concept (EnVision) as part of ESA's M5 competition as well as continuing to study a 

Venus flagship mission concept (Venera-D) with IKI/Roscosmos.

PLANETARY MISSIONS PROGRAM OFFICE

The Planetary Missions Program Office (PMPO) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) manages 

all Planetary Science flight projects that are not part of the Mars Exploration Program, including the

competed Discovery and New Frontiers missions, the Jupiter Icy moons Explorer (JUICE), the Double 

Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), Europa Clipper, the PI-led CubeSats, and SmallSat missions. The 

PMPO includes support for the day-to-day efforts of the mission managers and business office, as well as 

standing review boards and external technical support as needed for the projects. It also funds the Science 

Office for Mission Assessments (SOMA) at Langley Research Center (LaRC) to support the mission 

selection process, including the development of Announcements of Opportunities (AOs) and the 

formation and operations of independent review panels to evaluate mission proposals.

DISCOVERY FUTURE

Discovery Future funds new missions selected through the AO process, specific technology investments 

to enable future missions, and small missions of opportunity. NASA will select missions from the 2019 

Discovery AO to develop concept study reports in FY 2020 and plans to receive the reports by October 

2020. NASA will then evaluate the concept study reports and down-select up to two missions to proceed 

into formulation in FY 2021.
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-51

NASA plans to release the next Discovery AO in 2023 with mission selection planned in 2025.

PLANETARY SMALLSATS

NASA established the Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) program element

to develop and operate targeted science investigations that exploit the unique attributes of small spacecraft 

to conduct compelling science. These small satellite missions take advantage of available launch capacity 

to reduce the overall costs of launching multiple missions, provide a means to mature technologies for 

future missions, and serve as additional opportunities to provide flight experience to the workforce.

In June 2019, NASA announced the selection of three small satellite missions under the SIMPLEx 

Program: Janus, EscaPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers), and Lunar 

Trailblazer.

Both the Janus and EscaPADE missions are twin-spacecraft missions. NASA plans to launch them with 

NASA’s Psyche mission in 2022. Janus will visit two binary asteroid systems to study the formation of 

small “rubble pile” asteroids, and EscaPADE will orbit Mars to study how its atmosphere responds to the 

constant outflow of the solar wind. 

NASA plans to launch Lunar Trailblazer with the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe 

Heliophysics mission in 2024 and will directly detect and map water on the surface of the Moon to 

determine how its form, abundance, and location relate to geology.

Recent Achievements

NASA announced the selection of Janus, EscaPADE, and Lunar Trailblazer under the SIMPLEx program

element in June 2019.

MEGANE

MEGANE (Mars-moon Exploration with Gamma rays and Neutrons; also Japanese for "eyeglasses") is a 

gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer instrument currently in development by the Johns Hopkins 

University Applied Physics Laboratory, as a contribution to JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) 

mission. Planned for launch in 2024, MMX will operate in close proximity to the Martian moons Phobos 

and Deimos for approximately three years and return a sample from Phobos to Earth in 2029. MEGANE 

will measure the bulk composition of the near-surface materials on Phobos for a set of eight elements to 

constrain theories for the origin of the moons. It will also make maps of the near-surface materials on 

Phobos to enable the study of surface processes and support MMX sample site selection.

Recent Achievements

MEGANE conducted its instrument requirements review and passed its Key Decision Point-B (KDP-B) 

review in March 2019 to enter its preliminary design and technology completion phase (Phase B).
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-52

DISCOVERY RESEARCH

Discovery Research funds analysis of archived data from Discovery missions and supports participating 

scientists for the InSight mission. Discovery Research gives the research community access to samples 

and data and allows research to continue for many years after mission completion. NASA solicits 

planetary research proposals from the U.S. planetary science community and evaluates them for selection

through competitive peer review. Discovery Research also funds the analysis of samples returned to the 

Earth by the Stardust and Genesis missions as well as the development of new analysis techniques for 

samples returned by future missions.

The Discovery Data Analysis Program element (DDAP) has provided support for continued analysis of 

spacecraft data from the NEAR-Shoemaker, Stardust, Genesis, Deep Impact, MESSENGER, Dawn, and 

Kepler missions. The supported projects conduct new scientific inquiries and regularly obtain new and 

unexpected scientific results, using data sets to go beyond the work conducted by the original mission 

teams. The Rosetta Data Analysis Program element (RDAP) has provided additional support targeted for 

analysis of data from Rosetta, an ESA-led mission with NASA participation, to explore and land on 

Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Recent Achievements

Various research projects supported by the DDAP have significantly clarified the nature of Mercury's 

magnetic field and magnetosphere. One such study demonstrated a significant impact of the magnetic 

reconnection mechanism in controlling global thermal and energetic particle precipitation and produced 

unequivocal evidence of neutral and/or ionized sodium leaving Mercury’s surface and being injected in 

the magnetosphere. A related study focused particularly on the "cusp" regions of the magnetosphere. It

showed how a small number of low energy ions near the dayside magnetopause could energize on their 

way to the cusp to the 10 to 100-times higher levels found in the observations. These results are a 

substantial step in understanding dayside acceleration of planetary ions at Mercury. 

A project supported by RDAP used Rosetta data to measure the rates of release of water, oxygen, carbon 

monoxide, and carbon dioxide from the nucleus of comet 67P in response to the changing solar heating 

over a span of more than two years. The study found that more than six million tons of volatile 

compounds were lost from the comet during this period and that the loss rates vary in subtle ways for 

different compounds over the surface of the comet and over time, indicating the complexities of cometary 

evolution. Another RDAP study of comet 67P found that the macroscopic roughness of comet 67P varies 

greatly across the body, from almost perfectly smooth to very rough. These studies provided insight into 

many areas of the comet that would be hazardous to landing or sample return; therefore, any missions 

planned to comets that involve these activities should plan on at least two months of on-orbit 

reconnaissance and site selection.

Operating Missions

INSIGHT

InSight is a robotic lander investigating fundamental issues of terrestrial planet formation and evolution 

by studying the deep interior of the planet Mars. The mission launched on May 5, 2018 and landed on the 
Science: Planetary Science: Discovery

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-53

surface of Mars at Elysium Planitia on November 26, 2018. The mission is contributing to an

understanding of the evolutionary formation of rocky planets, including Earth, by investigating the crust 

and core of Mars. InSight investigates the dynamics of Martian tectonic activity and meteorite impacts, 

which could offer clues about such phenomena on Earth. The InSight lander is equipped with two science 

instruments that are conducting the first “check-up” of Mars in its more than 4.5 billion years, measuring 

its “pulse,” or internal activity, its temperature, and its “reflexes” (the way the planet wobbles when it is 

pulled by the Sun and its moons). The science payload comprises two major instruments: the Seismic 

Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) and the Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP3). SEIS 

is making precise measurements of quakes and other internal activity on Mars to help understand the 

planet’s history and structure. HP3 is a self-penetrating heat flow probe designed to burrow up to five 

meters below the surface to measure how much heat is coming from Mars’ core. In addition, the Rotation 

and Interior Structure Experiment (RISE) is using the spacecraft communication system to provide 

precise measurements of planetary rotation. 

InSight's prime missions are approximately two years, 720 Earth days or 700 “sols” (Martian days),

investigating the deep interior of Mars.

Recent Achievements

InSight is different from previous Mars missions in that its science is, by its very nature, slow to reveal 

itself. Scientists expect to need a full Mars year to acquire sufficient data to be able to answer the key 

questions that engineers designed InSight to address. However, InSight has produced some important 

early results. SEIS has detected more than 150 marsquakes, approximately 20 of which are large enough 

to be useful in studying Mars’ interior. The team's preliminary estimates of the global seismic activity of 

Mars appear to be close to, and somewhat higher than, pre-landing predictions for quakes smaller than

approximately magnitude 4.0. Fewer larger quakes have been detected than expected. Importantly, the 

InSight project has been able to locate the epicenters of three marsquakes. All are near Cerberus Fossae, a 

region known from orbital imaging to have geologically recent (a few million years or less) volcanic and 

tectonic activity.

InSight's pressure and wind sensors are providing surprising new observations of atmospheric dynamics.

InSight’s instruments have detected thousands of convective vortices (dust devils), despite the fact that 

there has not been a single visual sighting with the cameras. Researchers are using this data, along with 

concurrent data from SEIS, to determine the stiffness of the Martian regolith.
Science: Planetary Science

NEW FRONTIERS 

PS-54

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Dragonfly 8.0 -- 95.8 198.8 291.4 288.7 208.9

Other Missions and Data Analysis 85.0 -- 83.2 115.5 41.4 38.2 76.1

Total Budget 93.0 -- 179.0 314.3 332.8 326.9 285.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This image shows sample site Nightingale, OSIRISREx’s primary sample collection site on asteroid Bennu. 

The image is overlaid with a graphic of the OSIRIS-REx 

spacecraft to illustrate the scale of the site.

Image Credit: NASA GSFC / University of Arizona

The New Frontiers program explores our solar 

system with medium-class spacecraft missions. 

Within the New Frontiers program, possible 

mission destinations and the science goals for 

each competitive opportunity are limited to 

specific science targets announced for the 

competition aligned with the scientific goals and 

priorities as described in the Planetary Science 

Decadal Survey.

The program currently includes three missions in 

operations: New Horizons, Juno, and OSIRISREx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource 

Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) and 

one in formulation: Dragonfly. 

The New Horizons mission is helping us 

understand worlds at the edge of the solar system. 

Having completed the first-ever reconnaissance of 

Pluto and its moons, the spacecraft recently 

conducted a flyby of 2014 MU69 (now known as 

Arrokoth), a small world in the Kuiper Belt.

Juno is a mission to Jupiter that is significantly improving our understanding of the origin and evolution 

of the gas giant planet. Juno is helping us understand the formation of planets and the origins of our solar 

system.

OSIRIS-REx will return pristine samples from a carbon-rich asteroid (Bennu) to study and analyze on 

Earth. This mission will increase our understanding of the role that primitive bodies, such as Bennu, 

played in planet formation and the origin of life. In addition to its science objectives, OSIRIS-REx will 

improve our knowledge of how to operate human and robotic missions safely near a large Near-Earth 

Object (NEO). This knowledge will provide significant insight for potential planetary defense strategies.
Science: Planetary Science

NEW FRONTIERS

PS-55

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

In January 2019, the New Horizons mission successfully completed a flyby of a small Kuiper Belt object 

designated 2014 MU69 (now known as Arrokoth).

The Juno mission completed additional polar orbits of Jupiter in FY 2019 for a current total of 21 science 

passes since arriving at Jupiter. Juno has now completed more than half of its prime mission. The 

OSIRIS-REx mission completed its rendezvous with Bennu. Detailed characterization of the asteroid is 

nearly complete in preparation of selecting a sampling site.

In June 2019, NASA selected the fourth mission in the New Frontiers program, called Dragonfly. The 

Dragonfly mission will launch in 2026 and deliver a large flying rotorcraft to Titan, one of Saturn's 

moons. The mission will sample and examine dozens of sites around this unique world and advance our 

search for the building blocks of life.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The New Horizons mission will continue to downlink data as well as collect lightcurve measurements of 

distant Kuiper Belt objects. The mission is also characterizing the environment of this distant portion of 

the solar system.

Juno will continue science operations in orbit around Jupiter in FY 2020.

In FY 2020, NASA selected its final two sample collection sites (a primary called Nightingale, located 

high in a crater in Bennu's northern hemisphere, and a backup called Osprey) and will complete the 

reconnaissance overflights to confirm the safety and suitability of the sites. OSIRIS-REx will then 

conduct a series of progressively closer rehearsals in preparation for sample acquisition. In September 

2020, once Bennu has moved far enough away from the Sun in its orbit to ensure that the sample will not 

be compromised by overheating after sample acquisition, OSIRIS-REx will proceed with the 

Touch-and-Go sample acquisition, confirm acquisition of the sample, and stow the sample in the Sample 

Return Capsule (SRC) for Earth return. Once the sample is safely stowed in the SRC, OSIRIS-REx will 

remain near Bennu until the orbital alignment between Bennu and the Earth is favorable for beginning the 

cruise back to Earth. 

Dragonfly will continue its preliminary design, technology completion, and risk reduction activities 

throughout FY 2020. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The Juno mission will complete its prime science mission.

OSIRIS-REx will begin its cruise back to Earth in FY 2021.
Science: Planetary Science

NEW FRONTIERS

PS-56

Dragonfly will continue its preliminary design and technology completion activities. 

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Date Significant Event

2022 Release of New Frontiers 5 announcement of opportunity (AO) solicitation

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT & PLANNED CADENCE 

The New Frontiers Program is a multiple-project program, with responsibility for implementation 

assigned to the Planetary Missions Program Office, located at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). 

The New Frontiers Program AO cadence is approximately every five to six years.

ACQUISITION STRATEGY

NASA competitively selects New Frontiers missions, releasing AOs when available funding allows.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS 

Review Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Program Implementation 

Review (PIR) MSFC 2016 PIR Completed 2021

PIR MSFC 2021 PIR TBD 2026
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

DRAGONFLY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-57

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 8.0 -- 95.8 198.8 291.4 288.7 208.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Artist’s impression of Dragonfly on the surface of Titan.

Image Credit: APL

PROJECT PURPOSE

Dragonfly is a mission to study Titan, the

largest moon of Saturn and a unique, 

richly organic world. Using a rotorcraft, it 

will fly multiple sorties to examine a 

variety of geologic settings. By taking 

measurements at diverse locations, 

Dragonfly will characterize the 

habitability of Titan's environment; 

investigate how far pre-biotic chemistry 

has progressed, and search for chemical 

signatures indicative of water-based 

and/or hydrocarbon-based life.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

PROJECT PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

Dragonfly will launch in 2026 and arrive at Titan in 2034. The rotorcraft will fly to dozens of locations on 

Titan, looking for prebiotic chemical processes common on both Titan and Earth. Dragonfly, which has 

eight rotors and flies like a large drone, marks the first time NASA will fly a multi-rotor vehicle for 

science on another body. It will take advantage of Titan’s dense atmosphere (four times denser than 
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

DRAGONFLY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-58

Earth’s) and low gravity (one seventh that on Earth) to become the first vehicle ever to fly its entire 

science payload to new places for repeatable and targeted access to surface materials.

Titan is an analog to the very early Earth and can provide clues to how life may have begun on our planet. 

During its 2.7-year baseline mission, Dragonfly will explore diverse environments from organic dunes to 

the floor of an impact crater where liquid water and complex organic materials, key to life, once existed 

together, possibly for tens of thousands of years. Its instruments will study how far prebiotic chemistry 

has progressed. They also will investigate the moon’s atmospheric and surface properties and its 

subsurface ocean and liquid reservoirs. Additionally, instruments will search for chemical evidence of 

past or extant life. A multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) will power the 

Dragonfly rotorcraft.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA selected Dragonfly from the New Frontiers 4 announcement of opportunity (AO) in June 2019. 

Dragonfly proceeded into its preliminary design, technology completion, and risk reduction activities. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Dragonfly will continue the preliminary design, technology completion, and risk reduction activities 

throughout FY 2020. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Dragonfly will continue the preliminary design, technology completion, and risk reduction activities in 

preparation for its preliminary design review (PDR).

ESTIMATED PROJECT SCHEDULE

Dragonfly's project schedule is currently under review and based on an April 2026 launch readiness date. 

Milestone Formulation Authorization

Document FY 2021 PB Request

Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C) TBD TBD

KDP-D TBD TBD

Launch Apr 2026 Apr 2026
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

DRAGONFLY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-59

Formulation Estimated Life Cycle Cost Range and Schedule 

Range Summary

Life cycle cost estimates are preliminary. A baseline cost commitment does not occur until the project 

receives approval for implementation (KDP-C), which follows the PDR.

KDP-B Date Estimated Life Cycle Cost 

Range ($) Key Milestone Key Milestone Estimated Date Range

Jun 2019 1.8 billion - 2.2 billion Launch Apr 2026

Project Management & Commitments

The Principal Investigator is from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). APL 

has project management responsibility for Dragonfly. 

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Dragonfly 

Mass 

Spectrometer

Provides detailed analysis 

of organic chemistry

Provider: Goddard Space Flight 

Center (GSFC)

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Dragonfly 

Gamma-Ray 

and Neutron 

Spectrometer

Determines bulk nearsurface composition and 

layering

Provider: APL

Lead Center: APL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Dragonfly 

Geophysics 

and 

Meteorology 

Package

Measures atmospheric 

conditions, seismicity, and 

surface/subsurface 

properties

Provider: APL

Lead Center: APL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Dragonfly 

Camera Suite

Documents landforms and 

processes, provides context 

for samples, and performs 

aerial imaging to scout 

landing sites

Provider: MSSS

Lead Center: APL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

DRAGONFLY

Formulation Development Operations

PS-60

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Drill for 

Acquisition of 

Complex 

Organics 

Sampling 

System

Provides pneumatic 

transfer system and sample 

acquisition drill

Provider: Honeybee Robotics

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Multi-Mission 

Radioisotope 

Thermoelectric 

Generator

Provides power to the 

Dragonfly lander

Provider: Department of Energy

Lead Center: Glenn Research Center 

(GRC)

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Cruise Stage Propulsion stage to get 

Dragonfly to Titan

Provider: Lockheed Martin

Lead Center: APL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Entry, 

Descent, and 

Landing 

Assembly

Includes aeroshell, 

parachutes, and support 

equipment

Provider: Lockheed Martin

Lead Center: APL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Dragonfly 

Lander

Flight system to carry and 

support the science 

instruments

Provider: APL

Lead Center: APL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Project Risks

It is too early in the formulation phase to identify significant risks.

Acquisition Strategy

NASA competitively selected the mission through the New Frontiers 4 AO and a down selection in June 

2019. The major elements of the mission and spacecraft are as proposed for the AO.
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

DRAGONFLY

Formulation Development Operations

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MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work 

performance)

PI, Science Co-Is, Mission 

Management, Lander 

Development, DraGMet, 

DraGNS, System I&T, Science 

Operations, Mission Operations

APL Laurel, MD

Cruise Stage, Entry, Descent, 

and Landing (EDL) Assembly, 

I&T Support

Lockheed Martin Denver, CO

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

All dates are preliminary.

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Life Cycle Standing Review 

Board (SRB) TBD PDR TBD Critical Design Review (CDR)

Life Cycle SRB TBD CDR TBD System Integration 

Review (SIR)

Life Cycle SRB TBD SIR TBD

Operations 

Readiness Review 

(ORR)

Life Cycle SRB TBD ORR TBD Launch Readiness 

Review (LRR)

Life Cycle SRB TBD LRR TBD N/A
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

PS-62

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

New Frontiers Future Missions 2.3 -- 9.7 70.6 6.0 19.9 46.8

New Frontiers Research 7.9 -- 6.9 9.2 9.3 9.3 9.3

Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource 50.3 -- 28.8 16.9 26.1 8.9 20.0

New Horizons 12.7 -- 9.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Juno 11.8 -- 28.4 18.9 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 85.0 -- 83.2 115.5 41.4 38.2 76.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

A new, smaller cyclone can be seen at the lower right of this 

infrared image of Jupiter's south pole taken on November 4, 

2019, during the 23rd science pass of the planet by NASA's 

Juno spacecraft. The image was captured by Juno's Jovian 

Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument, which 

measures heat radiated from the planet at an infrared 

wavelength of approximately 5 microns.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/ASI/INAF/JIRAM

New Frontiers Other Missions and Data 

Analysis includes three operating missions:

New Horizons, Juno, and OSIRIS-REx 

(Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource 

Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer), 

analysis of data from those missions, as well 

as preparation for future missions.

Mission Planning and 

Other Projects

NEW FRONTIERS FUTURE MISSIONS

New Frontiers Future supports technology 

development for future missions and provides 

the funding required for the next 

announcement of opportunity (AO). NASA 

recently selected the fourth New Frontiers 

mission. The New Frontiers program expects 

to begin the competition to select the fifth 

mission in 2022.
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

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NEW FRONTIERS RESEARCH

New Frontiers Research funds analysis of archived data from New Frontiers missions as well as 

participating scientists and selected members of the research community, whom augment and enhance the 

science teams of New Frontiers missions. New Frontiers Research gives the research community access 

to data, in the future, samples and allows research to continue for many years after mission completion. 

Participating scientists bring new ideas into mission teams and frequently provide a pathway for early 

career investigators to gain experience with planetary missions. This arrangement allows the maximum 

science return from each of the missions. NASA solicits planetary research proposals from the U.S.

planetary science community and evaluates them for selection through competitive peer review. NASA 

will select new research in 2020 using the New Horizons mission data returned from Pluto, 2014 MU69 

(now known as Arrokoth) data, Juno mission data returned from Jupiter, and OSIRIS-REx mission data 

returned from the asteroid Bennu.

Recent Achievements

NASA selected participating scientists for the Juno mission in 2019 along with multiple research 

investigations.

Operating Missions

NEW HORIZONS

New Horizons is the first scientific investigation to obtain close observations of Pluto and its moons,

Charon, Nix, Hydra, Kerberos, and Styx (scientists discovered the last four moons after the spacecraft's 

launch in 2006). Scientists aimed to find answers to basic questions about the surface properties, geology, 

interior makeup, and atmospheres of these bodies. 

New Horizons launched on January 19, 2006. It successfully encountered Pluto in July 2015 and 

completed downloading all the primary science observation of the Plutonian System in October 2016. 

Recent Achievements

As part of its extended mission, the spacecraft encountered the small Kuiper Belt Object designated 

Arrokoth (2014 MU69). This object is one of the small and primitive icy bodies in this region 

approximately two billion miles beyond Pluto’s orbit.

The mission continues gathering data on the plasma environment of the Kuiper Belt as well as obtaining 

light curves of distant Kuiper Belt Objects. 

Scientists analyze data from the Arrokoth (2014 MU69) encounter as they are downlinked. More detailed 

analysis of data from the Pluto encounter continues to result in new discoveries. 

Below are some of the recent findings and research from the New Horizons mission: 
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-64

• Evidence supporting Pluto's surprising geologic activity continues to grow; scientists discovered 

ammoniated ices near areas showing signs of geologically recent activity, which is significant 

because these ices are relatively short-lived;

• Laboratory research suggests that the strangely colored regions on Pluto's surface could be due to 

the presence of complex, prebiotic organic molecules; and

• Images and modeling revealed that Arrokoth (2014 MU69) began as two bodies in very close 

orbit that eventually merged, created the first "contact binary" ever explored.

New Horizons scientists found evidence for methanol, water ice, and organic molecules on the surface of 

Arrokoth (2014 MU69), a mixture very different from most icy objects explored previously by spacecraft

but expected to be common in the Kuiper Belt.

JUNO

Juno is conducting an in-depth study of Jupiter, the most massive planet in the solar system. Juno 

launched on August 5, 2011 and entered Jupiter's orbit on July 4, 2016. Juno’s instruments are gathering

information from deep in Jupiter’s atmosphere, enabling scientists to understand the fundamental 

processes of the formation and early evolution of the solar system. During its science operations mission, 

Juno is sampling Jupiter’s full range of latitudes and longitudes. From its polar perspective, Juno

combines remote sensing observations to explore the polar magnetosphere and determine what drives 

Jupiter’s remarkable auroras. Juno has an onboard camera that is producing images and providing unique 

opportunities to engage the next generation of scientists.

Recent Achievements

Juno is currently in a 53-day orbit and has successfully completed 21 science flybys of Jupiter, more than 

half of its planned orbits. The magnetic field mapping indicates multiple possible sources of the interior 

magnetic field and has discovered a region of enhanced magnetic field that is responsible for minute, but 

significant, time variations of Jupiter's interior magnetic field. This discovery defies expectations based 

on experience with other planets' dynamos, including Earth's.

Juno has contributed imaging, gravity, and magnetic field data to a community-wide focus on 

understanding the shrinking of Jupiter's great red spot, which has diminished in width by one third since 

the time of the Voyager flybys in 1979. 

OSIRIS-REX

OSIRIS-REx will be the first U.S. mission to bring a sample from an asteroid back to Earth. The 

OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will travel to (101955) Bennu, a near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid formerly 

designated 1999 RQ36, study the asteroid in detail, and bring back a sample (at least 60 grams or 2.1 

ounces) to Earth. Analysis of this sample by current and future generations of scientists will yield insight 

into planet formation and the origin of life and address questions we have not thought of yet (using 

laboratory instruments we have not invented yet). The data collected at the asteroid will aid in 

understanding asteroids that can collide with Earth. This mission will also measure the Yarkovsky effect 

on a potentially hazardous asteroid and measure the asteroid properties that contribute to this effect. The 
Science: Planetary Science: New Frontiers

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-65

Yarkovsky effect is a small force on an asteroid caused by the Sun as the asteroid absorbs sunlight and reemits that energy as heat. 

OSIRIS-REx launched on September 8, 2016 and arrived at Bennu on December 3, 2018. The mission is

globally mapping the surface from distances of about three miles to less than half a mile. The spacecraft 

cameras and instruments are photographing the asteroid and measuring its surface topography, 

composition, and thermal emissions. Radio science is providing mass and gravity field maps. This 

information will help the mission team select the most promising location to collect a sample of pristine 

asteroid material. 

In 2020, the spacecraft will descend to the surface of the asteroid, gently contact the surface, collect a 

sample, and back away. To deliver the sample to Earth, OSIRIS-REx has a capsule similar to the one that 

returned the sample of Comet 81P/Wild on the Stardust spacecraft. The capsule, with its pristine sample 

from Bennu, will land at the Utah Test and Training Range on September 24, 2023. NASA will transport 

the capsule containing the sample to JSC for processing, analysis, and curation at a dedicated research 

facility. Johnson Space Center (JSC) will make subsamples available for research to the worldwide 

science community.

Recent Achievements

On December 31, 2018, OSIRIS-REx entered an approximately 1.5-kilometer (km) radius (approximately 

1.25 km from the surface) orbit around Bennu, with each orbit taking approximately 50 hours, setting a 

record for closest orbit to a celestial body ever achieved. In June 2019, it broke this record, orbiting only 

0.6 km from the surface of Bennu. 

In January 2019, OSIRIS-REx unexpectedly discovered that Bennu was an "active asteroid," which 

regularly ejects small particles into space, which may escape, or orbit briefly as transient satellites before 

falling back to the surface. Although these particles are not hazardous to the spacecraft, they are a 

significant scientific discovery.

The OSIRIS-REx team made significant progress towards eventual sample retrieval by identifying four 

sites that are the best candidates for acquisition of a sample to return to Earth in late 2023. Because of the 

need to target smaller-than-expected sample sites, a new method of "bullseye TAG" (TAG=Touch-AndGo sample collection) using "natural feature tracking" is being developed to guide the spacecraft down. 

Reconnaissance observations of the four sites is underway, and NASA selected its final two sample 

collection sites (a primary, Nightingale, and a backup, Osprey) in December 2019.
Science: Planetary Science

MARS EXPLORATION 

PS-66

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Mars Rover 2020 502.6 318.7 162.3 97.0 33.0 0.0 0.0

Other Missions and Data Analysis 210.1 -- 366.2 491.4 638.2 798.7 855.3

Total Budget 712.7 -- 528.5 588.4 671.2 798.7 855.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The annotated area of Mars in this illustration holds nearsurface water ice that would be easily accessible for 

astronauts to dig up. The water ice was identified as part 

of a map using data from multiple NASA orbiters, 

including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars 

Odyssey and the Mars Global Surveyor.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The Mars Exploration Program seeks to understand when Mars may have been habitable, whether Mars is 

habitable today, or can be a habitable world in the future, and whether it ever supported life. As the most 

Earth-like planet in the solar system, Mars has a 

landmass approximately equivalent to the 

Earth’s as well as many of the same geological 

features, such as riverbeds, past river deltas, and 

volcanoes. Mars also has many of the same 

“systems” that characterize Earth, such as air, 

water, ice, and geology that all interact to 

produce the Martian environment. Mars also has 

fundamental differences from Earth including 

the lack of a global magnetic field and chaotic 

changes in the orientation of its spin axis over

tens of millions of years, which have affected its 

environment.

The four broad, overarching goals for Mars 

Exploration are to:

• Determine if life ever arose on Mars;

• Characterize the climate of Mars;

• Characterize the geology of Mars; and,

• Prepare for human exploration.

Today, our robotic scientific explorers are paving the way. Together, humans and robots will pioneer 

Mars and the solar system.
Science: Planetary Science

MARS EXPLORATION

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EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

This budget, through funding in the Mars Future project, supports the development of the Mars Sample 

Return campaign as early as 2026 and begins planning for a Mars Ice Mapper mission that will study and 

profile the near-surface (3-15 meters) water ice.

The Mars rover 2020 mission has experienced cost growth due to technical issues with the Planetary 

Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) and Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & 

Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC) instruments and the Sample Caching System.
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 397.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 397.6

Development/Implementation 1186.4 515.3 300.3 34.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2036.2

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 22.7 133.6 100.5 35.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 292.0

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 1584.0 515.3 323.0 167.9 100.5 35.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 2725.8

Total Budget 1488.9 502.6 318.7 162.3 97.0 33.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2602.5

Change from FY 2020 -156.4

Percentage change from FY 2020 -49.1%

Total NASA Budget 1584.0 515.3 323.0 167.9 100.5 35.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 2725.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

An engineer working on NASA's Mars 2020 mission uses 

a solar intensity probe to measure and compare the 

amount of artificial sunlight that reaches different 

portions of the rover. The data collected during this test 

is used to confirm thermal models regarding how the 

Sun's rays will interact with the 2020 rover while on the 

surface of Mars.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech 

PROJECT PURPOSE

NASA's Mars 2020 science rover is a mission, 

currently in development, that will advance the 

scientific priorities detailed in the Planetary 

Science Decadal Survey, entitled “Vision and 

Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 

2013-2022.” In addition, the mission provides an 

opportunity for payload elements that align with 

human exploration and technology demonstration 

objectives.

Mars 2020 will build upon many discoveries 

from the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity 

rover and the two Mars Exploration Rovers, 

Spirit and Opportunity, by taking the next key 

steps in our understanding of Mars’ potential as a 

habitat for past or present life. The Mars 2020 

rover will seek signs of past life on Mars, collect 

and store a set of samples for potential return to 
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

Formulation Development Operations

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Earth in the future, and test new technology to benefit future robotic and human exploration of Mars. The 

mission will also deploy new capabilities developed through investments by NASA's Space Technology 

Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and contributions from 

international partners.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

Recent technical issues with the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for 

Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC) instruments and the Sample Caching System have resulted in 

mission cost growth in the Mars 2020 project. NASA addressed these changes in the December 2019 

Breach Report to Congress.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

The Mars 2020 mission is planned to launch in July 2020, landing on Mars in February 2021, and 

spending at least one Mars year (two Earth years) exploring the landing site region. The mission uses 

much of the design of the highly successful Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) “Curiosity” rover, which has 

been exploring Mars since 2012. The Mars 2020 rover body and other major hardware (such as the cruise 

stage, aeroshell, and heat shield) will be near-duplicates of the systems of MSL and will take maximum 

advantage of engineering heritage. The new rover will carry more sophisticated, upgraded hardware and 

new instruments to conduct geological assessments of the rover's landing site, determine the potential 

habitability of the environment, and directly search for signs of ancient Martian life. To minimize costs 

and risks, NASA will use a proven landing system and rover chassis design as much as possible, while 

still delivering a highly capable rover.

The Mars 2020 rover is carrying a competitively selected science and technology instrument payload of 

seven instruments. NASA chose five of those instruments to provide the clearest possible measurements 

for seeking possible signs of ancient life (potential “biosignatures”) on Mars over its long, 4.6 billion-year 

history. NASA chose the remaining two instruments to assess environmental hazards and resources for 

future human exploration. The rover also will collect and store samples of rocks and soils in sealed tubes, 

which will be stored on the surface of Mars for possible return to Earth by a subsequent mission.

The rover’s baseline power source is a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator. It uses the 

heat from the natural decay of plutonium-238 to generate electricity. NASA and European Space Agency

telecommunications relay assets in Mars orbit will support the mission.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA selected Jezero Crater as the landing site for the Mars 2020 mission.

The Project completed flight model delivery of the instrument payload and major subsystems, assembled 

the rover, cruise stage, descent stage, and aeroshell, and began environmental testing of the spacecraft.
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

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WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The Mars 2020 project will complete its Operational Readiness Review (ORR) in preparation for launch 

in July 2020 and formally enter its mission operations phase (Phase E) of implementation.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The Mars 2020 mission will land on Mars in February 2021 and begin surface operations on Mars.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-C Jun 2016 Jun 2016

CDR Dec 2016 Feb 2017

KDP-D Jan 2018 May 2018

Launch Readiness Date Jul 2020 Jul 2020

Landing Feb 2021 Feb 2021

End of Prime Mission Jun 2023 Jun 2023

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2017

SMD 

1620.1

NASA 

1676.9

70% 2020

SMD 

1957.6

NASA 

2036.2

SMD

20.8%

NASA

21.4%

LRD Jul 2020 Jul 2020 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost. 
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

Formulation Development Operations

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Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 1676.9 2036.2 +359.4

Tech Development 88.4 316.9 +228.5

Aircraft/Spacecraft 527.4 798.1 +270.7

Payloads 155.4 279.8 +124.4

Systems I&T 71.1 78.8 +7.7

Launch Vehicle 342.5 230.4 -112.1

Ground Systems 80.4 62.1 -18.3

Science/Technology 16.5 22.3 +5.8

Other Direct Project 

Costs 395.1 247.8 -147.3

Project Management & Commitments

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has project management responsibility for Mars 2020.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Mastcam-Z

Advanced camera system 

with panoramic and 

stereoscopic imaging 

capability with the ability 

to zoom

Provider: ASU

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

SuperCam

Instrument that can provide 

imaging, chemical 

composition analysis, and 

mineralogy

Provider: Los Alamos National 

Laboratory

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): CNES

N/A
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

Formulation Development Operations

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Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

PIXL

An X-ray fluorescence 

spectrometer that will also 

contain an imager with 

high resolution to 

determine the fine scale 

elemental composition of 

Martian surface materials

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

SHERLOC

A spectrometer that will 

provide fine-scale imaging 

and uses an ultraviolet 

laser to determine finescale mineralogy and 

detect organic compounds

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

RIMFAX

A ground-penetrating radar 

that will provide 

centimeter-scale resolution 

of the geologic structure of 

the subsurface

Provider: Norwegian Defense 

Research Establishment, Norway

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): NASA SMD

N/A

MEDA

A set of sensors that will 

provide measurements of 

temperature, wind speed 

and direction, pressure, 

relative humidity and dust 

size and shape

Provider: Centro de Astrobiologia, 

Instituto Nacional de Tecnica 

Aeroespacial, Spain

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): NASA 

HEOMD/STMD

N/A

MOXIE

An exploration technology 

investigation that will 

produce oxygen from 

Martian atmospheric 

carbon dioxide

Provider: Massachusetts Institute of 

Technology

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): 

HEOMD/STMD

N/A
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

Formulation Development Operations

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Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

MEDLI-2

A set of engineering 

sensors embedded in the 

aeroshell to gather data on 

the aerothermal conditions, 

thermal protection system, 

and aerodynamic 

performance during 

atmospheric entry and 

descent

Provider: NASA Langley Research 

Center (LaRC)

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): LaRC/JPL

Cost Share Partner(s): 

HEOMD/STMD

N/A
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

Formulation Development Operations

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Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: Any one of a set of mission single 

point failures associated with rover 

mechanisms and associated electronics 

occurs (including mechanisms in the 

caching system, remote science mast, 

and mobility system),

Then: Functional failure could prevent 

mission success.

The Flight System is considering one or more or all of the 

potential mitigation: use of high reliability parts with

additional parts screening or testing; comprehensive 

reliability analyses with rigorous reviews; additional 

inspection points; additional testing with intra-board test 

points; board-level and/or box-level stress testing; extended 

environmental or functional testing; operational rules and 

practices that reduce hardware stress.

If: One or several of the aggregated

Entry, Descent, and Landing residual 

risks or unknown-unknowns that are 

inherited from MSL is realized (such as 

single point failures, environmental 

factors),

Then: Could cause loss of mission.

Remove risks retired by MSL's flight itself and Mars 2020 

plans that will correct some testing shortfalls. This reduced 

43 previously identified risks to 27.

Re-examine aggregated risks to understand if any baseline 

changes affect them. It is very likely that the Mars 2020 

mission will need to accept most, if not all, of the 

aggregated residual risks.

If: Complexity of the Sampling and 

Caching Subsystem (SCS) results in new 

/ late issues during final validation and 

end-to-end testing that require hardware 

modifications,

Then: The schedule at JPL and KSC 

could be impacted, reducing schedule 

reserve.

Final SCS flight hardware is proceeding as expected for 

delivery in Jan/Feb 2020 with sufficient margin. The endto-end testing has begun under stressing conditions, and 

Mars ambient pressure and temperature. The project is 

continuing to apply substantial resources and management 

attention on this activity.

If: Unanticipated parts issues arise late in 

the final processing of the flight vehicle 

at JPL or KSC,

Then: Remaining schedule reserve can 

be consumed.

A number of parts issues have arisen over the last six

months, mostly on other projects with common parts. 

However, none of these issues has threatened the flight 

launch schedule. The project and institution will continue 

to monitor for these issues and react if necessary. 

Acquisition Strategy

NASA is acquiring the spacecraft and flight systems for the Mars 2020 mission through JPL and the 

radioisotope power system through the Department of Energy, taking advantage of the previous 

investment in the MSL project to maximize heritage. NASA is using contracts existing from the MSL 
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

MARS ROVER 2020

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project to procure new versions of the as-flown hardware. NASA competitively selected the Mars 2020 

investigations payload.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA released an announcement of opportunity for the Mars 2020 rover instruments on 

September 24, 2013, with selections announced on July 31, 2014. NASA selected seven science 

instruments and exploration technology investigations for the Mars Rover 2020 payload.

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Aeroshell Lockheed Martin Denver, CO

Actuators Cobham Hauppauge, NY

Robotic arm Motiv Pasadena, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance SRB Oct 2014 / 

Mar 2015 SRR & MDR Successful Feb 2016

Performance SRB Feb 2016 PDR Successful Feb / Mar 

2017

Performance SRB Feb / Mar 

2017 CDR Successful Feb 2018

Performance SRB Feb 2018 SIR Successful May 2020

Performance SRB May 2020 ORR TBD
Science: Planetary Science: Mars Exploration

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

PS-76

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) 6.9 -- 6.9 4.0 4.0 3.0 0.0

Aeroscience Ground Test Capabilities 12.5 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

ExoMars 2.1 -- 2.2 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

Mars Program Management 13.2 -- 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3 12.3

Mars Future Missions 30.3 -- 232.6 405.6 550.8 713.4 775.0

Mars Mission Operations 1.9 -- 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4

Mars Research and Analysis (R&A) 10.0 -- 11.7 11.7 14.7 14.7 14.7

Mars Technology 20.5 -- 6.7 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4

2011 Mars Science Lab 51.1 -- 40.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter 2005 (MRO) 26.0 -- 25.5 25.0 24.5 23.5 23.5

Mars Exploration Rover 2003 3.6 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mars Odyssey 2001 11.5 -- 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mars Express 2.8 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mars Atmosphere & Volatile EvolutioN 

(MAVEN)

17.9 -- 22.0 21.0 20.0 20.0 18.0

Total Budget 210.1 -- 366.2 491.4 638.2 798.7 855.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Researchers have created the first map of wind 

circulation in the upper atmosphere of a planet 

besides Earth, using data from NASA’s MAVEN 

spacecraft that were collected during the last two 

years. The new map of Mars winds helps scientists 

to better understand the workings of the Martian 

climate, giving them a more accurate picture of its 

ancient past and its ongoing evolution.

Other Missions and Data Analysis includes mission

planning and other projects such as NASA's 

contribution the Mars Organic Molecule Organizer 

(MOMA) to the European Space Agency (ESA)

Exobiology on Mars (ExoMars) 2020 rover, ExoMars, 

Mars Program Management, Mars Mission Operations, 

Mars Research and Analysis, Mars Technology, and 

Mars Future. In addition are the operating projects, 

which include Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), Mars 

Reconnaissance Orbiter 2005 (MRO), Mars Odyssey 

2001, Mars Express, and Mars Atmosphere and 

Volatile Evolution (MAVEN). Also included are the 

flight operations, NASA-contributed Electra 

communications radios, and the participation of coInvestigators on two instruments of the 2016 ExoMars 

Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO).
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Mission Planning and Other Projects

MARS ORGANIC MOLECULE ANALYZER (MOMA)

MOMA is the core astrobiology instrument on the ESA ExoMars 2020 rover, and it addresses the top 

ExoMars science goal of seeking signs of past or present life on Mars. The MOMA-Mass Spectrometer 

(MOMA-MS), the NASA-provided subsystem of MOMA, is in development. It is primarily a dual-source 

mass spectrometer, including laser desorption capability, to detect a wide range of organic molecules in 

Martian samples. Organic structure and distribution can be indicators of past or present life.

EXOMARS

The ExoMars program is a series of two missions designed to understand if life ever existed on Mars. The 

first mission in the ExoMars program is the 2016 ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), which launched in 

March 2016 and began its science and relay operations phase in March 2018 starting with the 

observations of the global dust storm. For this mission, NASA contributed two Electra ultra-high 

frequency (UHF) telecommunication radios, identical to those used successfully on NASA’s MRO and 

MAVEN. The Electra radio acts as a communications relay and navigation aid for surface assets and

support navigation, command, and data-return needs for landers and rovers. Furthermore, two 

instruments, the Stereo Surface Imaging Systems and the Nadir and Occultation for Mars Discovery have 

significant contributions from U.S. co-Investigators.

Recent Achievements

After completing the global dust storm observation in November 2018, TGO made the first observation of 

semi-heavy water simultaneously with water vapor, providing key information on the processes that 

control the amount of hydrogen and deuterium atoms (an isotope of hydrogen often called 'heavy 

hydrogen') escaping to space. It also means scientists can derive the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio, which 

is an important marker for the evolution of the water inventory on Mars. The observations show that 

water, deuterated or not, is very sensitive to the presence of ice clouds, preventing it from reaching 

atmospheric layers higher up. During the storm, water reached much higher altitudes. Models 

theoretically predicted this, but scientists observed it for the first time using the TGO measurements.

MARS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Mars Program Management provides for the broad-based implementation and programmatic management 

of the Mars Exploration program. Mars Program Management also supports independent panel reviews, 

studies regarding planetary protection, advanced mission studies and program architecture, program 

science, and telecommunications coordination and integration.

MARS MISSION OPERATIONS

Mars Mission Operations provides management and leadership for the development and operation of 

Mars multi-mission systems for operations. Mars Mission Operations supports and provides common 
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operational systems and capabilities at a lower cost and risk than having each Mars project produce 

systems individually.

MARS RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (R&A)

Mars R&A provides funding for research and analysis of Mars mission data to understand how geologic, 

climatic, and other processes have worked to shape Mars and its environment over time, as well as how 

they interact today. Specific investments include: 

• Mars Data Analysis that analyzes archived data collected on Mars missions; and

• Critical Data Products that provide data and analyses for the safe arrival, aero-maneuver, entry, 

descent, and landing at Mars.

Data analysis through Mars R&A enables a much broader and objective analysis of the data and samples. 

It also allows research to continue for many years after the mission completion. These research projects 

increase our scientific understanding of Mars’ past and present environments, disseminating the results 

through the scientific publications. By using data collected by spacecraft, researchers are able to make 

scientific discoveries and test hypotheses about the Martian environment.

Recent Achievements

Recently published papers have provided significant new information on the atmosphere of Mars, the 

nature and formation mechanisms of active wind-driven deposits, and the potential habitability of Mars. 

MARS TECHNOLOGY

Mars Technology focuses on technological investments that lay the groundwork for successful future 

Mars missions, such as entry, descent, and landing capabilities; Mars ascent vehicle components, sample 

handling and processing technologies; and surface-to-orbit communications improvements.

MARS FUTURE MISSIONS

Mars Future Missions funds the planning of future robotic missions to Mars that build on scientific 

discoveries from past missions and incorporate the lessons learned from previous missions. Mars Future 

supports the development of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission that is planning to enter formulation 

(Phase A) as early as the summer of FY 2020. In FY 2021 MSR formulation activities include concept 

and technology development, and early design and studies in support of the Sample Return Lander and 

the Capture/Containment and Return System. Mars Future also supports a study of the facility required 

for handling of returned samples. In developing concepts for a Mars Sample Return mission, the future 

budget supports an estimated MSR launch readiness date of 2026. Also included is funding for a potential 

collaboration with Canada on the Mars Ice Mapper. The Mars Ice Mapper is a remote sensing mission 

under study intended to map and profile the near-surface (3-15 meters) water ice, particularly that which 

lies in the mid-latitude regions, in support of future science and exploration missions.
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Operating Missions

2011 MARS SCIENCE LAB (MSL)

MSL and its Curiosity rover, which successfully landed in August 2012, completed its prime mission 

exploration activities. The Curiosity rover is exploring and quantitatively assessing regions on Mars as 

potential past habitats for life, and has determined that Mars, at least at one point in time, was once able to 

support microbial life. The Curiosity rover is collecting Martian soil and rock samples and analyzing them 

for organic compounds and environmental conditions that could have supported microbial life, and 

making measurements of the Martian atmosphere, the radiation environment, and the weather. MSL is the 

first planetary mission to use precision landing techniques, steering itself toward the Martian surface. This 

landing method enabled the rover to land in an area less than 12 miles in diameter, about one-sixth the 

size of previous landing zones on Mars and this successful system is the basis of the system architecture 

of the Mars 2020 mission. 

Curiosity is the first planetary rover to make use of a nuclear power source, which gave the rover the 

ability to travel up to 12 miles during the two-year primary mission. This international partnership 

mission uses components provided by the space agencies of Russia, Spain, and Canada.

Recent Achievements

Curiosity has traveled over 13 miles and has been exploring the lower reaches of Mt. Sharp – the prime 

science target of the mission – and is now in its third extended mission period. Since landing on Mars in 

2012, the Curiosity rover has consistently detected low levels of methane in the atmosphere at Gale 

Crater. The methane concentration varies seasonally and is occasionally punctuated by transient spikes. 

This year, Curiosity detected the largest spike to-date, which peaked at 30 times above normal. The origin 

of transient methane on Mars is still unknown, but the science community is aware of both geological and 

biological processes that could potentially produce them. Repeated observations of this phenomenon will 

continue to produce insight into Mars’ methane climate.

Curiosity is now more than halfway through a region scientists call the "clay-bearing unit" on the side of 

Mount Sharp, inside of Gale Crater, where the rover has found an array of complex organic compounds. 

Rock samples that the rover has drilled here have revealed the highest amounts of clay minerals found 

during the mission. In addition, Curiosity has monitored three plus Mars years of local weather and 

radiation environments.

MARS RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER 2005 (MRO)

MRO, currently in its fifth extended operations phase, carries the most powerful camera ever flown on a

planetary exploration mission: the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE). This 

capability provides a more detailed view of the geology and structure of Mars and is critical in identifying

obstacles that could jeopardize the safety of future landers and rovers. A second camera, The Context 

Camera (CTX), acquires medium-resolution images that provide a broader geological context for the 

more detailed observations from higher-resolution instruments; it has covered most of the planet and 

searches for new phenomena, such as new impact craters, revealing subsurface ice. MRO also carries a 

radar sounder to find subsurface water ice, an important consideration in selecting scientifically worthy 

landing sites for future exploration.
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MRO carries a high-resolution imaging spectrometer, the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging 

Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), which can map minerals at unprecedented spatial resolution. A wideangle camera, the Mars Color Imager (MARCI), provides daily global weather maps, and the Mars 

Climate Sounder (MCS) shows how the Martian atmosphere transports dust and water vapor. MRO will 

follow up on recent discoveries of an increasingly diverse array of ancient aqueous environments and 

enough buried carbon dioxide ice that, if released, would double the present atmospheric pressure. MRO 

will extend mapping of the three-dimensional structure and content of the polar ice deposits, characterize 

the episodic nature of great dust storms, expand coverage of surface changes, and monitor possible 

seasonal surface color changes suggestive of liquid water flow on Mars today. MRO characterized the

landing sites for the Mars 2020 Rover and the 2020 ESA ExoMars Rover.

As it explores Mars, MRO also serves as a major element of an “interplanetary Internet,” as a relay 

communications orbiter relaying commands to and data from Curiosity rover and InSight lander to Earth.

In FY 2020, MRO will continue to characterize phenomena on the surface of Mars, such as the Recurring 

Slope Lineae and dust storms.

Recent Achievements

MRO made observations in FY 2019 that provide information on Mars climate change. Climate variations 

affect how ice is deposited on the surface and these climate variations result in part from orbital 

oscillations. Mars’ climate has changed significantly throughout history, as its orbit and spin axis change 

with periods of 51,000 and 120,000 years. These periodic variations result in patterns of icy layers in the 

polar ice sheets, with repeating climatic cycles resulting in similar types of layers. HiRISE observed the 

icy polar layers, and through analysis of the resulting stereo-images, MRO scientists connected patterns in 

the layers to patterns in the climate oscillation, thereby relating spatial changes in the geology, to 

temporal changes in climate, defining a rough stratigraphy for the ice cap.

A 2019 study using MCS and MARCI instruments found towering dust clouds reaching 70 kilometers 

(km) altitude in storms well to the east of the Tharsis volcanoes. Past observations showed that towering 

dust clouds in storms on Mars’ Tharsis volcanoes could bring dust to altitudes of 50-80 km. Researchers 

attributed towering dust clouds on volcanoes to dust starting at high surface elevation and radially 

symmetric daytime upslope winds exclusive to volcanoes. Based on this latest data, it appears that

towering dust clouds are not limited to volcanic summits and their unusual circulations.

MARS ODYSSEY 2001

Mars Odyssey, currently in its eighth extended mission operations phase, is still in orbit around Mars. It 

continues to send information to Earth about Martian geology, climate, and mineralogy. Measurements by 

Odyssey enabled scientists to create maps of minerals and chemical elements and identify regions with 

buried water ice. Images that measure the surface temperature provided spectacular views of Martian 

topography. Mars Odyssey will continue critical, long-term longitudinal studies of the Martian climate. 

Odyssey has served as the primary means of communications for NASA Mars surface explorers over the 

past decade. Starting in November 2018, Odyssey has provided relay support for the InSight lander.

Recent Achievements

A key question in Martian science is understanding where and when there was water. Chloride salts are a 

class of minerals (including common table salt) that form in the presence of water. Mars Odyssey was the 
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OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

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first to map the geologic context of chloride deposits around the globe in 2010. Now, an improved 

chloride index from Mars Odyssey’s thermal emission imaging system instrument team has been created

and enabled the discovery of 704 new chloride deposits. This greatly expanded database has allowed the 

team to determine that chloride formation stops abruptly near the dramatic climate transition at the end of 

the Noachian period.

MARS EXPRESS

Mars Express, currently in its sixth extended mission operations phase, is an ESA mission that provides 

an understanding of Mars as a “coupled” system: from the ionosphere and atmosphere down to the 

surface and sub-surface. This mission addresses the climatic and geological evolution of Mars as well as 

the potential for life on the planet. NASA contributed components for the Mars Advanced Radar for 

Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding and Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms instruments 

aboard Mars Express, and participates in the scientific analysis of mission data. 

Recent Achievements

Mars Express has been measuring atmospheric loss and characterizing the Mars ionosphere and its 

interaction with the solar wind, and conducting a series of radio science investigations to gather data on

lower atmosphere dynamics, which will be important to future missions during entry, descent and landing 

operations.

MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION (MAVEN)

MAVEN, now in its third extended mission, launched in 2013 and successfully completed its primary 

mission in November 2015. MAVEN is providing a comprehensive picture of the Mars upper 

atmosphere, ionosphere, solar energetic drivers, and atmospheric losses, to determine how the Mars 

atmosphere evolved through time. The mission is answering long-standing questions regarding the loss of 

the Mars atmosphere, climate history, liquid water, and habitability. MAVEN is the first mission devoted 

to studying Mars' upper atmosphere, with the most comprehensive measurements ever taken to address 

key scientific questions about Mars' evolution. It is exploring the upper atmosphere, ionosphere, 

interactions with the Sun and solar wind, and the resulting loss of gas from the atmosphere to space.

Scientists are using MAVEN data to determine the role that loss of volatile compounds (e.g., carbon 

dioxide, water) from the Mars atmosphere to space has played through time, and the importance of this 

loss in changing the Mars atmosphere and climate through time. 

As with all Mars Exploration Program orbiters, MAVEN carries an Electra radio for communications 

with rovers and landers on the Martian surface. MAVEN has been carrying out relay activities at a low 

level for the past three years but in FY 2019, the spacecraft positioned to a more relay efficient orbit. This 

will allow MAVEN to increase its relay support to landed assets.

Recent Achievements

In FY 2019, MAVEN devoted three months to modifying its trajectory to make it a better platform for 

relaying scientific data from the Mars rovers and landers back to Earth. During this aerobraking period, 

the spacecraft pushed its closest approach slightly closer to Mars, thereby increasing the atmospheric 

friction on the spacecraft. The very small increase in atmospheric friction modified MAVEN’s orbit so 
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OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

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that it would be better for relay. Since the end of aerobraking in March 2019, MAVEN has increased its 

relay responsibility to up to one data relay pass per day each for the Curiosity rover and the InSight 

lander. The new orbit will also be optimal for MAVEN to play an important data relay role during Mars 

2020 entry, decent, and landing in early 2021. During aerobraking, MAVEN was able to sample deeper in 

the Martian atmosphere than it had previously. Scientific measurements during the aerobraking campaign 

have given new information into the way that dust storms affect the upper atmosphere and have provided 

insight about the interpretation of plasma measurements. This new insight will be highly beneficial to 

future missions that sample dense ionospheric plasmas.

During FY 2019, MAVEN scientists used data from MAVEN and several other Mars missions to provide 

the most detailed look to date at the historical amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) at Mars. The study looked 

at how CO2 has either been lost to space or been trapped on Mars in ice or carbon-bearing materials. 

Results indicate enough CO2 existed in the past for Mars to have a thick early atmosphere and would 

have provided substantial greenhouse warming, and contributed significantly to providing an early warm 

environment.
Science: Planetary Science

OUTER PLANETS AND OCEAN WORLDS 

PS-83

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Jupiter Europa 732.4 592.6 403.5 351.8 224.9 180.8 160.1

Other Missions and Data Analysis 61.2 -- 10.9 18.9 14.5 11.5 11.7

Total Budget 793.6 -- 414.4 370.7 239.4 192.3 171.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Europa, with its probable vast subsurface ocean 

sandwiched between a potentially active silicate interior 

and a highly dynamic surface ice shell, offers one of the 

most promising extraterrestrial habitable 

environments, and a plausible model for habitable

environments beyond our solar system. Vision and 

Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022.

The Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds program 

enables the exploration of worlds in our solar 

system possessing vast expanses of liquids. These 

liquid reservoirs provide insight into some of the 

most fundamental questions about life and the 

evolution of the solar system. The exploration of 

ocean worlds has the highest relevance and 

potential in the search for extant life and its 

habitable environments beyond Earth, one of 

NASA’s strategic objectives.

NASA missions have revealed an increasing 

number of ocean worlds in our solar system while 

at the same time providing enticing though limited 

details about these unexpected oceans. Not far 

underneath its icy crust, Jupiter's moon Europa 

contains a global liquid water ocean holding twice 

as much water as all of Earth’s oceans. Recent 

observations suggest active plumes emanate from the surface of Europa, which could provide another 

option for future exploration. Scientists detected a similar though smaller global ocean on Enceladus, a 

small moon orbiting Saturn, also emanating active plumes. Other moons (such as Ganymede, Titan, and 

perhaps Callisto) also possess oceans deep beneath their surfaces. Unlike Europa and Enceladus, whose 

oceans have a rocky bottom, these oceans are sandwiched between ice layers. Titan also possesses huge 

lakes of liquid methane on its surface – the only place beyond Earth with lakes exposed to an atmosphere.

Simultaneously with these discoveries, astrobiology research, along with the exploration of Earth’s 

oceans, has demonstrated the pervasiveness of life given the proper conditions and environment. Research 

has increasingly indicated that ocean worlds possess at least some of the conditions necessary for extant 

life: long-lived oceans providing liquid water and a stable habitat, hydrothermal activity and other 

chemical sources providing energy, and the basic elements along with organics providing the necessary 

materials, among others. Thus, ocean worlds are the most likely places to search for currently habitable 

environments in the solar system and the life forms that could exist in those environments.
Science: Planetary Science

OUTER PLANETS AND OCEAN WORLDS

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The Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds program enables science investigations spanning the diversity of 

worlds hosting large liquid bodies in the outer solar system. The strategic missions currently in this 

portfolio investigate a broad array of science disciplines with more depth than is possible for smaller, 

tightly focused missions in the Discovery and New Frontiers programs. These missions in turn enable the 

definition of focused questions that smaller missions in the Discovery and New Frontiers programs can 

pursue. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The 2020 Budget proposed to launch the Clipper on a commercial launch vehicle in 2023. However, 

current law meant that NASA was unable to initiate a launch vehicle contract in time for a 2023 launch. 

Therefore, the 2021 Budget supports the launch of the Europa Clipper as early as 2024 (one year later 

than previously proposed) on a commercial launch vehicle, which would save over $1.5 billion compared 

to an SLS rocket, allow additional investment in other NASA missions, and free up an SLS rocket for use 

on human space exploration missions. A Europa Lander mission, which was not supported by the science 

community in the Planetary Science decadal midterm report, is not funded.

In 2019, NASA established a baseline cost and schedule for Europa Clipper. NASA's current planning is 

consistent with current law requiring the Europa Clipper to launch on an SLS rocket. Given that NASA 

plans to complete development of Europa Clipper in 2023, it would be kept in storage until an SLS launch 

vehicle is potentially available. Due to ongoing development challenges with the SLS and the Artemis 

missions, an SLS is not expected to be available until later in the 2020s. 

The Budget provides no funding to Icy Satellites Surface Technology in 2021, a congressionally directed 

project focused on technology development for exploration of the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. 

Researchers will still be able to compete for funding for this type of technology development from other 

planetary science programs.
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER 

Formulation Development Operations

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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 1023.3 195.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1219.0

Development/Implementation 0.0 349.3 592.6 530.8 445.1 255.0 120.0 120.0 0.0 2412.8

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50.1 50.1 518.0 618.2

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 1023.3 545.0 592.6 530.8 445.1 255.0 170.1 170.1 518.0 4250.0

Total Budget 1023.3 545.0 592.6 403.5 351.8 224.9 180.8 160.1 518.0 4000.0

Change from FY 2020 -189.1

Percentage change from FY 2020 -31.9%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA designed the Europa Clipper spacecraft to collect 

data with four in situ and five remote sensing instruments, 

thoroughly characterizing Europa’s habitability.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Jupiter’s moon Europa has the largest known 

ocean in the solar system, and is one of the most 

likely places to find current life beyond our 

Earth. NASA has developed concepts to explore 

Europa and determine if it is habitable based on 

characteristics of its vast oceans (twice the size 

of all of Earth’s oceans combined); the ice 

surface – ocean interface; the chemical 

composition of the intriguing, irregular brown 

surface areas; and the current geologic activity 

providing energy to the system. After thorough

investigation of concept options, NASA directed 

a multiple flyby mission (Europa Clipper) that 

delivers the most science for the least cost and 

risk of all the concepts studied. The Europa 

Clipper mission takes advantage of solar power 

and requires no new technology development, 

despite the harsh radiation environment that the 

spacecraft will encounter during the flybys. The Clipper mission will explore Europa and investigate its 

habitability.
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER

Formulation Development Operations

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EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The 2020 Budget proposed to launch the Clipper on a commercial launch vehicle in 2023. However, 

current law meant that NASA was unable to initiate a launch vehicle contract in time for a 2023 launch. 

Therefore, the 2021 Budget supports the launch of the Europa Clipper as early as 2024 (one year later 

than previously proposed) on a commercial launch vehicle, which would save over $1.5 billion compared 

to an SLS rocket, allow additional investment in other NASA missions, and free up an SLS rocket for use 

on human space exploration missions. A Europa Lander mission, which was not supported by the science 

community in the Planetary Science decadal midterm report, is not funded.

In 2019 NASA established a baseline cost and schedule for Europa Clipper. NASA's current planning is 

consistent with current law requiring the Europa Clipper to launch on an SLS rocket. Given that NASA 

plans to complete development of Europa Clipper in 2023, it would be kept in storage until an SLS launch 

vehicle is potentially available. Due to ongoing development challenges with the SLS and the Artemis 

missions, an SLS is not expected to be available until later in the 2020s.

Recognizing the important science objectives, NASA is pursuing a facility instrument, the Europa Clipper 

Magnetometer (ECM), to replace the terminated ICEMAG instrument. The facility-class instrument will 

be managed and developed by the Clipper project team and not competed or led by a principal 

investigator. The ECM will have reduced functionality compared to the concept ICEMAG was striving 

for, but will maintain capability for the highest priority science observations. In addition, NASA has 

invited all ICEMAG Co-Investigators to remain on the Europa Clipper science team to support the 

mission.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

NASA formulated the Europa Clipper mission in response to the planetary science Decadal Survey 

(Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022), which identified a strategic 

mission to Europa as the second highest priority for planetary science flagship missions. This mission will 

leverage the competitively selected payload of investigations to characterize the ice shell and any 

subsurface water, including their heterogeneity, ocean properties, and the nature of the surface-ice ocean 

exchange. It will also seek to understand the habitability of Europa’s ocean through composition and 

chemistry of the surface and exosphere; understand the formation of surface features, including sites of 

recent or current activity; and identify and characterize high science interest localities. This will be the 

first NASA mission explicitly designed to explore an ocean world.

The Europa Clipper mission will spend four years in orbit around Jupiter, conducting its scientific 

observations by completing approximately 44 close fly-bys of Europa, minimizing the spacecraft's 

exposure to the harsh radiation environment near Europa.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The Europa Clipper mission passed its KDP-C gate review in August 2019 and entered the final design 

and fabrication phase (Phase C) of the project.
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER

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WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

The project will conduct the remaining instrument and subsystem Critical Design Reviews (CDRs). 

NASA scheduled an Agency Program Management Council for May 2020 to evaluate the status of the 

launch vehicle options and potential cost implications. The Europa Clipper project will hold its Critical 

Design Review in August 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Europa Clipper will conduct its KDP-D gate review in June 2021 after which it will enter the assembly, 

integration and test phase (Phase D) of the project.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-C Aug 2019 Aug 2019

CDR Aug 2020 Aug 2020

SIR Mar 2021 Mar 2021

KDP-D Jun 2021 Jun 2021

ORR May 2023 May 2023

Launch Readiness Date* Sept 2025 Sept 2025

Phase E Start Nov 2025 Nov 2025

*This launch readiness date assumes the requirement in current law to launch the Europa Clipper no later than 

2025. The Budget proposes to launch the Europa Clipper on a commercial launch vehicle as early as 2024.
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER

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Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2020 2412.8 69% 2020 2412.8 0 LRD Sept 2025 Sept* 

2025 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost.

*This launch readiness date assumes the requirement in current law to launch the Europa Clipper no later than 

2025. The Budget proposes to launch the Europa Clipper on a commercial launch vehicle as early as 2024.

Development Cost Details

This report is the first report of development costs for this mission.

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate

($M)

TOTAL: 2412.8 2412.8 0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 818.7 828.7 +10.0

Payloads 168.7 168.7 0

Systems I&T 63.2 63.2 0

Launch Vehicle 432.0 432.0 0

Ground Systems 104.8 104.8 0

Science/Technology 24.8 24.8 0

Other Direct Project Costs 800.6 790.6 -10.0
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER

Formulation Development Operations

PS-89

Project Management & Commitments

Responsibility for Europa Clipper project management resides at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Spacecraft

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL, APL, 

GSFC, MSFC, JSC, KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Europa UVS 

Instrument Ultraviolet Spectrograph

Provider: SwRI

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): SwRI

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

MASPEX Time-of-Flight Mass 

Spectrometer

Provider: SwRI

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): SwRI

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Europa 

Imaging 

System (EIS)

Narrow Angle and Wide 

Angle cameras

Provider: APL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): APL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

SUDA Dust Analyzer; Mass 

Spectrometer

Provider: LASP - CU

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): LASP - CU

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

E-THEMIS Thermal Imager

Provider: ASU

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): ASU, BATC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

ICEMAG Magnetometer

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL, UCLA

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Terminated 
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER

Formulation Development Operations

PS-90

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

ECM Magnetometer

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL, UCLA

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Facility 

instrument to 

replace 

ICEMAG 

functionality

PIMS Plasma Instrument -

Faraday Cups

Provider: APL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): APL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

MISE Infrared Spectrometer

Provider: JPL

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL, APL

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

REASON Sounding Radar

Provider: Univ. of Texas

Lead Center: JPL

Performing Center(s): JPL, UT, U. 

Iowa

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

Launch Vehicle uncertainty due to 

congressional direction on using an SLS and 

Administration position on using a 

commercial launch vehicle 

Maintaining compatibility with both commercial launch 

vehicle and SLS. Assessing information on launch vehicles in 

development as it becomes available. Regular meetings with SLS 

on performance, interfaces, and environments. If the Congress 

were to support the Administration’s position, NASA could 

move forward this year with securing a commercial launch 

vehicle.

Radiation Effects (including total dose, 

spacecraft charging, and internal electrostatic 

discharge)

Early parts testing for radiation tolerance and lot buys of 

compatible parts made available to subsystems and instruments; 

development of preferred parts list; early radiation modeling to 

optimize shielding.
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER

Formulation Development Operations

PS-91

Acquisition Strategy

The Europa Clipper spacecraft is a JPL "in-house" build with each subsystem doing its internal make/buy 

assessment, with competed industry contracts where appropriate. JPL has entered into a partnership with 

Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) for this build, leveraging each other's strengths as well as those of 

other NASA centers. As a result, APL is responsible for propulsion module and the telecom subsystem, 

and Goddard Space Flight Center will be providing the propulsion subsystem. The Europa Clipper 

payload comprises nine investigations, each competitively selected via a Science Mission Directorate 

Announcement of Opportunity.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work 

performance)

Telecom and Propulsion 

Subsystems APL

Laurel, MD

Greenbelt, MD (GSFC)

EIS instrument APL Laurel, MD

PIMS instrument APL Laurel, MD

REASON instrument

University of Texas

JPL

University of Iowa

Austin, TX

Pasadena, CA

Iowa City, IA

MISE instrument

JPL

APL

Pasadena, CA

Laurel, MD

SUDA instrument LASP - University of Colorado Boulder, CO

MASPEX instrument SWRI San Antonio, TX

UVS instrument SWRI San Antonio, TX

E-THEMIS instrument

ASU

Ball Aerospace

Raytheon Vision Systems

Tempe, AZ

Boulder, CO

Goleta, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance SRB Jan 2017 Europa SRR and MDR Successful Aug 2018
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

EUROPA CLIPPER

Formulation Development Operations

PS-92

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance SRB Aug 2018 PDR Successful Jun 2019

Performance SRB Jun 2019 Delta-PDR Successful Aug 2020

Performance SRB Aug 2020 CDR TBD Mar 2021

Performance SRB Mar 2021 SIR TBD N/A
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS 

PS-93

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Icy Satellites Surface Technology 35.0 -- 0.0 5.8 2.8 2.5 2.5

JUICE - Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer 15.6 -- 2.7 4.8 3.4 0.8 0.8

Outer Planets Research 6.7 -- 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.3 8.3

Cassini 3.9 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 61.2 -- 10.9 18.9 14.5 11.5 11.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Other Missions and Data Analysis includes NASA's contribution to the ESA Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer 

(JUICE) mission, Icy Satellites Surface Technology, and Outer Planets Research.

Mission Planning and Other Projects

ICY SATELLITES SURFACE TECHNOLOGY

NASA is developing the technologies needed to explore the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. These 

include electronics and computers capable of surviving extremely harsh radiation environments, solar 

power systems to operate in the cold far from the Sun, actuators, and mechanisms to operate on frigid 

surfaces, and mobility systems to traverse through thick ice crusts to reach and explore hidden oceans. 

Advances in autonomous spacecraft operations and sample acquisition will help maximize the science 

return from future missions. Researchers also need cryogenic containment systems to maintain the 

integrity of samples returned to Earth.

Recent Achievements

Engineers designed and built two autonomy testbeds, one physical and the other virtual, to evaluate 

advances in autonomy technology to use in future to robotic exploration of icy worlds. 

NASA released a draft solicitation for proposals to develop approaches to perform daily activities of an 

ocean world sample acquisition in the presence of failures or unexpected interactions with environment.

JUICE - JUPITER ICY MOONS EXPLORER

NASA is collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) on this ESA-led mission to Ganymede 

and the Jupiter system. The JUICE mission provides an opportunity for comparative investigation of three 
Science: Planetary Science: Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

PS-94

of the ocean worlds in the Jupiter system: Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Researchers believe 

Ganymede and Callisto possess liquid water oceans sandwiched between ice layers deep beneath their 

surfaces. ESA plans to launch the mission in 2022 for arrival at Jupiter in 2030. The NASA contribution 

consists of three separate pieces of hardware: one full instrument, Ultra Violet Spectrometer (UVS); two 

sensors for the Particle Environment Package suite of instruments (PEP-Hi); and the transmitter and 

receiver hardware for the Radar for Icy Moon Exploration (RIME) instrument.

Recent Achievements

The three NASA JUICE contributions, UVS, PEP-Hi, and RIME completed their NASA Critical Design 

Reviews (CDR), including the RIME delta CDR in September 2019. 

EUROPA LANDER CONCEPT

Public Law 116-93 directed NASA to provide a five-year funding profile for a Europa lander mission. 

The FY 2021 Budget includes no funding for a Europa Lander mission. With FY 2019 appropriated 

funding, NASA is conducting pre-formulation (pre-Phase A) technology development and studies - which 

will continue into FY 2020. Given the early nature of this project, NASA cannot provide a year-by-year 

funding profile. However, recent estimates for a notional lander concept have been in the range of $3.5-

$5.0 billion.

OUTER PLANETS RESEARCH 

Outer Planets Research increases the scientific return of current and past NASA outer planets missions 

and paves the way for future missions (e.g., refining landing sites on Titan, reconsidering the ice shell 

thickness on Europa).

Recent Achievements

Recent research offers additional evidence about plume activity on Europa, an ocean world orbiting 

Jupiter and destination for the Europa Clipper mission. In 2012 and 2014, scientists using the Hubble 

Space Telescope found evidence supporting the existence of large plumes of water sporadically erupting 

from Europa. When scientists reanalyzed data from the Galileo mission, they found evidence of a similar 

plume erupting in 2000. Analysis showed distortion of the magnetic field near Europa, which was most 

likely caused by a plume erupting within a few hundred miles of the spacecraft as it flew by Europa. 

Independently, a separate team used the Keck telescope on Earth to obtain the first direct detection of 

water vapor in Europa's atmosphere. The most likely source for this water vapor, only detected once in 17 

searches, is an erupting plume. Both of these discoveries provide further strong evidence that plume 

activity at Europa is persistent and composed of water.
Science: Planetary Science

RADIOISOTOPE POWER 

PS-95

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 123.3 -- 146.3 150.1 162.8 165.4 169.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The MMRTG flight unit, being fueled at Idaho 

National Laboratory (left), will provide power for the 

Mars 2020 rover (upper right). Another MMRTG is 

baselined for the Dragonfly mission to Titan (lower 

right). 

Planetary Science missions demand advances in 

technology to enable successful trips to distant solar 

system destinations, harsh environments, and missions 

with highly challenging trajectories and operations. To 

meet these needs, Planetary Science supports the 

development of advanced multi-mission capabilities 

through technology investment in key spacecraft 

systems, such as radioisotope power. The Radioisotope 

Power Systems (RPS) Program managed by Glenn 

Research Center includes technology and system 

development, in partnership with the U.S. Department 

of Energy (DOE) to ensure continuing plutonium-238 

production and PU-238 production operations 

infrastructure. The program also supports nuclear 

launch approval activities.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

RPS facilitated the selection of the F2 MMRTG (Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator)

unit for the Mars 2020 mission and, in partnership with DOE, completed fueling of the unit in support of 

its upcoming launch. In addition, RPS supported technical information exchanges for the New Frontiers 4 

selection process and provided input to the 2019 Discovery announcement of opportunity, wherein up to 

two MMRTG units and/or dozens of radioisotope heater units were offered to be included in mission 

proposals. 
Science: Planetary Science

RADIOISOTOPE POWER

PS-96

RPS supported NASA and interagency nuclear launch approval process studies; culminating in a new 

National Security Presidential Memorandum-20, regarding Launch of Spacecraft Containing Space 

Nuclear Systems (NSPM-20), that NASA will apply to future RPS and fission-based spaceflight missions. 

The Next-Gen RTG activity, through a partnership with DOE/Idaho National Lab (INL), competitively 

selected two aerospace contractors to perform concept studies for a potential future modular vacuumbased RPS. Technology maturation of thermoelectric and dynamic energy conversion hardware 

continued, including a Gate 2 review of the enhanced MMRTG effort and successful Gate 1 reviews of 

three Dynamic RPS convertor technology contracts, which enabled initiation of technology hardware 

fabrication. Heritage dynamic convertors of similar configuration to those under contract continued to 

undergo long-duration testing, with two variants surpassing 9 and 13 years of maintenance free normal 

operation.

DOE fully integrated the plutonium supply activity into production operations activities, bringing together 

all the supply chain activities for Constant Rate Production (CRP). Within CRP, ongoing facility 

maintenance and upgrades continued, including operation of an automated target fabrication capability at 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and installation of a new hot press glovebox at Los Alamos National 

Laboratory. The new hot press provides redundant heat source manufacturing capability in support of 

CRP.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Energy conversion technologies will result in delivery of three Dynamic RPS (DRPS) technology 

demonstration convertors and performance data from the industry teams. These efforts will culminate in a 

DRPS activity Gate 2 review in FY 2020. The program plans a DRPS systems development effort, 

including seeking industry input via a DOE Sources Sought Notice for a potential lunar surface RPS 

solution in providing long-lived power for scientific exploration. The next generation RTG technology 

effort will complete its first Gate review once the two contractor-led concept study phase efforts are 

complete.

NASA will continue to develop processes and decision-making steps applicable to RPS usage on NASA 

missions. Implementing the first step within these areas is the planned FY 2020 issuance of a 

Radioisotope Heater Unit (RHU) programmatic environmental assessment and development of a RHU 

documented safety analysis by DOE.

NASA will ensure DOE continues processing of the MMRTG for Mars 2020, completing its acceptance 

testing, with anticipated delivery of the power system to KSC to support mission integration in early 

2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, NASA will continue to support utilization of RPS on missions, specifically providing a 

liaison between DOE and the Dragonfly mission on system integration and engaging with potential 

Discovery AO mission teams as required. NASA will acquire via DOE existing and emerging RPS 

generators and will provide services to enable the baselined MMRTG for Dragonfly.
Science: Planetary Science

RADIOISOTOPE POWER

PS-97

Program Elements

RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEM (RPS)

The Radioisotope Power System project will continue to ensure the availability of RPS for the exploration 

of the solar system in environments where conventional solar or chemical power generation is impractical 

or impossible. Working with DOE to provide fueled RPS to missions and to support mission design and 

integration activities will achieve this goal. The project will continue to reduce costs to the missions and 

increase system performance. RPS will continue energy conversion research and development to advance 

state-of-the-art performance in heat to electrical energy conversion.

DOE OPERATIONS AND ANALYSIS

NASA funds DOE national laboratory personnel and infrastructure required to maintain the capability to 

develop and fuel radioisotope power systems for deep space spacecraft missions. DOE resumed domestic 

production of Plutonium-238 for the first time since the 1980’s. NASA funds the effort and the DOE Oak

Ridge National Laboratory leads the effort and irradiates targets at its High Flux Isotope Reactor. The 

DOE Idaho National Laboratory (INL) participates in the development of targets for future irradiation at 

the Advanced Test Reactor, which is required to meet Pu-238 production rates. DOE continues to 

increase annual production, producing approximately 200-300 grams per year. As the process is refined 

and automated over the next several years, it is expected to ramp up to a full operational capability of 1.5 

kilograms per year. DOE Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) manages the existing Pu-238 

inventories and manufactures fuel, resulting in continual annual fueled clad manufacturing by LANL and 

delivery to INL at a rate of 10-15 clads per year. INL integrates the fueled clads with generator systems 

and manages the transportation and launch operations activities in support of NASA missions.

Program Management & Commitments

Glenn Research Center manages the Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program.

Program Element Provider

RPS

Provider: GRC

Lead Center: GRC

Performing Center(s): GRC, JPL, GSFC, KSC, DOE

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

DOE Operations and 

Analysis

Provider: DOE

Lead Center: GRC

Performing Center(s): GRC, DOE

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
Science: Planetary Science

RADIOISOTOPE POWER

PS-98

Acquisition Strategy

DOE provides radioisotope power systems and production operations on a reimbursable basis. Maturity 

of the technologies determines the acquisition of technologies and new systems. NASA or DOE 

laboratory competed acquisitions can be used to mature technology before system development begins. 

NASA-led DOE laboratory acquisitions procure unfueled designs and flight qualified hardware when 

initiating a system development.

The program acquires content via existing Agency contracts with JPL and APL. The program will use inhouse or competitive procurements as needed. 
Science 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

WEBB-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 305.1 423.0 414.7 175.4 172.0 172.0 172.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope [Development] ............................................................ WEBB-2 
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 1800.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1800.1

Development/Implementation 5913.7 305.1 423.0 357.4 3.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7002.6

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 57.3 172.0 172.0 172.0 172.0 114.7 860.1

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 7713.8 305.1 423.0 414.7 175.4 172.0 172.0 172.0 114.7 9662.7

Total Budget 7713.8 305.1 423.0 414.7 175.4 172.0 172.0 172.0 114.7 9662.7

Change from FY 2020 -8.3

Percentage change from FY 2020 -2.0%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Image depicting the deployment and tension of the fivelayer sunshield, which will protect the James Webb 

Space Telescope once it is in orbit.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) is a 

large, space-based astronomical observatory. The 

mission is in many ways a successor to the Hubble 

Space Telescope, extending Hubble’s discoveries 

by looking into the infrared spectrum. Webb will 

observe the highly red-shifted early universe and

study relatively cool objects like protostars and 

protoplanetary disks, which emit infrared light 

strongly where dust obscures shorter wavelengths. 

With more light-collecting area than Hubble and 

with near-to mid-infrared-optimized instruments, 

Webb will observe objects farther away and 

further back in time. 

The four main science goals are to: 

• Search for the first galaxies or luminous objects formed after the Big Bang;

• Determine how galaxies evolved from their formation until now; 

• Observe the formation of stars from the first stages to the formation of planetary systems; and

• Measure the physical and chemical properties of planetary systems and investigate the potential

for life in those systems.
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-3 

While Hubble greatly improved knowledge about distant objects, its infrared coverage is limited. Light 

from distant galaxies is red-shifted out of the visible part of the spectrum and into the infrared by the 

expansion of the universe. Webb will explore the poorly understood epoch when the first luminous 

objects in the universe came into being after the Big Bang.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

PROJECT PARAMETERS

Webb is an infrared-optimized observatory that will conduct imaging and spectrographic observations in 

the 0.6- to 28-micrometer wavelength range. Webb will be roughly 100 times more capable than Hubble 

because its mirror is seven times larger. It will spend about twice as much time observing targets since the 

Earth will not be in the way. Its detectors cover larger regions of the sky and are always on (i.e., are

always running in parallel), and its multi-object spectroscopic capabilities greatly expands the number of 

spectra per field.

The 6.5-meter primary mirror consists of 18 actively controlled segments. A multilayer sunshield the size 

of a tennis court passively cools the mirror, telescope optics, and instruments to about 40 Kelvin. Webb 

will launch in 2021 from Kourou, French Guiana on an Ariane 5 rocket contributed by the European 

Space Agency (ESA). Webb will operate in deep space about 1 million miles from Earth.

Webb’s instruments include the Near-Infrared Camera, Near-Infrared Spectrograph, Mid-Infrared 

Instrument, and the Fine Guidance Sensor/Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph. 

The Near-Infrared Camera takes images with a large field of view and high-resolution, over the 

wavelength range of 0.6 to 5 micrometers. The Near-Infrared Camera also aligns and focuses the optical 

telescope. The Near-Infrared Camera detects light from the earliest stars and galaxies in the process of 

formation, stars in nearby galaxies, young stars in the Milky Way, and solar system Kuiper Belt 

objects. The Near-Infrared Camera is equipped with coronagraphs, which allow astronomers to view 

dimmer objects near stars. With the coronagraphs, astronomers hope to determine the characteristics of 

planets orbiting nearby stars. 

A spectrograph disperses light from an object into a spectrum. The atoms and molecules in the object 

imprint lines on its spectrum that uniquely fingerprint each chemical element present. Analyzing the 

spectrum of an object provides information on its physical properties, including temperature, mass, 

chemical composition, and motion. 

The Near-Infrared Spectrograph can obtain simultaneous spectra of more than 100 objects in a single 

exposure, over the wavelength range of 0.6 to 5 micrometers. 
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-4 

The Mid-Infrared Instrument takes wide-field images and narrow-field spectra, over the wavelength range 

of 5 to 28 micrometers. The Mid-Infrared Instrument operates at about seven degrees Kelvin, which an 

onboard cooling system makes possible. 

The Fine Guidance Sensor is a camera that provides fine pointing control and locks the telescope onto its 

target. The sensor operates over a wavelength range of 1 to 5 micrometers. The Near-Infrared Imager and 

Slitless Spectrograph instrument provide unique imaging and spectroscopic modes to investigate the 

distant universe, as well as exoplanets.

For more information, go to: http://www.jwst.nasa.gov

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA made significant progress in the integration and testing of the Webb system. The project also 

completed significant and technically challenging developments and tests successfully. The project: 

• Completed Spacecraft Element (SCE) environmental testing, including acoustics, vibration and 

thermal vacuum testing; 

• Conducted System Integration Review (SIR) Part 1 to support the integration of the Optical 

Telescope and Integrated Science Instrument Module (OTIS) to the spacecraft; and

• Completed mechanical and electrical integration of spacecraft and the OTIS, including full 

deployment of the telescope. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, the project will: 

• Conduct post-SCE environmental sunshield deployment, fold and stow activities; 

• Complete SIR Part 2; 

• Complete Key Decision Point D (KDP-D) program management council with entrance into the 

assembly, integration and test phase of the mission; 

• Perform sunshield upgrades; 

• Conduct observatory acoustics and vibration testing; and

• Initiate post observatory environmental sunshield deployment. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The President’s FY 2021 budget request provides the full level of funding required to keep Webb on 

schedule for a 2021 launch. In FY 2021, the project plans to:

• Complete post-environmental sunshield deploy, stow, and fold activities for launch configuration; 

• Conduct testing of the Webb flight operations system and science processing system; 

• Transport Webb to the launch site in Kourou, French Guiana; and

• Launch the observatory. 
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-5 

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

NASA plans to launch Webb in March 2021 to begin a five-year prime mission. Per the Agency KDP-D 

review in November 2019, NASA plans to reassess the launch date in the spring of 2020. The following 

timeline shows the development agreement schedule per the Agency re-plan from June 2018. 

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Rebaseline Feb 2019 Feb 2019

System Integration Review (SIR) Part 1 Aug 2019 Jul 2019

System Integration Review (SIR) Part 2 N/A Oct 2019

KDP-D Sep 2019 Nov 2019

KDP-E Jan 2021 Jan 2021

Launch Mar 2021 Mar 2021

Begin Phase E Sep 2021 Sep 2021

End of Prime Mission Sep 2026 Sep 2026

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2019 7,002.6 N/A 2020 7,002.6 0% LRD Mar 2021 Mar 2021 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost. NASA originally baselined Webb in 2009, re-baselined Webb in 2012, and conducted a re-plan in 2018

which became a new reporting baseline in Public Law 116-6, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019. The original 

baseline provided in the Supporting Data section. 
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-6 

Development Cost Details 

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 7,002.6 7,002.6 +0.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 3,818.5 3,954.5 +136.0

Payloads 776.2 827.1 +50.9

Systems Integration & 

Test (I&T) 441.2 503.4 +62.2

Launch Vehicle 10.4 1.2 -9.2

Ground Systems 801.6 917.3 +115.7

Science/Technology 34.3 46.9 +12.6

Other Direct Project 

Costs 1,120.4 752.2 -368.2

Project Management & Commitments

NASA Headquarters is responsible for Webb program management and GSFC is responsible for Webb

project management.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Observatory

Includes Optical Telescope 

Element (OTE), spacecraft, 

sunshield, observatory assembly 

integration and testing, and 

commissioning. Designed for at 

least a five-year lifetime. 

Northrop Grumman Aerospace 

Systems (NGAS) has the lead for 

the OTE, sunshield, spacecraft 

bus, and selected assembly, 

integration, and testing activities

Provider: NGAS and GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Mission 

management 

and system 

engineering

Includes management of all 

technical aspects of mission 

development and system 

engineering of all components

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-7 

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

ISIM

Contains the science instruments 

and Fine Guidance Sensor. 

Provides structural, thermal, 

power, command, and data 

handling resources to the science 

instruments and Fine Guidance 

Sensor

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

NIRCam

Operates over the wavelength 

range of 0.6 to 5 micrometers 

and is optimized for finding first 

light sources

Provider: University of Arizona, 

Lockheed Martin

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

NIRSpec

Operates over the wavelength 

range of 0.6 to 5 micrometers 

with three observing modes

Provider: ESA

Lead Center: ESA

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ESA

N/A

MIRI

Operates over the wavelength 

range of 5 to 28 micrometers and 

provides imaging, coronagraphy, 

and spectroscopy

Provider: ESA, University of 

Arizona, JPL

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): ESA

N/A

Fine Guidance 

Provides scientific target 

pointing information to the 

observatory's attitude control 

sub-system 

Provider: Canadian Space Agency 

(CSA) 

Lead Center: CSA 

Performing Center(s): N/A 

Cost Share Partner(s): CSA 

N/A 

Launch vehicle 

and launch 

operations 

Ariane 5 

Provider: ESA 

Lead Center: ESA 

Performing Center(s): N/A 

Cost Share Partner(s): ESA 

N/A

Ground control 

system and 

science 

operations and 

control center 

Includes mission operations and 

science operations center 

Provider: Space Telescope Science 

Institute (STScI)

Lead Center: GSFC 

Performing Center(s): N/A 

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A 

N/A 
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-8 

Project Risks 

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: Major issues arise during observatory

integration and testing, 

Then: This may delay completion of testing, 

adding risk to achieve the March 2021 

launch. 

The project has established an environmental testing plan that 

includes testing at lower levels of assembly prior to integration 

and testing at higher levels of assembly, to reduce risk to testing 

at higher levels of assembly. 

Acquisition Strategy

The project has awarded all major contracts.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Science and Operations Center STScI Baltimore, MD

NIRCam University of Arizona;

Lockheed Martin

Tucson, AZ

Palo Alto, CA

Observatory

NGAS

Ball Aerospace

ITT/Exelis/Harris

Alliant Techsystems

Redondo Beach, CA

Boulder, CO

Rochester, NY

Edina, MN

Near-Infrared Detectors Teledyne Imaging Systems Camarillo, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance

Standing 

Review Board 

(SRB)

Apr 2010 CDR 

Determined mission 

design is mature and 

recommended a more 

in-depth review of the 

integration and testing 

plan

N/A
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-9 

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality

Test 

Assessment 

Team

Aug 2010 Evaluate plans for 

integration and testing 

The team recommended 

several changes to the 

test plan

N/A

Other

Independent 

Comprehensive 

Review Panel 

Oct 2010

Determine the causes of 

cost growth and 

schedule delay on 

Webb, and estimate the 

launch date and budget, 

including adequate 

reserves

The report made 22 

recommendations, 

covering several areas 

of management and 

performance

N/A

Other The Aerospace 

Corporation Apr 2011 Analysis of alternatives 

Determined that Webb 

design was still the best 

value to achieve the 

primary scientific 

objectives of the 

mission

N/A

Other SRB May 2011 Review technical, cost, 

and schedule plans

The SRB proposed 

rebaselined project 

technical, cost, and 

schedule plans and 

made recommendations 

to the Agency

N/A

Performance

NASA 

Headquarters 

Office of 

Evaluation

Jun 2012 Replan assessment 

review

A review assessed 

progress against replan N/A

Performance SRB Apr 2016 OTE/Integrated Science

SIR Completed N/A

Performance SRB Aug 2016

OTE/Integrated Science

Pre-Environmental 

Review

Completed N/A

Other SRB Mar 2018 Schedule risk 

assessment 

SRB recommended new 

launch date N/A

Other IRB Apr 2018

Conduct assessment of 

mission development 

for schedule & mission 

success

The IRB recommended 

to Agency re-baseline 

of schedule, cost, and 

launch date 

N/A

Other SRB Apr 2019 Interim review 

schedule risk 

Completed; validated 

Mar 2021 LRD is 

achievable

N/A
Science: James Webb Space Telescope: James Webb Space Telescope 

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE

Formulation Development Operations

WEBB-10 

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance SRB

Part 1 Jul 

2019

Part 2 Oct 

2019

Observatory SIR

Completed; confirmed 

project was ready to 

proceed to observatory 

integration

N/A

Performance SRB Jan 2021 ORR TBD TBD
Science 

ASTROPHYSICS

ASTRO-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Astrophysics Research 222.8 -- 269.7 279.1 327.2 314.9 331.1

Cosmic Origins 222.8 -- 124.0 123.2 120.0 122.4 122.4

Physics of the Cosmos 151.2 -- 143.9 160.8 155.3 169.8 154.1

Exoplanet Exploration 367.9 -- 47.2 50.4 47.6 51.6 52.2

Astrophysics Explorer 226.5 -- 246.2 277.7 350.8 301.0 315.6

Total Budget 1191.1 1306.2 831.0 891.2 1000.9 959.7 975.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Astrophysics

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH.......................................................................... ASTRO-2 

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. ASTRO-9 

COSMIC ORIGINS.......................................................................................... ASTRO-12

Hubble Space Telescope Operations [Operations]................................................... ASTRO-13

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) [Operations]................. ASTRO-17

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-21

PHYSICS OF THE COSMOS .......................................................................... ASTRO-24

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-26

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION......................................................................... ASTRO-30

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-32

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER ........................................................................ ASTRO-35

Other Missions and Data Analysis ............................................................................ ASTRO-39
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH

ASTRO-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Astrophysics Research and Analysis 83.4 -- 90.2 92.2 94.2 94.2 94.2

Balloon Project 40.2 -- 44.8 45.8 45.7 46.3 46.3

Science Activation 45.0 -- 45.6 45.6 45.6 45.6 45.6

Other Missions and Data Analysis 54.2 -- 89.1 95.5 141.7 128.8 145.0

Total Budget 222.8 -- 269.7 279.1 327.2 314.9 331.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Balloon launch of the Picture-C payload (pictured) 

demonstrating technologies for direct imaging of 

exoplanets from Fort Sumner, NM on September 25, 

2019.

The Astrophysics Research program develops 

innovative technologies for future missions to 

explore and understand the cosmos, from the nature 

of planets circling other stars to the birth of distant 

galaxies and the earliest cosmic history. 

High-altitude balloon and sounding rocket flights test 

new types of instruments. These flights also allow a 

quick response to unexpected events, such as the 

appearance of a new supernova.

The program provides basic research awards for 

scientists to test their theories and to understand how

they can best use data from NASA missions to gain 

new knowledge from the cosmos. Awardees analyze 

the data from Astrophysics missions to understand 

astronomical events, such as the explosion of a star 

or the fingerprints of early cosmic history in the 

microwave background. The Science Activation 

project delivers SMD’s unique science content and expertise to learners of all ages through networks of 

local and national partners. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

In FY 2019, NASA launched two sounding rocket payloads. The Dual-Channel Extreme Ultraviolet 

Continuum Experiment (DEUCE) payload from the University of Colorado launched on December 18, 
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH

ASTRO-3 

2018, from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The DEUCE mission measured extreme 

ultraviolet light produced by young and luminous stars in our own galaxy. This experiment addresses 

questions of how and when galaxies first formed and how the formation of these stars affect their

environments. 

On August 11, the Suborbital Imaging Spectrograph for Transition region Irradiance from Nearby 

Exoplanet (SISTINE) Rocket mission from the University of Colorado launched from White Sands 

Missile Range in New Mexico. SISTINE enables studies of the ultraviolet radiation (UV) environment 

around low-mass stars and the effects of that UV on potential exoplanet atmospheres. 

NASA conducted two balloon campaigns in 2019, specifically the Antarctica campaign in December 

2018-January 2019, and the Fort Sumner, New Mexico, campaign in August - October 2019. The 

Antarctica campaign focused on astrophysics missions, while the Fort Sumner campaign included 

heliophysics, Earth atmospheric science, astrophysics, student experiments, and engineering test missions. 

Two other campaigns that were cancelled included the New Zealand campaign (cancelled because of the 

partial U.S. Government shutdown from December to January), and the Palestine, Texas campaign 

(cancelled because of a balloon engineering/safety study ongoing at that time). 

The Science Activation project accomplishments include:

• 4,600 libraries celebrated the "Summer of Space" reading lists including Apollo 50th anniversary 

materials;

• 350 science centers and museums received hands-on toolkits that were also available digitally to 

all users;

• 421 subject matter experts provided science content across the four disciplines; and

• Over 1.9 million educators accessed online science materials tailored to state-based education 

standards, organized by grade-level.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA scheduled seven Astrophysics sounding rockets for launch in FY 2020. The first four will fly from 

the White Sands Missile Range. NASA will launch the other three from Equatorial Launch Australia, a 

commercial launch site in Australia's Northern Territory. The first sounding rocket, launched on October 

7, 2019, is the DUST (Determining Unknown yet Significant Traits) mission from Goddard Space Flight 

Center. This experiment is studying the formation of dust grains in microgravity. The second sounding 

rocket mission, FORTIS (Far-ultraviolet Off Rowland-Circle for Imaging and Spectroscopy), from Johns 

Hopkins University will demonstrate multi-object spectroscopy over wide angular fields in the far-UV. 

The third mission, CIBER-2 (Cosmic Infrared Background Experiment), from Rochester Institute of 

Technology will measure the cosmic near-infrared extragalactic background light. The fourth sounding 

rocket mission, Micro-X, from Northwestern University will advance the critical technology of transition 

edge sensors of X-ray astronomy. The three sounding rocket launches from Australia will have access to 

celestial targets in the Southern Hemisphere including the center of the Milky Way. The first two 

sounding rocket payloads are the annual launches of the above mentioned SISTINE and DEUCE 

missions. The third mission is the X-ray Quantum calorimeter from the University of Wisconsin obtaining 

high spectral resolution x-ray observation of diffuse hot gas.
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH

ASTRO-4 

NASA has planned four balloon campaigns in 2020; the Antarctica long-duration balloon campaign, the 

New Zealand campaign to launch test flight of the super-pressure balloon with a science mission of 

opportunity, the Palestine, Texas, campaign, and the Fort Sumner, New Mexico campaign. 

HaloSat is the first Astrophysics CubeSat launched on May 2018 and is currently in orbit collecting good 

data on the structure of the X-ray emission from the Galactic Halo. During FY 2020 it will continue to 

collect data until its predicted reentry in September 2020. Currently, Astrophysics has five other CubeSats 

in development. CUTE, built in Boulder, Colorado, measures UV spectra of planets transitioning in front 

of stars. BurstCube, built at NASA GSFC in Maryland, detects sudden gamma-ray bursts that occur when 

neutron stars collide. Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS), built at Arizona State University, 

measures the UV flares from red dwarf stars to determine which flares are a hazard to life on planets 

orbiting such stars. SPRITE, built at University of Colorado in Boulder, observes UV spectra of star 

forming regions in numerous nearby galaxies, to trace the history of star formation. During FY 2020, 

NASA will fund a new CubeSat called BlackCat, built at Penn State University, that will discover 

transient X-ray sources.

NASA completed 9 six-month long studies of possible smallsat missions to do high priority astrophysics 

science at a lower cost than a typical Small Explorer Mission. Several of these proposed to the 

Astrophysics Explorer Mission of Opportunity and are currently under review for possible selection. 

Based on the success of these studies, NASA initiated a second set of such studies with proposals due in 

December 2019. 

The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (NASEM) assessed the Science 

Activation (SciAct) project and released its report in November 2019. The report found the project to be 

of considerable value and suggested a few ideas for improvement. By the end of 2020, the Science 

Activation project aims to enable active learners in all 50 states; continue to support the Federal CoSTEM 

Education Five-Year Strategic Plan goals; strengthen the number of experts supporting the project, and 

increase the number of strategic partners, as appropriate, to enhance the overall effort consistent with the 

NASEM conclusions. The budget includes funding for citizen science training and implementation. This 

will allow NASA to coordinate and amplify citizen science in every discipline.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA will continue a competed Astrophysics Research program with emphasis on suborbital payloads 

and on development of key technologies for use in future missions. Theoretical work will provide the 

foundation to develop science requirements for new missions. Data analysis will multiply the science 

yield from NASA’s astrophysics missions.

The Balloon project plans to support the annual Antarctic long-duration balloon campaign. It will also 

support a super-pressure balloon campaign from New Zealand, and two domestic campaigns with 

conventional flights from Palestine, Texas, and Fort Sumner, New Mexico. 

The Sounding Rocket project is planning a campaign in Alaska at the Poker Flat Research Range. Three 

missions: LAMP, INCAA, and Beam-PE will observe high altitude plasma and the Northern Lights to 

understand their physical processes. 

The Science Activation project will modify its plans based on the findings and recommendations of the 

NASEM assessment, new administration guidance, and other stakeholder inputs. These could include new 
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH

ASTRO-5 

opportunities for competition through NASA’s annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth 

Sciences (ROSES) announcements. These new awards would respond to gaps identified in the NASEM 

assessment as well as new priorities not envisioned in 2016. 

Program Elements

RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

This project supports basic research, solicited through NASA’s annual Research Opportunities in Space 

and Earth Sciences (ROSES) announcements. NASA solicits investigations relevant to Astrophysics over 

the entire range of photon energies, gravitational waves, and particles of cosmic origin. Scientists and 

technologists from a mix of disciplines review proposals and provide findings that underlie NASA’s 

merit-based selections. 

Astrophysics Research and Analysis solicits technology development for detectors and instruments for 

potential use on future space flight missions and science and technology investigations using sounding 

rockets, high-altitude balloons, and similar platforms. A new type of scientific instrument often flies first 

on a stratospheric balloon mission or on a sounding rocket flight, which takes it briefly outside Earth’s 

atmosphere. Instruments for balloons and sounding rockets are less expensive than orbital missions and

experimenters can build them quickly to respond to unexpected opportunities, such as a newly discovered 

supernova. The experimenter usually retrieves the equipment after the flight so that new instruments can 

be tested, improved, and flown again. Suborbital flights are important for training the next generation of 

scientists and engineers to maintain U.S. leadership in STEM. The project also supports small 

experiments flown on the ISS, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground-based observations.

The Astrophysics Theory program element solicits basic theory investigations needed to interpret data 

from NASA’s space astrophysics missions and develop the scientific basis for future missions. 

Astrophysics Theory topics include the formation of stars and planets, supernova explosions and 

gamma-ray bursts, the birth of galaxies, dark matter, dark energy, and the cosmic microwave background. 

The Exoplanet Research program element solicits observations to detect and characterize planets around 

other stars and to understand their origins.

The Nancy Grace Roman Technology Fellowship develops early career researchers, who could lead 

future flight instruments and missions. Initially, NASA identifies promising early career researchers and 

supports their investigations. NASA then selects a subset of fellows for additional funding to start a 

laboratory or develop a research group at the Fellow’s institution. 

BALLOON PROJECT

The Balloon project offers inexpensive, high-altitude flight opportunities for scientists to conduct research 

and test new technologies before space flight application. Balloon experiments cover a wide range of 

disciplines in astrophysics, solar physics, heliospheric physics, and Earth upper-atmosphere chemistry as 

well as selected planetary science, such as comet observations. Observations from balloons have detected 

echoes of the Big Bang and probed the earliest galaxies. The Balloon project continues to increase 
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH

ASTRO-6 

balloon size and enhance capabilities, including an accurate pointing system to allow high-quality 

astronomical imaging and a super-pressure balloon that maintains the balloon’s integrity at a high altitude 

to allow much longer flights at mid-latitudes that include nighttime viewing of astronomical objects.

SCIENCE ACTIVATION

The FY 2021 budget will continue to support multi-year Science Activation awards made in 2016. The 

peer-evaluated, competitive project includes 24 awards that deliver SMD’s unique content and expertise 

more efficiently and effectively into the learning environment for learners of all ages. Based on 

recommendations from the National Academies and other stakeholders, the awardees of these cooperative 

agreements work collaboratively with each other, with internal NASA organizations, and with local and 

national partners to achieve a multiplier effect utilizing NASA and SMD investments. All awards include 

independent evaluators that assess the individual projects' measures of success. In FY 2020, the National 

Academies completed an overarching assessment of the project. 

By the end of FY 2021, the project plans better connections between subject matter experts in both 

strategic and competed arenas and the community-based networks established to date. New processes will 

ensure cohesion across the collective set of awards and stronger linkage between objectives and measures 

of success. In addition, new citizen science efforts will be highlighted and reported. 

Program Schedule

The program issues solicitations every year. A Senior Review process assesses all missions in the 

extended operations phase every three years and all data archives every three or four years. 

Date Significant Event

Feb 2020 ROSES-2021 NRA solicitation release

May 2020 Astrophysics Archives Programmatic Review

Q1 FY 2021 ROSES-2021 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Feb 2021 ROSES- 2022 NRA solicitation release

Q1 FY 2022 ROSES-2022 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Feb 2022 ROSES- 2023 NRA solicitation release

Mar 2022 Senior Review of Operating Missions

Q1 FY 2023 ROSES-2023 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals 

Feb 2023 ROSES-2024 NRA solicitation release

Mar 2024 Astrophysics Archives Programmatic Review
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH

ASTRO-7 

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Research and Analysis Project

Provider: All NASA Centers

Lead Center: Headquarters (HQ) 

Performing Center(s): All

Cost Share Partner(s): None

Balloon Project

Provider: Wallops Flight Facility (WFF)

Lead Center: WFF

Performing Center(s): WFF

Cost Share Partner(s): None

Acquisition Strategy

NASA issues solicitations for competed research awards each February through ROSES. Panels of 

scientists conduct peer reviews on all proposals. NASA will issue the solicitation no later than March 

because of the partial government shutdown from December to January. A Senior Review panel reviews 

all missions in extended operations phase every three years, and all data archives every three or four

years.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Balloon Management

Operation of the Columbia 

Scientific Balloon Facility in 

Palestine, TX 

NGIS

Palestine, TX and other balloon 

launch sites

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality

Astrophysics 

Archives 

Programmatic 

Review 

2015 Review of Astrophysics 

data archives

Recommended 

improvements in

archives

May 2020

Quality

Astrophysics 

Advisory 

Committee

2019

Review to assess 

program against 

strategic objectives of 

Astrophysics science

Recommendation 

was to maintain a 

strong program 

consistent with the 

decadal survey

2020
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH

ASTRO-8 

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality Senior Review of 

Operating Missions 2019 Review of Astrophysics operating missions 

Recommendations on 

mission extensions 2022, 2025

Quality

National Academies 

Independent 

Assessment of 

Science Activation 

Committee 

2019 Validation of approach 

and logic model

Informs next phase 

of project ending in 

2026

One-Time

Quality

Astrophysics 

Advisory 

Committee

2020

Review to assess 

program against 

strategic objectives of 

Astrophysics science

TBD 2021
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-9 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Astrophysics Directed R&T 4.5 -- 25.7 29.4 23.3 9.0 25.5

Contract Administration, Audit and Quality 

Assurance Services

12.7 -- 17.3 17.3 17.3 17.3 17.3

Astrophysics Senior Review 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 51.2 50.4 49.9

Astrophysics Data Program 19.1 -- 21.6 22.6 23.6 23.6 23.6

Astrophysics Data Curation and Archival 17.9 -- 24.5 26.3 26.4 28.5 28.7

Total Budget 54.2 -- 89.1 95.5 141.7 128.8 145.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The CHESS-4 mission launched from Roi 

Namur, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands on 

April 16, 2018 (pictured). CHESS studies the 

interstellar medium in the ultraviolet, 

answering questions on star and planet 

formation. 

Astrophysics Research Other Missions and Data Analysis 

funds Astrophysics senior review, data program, data 

curation and archival, support for contract administration, 

contract audits and contract quality assurance for the 

Science Mission Directorate and the Astrophysics directed 

research and technology project. 

Mission Planning and Other 

Projects

DIRECTED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 

This project funds the civil service staff that will work on 

emerging Astrophysics projects, instruments, and research. 

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION, AUDIT, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICES

This project provides critical safety and mission product inspections and contract audit services from the 

Defense Contract Management Agency and Defense Contract Audit Agency, respectively. It also 

provides for contract assurance audits, assessments, and surveillance by the NASA Contract Assurance 

Services Program. 
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-10 

ASTROPHYSICS SENIOR REVIEW

Every three years, the Astrophysics division conducts a Senior Review to perform evaluations of missions 

that have successfully completed or are about to complete their prime mission operation phase. The 

Senior Review findings help NASA prioritize which missions will receive funding for extended 

operations. The 2019 Senior Review found that NASA's fleet of operating astrophysics missions 

constitute a "portfolio of extraordinary power" and recommended that NASA continue their operations. 

The next Senior Review will take place in spring 2022. 

ASTROPHYSICS DATA ANALYSIS PROGRAM (ADAP)

ADAP solicits research that emphasizes the analysis of NASA space astrophysics data archived in the 

public domain at one of NASA’s Astrophysics Data Centers. NASA's archival astronomical data holdings 

continue to grow with the ongoing successful operation of a portfolio of missions. The missions range 

from modest Explorer-class like NuSTAR and TESS to the great observatories Hubble and Chandra. 

Investigations funded under the ADAP ensure that data holdings continue to be the subject of vigorous 

scientific research, thereby maximizing the scientific return on NASA mission investments.

The ADAP portfolio includes focused investigations that involve the analysis of archival data from a 

single mission, as well as broader investigations that combine data from multiple missions and span a 

wide wavelength range. Such multi-mission, multi-wavelength studies are a unique and exciting aspect of 

the program. The combinations of data collected by different missions operating in different regions of 

the spectrum often yield scientific insights that are unobtainable through analysis of the individual data 

sets alone. 

Recent Achievements

During FY 2019, the ADAP supported more than 160 science investigators at academic institutions, 

NASA centers, and other Federal laboratories across the country. The scope of the investigations is as 

vast as the universe itself. It includes studies of every aspect of the Milky Way Galaxy including the 

physics and chemistry of the Interstellar Medium, the formation and evolution of stars and exoplanetary 

systems, the detection and characterization of exoplanets, and the structure of stars and the processes by 

which they age and die. It also includes the physics of supernovae explosions and the exotic neutron stars 

and black holes they produce. 

Beyond our galaxy, ADAP-supported researchers are studying the fundamental nature of galaxies and the 

mechanism by which the very first proto-galaxies formed after the big bang grew and evolved into the 

diverse population of galaxies we observe today. They are also studying active galaxies, the hearts of 

which contain supermassive black holes that produce enormous amounts of energy and drive furious 

bursts of star formation. There are ADAP investigations that peered further back into the history of our 

universe, back to a time before the first stars and the first galaxies, and searched for clues into the nature 

of the Big Bang and insight into the fate of our universe. 
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-11 

ASTROPHYSICS DATA CURATION AND ARCHIVAL RESEARCH (ADCAR)

The Astrophysics Data Centers constitute an ensemble of archives receiving processed data from 

individual missions and making them accessible to the scientific community. After the completion of a 

mission, the relevant, active, multi-mission archive takes over all data archiving activities. ADCAR 

covers the activities of the Astrophysics Data Centers and the NASA Astronomical Virtual Observatories 

(NAVO). 

Recent Achievements

The Astrophysics Data System (ADS) produced a new cloud-based service to replace the capabilities of 

its aging bibliographic database. The transition to the new platform provides researchers an opportunity to 

discover capabilities previously unavailable or unexplored. The paradigm of iterative searches 

championed by traditional digital library systems expands to allow workflows that include searching, 

refining, and exploring.

The Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) has expanded to include the TESS mission. MAST

provided TESS data to the exoplanet community at a greater volume and a faster rate than for other 

previous missions. Researchers produce publications at triple the rate from 10 years ago. MAST’s new 

ExoMAST interface joined z.MAST, an interface designed specifically for deep-field studies of the 

universe based on MAST holdings. 

The High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Center (HEASARC) now hosts a complete copy of the 

Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image data from the ISS instrument. HEASARC supported preparations for the 

Japanese/U.S. XRISM mission, and ingested the first 3.5 years of space weather data from the CALET 

ISS instrument. HEASARC is working with IceCube, VERITAS, and HaloSat teams on future data 

releases. It released numerous new capabilities in its web services, released updates to the calibration 

database for active and archival missions, and responded to an estimated 20 million user queries. 

The NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA) responded to over 47 million queries during FY 2019, 

deployed a new Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) archive serving data from 

three instruments; and released 13 new science datasets, including Near Earth Objects Wide-field Infrared 

Survey Explorer (NEOWISE).

The NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED) responded to 172 million web server queries and added

data for 440 million new objects, most of which came from the AllWISE source catalog. In FY 2019, 723 

refereed journal articles and 100 astronomical telegrams acknowledged using NED. NED released a new 

service that helps astronomers find the host galaxies of gravitational wave events.

In FY 2019, the NAVO archives supported about 45 million requests for data using VO protocols. NAVO 

continues to lead NASA's VO efforts within the United States and world communities. Python is now a 

standard scripting language for astronomical data processing; NAVO began work with the active AstroPy 

community to establish the PyVO library as the Python standard library for VO data access within 

AstroPy. NAVO began to develop and apply benchmarking standards to NASA data interfaces to ensure 

appropriate responsiveness in the oncoming era of big data. 
Science: Astrophysics 

COSMIC ORIGINS

FY 2021 Budget

ASTRO-12 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Hubble Space Telescope Operations 98.3 -- 88.3 98.3 98.3 98.3 98.3

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared 

Astronomy (SOFIA)

85.2 -- 12.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Other Missions and Data Analysis 39.3 -- 23.7 24.9 21.7 24.1 24.1

Total Budget 222.8 -- 124.0 123.2 120.0 122.4 122.4

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

To understand galaxies throughout the universe, astronomers start by 

studying our home galaxy, the Milky Way. The center of our galaxy is a 

crowded place: millions of stars whipping around it at breakneck 

speeds surround a black hole weighing 4 million times as much as our 

Sun. This is extreme environment bathed in intense ultraviolet light and 

X-ray radiation. 

Image Credit: NASA, JPL-Caltech, Susan Stolovy (SSC/Caltech) et al., 

October 9, 2019

"How did we get here?” This simple 

but fundamental question drives the 

broad science objectives of NASA’s 

Cosmic Origins program. Our 

search for answers raises underlying 

questions and topic areas, such as, 

how and when did the first stars and 

galaxies form? When did the 

universe first create the elements 

critical for life? How did galaxies 

evolve from the very first systems to 

the types we observe “in the here 

and now,” such as the Milky Way in 

which we live? How do stars and 

planetary systems form and change 

over time?

No individual space observatory or 

airborne observatory can 

completely address all of these 

questions, but in partnership, they 

can begin to unravel the answers. 

Currently operating facilities in the Cosmic Origins program are the Hubble Space Telescope and the 

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). 

For more information, go to: http://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

This budget proposes termination of the SOFIA mission, as discussed in the SOFIA section below. 
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OPERATIONS 

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-13 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 98.3 -- 88.3 98.3 98.3 98.3 98.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The NASA/ESA HST sees galaxies of all shapes, 

sizes, brightness, and orientations in the cosmos. 

Sometimes, the telescope gazes at a galaxy oriented 

sideways as shown here. This is NGC3717, a spiral 

galaxy located 60 million light-years away in the 

constellation Hydra (The Sea Serpent).

One of NASA’s most successful and long-lasting 

science missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, has 

beamed over 1 million images back to Earth, helping 

resolve many of the great mysteries of astronomy. The 

telescope helped scientists determine the age of the 

universe, the identity of quasars, and the existence of 

dark energy. Hubble launched in 1990 and is currently 

in an extended operations phase. The fifth servicing 

mission, in 2009, the last visit by a Space Shuttle crew, 

added new batteries, gyroscopes, and instruments to 

extend Hubble’s life even further into the future.

April 24, 2020 will mark the start of Hubble’s 30th 

year in orbit. The observatory is currently in its most 

scientifically productive period. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN 

FY 2021

This budget reflects efficiencies realized by the 

project's excellent cost performance. The change is 

consistent with operations that are more efficient and 

aligned with the observatory scientific program. Due 

to program efficiencies and appropriation of funds above the request for the past few years, the Hubble 

mission is carrying excess funding. This budget reflects use of excess funds from prior years, resulting in 

fewer resources requested in FY 2021. NASA does not expect this adjustment to affect the workforce or 

science generated from the mission.
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OPERATIONS 

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-14 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The 2019 Senior Review of Operating Missions recommended continuing Hubble operations as long as 

the observatory remains highly capable scientifically and recommended extending mission operations for 

FY 2020 and beyond. This budget supports that recommendation. 

On October 5, 2018, one of Hubble's remaining four operational gyros failed. Hubble had four functional 

gyros (three in operation and one as a backup). The Hubble operations team turned on the backup gyro to 

replace the failed gyro, but it exhibited anomalous behavior. The team was able to restore this gyro to a 

nominal state after three weeks of sustained effort, and Hubble restarted standard science operations using 

three gyros on October 27, 2018. These three gyros should allow science operations to continue well into 

the mid-2020s, allowing overlap with Webb science operations. Hubble currently has three functional 

gyros and no backups. Hubble does have plans and built software that will allow for both two and onegyro modes of operations. The science observations in the two and one-gyro modes of operations will be 

more limited.

NASA announced the Cycle 27 selections in June 2019. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020 and beyond, NASA will support mission operations, systems engineering, software 

maintenance, ground systems support, and guest-observer science grants. Work continues on mission life 

extension initiatives, such as optimizing the use of Hubble’s gyroscopes and extending the lifetime of 

Hubble's instruments. NASA will select Cycle 28 for observations in mid FY 2020 and will release Cycle 

29 call for proposals late in FY 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), which manages Hubble’s science program, will select 

Cycle 29 science observations. Similar to other recent competitions for Hubble observing time, NASA 

expects requested observational orbits to outnumber the available orbits by a factor of six to one, 

indicating that Hubble remains one of the world’s preeminent astronomical observatories. 
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OPERATIONS 

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-15 

Project Schedule

Date Significant Event

Mar 2020 Deadline for Cycle 28 Proposal Submissions

Jun 2020 Approximate date for Announcement of Cycle 28 selections

Nov 2020 Release of Cycle 29 Call for Proposals

Mar 2021 Deadline for Cycle 29 Proposal Submissions

Jun 2021 Approximate date for Announcement of Cycle 29 selections

Nov 2021 Release of Cycle 30 Call for Proposals

Mar 2022 Deadline for Cycle 30 Proposal Submissions

Jun 2022 Approximate date for Announcement of Cycle 30 selections

Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Observatory 

Operation

Provides safe and efficient control and 

utilization of Hubble, maintenance 

and operation of its facilities and 

equipment, as well as creation, 

maintenance, and utilization of 

Hubble operations processes and 

procedures

Provider: Lockheed Martin

Lead Center: Goddard Space 

Flight Center (GSFC)

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Science 

Management

Evaluates proposals for telescope time 

and manages the science program

Provider: STScI/Association of 

Universities for Research in 

Astronomy (AURA)

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): European 

Space Agency (ESA) 

N/A
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OPERATIONS 

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-16 

Acquisition Strategy

NASA competes all new Hubble research opportunities.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Observatory Operation Lockheed Martin Littleton, CO

Science Management STScI/AURA Baltimore, MD

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance Senior Review 2019 

Evaluate efficiency 

and productivity of 

Hubble operations

Maximize Hubble

science return and 

reliability within 

available resources

2022, 2025, 

2028
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY 

(SOFIA)

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-17 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 85.2 -- 12.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Center of our Milky Way shown above. The 

streamlines showing magnetic fields layered over a 

color image of the dusty ring around the Milky 

Way’s massive black hole. The Y-shaped structure 

is warm material falling toward the black hole, 

which is located near where the two arms of the Yintersect. The streamlines reveal that the magnetic 

field closely follows the shape of the dusty structure. 

Each of the blue arms has its own field that is 

distinct from the ring, shown in pink.

SOFIA is an airborne astronomical observatory that

provides the international research community with 

access to infrared data unattainable from ground-based 

telescopes. SOFIA investigates the cycle of material in 

the universe by peering through veils of dust to reveal 

physical phenomena hidden at other wavelengths. 

SOFIA officially entered the extended mission 

operations phase following its five-year prime mission 

in October 2019. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN 

FY 2021

The budget proposes termination of SOFIA, which 

has annual operating costs of over $80 million. 

SOFIA’s annual operations budget is the second most 

expensive operating mission in the Astrophysics 

Division (after the Hubble Space Telescope), yet the 

science productivity of the mission is not on par with 

other large science missions. Dramatic improvement 

in SOFIA's scientific productivity is not expected. The 

nature of the program, which relies on observations 

using an expensive platform with expensive 

consumables results in low cost efficiency compared 

to most observatories. Additionally, the James Webb 

Space Telescope, planned to launch in 2021, will provide data at mid-infrared wavelengths, partially 

mitigating the absence of SOFIA.
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY 

(SOFIA)

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-18 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

SOFIA offered 400 hours of observing time to the U.S. community in Cycle 7. In November 2018, the 

SOFIA Director selected 84 proposals (48 of which are in high priority category, including two proposals 

from the newly introduced "Legacy" science category) from the 199 proposals received in response. 

Observations for Cycle 7 began in April 2019 and will be completed in April 2020. SOFIA planned 148 

flights for the cycle, including an extended deployment of nine weeks to New Zealand, to observe 

astronomical objects in the southern skies that are not visible from Northern Hemisphere base in 

Palmdale.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

SOFIA is in the middle of completing Cycle 7 observations, with the start of Cycle 8 observations 

planned to commence in spring 2020. The development phase for the third-generation science instrument, 

the High Resolution Mid-Infrared Spectrometer (HIRMES) is continuing in FY 2020; working around a 

variety of technical challenges. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA will place the aircraft into storage and disposition the project’s inventory during FY 2021. 

Project Schedule

Date Significant Event

Oct 2019 SOFIA begins implementing recommendations from the two reviews at the end of its five-year 

prime mission.

Apr 2020 Cycle 8 begins

Apr 2021 Cycle 9 begins
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY 

(SOFIA)

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-19 

Project Management & Commitments

The Ames Research Center (ARC) manages SOFIA.

Element Description Provider Details

Change from 

Formulation 

Agreement

Science 

Operations 

Center

Science Operations Center 

will solicit and select new 

investigations, schedule 

observations, and manage 

data acquisition and 

processing

Provider: ARC/ USRA

Lead Center: ARC

Performing Center(s): ARC

Cost Share Partner(s): German 

Aerospace Center (DLR)/Deutsches 

SOFIA Institute (DSI)

None

Flight 

Operations

Flight crew, maintenance, and 

fuel

Provider: Armstrong Flight Research 

Center (AFRC)/Computer Sciences 

Corporation (CSC) DynCorp

Lead Center: AFRC

Performing Center(s): AFRC

Cost Share Partner(s): DLR/DSI

None

SOFIA Project 

Management

Project management of flight 

and science Lead Center: ARC Yes

HIRMES 

HIRMES will enable unique 

spectroscopic capability, 

providing a higher sensitivity 

and a higher spectral 

resolving power, from the 25 

to 112 micrometer 

wavelength range, over any 

existing observatory

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: ARC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): None

None

Acquisition Strategy

The project has awarded all major contracts. SOFIA awarded a new primary contract for its Science 

Mission Operations to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in March 2017.
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

STRATOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY FOR INFRARED ASTRONOMY 

(SOFIA)

Formulation Development Operations

ASTRO-20 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Science & Mission Operations USRA Moffett Field, CA and 

Palmdale, CA

Platform L3 Communications Palmdale, CA

Cavity Door Drive System Woodward MPC Skokie, IL

Aircraft Maintenance Support L3 Vertex Aerospace (under AFRC 

shared service contract) Palmdale, CA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality

Aircraft Operations 

& Maintenance 

Efficiency Review 

Oct 2018- 

Feb 2019

Evaluate aircraft 

operations and 

maintenance 

efficiency and 

explore alternative 

models of operations 

and maintenance for 

improved efficiency

Adjustments to 

FY 2020 aircraft 

operations are being 

implemented

N/A

Quality Five Year Flagship 

Review 

Feb 2018- 

Apr 2019

Evaluate science 

center operations and 

mission operations 

efficiency for 

increased science 

impact and improved 

efficiency

Recommendations for 

optimization of the 

science output of 

SOFIA

N/A
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-21 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Astrophysics Strategic Mission Progam 

Managemt

0.4 -- 1.6 1.9 1.7 1.9 2.0

Cosmic Origins Strategic Research and 

Technology (SR&T)

24.8 -- 18.4 18.4 18.4 18.4 18.4

Cosmic Origins Future Missions 0.8 -- 2.7 4.6 1.6 3.8 3.8

SIRTF/Spitzer 13.2 -- 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 39.3 -- 23.7 24.9 21.7 24.1 24.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA launched its Spitzer Space Telescope 

into orbit around the Sun on Aug. 25, 2003. 

Since then, the observatory has lifted the 

veil on the wonders of the cosmos. Spitzer's 

primary mission lasted five-and-a-half years 

and ended when it ran out of the liquid 

helium coolant necessary to operate two of 

its three instruments. Its passive-cooling 

design has allowed part of its third 

instrument to continue operating for more 

than 10 additional years. Mission operations 

ended on January 30, 2020.

Cosmic Origins Other Missions and Data Analysis funds the 

Spitzer Space Telescope, program management, supporting 

research and technology, and early studies of potential future 

Cosmic Origins missions.

Mission Planning and Other 

Projects

ASTROPHYSICS STRATEGIC MISSION 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Astrophysics Strategic Mission Program Management

(ASMPM) provides programmatic, technical, business 

management, and program science leadership for all 

strategic Astrophysics missions throughout definition, 

design, development, launch, and operations, facilitating 

science investigations derived from those missions.

COSMIC ORIGINS STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND 

TECHNOLOGY (SR&T)

Cosmic Origins Strategic Research and Technology (COR SR&T) supports program-specific research 

and advanced technology development efforts, such as the Strategic Astrophysics Technology solicitation 

issued in FY 2018. In addition, funding supports the study of future NASA space observatories.
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-22 

The scientific community is actively working to mature mission concept studies and identify technology 

developments that have provided input to the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. The 

four mission concept studies are the Large Ultraviolet/Visible/Infrared Surveyor, Origins Space 

Telescope, Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission, and Lynx X-ray Surveyor. These four mission concept 

studies and the science case and notional telescope design and instrument studies began in FY 2016. 

These missions provided an interim report in early 2018. An ad-hoc panel of experts reviewed the report 

and provided feedback to these teams. These mission concepts issued their final reports at the end of 

FY 2019. Similarly, the community also studied ten Probe class mission concepts and the completed 

reports are available to the public. 

This budget request supports a solicitation for industry for an on-going segmented-aperture Mirror 

Technology Development program element. The first one-year study completed in 2019, which included 

an end-to-end integrated telescope/coronagraph system-level engineering design, modeling studies, and 

associated testbed demonstrations. A follow-up solicitation to industry addressing and retiring technology 

gaps, identified by the large mission concepts, has resulted in contract awards to two industry teams, and 

this technology maturation work is under way. 

Recent Achievements

During 2019, the technologists from PCOS/COR and Exoplanet Exploration Program Offices produced a 

single streamlined and consolidated technology report for astrophysics assessing technology gaps and 

priorities across the three astrophysics sciences, namely, Cosmic Origins, Physics of the Cosmos, and 

Exoplanet Exploration. In the past, these gaps and priorities were included in separate technology reports. 

With the collaboration of the science community through the Astrophysics Program Analysis Groups, the 

authors achieved coordination and integration as presented in the inaugural Astrophysics Biennial 

Technology Report. 

COSMIC ORIGINS FUTURE MISSIONS

Cosmic Origins Future Missions funding supports studies of future mission concepts. 

Recent Achievements

The COR scientific community is engaged in identifying meritorious and compelling science drivers that 

could lead to diverse mission concept studies and technology development that will inform the 2020 

Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. 

Operating Missions

SPITZER

The Spitzer Space Telescope, launched in 2003 as the final element of NASA’s series of Great 

Observatories, continues in extended operations. Spitzer is an infrared telescope that uses two channels of 

the Infrared Array Camera instrument to study exoplanet atmospheres, early clusters of galaxies, 

near-Earth asteroids, and a broad range of other phenomena. Spitzer completed its cryogenic mission in 
Science: Astrophysics: Cosmic Origins 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-23 

FY 2009 and extended warm operations through FY 2019. Spitzer ended operations on January 30, 2020, 

with full closeout by the end of FY 2021. 

Recent Achievements

Spitzer continues to collect unique data that is revealing new results for exoplanets and other cosmic 

phenomena. During 2019, in celebration of Spitzer's 16 years in space, NASA released several images 

displaying Spitzer's accomplishments. One of the images is of a cloud of gas and dust full of bubbles, 

inflated by wind and radiation from massive young stars. As the project heads toward the end of 

operations, NASA is releasing monthly images and other newsworthy data such as the temperature, 

location, and wavelength coverage of the instrument. One of Spitzer's incredible discoveries is of a black 

hole's event horizon, the area beyond which light cannot escape the immense gravity of the black hole.
Science: Astrophysics 

PHYSICS OF THE COSMOS

ASTRO-24 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Other Missions and Data Analysis 151.2 -- 143.9 160.8 155.3 169.8 154.1

Total Budget 151.2 -- 143.9 160.8 155.3 169.8 154.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA's Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope provides this 

dramatic image of the Earth's Moon. The image shows gammarays with energies greater than 31 million electron volts, or tens

of millions of times that of visible light. In these images, the 

Moon is actually brighter than the Sun.

The universe enables scientists to study the 

most profound questions at the intersection of 

physics and astronomy. How do matter, 

energy, space, and time behave under extreme 

gravity? What is the nature of dark energy 

and dark matter? How did the universe grow 

from the Big Bang to its present size? The 

Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) program 

incorporates cosmology, high-energy 

astrophysics, and fundamental physics 

projects that address central questions about 

the nature of complex astrophysical 

phenomena, such as black holes, neutron 

stars, dark matter and dark energy, cosmic 

microwave background, and gravitational 

waves. 

The operating missions within the PCOS 

program continue to provide answers to these

fundamental questions and more. For 

example, as NASA sets its sights on sending 

humans to the Moon by 2024 through the 

Artemis program, with the eventual goal of 

sending astronauts to Mars, understanding 

various aspects of the lunar environment take 

on new importance. New observations with 

NASA's Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope provide an important reminder of the cosmic radiation that 

impacts the lunar surface, as well as fresh insights into the nature of the lunar regolith. 

Other PCOS missions, such as the Chandra X-ray Observatory, continue to help astronomers progress in 

their understanding of some of the most mysterious phenomena, such as the condition of matter near 

supermassive black holes.
Science: Astrophysics 

PHYSICS OF THE COSMOS

ASTRO-25 

PCOS includes a vigorous program to develop the technologies necessary for the next generation of space 

missions to address the science questions of this program.

For more information, go to: https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/smd-programs/physics-of-the-cosmos

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 
Science: Astrophysics: Physics of the Cosmos 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-26 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Physics of the Cosmos SR&T 45.7 -- 45.9 61.2 75.2 87.0 72.1

Euclid 17.2 -- 11.0 8.9 9.9 10.3 9.5

PCOS/COR Technology Office 

Management

5.6 -- 5.9 6.0 5.4 6.0 6.0

Physics of the Cosmos Future Missions 0.0 -- 1.6 4.6 2.0 3.7 3.7

Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope 16.5 -- 13.8 13.9 0.0 0.0 0.0

Chandra X-Ray Observatory 61.7 -- 62.3 62.8 62.8 62.8 62.8

X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM) 4.5 -- 3.5 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 151.2 -- 143.9 160.8 155.3 169.8 154.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

A deep Chandra X-ray image of the Tycho supernova remnant, 

the debris from an exploding white dwarf star first observed by 

the Dutch astronomer, Tycho Brahe in 1572. This image is color 

coded to highlight the approaching (blue) and receding (red) 

silicon emission amongst the remaining debris (green). New 

models suggest that the clumpiness in the debris is generated 

during the explosion rather than because of instabilities in the 

expanding debris.

Other Missions and Data Analysis 

supports PCOS SR&T, PCOS/COR 

Technology Management Office, PCOS 

Future Missions, Euclid, Fermi, Chandra, 

and XMM.

Mission Planning and 

Other Projects

PCOS SUPPORTING RESEARCH 

AND TECHNOLOGY

PCOS Supporting Research and 

Technology leads strategic technology 

development efforts, to prepare for the 

next generation of PCOS space missions, 

including program-specific research and 

advanced technology development efforts, 

such as the Strategic Astrophysics 

Technology (SAT) program element. 

NASA and the European Space Agency
Science: Astrophysics: Physics of the Cosmos 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-27 

(ESA) are continuing defining the partnership for NASA's contribution to ESA's Athena mission, an Xray observatory dedicated to high-resolution spectroscopy, and ESA's LISA mission, a space-based 

gravitational wave observatory. This project supports the technology development and pre-formulation 

activities necessary to contribute to the ESA missions.

Recent Achievements

In October 2019, the first report was released which integrated PCOS, COR, and Exoplanet Programs’ 

technology gaps solicitation, prioritization, and reporting processes into an Astrophysics Biennial 

Technology Report for all three astrophysics science themes, namely, Cosmic Origins, Physics of the 

Cosmos and Exoplanet Exploration. 

EUCLID

NASA is collaborating on Euclid, an ESA mission, selected as part of ESA’s Cosmic Visions program in 

June 2012 and scheduled for launch in 2022. Euclid seeks to investigate the accelerated expansion of the 

universe, the so-called “dark energy,” using a Visible Instrument and a Near Infrared Spectrometer and 

Photometer instrument, as well as ground-based data. The Euclid Consortium, comprised of over 

1,200 scientists and engineers from over 50 institutes in Europe, the United States, and Canada, is 

responsible for development of the two instruments and the Science Data Centers. NASA contributes 

flight detector subsystems for the Near Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer instrument and a NASA 

Euclid Science Center that forms part of the Euclid Science Ground System. In exchange, NASA receives 

membership in the Euclid Science Team and Consortium and competed science opportunities for 

U.S. investigators. 

Recent Achievements

NASA completed the delivery of all 20 Sensor Chip Electronics (SCE) units to ESA in September 2019. 

The Near Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer instrument in France has all the detectors, cables and 

SCEs fully integrated. The instrument is going through its thermal vacuum testing and will be ready for 

shipment to ESA by early 2020. 

PCOS/COR TECHNOLOGY OFFICE MANAGEMENT

The PCOS/COR Technology Office Management project provides programmatic, technical, and business 

management, as well as program science leadership. 

Recent Achievements

The technology office is leading the management of NASA's contribution to the ESA-led Athena, an 

X-ray observatory dedicated to high-resolution spectroscopy. NASA is providing the microcalorimeter 

and software elements of the Wide Field Imager.

It is also leading the management of NASA's contribution to ESA on the LISA mission, a low-frequency 

gravitational wave observatory, and it is contributing elements of the payload. NASA established a LISA 

study office to manage the LISA technology development. 
Science: Astrophysics: Physics of the Cosmos 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-28 

PCOS FUTURE MISSIONS

PCOS Future Missions funding supports concept studies of future missions. 

Recent Achievements

The PCOS program is continuing its work with the scientific community for design studies and 

technology development to inform the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. 

Operating Missions

FERMI

The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope explores extreme environments in the universe, from black holes 

on all scales to ultra-dense neutron stars spinning thousands of times per second, to expand knowledge of 

their high-energy properties. Fermi observations are answering long-standing questions across a broad 

range of topics, including solar flares, the origin of cosmic rays, and the nature of dark matter. NASA’s 

Fermi mission launched in June 2008 with contribution from the Department of Energy and international 

partners. Fermi entered extended mission operations in August 2013. The 2019 Senior Review of 

Operating Missions recommended continuing Fermi operations through FY 2022. 

Recent Achievements

Because Fermi sees the entire high-energy sky, it remains the premier monitor for extreme phenomena in 

the universe; including gamma-ray bursts, flaring stars and galaxies, and counterparts of gravitational 

wave events detected by the National Science Foundation’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave 

Observatory and neutrinos detected by the IceCube neutrino observatory. Recently, Fermi provided a 

trigger that enabled the detection of the most energetic light ever seen from an exploding star, seen as a 

gamma-ray burst. Using over 10 years of all-sky collection of data, Fermi scientists were able to deduce 

the history of star formation in the universe, providing guidance for future observations with the James 

Webb Space Telescope. Combining Fermi data with radio observations enabled the discovery of a pulsar 

(a rotating neutron star that seems to blink) hurtling through space at nearly 2.5 million miles an hour, 

earning it the nickname “cannonball pulsar.” 

CHANDRA

Launched in 1999, Chandra is transforming our view of the universe with its high-quality X-ray images, 

providing unique insights into violent events and extreme conditions such as explosions of stars, 

collisions of galaxies, and matter around black holes. Chandra enables observations of clusters of galaxies 

that provide direct evidence of the existence of dark matter and greatly strengthens the case for the 

existence of dark energy. Chandra observations of the remains of exploded stars, or supernovas, have 

advanced our understanding of the behavior of matter and energy under extreme conditions. Chandra has 

also discovered and studied thousands of supermassive black holes in the centers of distant galaxies. The 

2019 Senior Review of Operating Missions recommended continuing Chandra operations as long as the 

observatory remains highly capable scientifically. The 2022 Senior Review of Operating Missions will 

review Chandra extended mission operations for FY 2023 and beyond. 
Science: Astrophysics: Physics of the Cosmos 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-29 

Recent Achievements

Chandra's exquisite spatial resolution enables it to pinpoint binary super massive black holes (SMBH) in 

the nuclei of galaxies, which are in the process of merging. Research has shown strong evidence for a 

very rare, triple SMBH system, all less than 30,000 light years apart, in the center of three colliding 

galaxies known as SDSS J0849+1114. The three X-ray sources detected by Chandra demonstrate the 

presence of three SMBHs vigorously accreting material. Binary and triple SMBH systems will eventually 

merge to form a single, much more massive SMBH, with the triple systems expected to do so on much 

shorter timescales than the binaries. While they are rare, triple systems are likely to play a critical role in 

the growth of the most massive SMBHs in the universe.

X-RAY MULTI-MIRROR MISSION (XMM)

XMM is an ESA-led mission with substantial NASA contributions. The telescope launched in December 

1999 and provides unique data for studies of the fundamental processes of black holes and neutron stars. 

XMM studies the evolution of chemical elements in galaxy clusters and the distribution of dark matter in 

galaxy clusters and elliptical galaxies. The 2019 Senior Review of Operating Missions recommended 

continuing operations through FY 2022. The 2022 Senior Review of Operating Missions will consider a 

proposal for extended mission operations beyond FY 2022. 

Recent Achievements

Data from ESA/NASA's XMM-Newton X-ray space observatory have been crucial to scientific 

achievements in 2019. Astronomers have used it to detect synchronized pulses of optical and X-ray 

radiation from a pulsar, indicating that a new physical mechanism may be necessary to explain the 

behavior in these types of objects never seen before.

XMM has also detected unexpected flashes from the active black hole at the center of a distant galaxy. 

These flares are caused when material in the black hole's accretion disk interact with another body, 

another black hole, or the remnant of a star previously torn apart by the black hole. Alternatively, 

instabilities in the flow of the accretion disk near the black hole cause the flares.

XMM observations of a black hole at the nucleus of a different active galaxy show how powerful winds 

from the accretion disk, very near the black hole, interact with the interstellar matter in the center of the 

galaxy. These interactions, known about for years but never explained, show how an active central black 

hole affects the evolution of its host galaxy.

An investigation using XMM observations of active galactic nuclei has shown that there is a discrepancy 

between the observed evolution of the Universe and the standard cosmological model. This discrepancy 

suggests that the standard cosmological model may require additional parameters to reconcile the theory 

with the data. One possible solution is to invoke an evolving dark energy, with a density that increases 

over time. This solution has the additional benefit that it would also solve another problem that has lately 

vexed cosmologists: the different values Hubble found when considering data from supernovae and the 

cosmic microwave background.
Science: Astrophysics 

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION

ASTRO-30 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Other Missions and Data Analysis 367.9 -- 47.2 50.4 47.6 51.6 52.2

Total Budget 367.9 -- 47.2 50.4 47.6 51.6 52.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Artist’s concept of the planet HD 21749c, the first 

Earth-sized planet discovered by NASA’s 

Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

HD21749c is about 89 percent the diameter of the 

Earth and lies 53 light years away in orbit around 

a star that is somewhat smaller and cooler than 

the Sun.

Humankind is gaining insight into timeless questions: 

Are we alone? Is Earth unique, or are planets like ours 

common? One of the most exciting new fields of 

research within the NASA Astrophysics portfolio is the 

search for planets, particularly Earth-like planets, around 

other stars.

Since the discovery of the first exoplanets in the mid1990s, astronomers have confirmed over 4,000 planets 

orbiting stars of all shapes and sizes in our galaxy. At 

first, most of the planets discovered were so-called “Hot 

Jupiters”— gas giants similar in size to the planet 

Jupiter, but orbiting much closer to their parent stars. 

However, analysis of the complete Kepler data set 

suggests that smaller planets — with sizes in the Earthto-Neptune range — are actually more common. Rocky 

planets in the habitable zone of their parent stars also 

appear to be common. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey 

Satellite (TESS) mission is now discovering many more 

of these smaller planets orbiting bright stars. 

NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program is advancing along a path of discovery leading to a point where 

scientists can directly study the atmospheres and surface features of habitable, rocky planets like Earth 

around other stars in the solar neighborhood. In the future, NASA aims to develop systems that will allow 

scientists to take the pivotal step from identifying an exoplanet as Earth-sized to determining whether it is 

truly Earth-like, and possibly even detecting if it bears the fingerprints of life. Such an ambitious goal 

includes significant technological challenges. An important component of the Exoplanet Exploration 

effort is a robust technology development program with the goal of enabling a future direct detection and 

characterization mission.

For more information, go to: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/
Science: Astrophysics 

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION

ASTRO-31 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Budget proposes termination of the WFIRST mission due to its significant cost and higher priorities 

within NASA, including successfully launching and deploying the James Webb Space Telescope. 

WFIRST was originally proposed as a less-than-$2 billion space telescope in the Decadal Survey. The 

current WFIRST architecture, which was supported by two National Academy studies, differs from that 

discussed in the 2010 Decadal Survey and exceeds $3 billion. 
Science: Astrophysics: Exoplanet Exploration 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-32 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

WFIRST 312.2 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Exoplanet Exploration Strategic Research 

and Technology

32.1 -- 31.5 32.0 31.3 30.5 31.2

Exoplanet Exploration Technoloy Off 

Management

7.5 -- 7.1 7.8 7.4 8.2 8.1

Exoplanet Exploration Future Missions 0.7 -- 1.7 3.5 1.6 5.4 5.4

Keck Operations 6.5 -- 6.9 7.0 7.2 7.4 7.4

Kepler 8.9 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 367.9 -- 47.2 50.4 47.6 51.6 52.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Astronomers have discovered a third planet in the 

Kepler-47 system, securing the system’s title as the most 

interesting of the binary-star worlds. A team of 

researchers, led by astronomers at San Diego State 

University, detected the new Neptune-to-Saturn-size 

planet orbiting between two previously known planets. 

With its three planets orbiting two suns, Kepler-47 is the 

only known multi-planet circumbinary system. 

Circumbinary planets are those that orbit two stars.

Mission Planning and Other 

Projects 

Exoplanet Exploration Other Missions and Data 

Analysis includes funding for Exoplanet 

Exploration SR&T, Exoplanet Exploration 

Technology Office Management, Keck and 

funding for future mission selections.

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION 

STRATEGIC RESEARCH AND 

TECHNOLOGY

Exoplanet Exploration Strategic Research and 

Technology supports program-specific strategic 

research and technology development activities 

to enable future NASA space missions to 

discover and understand distant worlds. 

NASA currently supports 14 competitively selected exoplanet technology development projects involving 

researchers across the nation. The selected projects focus on advancing technologies to separate the feeble 

reflected light of an exoplanet from the overwhelming glare of its parent star. Those technologies will one 

day enable a mission capable of the ultimate goal of NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program in imaging 
Science: Astrophysics: Exoplanet Exploration 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-33 

and measuring the spectra of habitable, Earth-like exoplanets orbiting Sun-like stars in our solar 

neighborhood. 

NASA also supports a range of exoplanet science investigations through its investments in the Keck 

Observatory in Hawaii and the WIYN Telescope in Arizona. Those science investigations include 

ground-based follow up observing programs that support the Agency's TESS mission as well as programs 

that support the operational planning and design of future missions. 

Recent Achievements

Coronagraphs and starshades are enabling technologies for the direct imaging and spectroscopy of 

exoplanets around stars. They block the light from the stars and, thus, make possible the detection of 

planets orbiting the parent star. NASA could use these technologies in possible future missions to directly 

image these distant worlds and search for evidence of biosignature gases in their atmospheres. NASA is 

assessing new coronagraph techniques for their application to the segmented optics of future large 

telescopes via modeling and laboratory demonstrations. In addition, the NASA starshade team, with 

membership from government, academia, and industry, has defined and is executing a detailed plan for 

ground-based demonstration of its five critical technology elements by the early 2020's. One of the 

starshade technology elements, position sensing for starshade formation flying, has demonstrated its 

critical technology. 

The NASA and NSF partnership, NASA-NSF Exoplanet Observational Research NN-EXPLORE, to 

develop a new precision radial velocity instrument for the WIYN telescope is progressing well, with 

commissioning of the new instrument on schedule for early CY 2020. The partnership provides observing 

time for U.S. astronomers on telescopes with radial velocity (RV) spectrographs in the southern 

hemisphere for the follow up of exoplanet candidates from TESS. 

The project supports high-resolution imaging with speckle instruments on three telescopes, WIYN and 

Gemini North and South, for follow up exoplanet validation and characterization. 

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Exoplanet Exploration Technology Office Management provides scientific and technical leadership as 

well as business management for the program's portfolio of projects. It coordinates, supports, and tracks 

the progress of the program’s numerous technology development tasks, actively engages science 

community stakeholders, and provides effective public and professional communication of exoplanet 

science discovery and enabling technologies. 

Recent Achievements

Scientists have confirmed more than 4,000 exoplanets among the several thousand candidates currently 

catalogued. Current estimates indicate that perhaps one in four stars host rocky planets that exist in orbits 

where water may flow freely upon their surface. The project is managing design studies of mission 

opportunities. The project is also engaging with the scientific community on design studies and 

technology development that will eventually provide inputs to the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics 

Decadal Survey.
Science: Astrophysics: Exoplanet Exploration 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-34 

EXOPLANET EXPLORATION FUTURE MISSIONS

Exoplanet Exploration Future Missions funding supports the execution of the exoplanet mission science 

and technology definition teams, and ultimately the formulation, development, and implementation of a 

future Exoplanet Exploration flight mission. 

Recent Achievements

Community-based science and technology teams completed mission concepts and technology 

development plans in support of the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey. To prepare for the next decade, 

NASA is studying the scientific merits of exoplanet missions in both the probe (medium) and large 

classes. The project provided independent review for the concept studies including the establishment of 

the standards definition and evaluation team, which provided a consistent and independent measure of the 

exoplanet science yields for the large mission concepts. 

Operating Missions

KECK OPERATIONS

Keck Operations is the NASA portion of the Keck Observatory partnership. NASA is a partner for onesixth of the observing nights on the two 10-meter telescopes of the W.M. Keck Observatory (WMKO), 

the largest optical telescope pair in the world. NASA uses its share of observing time in support of its 

Astrophysics and Planetary Science programs. The project allocates observing time for NASA 

astrophysics science goals, as well as for solar system objects and direct space mission support. Supported 

missions in recent years include Kepler, TESS, and EUCLID for astrophysics as well as Juno, New 

Horizons, and Cassini for planetary science. All observing time proposal requests are competed, peerreviewed, selected, and managed by the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute. The Keck Observatory 

Archive (KOA), managed by the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, ingests and curates existing and new 

data from the Keck Observatory.

Recent Achievements

The large number of proposals submitted continues to demonstrate strong demand for NASA observing 

nights. NASA reserved 13 nights in semester 2020A for on-going, high priority key strategic mission 

support programs. Scientists at institutions around the US submitted 84 proposals requesting 124.8 nights 

for the remaining 35.5 nights, yielding an overall oversubscription rate of 3.5 for both Keck telescopes. 

The over-subscription varies between three and five times as many requests for time on the telescopes 

than is available from semester to semester depending on the telescope, instrument, and season. The 

astronomical community actively uses the KOA with approximately 25 percent of WMKO publications 

citing the archive as the source of their data. The annual growth is attributed to the availability of more 

than 10 instruments in KOA covering 25 years of the “Keck Sky.” 
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER

ASTRO-35 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Other Missions and Data Analysis 226.5 -- 246.2 277.7 350.8 301.0 315.6

Total Budget 226.5 -- 246.2 277.7 350.8 301.0 315.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The NASA Explorers NuSTAR mission discovered new 

high-energy X-ray sources within the galaxy NGC6946 

(pictured).

The Astrophysics Explorer program provides 

frequent flight opportunities for world-class 

astrophysics investigations using innovative and 

streamlined management approaches for 

spacecraft development and operations. The 

program is highly responsive to new knowledge, 

new technology, and updated scientific priorities 

by launching smaller missions conceived and 

executed in a relatively short development cycle. 

NASA selects new missions based on an open 

competition of concepts solicited from the 

scientific community. The program emphasizes 

the accomplishments of missions under the 

control of the scientific research community 

within constrained mission life-cycle costs. 

The most recent Astrophysics Medium-Class 

Explorers (MIDEX) missions cost up to $400

million in total, including launch services. Small 

Explorers (SMEX) may cost up to $200 million including launch services. The most recent Explorer

missions of opportunity (MO) have a total NASA cost of under $75 million, excluding the launch, and 

may be of several types. Partner MOs are those that will fly on a non-NASA space mission. NASA 

conducts these missions on a no-exchange-of-funds basis with the organization providing the spacecraft 

for the mission. Other possible types are new science missions using existing spacecraft and small 

complete missions. NASA intends to solicit proposals for MOs in conjunction with each AO issued for 

MIDEX and SMEX investigations. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER

ASTRO-36 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) completed its design phase, passed its mission critical design 

review at the end of June 2019 and entered into the fabrication and testing phase of all its major 

components. 

Galactic/Extragalactic Ultralong duration balloon Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory (GUSTO) will 

transition into Phase C and will continue payload development leading up to the critical design review in 

October 2019. 

NASA completed fabrication and testing of the X-Ray Imagining and Spectroscopy (XRISM) 

Calorimeter Spectrometer Insert (CSI) hardware for Resolve in FY 2019. 

NASA selected The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices 

Explorer (SPHEREx) in February 2019 as a new MIDEX investigation, to proceed into Phase B 

formulation. 

 In April 2019, NASA released an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for Astrophysics Small Explorers 

and Missions of Opportunity (MOs). 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

All major components of IXPE continue to be constructed and tested. The systems integration review 

planned for June 2020 is followed a month later by a Key Decision Point D milestone decision. 

GUSTO will continue in development after successful completion of the mission critical design review in 

October 2019. 

NASA plans to deliver the Resolve and the X-ray Mirror Assembly to JAXA for the XRISM mission. 

The project team will aid JAXA with payload integration and testing. NASA expects to pass its Key 

Decision Point D (KDP-D), and the JAXA XRISM project will undergo JAXA integrated systems critical 

design review.

SPHEREx will continue in Phase B formulation. The project successfully passed its project mission 

systems review in October 2019. The SPHEREx preliminary design review (PDR) planned for April 2020 

is followed by the Key Decision Point (KDP-C) currently planned for June 2020.

In November 2019, NASA selected Contribution to ARIEL Spectroscopy of Exoplanets (CASE) as a 

Partner Mission of Opportunity with ESA’s M4 Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Largesurvey (ARIEL) mission. CASE will continue Phase B formulation in FY 2020. 

NASA will select SMEX and MO missions for the AO19 proposals, and these selected investigations will 

initiate competitive Phase A mission concept studies. 
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER

ASTRO-37 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

XRISM will undergo spacecraft-level integration and test led by JAXA, with assistance from NASA 

project members. NASA will select, through peer review, investigators from the US scientific community 

to participate in the analysis of data from the performance verification phase of XRISM operations after 

post-launch commissioning.

SPHEREx will continue development as it prepares for its critical design review planned for April 2021. 

CASE will continue formulation as it prepares for its preliminary design review currently planned for 

early FY 2022. 

IXPE will undergo observatory integration and testing of the payload and spacecraft, with a planned 

launch in October 2021. 

GUSTO will integrate the payload into the gondola in FY 2021, in preparation for launch on a highaltitude stratospheric super-pressure balloon from McMurdo, Antarctica, in December 2021 for 

approximately 75 days. 

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Mar 2020 Select SMEX and Explorer MO proposals for competitive Phase A mission concept studies

Aug 2021 Downselect one SMEX and one MO mission for implementation

Sep 2021 AO announcement for MIDEX and MO opportunity to propose

Aug 2022 Select MIDEX and Explorer MO proposals for competitive Phase A mission concept studies

Mar 2024 AO announcement for SMEX and MO opportunity to propose

Jan 2025 Select SMEX and Explorer MO proposals for competitive Phase A mission concept studies

Program Management & Planned Cadence

The Astrophysics and Heliophysics Explorer Programs are both coordinated sets of uncoupled missions, 

where each mission is independent and has unique science. The Programs share a common program office 

at GSFC and a common management structure. The Explorer program manager resides at GSFC, 

reporting functionally to the Center Director and programmatically through the Astrophysics and 

Heliophysics Division Directors to the Associate Administrator for SMD.

This budget brings the Astrophysics Explorer Program into alignment with the Decadal Survey’s 

recommendation of a two- to three-year mission cadence.
Science: Astrophysics 

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER

ASTRO-38 

Acquisition Strategy

NASA selects all Explorer missions through competitive AOs. 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Program 

Independent 

Review

SRB 2019 Assess performance 

of program Successful 2024
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Explorersics Explorer 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-39 

The NASA Explorers TESS mission discovered three 

exoplanets orbiting a red dwarf star that is 31 light years 

away (illustrated above). 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Contribution to ARIEL Spectroscopy of Ex 0.0 -- 11.9 10.2 10.0 6.4 1.0

Universe Explorer Prior Hist Projects 70.0 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

ASTRO-H (SXS) 0.0 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Astrophysics Explorer Future Missions 2.3 -- 10.6 58.0 219.2 241.5 278.1

Astrophysics Explorer Program 

Management

4.9 -- 20.7 18.0 10.7 8.3 9.1

Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer 

(NICER)

3.8 -- 4.8 4.4 0.0 0.0 0.0

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory 7.0 -- 5.8 5.8 0.0 0.0 0.0

Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array 

(NuSTAR)

8.5 -- 8.6 8.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite 

(TESS)

7.7 -- 14.7 14.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Galactic/Extragalactic ULDB Spectroscopi 19.9 -- 7.8 5.8 1.0 0.0 0.0

Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer 57.0 -- 45.3 7.4 4.5 0.5 0.0

X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission 23.2 -- 25.1 36.3 17.7 15.9 14.4

Spectro-Photometer for the History of th 22.2 -- 90.8 109.1 87.7 28.4 13.0

Total Budget 226.5 -- 246.2 277.7 350.8 301.0 315.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Mission Planning and 

Other Projects 

Astrophysics Explorers Other Missions and 

Data Analysis includes funding for small 

missions in formulation and development 

(CASE, SPHEREx, GUSTO, IXPE, XRISM), 

operating missions (TESS, NICER, NuSTAR, 

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory), and funding 

for future mission selections and program 

management functions Mission Planning and 

Other Projects.
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Explorersics Explorer 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-40 

GALACTIC/EXTRAGALACTIC ULDB SPECTROSCOPIC TERAHERTZ OBSERVATORY 

(GUSTO) 

In March 2017, NASA's Astrophysics Explorers Program selected the GUSTO balloon payload as a 

Mission of Opportunity. GUSTO will launch on a high-altitude stratospheric super-pressure balloon from 

McMurdo, Antarctica, in December 2021 for approximately 75 days. GUSTO’s telescope with its 

Terahertz heterodyne array receivers will provide the spectral and spatial resolution needed to study the 

interstellar medium. The GUSTO mission will provide the first complete study of all phases of the stellar 

life cycle, from the formation of molecular clouds, through star birth and evolution, to the formation of 

gas clouds and the restart of the cycle. During flight, the GUSTO payload will conduct its scientific 

observation while tracking the prevailing stratospheric winds at the float altitude of 33.5 km. 

SPECTRO-PHOTOMETER FOR THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE, EPOCH OF REIONIZATION, AND ICES EXPLORER (SPHEREX) 

In February 2019, NASA selected SPHEREx to proceed to Phase B as a Class C Explorer mission. 

SPHEREx will launch in the second quarter of FY 2024 for a two-year prime mission. SPHEREx will be 

the first all-sky near-infrared spectral survey that will include near-infrared (0.75 - 5.0 millimeters) 

images and spectra of an estimated 500 million celestial objects. The project will provide the astronomical 

community with an unprecedented near-infrared spectral dataset. 

Recent Achievements

SPHEREx completed a project mission systems review in October 2019. The project has scheduled the 

preliminary design review for April 2020 and the Key Decision Point (KDP-C) gate review in June 2020. 

THE IMAGING X-RAY POLARIMETRY EXPLORER (IXPE)

NASA selected IXPE, a Small Explorer-class (SMEX) mission, to continue into Phase B formulation in 

January 2017. Due to the hundred-fold improvement in the sensitivity of X-ray polarimeters during the 

past two decades, IXPE will enable astrophysicists to open an important, new field of investigation into 

some of the most extremely unusual objects found in the universe. IXPE will examine polarized X-ray 

emissions from both galactic and extragalactic X-ray sources, such as active galactic nuclei, quasars, 

pulsars, pulsar wind nebulae, magnetars, accreting X-ray binaries, supernova remnants, and the Galactic 

Center. These observations will allow the investigation of general relativistic and quantum effects in the 

extreme environment associated with these sources and will significantly improve our understanding of 

fundamental physics. IXPE will launch into a low Earth orbit at a low inclination angle for a two-year 

mission beginning in October 2021. 

Recent Achievements

IXPE entered its final design and fabrication phase (Phase C) in November 2018, after completing the 

Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C). The project passed its critical design review in June 2019 and entered 

into the fabrication and testing phase for all of its major components.
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Explorersics Explorer 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-41 

THE X-RAY IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY MISSION (XRISM) 

The X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), previously named XARM, is a joint NASA and 

JAXA mission that will recover the soft X-ray spectroscopic capability lost with the Hitomi mission that 

ended in March 2016. JAXA is planning to launch XRISM in early 2022. The key scientific objective of 

XRISM is to pioneer a new horizon of the Universe with unprecedented high-resolution X-ray 

spectroscopy. XRISM will provide breakthrough science in a number of areas, including structure and 

formation of the Universe, the evolution of clusters of galaxies, and the transport and circulation of 

energy in the cosmos. NASA is developing key components of the main instrument, the Resolve Soft Xray Spectrometer that will supply the X-ray mirror assemblies for the observatory. 

Recent Achievements

The project completed and tested the Calorimeter Spectrometer Insert (CSI) on schedule and delivered it

to JAXA in November 2019 as the first of three planned deliveries. The fabrication and testing of the 

components for the remaining two deliveries are on schedule for delivery to JAXA in 2020. Key Decision 

Point-D (KDP-D) for the NASA contribution to the XRISM mission is in November 2019, and JAXA 

critical design review will take place in January 2020. An open call for proposals for guest scientists from 

the U.S. science community to participate in the analysis of data acquired in the six-month performance 

verification phase of the mission following post-launch commissioning will occur in 2020. 

CONTRIBUTION TO ARIEL SPECTROSCOPY OF EXOPLANETS (CASE) 

ARIEL is a joint ESA/NASA mission planned for launch in 2028 that will observe hundreds of warm 

transiting gas giants, Neptunes, and super-Earths, using spectroscopy (AIRS, 1.2 – 7.8 micrometers) and 

photometry (CASE extension, 0.5 – 1.2 micrometers). The mission responds to high-priority science from 

the last Decadal Survey of Astronomy and Astrophysics by addressing the question: "What are the 

characteristics of planetary systems orbiting other stars and do they harbor life?”

ARIEL’s main science goals include measuring the composition and structure of planetary atmospheres, 

determining the vertical and horizontal temperature structure, and identifying chemical processes at work 

(thermochemistry, photochemistry, transport quenching). A mission designed and optimized for transiting 

exoplanet spectroscopy will address a key gap in NASA’s exoplanet exploration mission portfolio. CASE 

will fill that gap and ensure the full participation of the United States community in ESA’s ARIEL 

mission.

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORERS FUTURE MISSIONS

Astrophysics Explorers Future Missions funding supports future astrophysics Explorers missions and 

MOs through concept studies and selections. Astrophysics Explorers Future Missions funding will 

support initiation of an Astrophysics Probe mission as early as 2022, conditional on Decadal Survey 

recommendations. 

ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORERS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Astrophysics Explorers program management provides programmatic, technical, and business 

management of ongoing missions in formulation and development. 
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Explorersics Explorer 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-42 

Operating Missions 

NEUTRON STAR INTERIOR COMPOSITION EXPLORER (NICER)

The NICER instrument launched on June 3, 2017, to an external logistics carrier on the International 

Space Station (ISS) for an 18-month prime mission. Its main goal is spectroscopic X-ray observations of 

neutron stars with high time resolution, to measure their masses and radii precisely and thus to test 

models of how matter behaves at extreme densities: a neutron star squeezes up to twice the mass of the 

Sun into a city-size volume, so the density and pressure are higher than in atomic nuclei. NICER 

measures fluctuating X-rays from other sources, such as disks of hot gas pouring onto a black hole or 

neutron star from a stellar companion, or the gas around very massive black holes at the centers of 

galaxies. The 2019 Senior Review of Operating Missions approved extended mission operations through 

FY 2022 to include additional cycles of the NICER Guest Observer program element. NICER 

demonstrated achievement of its prime-mission science goals in a June 2018 review, with public release 

of key science results in October 2019. 

Recent Achievements

NICER measurements have revealed how the inner edge of a black hole's accretion disk – and the corona 

above it – change in size and shape as a black hole consumes material from a companion star. Through a 

technique called "reverberation mapping," NICER measured the delay of X-ray light echoes that originate 

from the corona and then reflect off the accretion disk, to measure how close the disk is to the black-hole 

event horizon as well as how far off the disk the corona extends. Published as the cover story in the 

January 2019 issue of the prestigious journal Nature, the NICER team's report showed that the corona 

contracted from 100 miles to 10 miles high above the disk. NICER featured prominently in the cover 

story ("The Inner Lives of Neutron Stars") of the March 2019 issue of Scientific American magazine. 

NICER discovered red- and blue-shifted spectral lines in X-ray bursts resulting from thermonuclear 

explosions on the surface of a neutron star. Originally detected in bursts observed in 2017, researchers 

confirmed the lines in additional bursts from the same star system observed in 2019. These measurements 

probe the chemical composition and extreme physical conditions of the neutron star's surface as it 

accretes matter from an orbiting companion. 

NICER continues to deliver unprecedented high-precision X-ray of rapidly spinning (hundreds of times 

each second) neutron stars, with data spanning the entire mission to date and continuing into the extended 

mission. These timing data are immune to the deviations that plague similar measurements with radio 

telescopes, caused by the interstellar medium through which the radio waves travel. Scientists use timing 

measurements in searches for long-wavelength gravitational radiation from distant super-massive black 

holes. 

NICER’s operational flexibility on the ISS has allowed it to play the role of X-ray sensor for dozens of 

multi-wavelength campaigns of a large variety of sources through coordinated observations with 

telescopes around the world and in space.
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Explorersics Explorer 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-43 

NEIL GEHRELS SWIFT OBSERVATORY 

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is a multi-wavelength space-based observatory that is uniquely 

equipped to make rapid-response observations to fast-breaking events. The observatory measures the 

position, brightness, and physical properties of gamma-ray bursts, and is revolutionary in allowing 

scientists to solve the mystery of their origin in the birth-cries of stellar-mass black holes. The 

observatory continues to target gamma-ray burst science, while also using its capabilities to increase our 

understanding of the entire transient universe, ranging in distance from the solar system to high-redshift 

quasars, and in time from the present to the epoch of reionization. Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is a 

MIDEX class mission that launched in 2004 and is currently in, extended mission operations. The 

2019 Senior Review of Operating Missions recommended continuing operations through FY 2022. 

Recent Achievements

On January 14, 2019, the burst alert telescope triggered and located gamma ray burst 190114C, detected 

in TeV wavelengths by the major atmospheric gamma imaging cherenkov telescopes, the first time a 

gamma ray burst was observed at such high energies. 

In September 2019, the results of 67 kiloseconds of X-ray telescope (XRT) observations of the nearby 

galaxy cluster CL2015 were published showing that this cluster displays a very low pressure for its mass, 

likely due to a low concentration of matter near the center. In February 2019, the ultraviolet optical 

telescope took the earliest series of UV observations ever taken of a tidal disruption event (TDE), 

ASASSN-19bt. These observations uncovered a new feature, a drop in the temperature from around 

40,000 to 20,000 degrees over a few days, and the TDE occurred in the southern continuous viewing zone 

of TESS. 

NUCLEAR SPECTROSCOPIC TELESCOPE ARRAY (NUSTAR)

Launched in June 2012, NuSTAR completed its prime mission in July 2014 and is now in extended 

mission operations. NuSTAR enables scientists to locate supermassive black holes in other galaxies, 

locate and examine the remnants of collapsed stars in our galaxy and the nearby universe, observe 

selected gamma-ray sources, and observe any new supernovae in the local group of galaxies. NuSTAR’s 

key science products are sensitive X-ray maps of the celestial sky at a higher energy band than any other 

focusing X-ray satellite. NuSTAR offers opportunities for a broad range of science investigations, ranging 

from probing cosmic ray origins and studying the extreme physics around collapsed stars to mapping 

microflares on the surface of the Sun. NuSTAR performs key follow-up observations of sources found by 

Chandra, Spitzer, and WISE satellites. The NuSTAR mission implemented a Guest Observer program in 

2015. Scientists are now implementing the observations selected under Cycle 5 of the Guest Observer 

program. Some NuSTAR observations are coordinated with other missions, including Neil Gehrels Swift

Observatory, Chandra, INTEGRAL, XMM-Newton, and NICER. Such observations take advantage of 

NuSTAR' s unique access to high-energy X-rays with synergistic lower-energy X-ray capabilities of these 

other missions, such as NICER's exquisite X-ray timing, Chandra's high-spatial resolution imaging, and 

Swift's agility for rapidly slewing across the sky to monitor variable sources.

The 2019 Senior Review of Operating Missions recommended continuing NuSTAR operations through 

FY 2022. Additionally, NuSTAR most likely will participate in the FY 2022 Astrophysics Senior Review 

for possible extended operations beyond 2022. 
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Explorersics Explorer 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-44 

Recent Achievements

NuSTAR continues to provide insights into the high-energy Universe and some of the most powerful and 

mysterious objects in it. During the seven years of successful operations, the number of NuSTAR science 

publications has been increasing every year, shedding light on objects ranging from quasars billions of 

light years away, to energetic sources within our own galaxy, to objects in our Solar System, such as the 

Sun and Jupiter. 

At the very center of our own Milky Way galaxy resides a supermassive black-hole with a mass of over 4 

million times the mass of our Sun. Named Sagittarius A* (pronounced Sagittarius A-Star), this 

gravitational monster has, for the most part, been quiet compared to farther away galaxies that can display 

jetting active cores. However, over the last year our galactic center has awakened with material falling 

into the black hole and giving off high-energy radiation. NuSTAR, along with several other space-based 

and ground-based observatories has been measuring these local events to develop a better picture of the 

central engine of our galaxy. One of the very exciting program elements that NuSTAR has participated in 

over the past few years has been exploration of ultra-luminous pulsars. Ultra-luminous pulsars are a new 

class of object, first discovered by NuSTAR in 2014, and are subset of the very bright "ultra-luminous Xray sources", or ULXs, commonly found in star-forming galaxies. The extreme luminosities of ULXs led 

early researchers to suggest they were black holes with masses thousands of times greater than the Sun 

residing in the disks of galaxies. Other researchers suggested they might be black holes with more modest 

masses, approximately 10 times that of the Sun, undergoing extreme accretion. NuSTAR' s discovery that 

some of these sources pulsate definitively proved that at least some ULXs are instead pulsating neutron 

stars, or pulsars, undergoing extreme accretion. Since neutron stars cannot have masses greater than two 

to three times that of the Sun, this discovery implies ULX pulsars are incredibly luminous and likely in a 

transient, unstable state. NuSTAR has opened a window on the extreme universe. 

TRANSITING EXOPLANET SURVEY SATELLITE (TESS)

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission launched on April 18, 2018. TESS is 

performing an all-sky survey to search for planets transiting nearby stars. The primary goal of TESS is to 

discover planets smaller than Neptune that transit stars bright enough to enable follow-up spectroscopic 

observations that can provide planet masses and atmospheric compositions. In its two-year prime mission, 

TESS will monitor about 200,000 main-sequence dwarf stars with four wide-field optical CCD cameras 

to detect periodic drops in brightness caused by planetary transits. Photometry of these pre-selected 

targets record every two minutes. TESS also obtains full-frame images of the entire field-of-view (24 x 96 

degrees) at a cadence of 30 minutes to facilitate additional science.

The TESS Mission is designed to survey over 85 percent of the sky (an area of sky 400 times larger than 

covered by Kepler) to search for planets around nearby stars (within approximately 200 parsecs). TESS 

stars are typically 30-100 times brighter than those surveyed by the Kepler satellite. Planets detected 

around these stars will therefore be far easier to characterize with follow-up observations, resulting in 

refined measurements of planet masses, sizes, densities, and atmospheric properties.

Recent Achievements 

As of October 2019, TESS completed two-thirds of the data collection for its exoplanet survey, 

identifying over 1,100 candidate planets and confirming 29. TESS discovered new Earth-size planets, 
Science: Astrophysics: Astrophysics Explorersics Explorer

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

ASTRO-45

planets within the habitable zones of their host stars, multi-planet systems, and planets within binary star 

systems. 

TESS’s unique observing strategy of continuously surveying millions of objects within a large patch of 

the sky enables a large array of additional discoveries of astrophysical transients. Nearly 50 percent of 

refereed TESS science papers are unrelated to the exoplanet survey. General astrophysics highlights 

include catching the onset of dozens of distant supernova explosions, monitoring the tidal disruption of a 

star by a supermassive black hole, an extremely rare event that occurs only once every ten thousand to 

hundred thousand years in a galaxy, and observations of near-earth objects. 

The 2019 Senior Review of Operating Missions considered a proposal for an extended TESS mission 

through FY 2020-22. NASA will continue to operate TESS over this time to expand the survey to new 

fields, smaller planets, and wider orbits, as well as an ongoing astrophysics program covering topics 

ranging from solar system objects to high-redshift galaxies.
Science 

HELIOPHYSICS

HELIO-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Heliophysics Research 248.9 -- 230.5 218.7 225.2 224.0 224.5

Living with a Star 135.3 -- 127.9 134.5 246.4 225.5 233.3

Solar Terrestrial Probes 180.5 -- 126.3 262.2 202.6 195.6 115.5

Heliophysics Explorer Program 147.9 -- 148.4 192.4 167.6 189.0 230.8

Total Budget 712.7 724.5 633.1 807.8 841.8 834.1 804.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Heliophysics

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH .............................................................................HELIO-2 

Other Missions and Data Analysis ................................................................................ HELIO-9 

LIVING WITH A STAR .......................................................................................HELIO-15

Solar Orbiter Collaboration [Development].................................................................. HELIO-16

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-22

SOLAR TERRESTRIAL PROBES .....................................................................HELIO-28

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-31

HELIOPHYSICS EXPLORER PROGRAM.........................................................HELIO-38

Other Missions and Data Analysis .............................................................................. HELIO-42
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH

HELIO-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Heliophysics Research and Analysis 71.2 -- 58.6 58.6 58.6 58.6 58.6

Sounding Rockets 61.1 -- 71.6 60.1 65.1 65.1 65.1

Research Range 30.0 -- 27.4 26.4 26.8 26.9 26.9

Other Missions and Data Analysis 86.7 -- 73.0 73.5 74.7 73.4 73.9

Total Budget 248.9 -- 230.5 218.7 225.2 224.0 224.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This time-lapse photograph shows the first stages of 

the VISION-2 Black Brant X rockets as they leave the 

launch pad from Svalbard in Norway.

The Sun, a typical medium star midway through its 

life, governs the solar system. The Sun wields its 

influence through its gravity, radiation, solar wind, 

and magnetic fields, all of which spread out through 

the heliosphere, interacting with other planets, the 

Earth, and its space environments to produce space 

weather, which can affect human technological 

infrastructure and activities. Heliophysics seeks to 

understand the Sun, heliosphere, and planetary 

space environments as a single connected system to 

answer these fundamental questions: 

• How and why does the Sun vary? 

• How do Earth and the heliosphere respond 

to the Sun’s changes?

• How do the Sun and the solar system 

interact with the interstellar medium?

• How do these processes affect human 

activities?

Heliophysics Research improves our understanding 

of fundamental physical processes throughout the 

solar system, utilizing our flight mission data to 

push the boundaries of knowledge, employing 

theory and modeling including artificial intelligence 

(AI) and machine learning for new interpretations 

and large-scale vision, developing new technologies and flight testing them by launching sounding 

rockets and CubeSats, and thereby facilitating future missions. Heliophysics Research enables us to 

understand how the Sun, as the major driver of the energy throughout the solar system, affects our 
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH

HELIO-3 

technological society. The scope of Heliophysics ranges from the Sun's interior to Earth's upper 

atmosphere, and beyond, through interplanetary space to the end of the region of the Sun’s influence, far 

beyond the outer planets. 

For more information, go to https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/programs/research

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

Heliophysics is augmenting the Sounding Rocket project to complete the Grand Challenges InitiativeCUSP campaign, an international collaboration to explore the region where Earth meets space. It is an 

ongoing three-year international research effort involving launches from Andoya and Svalbard in 

Norway. NASA is also increasing support to the Solar Data Archive Center to allow for long-term 

archiving of Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) science data. Additionally, the Community Coordinated 

Modeling Center is receiving additional funds to maintain and modernize NASA's modelling capability, 

to help address increasing data security requirements and increasing demands for heliophysics modelling. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

A robust competed research and analysis program enjoyed an increase in selection rates across its various 

elements by fully implementing the DRIVE initiative specified in the 2013 National Research Council 

Decadal Strategy for Solar and Space Physics report, Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a 

Technological Society (see: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13060). NASA continued a 

competed Heliophysics Supporting Research program with emphasis on synergy of data analysis with key 

enhancement from numerical simulations, theory, or modeling. The theory, modeling, and simulation 

program element encouraged new theoretical development stretching existing knowledge as well as 

utilizing AI and machine learning to investigate extensive data repositories seeking new insights.

Technology and Instrument Development for Science (H-TIDeS) will continue to focus on the 

development of key technologies for use in future missions. The current technology development focuses 

on reducing sensor size, weight, and power. Future missions will benefit from an increase in sensor 

density as well as the new option of constellations and swarms of in-situ measurements in a sensor web 

matched to the temporal and spatial scales of energetic space plasma phenomena.

This year, NASA launched 19 sounding rockets and one reimbursable mission with campaigns in remote 

areas. The Sounding Rockets project executed an early FY 2019 campaign in Norway, called the Grand 

Challenge. This involved fabrication, testing, and ground support set-up for six missions from two launch 

sites (Andoya and Svalbard). In December 2018, VISIONS-2 launched from Svalbard to investigate the 

process whereby Earth is slowly leaking its atmospheric oxygen into space. NASA launched G-chaser, an 

educational mission with experiments developed by university students from the United States, Norway, 

and Japan, from Andoya in January 2019. Another remote campaign at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshal 

Islands launched Too-WINDY to study Earth's atmosphere by forming artificial nighttime clouds. 

In addition, Heliophysics launched four CubeSats in FY 2019. The Compact Radiation Belt Explorer 

studied what energizes electrons and causes their escape from the radiation belts. The Electron Losses and 

Fields Investigation studied dominant wave-loss mechanisms of relativistic electrons. The Solar Cycle 

Studies for the Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer is now in space observing a particular class of X-ray 
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH

HELIO-4 

light from the Sun rarely studied. The Tandem Beacon Explorer studies tropical weather in relationship to 

ionospheric bubbles.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, the Heliophysics Research program anticipates science results from the analysis of data from 

the 18 active space missions (26 individual spacecraft) that comprise the Heliophysics System 

Observatory. Researchers are also analyzing and collaborating with data collected by Ramaty High 

Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) and the Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom 

Spectrometers (TWINS) projects, even though both projects have retired and are in closeout. The Van 

Allen Probes project deactivated both spacecraft and will close over the next year but will continue to 

analyze and archive data. Heliophysics Research will continue to distribute and archive all other data 

from the Heliophysics Observatory to promote access and use in the pursuit of superior science. 

Competitive high-quality research investigations funded by ROSES awards will likewise contribute to 

heliophysics science advancements.

The current sounding rockets mission manifest features 19 missions in FY 2020 from various locations. 

The program will go to Norway in the winter for two missions, to White Sands Proving Ground in New 

Mexico in the fall and spring for eight missions, and to Australia, which will feature several missions 

investigating celestial targets of interest in the Southern sky. 

NASA plans to launch four CubeSats in FY 2020. Science will continue to collaborate with the Human 

Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate to enable the CubeSat mission to Understand Solar 

Particles over Earth's Poles (CUSPP) on the first flight using the Space Launch System (SLS), 

Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), along with The Cusp Plasma Imaging Detector (CuPID) CubeSat (EM1/Artemis RideShare). Scintillation observations and response of the ionosphere to electrodynamics will

study space weather sources of wave-like plasma perturbations in the ionosphere. The scintillation 

prediction observations research task and the low-latitude ionosphere/thermosphere enhancements in 

density CubeSat missions round out the launches. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, the Heliophysics Research program anticipates significant science results from the analysis 

of data from the Solar Orbiter Collaboration mission, as well as results from the 18 already active space 

missions (26 individual spacecraft) that comprise the Heliophysics System Observatory. The anticipated 

awards of additional research investigations will also contribute to heliophysics science advancements.

The current sounding rockets mission manifest features 19 missions in FY 2021 from various locations in 

the United States, Norway, and Australia.
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH

HELIO-5 

Program Elements

RESEARCH RANGE

The Research Range project provides operations support, maintenance, and engineering for the Wallops 

Launch Range and Instrumentation. The range and instrumentation support suborbital, orbital, and aircraft 

missions conducted on behalf of NASA and the Department of Defense at Wallops Flight Field and at 

remote sites around the world. New work includes support for NASA technology missions, unmanned 

aerial vehicle flights, and commercial launch and flight projects.

The range instrumentation includes meteorological, telemetry, radar, command, launch and range control 

centers, and optical systems. Research Range mobile assets provide range services at other ranges and 

remote locations around the world. 

SOUNDING ROCKETS

The Sounding Rockets Project supports the NASA strategic vision and goals for Earth Science, 

Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. The missions flown annually by the project provide 

researchers with unparalleled opportunities to build, test, and fly new instrument and sensor design 

concepts while simultaneously conducting world-class scientific research. Coupled with a hands-on 

approach to instrument design, integration, and flight, the short mission life cycle helps ensure that the 

next generation of space scientists receives the training and experience necessary to move on to NASA’s 

larger, more complex space science missions.

With the capability to fly higher than many low Earth orbiting satellites and the ability to launch on 

demand, sounding rockets often offer the only means to study specific scientific phenomena of interest to 

many researchers. Unlike instruments on board most orbital spacecraft or in ground-based observatories, 

sounding rockets can place instruments directly into regions where and when the science is occurring to 

enable direct, in-situ measurements. The mobile nature of the project enables researchers to conduct 

missions from strategic vantage points worldwide. Telescopes and spectrometers to study solar and 

astrophysics phenomena fly on sounding rockets to collect unique science data and test prototype 

instruments for future satellite missions.

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

This project supports basic research, solicited through NASA’s annual Research Opportunities in Space

and Earth Science (ROSES) announcements. These research activities address our understanding of the 

Sun and planetary space environments, including the origin, evolution, and interactions of space plasmas 

and electromagnetic fields throughout the heliosphere and in connection with the galaxy. Understanding 

the origin and nature of solar activity and its interaction with the space environment of the Earth is a 

particular focus. This project supports the research program element, the theory, modeling and simulation 

program element, DRIVE science centers, instrument development, Low Cost Access to Space (LCAS) 

investigations, and Heliophysics Flight Opportunities for Research and Technology (H-FORT), all 

necessary research directly linked to Heliophysics science questions. 
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH

HELIO-6 

Heliophysics supporting research and theory, modeling, and simulation are the foundations of the 

Heliophysics Research and Analysis project. They lead the way to new understanding of previous 

investigations and drive science concepts for future missions. They are essential in fully exploiting 

Heliophysics mission research data collected between the outer edge of the Earth’s atmosphere and the 

interaction of the Sun and solar wind with the local galactic environment currently explored by Voyager. 

The DRIVE centers program element supports large principal investigator proposed team efforts that 

require a critical mass of expertise to make significant progress in understanding complex physical 

processes with broad importance. They employ a variety of fundamental research techniques (e.g., theory, 

numerical simulation, and modeling), analysis, and interpretation of space data. 

LCAS and HFORT investigations use spaceflight of experimental instrumentation to achieve scientific 

goals and proof-test new technology that may ultimately find application in larger or strategic 

Heliophysics space missions. These investigations may use a range of flight opportunities, including 

suborbital rockets, suborbital reusable launch vehicles, ISS payloads, CubeSats, and balloon flights. 

Instrument development investigations develop technology with promise for use in scientific 

investigations on future Heliophysics science missions. These investigations may include the 

development of laboratory instrument prototypes, but not of flight hardware. The goal is to define and 

develop scientific instruments and/or components of such instruments to the point where complete 

instruments are ready for future announcements of opportunity or missions of opportunity without 

significant additional technology development. 

Heliophysics Systems Observatory

The Heliophysics Systems Observatory is comprised of the 18 active space missions (26 individual 

spacecraft) below:

• Advanced Compositional Explorer (ACE);

• Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM); 

• Geotail;

• Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD);

• Hinode; 

• Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS);

• Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX); 

• Ionospheric Connection explorer (ICON);

• Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites (MMS) (four spacecraft); 

• Parker Solar Probe;

• Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO); 

• Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO); 

• Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO); 

• Space Environment Testbeds (SET); 

• Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED); 

• Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) (five

spacecraft); 

• Voyager (two spacecraft); and

• Wind. 
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH

HELIO-7 

Program Schedule

NASA implements the Heliophysics Research program via a competitively selected process. NASA 

releases research solicitations each year through the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science 

(ROSES) NASA Research Announcements (NRA), aiming to initiate research for about one-third of the 

program, given the selected investigations are typically three-year awards. NASA will allocate FY 2021 

funds to ROSES-2020, ROSES-2019, and ROSES-2018 selections.

Date Significant Event

Q1 FY 2020 ROSES-2019 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2020 ROSES-2020 solicitation: Mar 2020

Q3/Q4 FY 2020 Review of proposals submitted to Heliophysics ROSES-2020 elements

Q1 FY 2021 ROSES-2020 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2021 ROSES-2021 solicitation: Feb 2021

Q3/Q4 FY 2021 Review of proposals submitted to Heliophysics ROSES-2021 elements

Q1 FY 2022 ROSES-2021 selection within six to nine months of receipt of proposals

Q2 FY 2022 ROSES-2022 solicitation: Feb 2022

Q3/Q4 FY 2022 Review of proposals submitted to Heliophysics ROSES-2022 elements

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Research and Analysis

Provider: Headquarters (HQ)

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Centers: Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Marshall Space Flight 

Center (MSFC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Langley Research Center 

(LaRC), Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Cost Share Partners: None

Sounding Rockets and 

Research Range

Provider: GSFC

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center: GSFC

Cost Share Partners: None

Heliophysics Operating 

Missions

Provider: GSFC, JPL, MSFC

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center: GSFC, JPL, MSFC

Cost Share Partners: None
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS RESEARCH

HELIO-8 

Acquisition Strategy

NASA issues solicitations for competed research awards each February in the ROSES NRAs. To the 

widest extent possible, NASA fully and openly competes all new acquisitions. Proposals are peerreviewed and selected from the annual ROSES announcement. Universities, government research 

laboratories, and industry partners throughout the United States participate in research projects. NASA 

previously selected the Heliophysics operating missions and instrument teams via NASA AOs. NASA 

evaluates the allocation of funding among the operating missions through the Heliophysics Senior Review 

process.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

Sounding Rocket Operations Orbital ATK, Dulles, VA Various

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Quality Mission Senior 

Review Panel Oct 2017

A comparative 

evaluation of 

Heliophysics 

operating missions

The report, released 

in Nov 2017, 

assessed missions 

individually and as 

part of a system 

observatory

Apr 2020

Relevance

Heliophysics 

Advisory 

Committee

2018

To review progress 

towards Heliophysics 

objectives in the 

NASA Strategic Plan 

All areas were rated 

green as documented 

in the FY 2018 

Agency Financial 

Report

2019

Relevance

Heliophysics

Advisory 

Committee

2019

To review progress 

towards Heliophysics 

objectives in the 

NASA Strategic Plan

All areas were rated 

green as documented 

in the FY 2019 

Agency Financial 

Report

2020

Relevance

Heliophysics 

Advisory 

Committee

2020

To review progress 

towards Heliophysics

objectives in the 

NASA Strategic Plan

To be determined 2021
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-9 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Science Planning and Research Support 6.7 -- 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7

CubeSat 22.0 -- 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0

Solar Data Center 1.3 -- 2.5 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2

Data & Modeling Services 3.0 -- 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0

Space Physics Data Archive 2.3 -- 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3

Guest Investigator Program 26.5 -- 21.5 23.0 24.5 23.0 23.0

Community Coordinated Modeling Center 2.7 -- 4.6 4.9 5.1 5.4 5.6

Space Science Mission Ops Services 11.5 -- 11.9 11.9 11.9 11.9 11.9

Voyager 5.8 -- 5.5 5.5 5.0 5.0 5.2

Solar and Heliospheric Observatory 

(SOHO)

2.3 -- 2.3 2.4 2.2 2.2 2.2

Wind 2.2 -- 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3

Geotail 0.4 -- 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5

Total Budget 86.7 -- 73.0 73.5 74.7 73.4 73.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

SOHO captured this composite image of the sun in early 

July 2019 at approximately the same time as the South 

American solar eclipse. The LASCO imager on SOHO was 

able to provide the image of the corona, looping above the 

surface of the sun and streaming into space.

NASA accumulates, archives, and distributes 

data collected by the Heliophysics System 

Observatory, a fleet of operating spacecraft. 

Combining the measurements from all of these 

observing platforms enables interdisciplinary, 

connected systems science across the vast spatial 

scales of our solar system. This collective asset 

enables the data, expertise, and research results 

to contribute directly to fundamental research on 

solar and space plasma physics and to the 

national goal of real-time space weather 

prediction. NASA teams support day-to-day 

mission operations for NASA spacecraft and 

data analysis to advance the state of space 

science and space weather modeling. NASA 

conducts science community-based projects to 

evaluate research models containing space 

weather information that is of value to industry 

and government agencies. Heliophysics data 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-10 

centers archive and distribute the science data from operating missions in the Living With a Star (LWS), 

Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP), Research, and Explorer programs. 

Mission Planning and Other Projects 

SCIENCE PLANNING AND RESEARCH SUPPORT

This project supports NASA’s participation in proposal reviews by peer review panels, decadal surveys, 

and National Academies’ studies. 

DIRECTED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

This project funds the civil service staff that work on emerging flight projects, instruments, and research.

CUBESAT 

Heliophysics implemented a CubeSat project in response to the 2013 Decadal Survey DRIVE initiative 

recommendation. The aim of the project is to explore the viability of this lower-cost option for enabling 

scientific discovery.

CubeSats are small spacecraft, built to a standardized form-factor of size and mass, which can launch as

secondary or ride-share payloads. With development costs between $1 million and $6 million per 

investigation and with rapid development cycles, CubeSats can provide frequent science and technology 

flight opportunities.

This approach is similar to the traditional NASA suborbital programs that use sounding rockets, balloons, 

and aircraft, but it extends the range of opportunities. CubeSats have significant potential to leverage 

exploratory and systematic science observations at minimal additional cost.

The CubeSat project initially encompassed all Science themes and disciplines. From 2014 to 2018, the 

CubeSat project initiated 21 investigations in an exploration of management and implementation required 

for a new kind of flight program. Beginning in 2018, the science divisions conducted CubeSat 

investigations independently, using the lessons learned from the cross-discipline project.

The Heliophysics CubeSat project is continuing work on the cross-discipline investigations already 

underway. In response to the capabilities demonstrated by CubeSat investigations in the initial pathfinder 

stage, the CubeSat project expanded in 2019 to take advantage of new science achievable via 

investigations in the $2 million to $10 million range. The larger investigations will enable the 

development of remote sensing investigations with more sophisticated CubeSats as well as small 

constellations of in-situ CubeSat investigations. Out of the 2019 competition, panels selected three new 

CubeSat investigations with total mission costs ranging from $3.5 million to $6.8 million each. The 

program expects a similar level of selections again in 2020. 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-11 

SOLAR DATA CENTER

The Solar Data Center provides mission and instrument expertise to enable high-quality analysis of solar 

physics mission data. It provides leadership for community-based, distributed development efforts to 

facilitate identifying and accessing solar physics data, including ground-based coordinated observations 

residing in the Virtual Solar Observatory. The project also provides a repository for software used to 

analyze these data. The Virtual Solar Observatory is a software system that links together distributed 

archives of solar data into a unified whole, along with data search and analysis tools.

DATA AND MODELING SERVICES

This project supports missions in extended operations and missions transitioning to decommissioning to 

prepare their data holdings for long-term archival curation. This project also provides for the creation of 

higher-level data products, which are of significant use to the science community and not funded during 

the prime mission. Higher-level data products are data that combine results of multiple missions and/or 

instruments. Elements of this project are competed through the annual ROSES competitive 

announcement. 

SPACE PHYSICS DATA ARCHIVE

The Space Physics Data Archive ensures long-term data preservation and online access to non-solar 

heliophysics science data. It operates key infrastructure components for the Heliophysics Data 

Environment, including inventory and web service interfaces to systems and data. It also provides unique 

enabling science data services.

GUEST INVESTIGATOR PROGRAM

The Guest Investigator program maximizes the return from currently operating Heliophysics missions by 

supporting studies consistent with the science goals of these missions and those expressed in the 2013 

decadal survey and 2014 SMD Science Plan. These competitive research investigations use data from 

multiple spacecraft, as appropriate. Investigations addressing global system science are strongly 

encouraged, as Heliophysics is, by its nature, the investigation of a large-scale, complex, connected 

system.

COMMUNITY COORDINATED MODELING CENTER 

The Community Coordinated Modeling Center is a multi-agency partnership to enable and perform the 

research and development for next-generation heliophysics and space weather models. The project

provides the United States and international research community access to simulations to enable “runs on 

demand,” using models to study space weather events in near-real time. This allows the comparison of 

observational data and model parameters during or shortly after solar activity, thereby improving 

accuracy of the models.
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-12 

SPACE SCIENCE MISSION OPERATIONS SERVICES

Space Science Mission Operations Services manages the on-orbit operations of GSFC Space Science 

missions. Services include consistent processes and infrastructure for missions operated at GSFC, Johns 

Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Orbital-Alliant Techsystems, Pennsylvania State 

University, and University of California at Berkeley. Space Science Mission Operations Services also

sustains an operational infrastructure for current and future missions.

Operating Missions

VOYAGER

The Voyager Interstellar Mission is exploring the interaction of the heliosphere and the local interstellar 

medium. Voyager 1, launched in 1977, is making the first in-situ observations of the region outside the 

heliosphere from about 148 astronomical units (AU), or 148 times Earth’s distance from the Sun, and is 

traveling at a speed of 3.6 AU per year. Voyager 2 is about 123 AU from the Sun and traveling at a speed 

of about 3.3 AU per year. Spacecraft power should be adequate for currently operating instruments 

through 2021. 

Recent Achievements

Voyager 2 crossed the heliopause on November 5, 2018. Voyager 2 is the second human-made object to 

cross the heliosphere - the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields created by the Sun. Its twin, 

Voyager 1, crossed the heliopause on August 25, 2012, and continues to sail outward through the local 

interstellar medium. The Voyager Science Team is currently working on a special edition of Science 

Magazine, which will feature science papers from the five Voyager 2 instruments. Among others results, 

comparisons of data from the crossings of the two Voyager spacecraft and subsequent interstellar areas 

have improved our understanding of the heliosheath, including calculations of particle pressure on the 

edge of our solar system.

SOLAR AND HELIOSPHERIC OBSERVATORY (SOHO) 

SOHO, launched in 1995, is a joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, and it has 

been a dependable solar watchdog, providing the only Earth-Sun line coronagraph images of solar storms. 

Citizen scientists have used SOHO to discover more than 3,000 comets, a capability no one anticipated 

before launch. Coronal mass ejections (CME) drive most of the space weather effects in the inner 

heliosphere. SOHO continues to provide essential early alert space weather observations used as inputs to 

models that further our understanding of the Sun’s effect on the Earth. 

Recent Achievements

Combined observations from SOHO, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), the Reuven Ramaty High 

Energy Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 

provided a unique opportunity to study the genesis, magnetic morphology, and impulsive dynamics of a 

very fast CME. Data from these instruments show that a CME observed on September 10, 2017 was very 

fast and contained a hot bright rim around a quickly expanding cavity, embedded inside a much larger 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-13 

CME shell. Deformations in the CME structure are a severe challenge and source of uncertainty in 

predictions of the arrival time of a CME at Earth and the space weather effects it produces. Improving 

current models of CME physics to incorporate the behavior and structure of this CME will help in 

understanding CME activity and effects on Earth. 

WIND

The Wind spacecraft, launched in 1994, studies the solar wind and its impact on the near-Earth 

environment. It addresses wave-particle interaction processes in the space environment, evolution of solar 

activity in the heliosphere, and geomagnetic impact of solar activity. Wind performs in-situ studies using 

unique capabilities, such as three-dimensional particle distributions over a wide range of energies, and 

delivers higher time resolution than available from any other mission. Wind provides critical 

measurements of the solar wind and space weather events. Correlating those critical measurements with 

measurements from the Parker Solar Probe mission and upcoming SOC mission will improve our 

understanding of these events as they move out from the Sun. These multi-spacecraft measurements 

constrain models of space weather events and improve their predictive capabilities.

Recent Achievements

CME expelled from the solar corona are a major space weather driver, both in space and on the ground. 

The fast-traveling CME plasma, which carries a twisted magnetic field, is a common source of 

geomagnetic disturbances that can affect a wide range of human technologies and exploration. 

Understanding the magnetic structure and dynamics of CMEs is of critical importance for space weather 

forecasting. Thanks to the past and current heliophysics system observatories, we have advanced our 

understanding by, for instance, connecting the traditional "magnetic clouds" or flux-ropes with the CMEs. 

However, our proficiency in predicting the internal magnetic structure of the Interplanetary CMEs 

(ICMEs) is still limited.

Wind also observed and aided in the first long-duration (approximately 10 years) statistical analysis of the 

temperatures, plasma betas, and temperature ratios for the electron, proton, and alpha-particle populations 

in the solar wind near Earth. This analysis is the first and only statistically significant analysis of the solar 

wind temperature parameters near Earth, which are relevant for long-term statistical models, parameter 

range limits for empirical models, constraints for inaccessible astrophysical plasmas, and a reliable 

baseline for Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. 

GEOTAIL

Geotail, launched in 1992, enables scientists to assess data on the interaction of the solar wind and 

magnetosphere. July 24, 2019, marked the 27th anniversary of the launch of Geotail. Its instruments 

continue to function, sending back crucial information about how auroras form, how energy from the Sun 

funnels through near- Earth space, and the ways in which magnetic field lines move and rebound, creating 

explosive bursts that rearrange the very shape of our magnetic environment. The Geotail mission is a 

collaborative project undertaken by the Japanese Institute of Space and Astronautical Science and NASA.

Recent Achievements

Geotail helped contribute to an analysis of five decades of satellite data. This analysis pieced together the 

most comprehensive picture yet of substorms, the magnetic disturbances that cause surges of aurora. An 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Research 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-14 

American Geophysical Union (AGU) EOS Research Spotlight featured the unified data set results, which 

mined and merged the archives of 15 satellites from NASA, NOAA, ESA, and JAXA, spanning five

decades. This global picture could help scientists better understand substorms on Earth, including their 

risk to infrastructure. It could also help scientists understand similar observed processes in the magnetic 

fields of other planets and stars. 
Science: Heliophysics 

LIVING WITH A STAR

HELIO-15 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Solar Orbiter Collaboration 27.1 12.8 8.1 8.2 8.1 8.2 8.2

Other Missions and Data Analysis 108.2 -- 119.7 126.3 238.2 217.3 225.0

Total Budget 135.3 -- 127.9 134.5 246.4 225.5 233.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This image from Parker Solar Probe's WISPR (Wide-field 

Imager for Solar Probe) instrument suite shows the 

expelling of solar wind particles and magnetic fields from 

the Sun, seen as the ring-shape here. It is the first near-solar 

image of such magnetic clouds ever recorded, and it 

provides evidence for what had only been theory until now.

The Living With A Star (LWS) program targets 

specific aspects of the Sun-Earth system that 

affect life and society. LWS provides a 

predictive understanding of the Sun-Earth 

system, linkages among the interconnected 

systems, and, specifically, space weather 

conditions at Earth and the interplanetary 

medium. Measurements and research from 

LWS missions may contribute to advances in 

operational space weather forecasting that help 

prevent damage to spacecraft, communications 

and navigation systems, and power grids. LWS 

products improve our understanding of ionizing 

radiation, which has human health implications 

on the ISS and high-altitude aircraft flight, as 

well as operations of future space exploration 

with and without human presence. LWS products improve the characterization of solar radiation for 

global climate change, surface warming, and ozone depletion and recovery. 

For more information, go to http://science.nasa.gov/about-us/smd-programs/living-with-a-star/

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

This budget increases funding to LWS Futures to commence initial studies and activities for the Geospace

Dynamics Constellation (GDC), the next Decadal Survey priority for LWS following the launch of Solar 

Orbiter Collaboration mission. The Van Allen Probes mission surpassed its original expected life span but 

both spacecraft exhausted their propellant and were decommissioned at the end of 2019. 
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

SOLAR ORBITER COLLABORATION

Formulation Development Operations

HELIO-16 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 41.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 41.5

Development/Implementation 244.8 27.1 7.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 279.8

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 5.0 8.1 8.2 8.1 8.2 8.2 19.4 65.3

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 286.3 27.1 12.8 8.1 8.2 8.1 8.2 8.2 19.4 386.6

Total Budget 286.3 27.1 12.8 8.1 8.2 8.1 8.2 8.2 19.4 386.6

Change from FY 2020 -4.7

Percentage change from FY 2020 -36.7%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This ESA-led mission, depicted here, will improve the 

understanding of how the Sun determines the environment 

of the inner solar system and how fundamental plasma 

physical processes operate near the Sun.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) 

Solar Orbiter Collaboration (SOC) mission will 

provide measurements that will give NASA 

better insight on the evolution of sunspots, active 

regions, coronal holes, and other solar features 

and phenomena. The instruments will explore 

the near-Sun environment to improve our 

understanding of the origins of the solar wind 

streams and the heliospheric magnetic field; the 

sources, acceleration mechanisms, and transport 

processes of solar energetic particles; and the 

evolution of CMEs in the inner heliosphere. To 

achieve these objectives, SOC will make in-situ 

measurements of the solar wind plasma, fields, 

waves, and energetic particles. SOC will also 

make imaging/spectroscopic observations. SOC 

will provide close-up views of the Sun’s polarregions and far side. SOC will adjust its orbit to 

the direction of the Sun’s rotation to allow the 

spacecraft to observe one specific area for much 
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

SOLAR ORBITER COLLABORATION

Formulation Development Operations

HELIO-17 

longer than is currently possible. 

ESA provides the spacecraft and operations; the ESA member states provide the majority of the 

instruments; and NASA provides the launch vehicle and two science investigations/instruments: the Solar 

Orbiter Heliospheric Imager (SoloHI) and the Heavy Ion Sensor (HIS). In return for its contributions, 

NASA will have access to the entire science mission data set.

For more information, go to https://science.nasa.gov/missions/solar-orbiter

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

PROJECT PARAMETERS

A NASA launch vehicle will place the ESA SOC spacecraft into an inner heliospheric orbit around the 

Sun, with its closest approach ranging from 0.23 to 0.38 Astronomical Unit (AU) and the farthest distance 

from 0.73 to 0.88 AU. In the first phase of mission operations, SOC will orbit around the Sun’s equator at 

about the same rate as the Sun’s rotation. In the second phase, it will perform a Venus gravity-assist 

maneuver between each rotation around the Sun. Each gravity assist maneuver will increase the SOC’s

inclination with respect to the Sun’s equator so that the inclination will reach 27.5 degrees by the end of 

prime mission operations. This inclination will enable the instruments to image the polar regions of the 

Sun clearly for the first time and make key measurements that will advance our understanding of the solar 

dynamo and the polarity reversal of the global magnetic field. The inclination will increase to 34 degrees 

by the end of a possible three-year extended mission, allowing better insight into the polar-regions. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The integrated spacecraft completed environmental testing at the IABG site in Germany. The team 

completely assembled the spacecraft and prepared it for shipment to Kennedy Space Center.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA, ESA, and the instrument teams will continue preparations for the anticipated February 2020 

launch and the subsequent start of data collection. In November 2019, the project successfully completed 

the Solar Orbiter final pre-ship review and completed shipment to Kennedy Space Center. The planned 

launch is February 2020. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Solar Orbiter will be in the operational phase collecting science data.
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

SOLAR ORBITER COLLABORATION

Formulation Development Operations

HELIO-18 

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Confirmation Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C) Mar 2013 Mar 2013

SoloHI Instrument Critical Design Review (CDR) Jun 2013 Oct 2013

HIS Instrument CDR Feb 2014 Mar 2014

Pre-ship review Jan 2015 Mar 2017

Launch Oct 2018 Feb 2020

Begin Phase E Oct 2018 May 2020

End of Prime Mission Nov 2026 Mar 2028 

Development Cost and Schedule

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2014 376.9 N/A 2020 279.8 -25.8% LRD Oct 2018 Feb 2020 +16

Note: The confidence level (CL) estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost.
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

SOLAR ORBITER COLLABORATION

Formulation Development Operations

HELIO-19 

Development Cost Details 

NASA confirmed SOC to proceed into implementation phase in March 2013. 

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base 

Year Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 376.9 279.8 -97.1

Aircraft/Spacecraft 0.0 0.0 0.0

Payloads 23.7 70.0 +46.3

Systems I&T 0.0 0.0 0.0

Launch Vehicle 250.0 188.4 -61.6

Ground Systems 0.0 0.0 0.0

Science/Technology 1.3 2.9 +1.6

Other Direct Project Costs 101.9 18.5 -83.4

Project Management & Commitments

Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has program management responsibility for the Living With a Star 

program and the SOC project. NASA procured all instruments provided by the United States through a 

competitive AO.

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

SoloHI Measures the solar wind formations, 

shock disturbance, and turbulence

Provider: Naval Research Lab

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): GSFC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

HIS

Measures the range of heavy ion 

energies, charge states, masses, and 

elevation angles as part of the United 

Kingdom-provided Solar Wind 

Analyzer instrument suite

Provider: SwRI

Lead Center: GSFC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

SOLAR ORBITER COLLABORATION

Formulation Development Operations

HELIO-20 

Element Description Provider Details Change from 

Baseline

Expendable 

Launch 

Vehicle

Launch vehicle

Provider: ULA

Lead Center: KSC

Performing Center(s): KSC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Project Risks 

Risk Statement Mitigation

If: The current launch using our launchpad is 

delayed,

Then: NASA launch vehicle and 

development costs will increase.

Monitor Orbital Flight Test's progress and investigate additional 

launch date opportunities.

Acquisition Strategy

NASA selected the instruments and science investigations from a competed AO. NASA competitively 

selected the launch vehicle through the NASA Launch Services-II contract. 

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

SoloHI Naval Research Lab Washington, DC

HIS SwRI San Antonio, TX

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance Standing Review 

Board (SRB) Nov 2012

Preliminary Design 

Review (PDR) to 

assess readiness for 

KDP-C 

Successful, project 

ready to proceed to 

development

Sept 2013
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

SOLAR ORBITER COLLABORATION

Formulation Development Operations

HELIO-21 

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance SRB Sept 2013

SoloHI Instrument to 

assess readiness for 

CDR

Successful Mar 2014

Performance SRB Mar 2014

HIS Instrument to 

assess readiness for 

CDR

Successful Mar 2017

Performance SRB Mar 2017

Pre-ship Review to 

assess readiness for 

shipment to ESA

Successful Oct 2019

Performance ESA-chaired 

SRB-observer Oct 2019

Operations Readiness 

Review/Qualification 

Acceptance Review 

(ESA term) Mission 

Readiness Review to 

assess readiness for

KDP-E 

Successful N/A
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-22 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

LWS Space Environment Testbeds 0.7 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

LWS Science 29.0 -- 30.3 30.3 30.3 30.3 30.3

LWS Program Management and Future 

Missions

12.1 -- 41.8 49.0 160.7 139.8 147.5

Van Allen Probes (RBSP) 14.3 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) 12.0 -- 12.0 12.0 12.3 12.3 12.3

Parker Solar Probe 20.0 -- 21.0 20.4 20.3 20.3 20.4

Space Weather Science and Applications 20.0 -- 14.6 14.6 14.6 14.6 14.6

Total Budget 108.2 -- 119.7 126.3 238.2 217.3 225.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) continues to monitor 

and image solar activity throughout the sun's 11-year solar 

cycle. This composite image of several wavelengths, taken 

November 22, 2019, shows an example of activity in the quiet 

stage of the sun as it nears the low-point in the solar cycle.

LWS Other Missions and Data Analysis 

budget includes operating LWS missions, a 

science research program, program 

management, and funding for missions to 

launch in the next decade. 

For more information, go to: 

http://science.nasa.gov/about-us/smdprograms/living-with-a-star/

Mission Planning and 

Other Projects

SPACE WEATHER SCIENCE AND 

APPLICATIONS

The Space Weather Science and Applications 

project works to support the effective 

transition of heliophysics science results to 

applications that enhance the user 

communities' ability to address impacts 

caused by the dynamic space environment. 

This activity supports interagency space 

weather efforts and is consistent with the 
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-23 

recommendations of the National Academy 2013 Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics and the 

White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) 2019 National Space Weather Strategy 

and Action Plan. NASA plans to competitively fund ideas and products, leverage existing agency 

capabilities, collaborate with other agencies, and partner with user communities. 

Recent Achievements

NASA established Space Weather Science and Applications in collaboration with sister federal agencies, 

academia, and industry. Recent achievements include the award of grants that target research efforts to 

advance science priorities identified by our operational agency partners, investments in high end 

computing, the Community Coordinated Modeling Center, and the development of an interagency 

framework with NOAA to transition research results and observation techniques to improved forecast 

capabilities.

LWS SCIENCE

Understanding space weather and improving the capability to address problems, such as predicting 

geomagnetic storms, pose two major challenges for the research community. First, research must couple 

traditionally separate disciplines in heliophysics, such as solar-heliospheric and geospace physics. 

Second, to be truly successful, research must also demonstrate how results would enhance an operational 

capability, such as the generation of forecasts for geomagnetic storms. 

LWS Science addresses these challenges through three main approaches:

• Builds expertise: This component includes funding to train the next generation of heliophysics 

experts, conduct a heliophysics graduate-level summer school, develop graduate course content, 

and support a limited number of space weather postdoctoral positions at universities and 

government laboratories. 

• Addresses scientific needs: The goal of the project is to develop the scientific understanding 

needed for the United States to address those aspects of heliophysics that may affect life and 

society. The targeted research element solicits large-scale problems that cross discipline and 

technique boundaries. 

• Addresses strategic capabilities: A primary goal of this project is the development of firstprinciples-based models for the coupled Sun-Earth and Sun-solar system, similar to the firstprinciples models for the lower terrestrial atmosphere. Such models can act as tools for science 

investigations, as prototypes and test beds for prediction and specification capabilities, as 

frameworks for linking disparate data sets at vantage points throughout the Sun-solar system, and 

as strategic planning aids for enabling exploration of space and testing new mission concepts.

Recent Achievements

Recent studies progressed and explored notably in four of the LWS-focused Science Topics research 

areas: 1) understanding the onset of major solar eruptions, 2) a systems approach to energetic particle 

acceleration and transport on the sun and in the heliosphere, 3) ion circulation and effects on the 

magnetosphere and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, and 4) understanding physical processes in the 

magnetosphere-ionosphere/thermosphere/mesosphere system during extreme events. 
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-24 

The long-term goal of understanding the onset of major solar eruptions is the ability to quantitatively 

describe - and ultimately predict - the occurrence of major solar eruptions and how they will influence 

Earth's environment. This topic considers nearly all aspects of the LWS program, such as how Solar 

Energetic Particle (SEP) events generated by flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) increase 

radiation hazards throughout the solar system and adversely impact our space- and ground-based assets. 

The current aim of this active research is to build on previous LWS research and combine insights from 

theory, modeling, and observations to improve probabilistic forecasts of major solar eruptions required by 

the user community.

Additional recent studies are working toward a systems approach to energetic particle acceleration and 

transport on the Sun and in the heliosphere. The radiation environment in the upper atmosphere here on 

Earth can change rapidly with different amounts of arriving galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic 

particles (SEP). Changes in the solar wind due to high-speed streams, coronal mass ejections (CME), and 

periods of southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) are all also able to affect this environment. The 

timescale for each of these elements is different, creating complex interactions between the eleven-year 

solar cycle and, for example, the galactic cosmic rays background that varies by day, or the SEP 

environment that can vary by seconds to minutes. Together, the effect of these phenomena on the Earth’s 

magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere system create the weather of the radiation environment. Recent 

observations and modeling developments have permitted substantial progress in understanding the 

radiation environment, but the variability and complexity of these interactions require better

measurement; this research pursues and supports this systems approach as part of a long-term community 

research goal.

Ion circulation and effects on the magnetosphere and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling focuses on 

gaining accurate knowledge and understanding of the magnetospheric composition, which is critical for 

understanding the space environment. Heavy ions, including positively charged oxygen, transfer from the 

ionosphere to the magnetosphere during storms, and their composition ultimately plays an important role 

in understanding geomagnetic variability and the radiation environment. Current research focuses on how 

and when ions, and in particular oxygen, are supplied from the ionosphere to the magnetosphere and 

where they become available for energization. Newly available data from the Van Allen Probes and MMS 

satellites as well as older datasets such as Cluster and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program

provide important input to this ongoing research.

Finally, Understanding physical processes in the magnetosphere--ionosphere / thermosphere / mesosphere 

system during extreme events examines superstorms: unusually strong geomagnetic storms where the 

geomagnetic activity index drops to low levels. Understanding the effects of superstorms and the 

strongest space weather events is a key component of the National Space Weather Action Plan, in part to 

develop mitigation strategies for scenarios for navigation, communication, and spacecraft. Coupling 

processes for extreme events may be very different from typical conditions and standard models. This 

research focuses on investigations of key physical processes needed to extend modeling capabilities to the 

conditions that occur during extreme events.

LWS PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND FUTURE MISSIONS

Program Management and Future Missions provide the resources required to manage the planning, 

formulation, and implementation of all LWS missions. The office resolves technical and programmatic 

issues and risks, monitors and reports on progress, and is responsible for achieving overall LWS cost and 
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-25 

schedule goals. In addition, Future Missions support strategic planning for addressing the LWS 

recommendations of the Heliophysics Decadal Survey and the pre-formulation activities for missions that 

are still merely concepts.

Recent Achievements

The next LWS mission identified by the Heliophysics Decadal Survey is the Geospace Dynamics 

Constellation (GDC). The primary objective of GDC is to "characterize and understand how the 

ionosphere-thermosphere behaves as a system, responding to, and regulating, solar wind/magnetospheric 

energy input." This mission will provide crucial understanding of the processes that govern the 

interactions between the solar wind that continually streams from the Sun and the Earth's upper 

atmosphere. These interactions affect the conditions and variability of the upper atmosphere that, in turn, 

impact the properties of a broad range of phenomena that range from natural geomagnetic events to the 

ionospheric effects on communication and navigation. 

NASA is continuing to support this upcoming opportunity. During FY 2018, NASA convened the GDC 

Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) to update and refine the mission science objectives 

from the Heliophysics Decadal Survey. The STDT submitted its final report to the Heliophysics Advisory 

Committee in October 2019. The Heliophysics Advisory Committee endorsed the science in the report 

and delivered it to NASA with a recommendation to continue mission pre-formulation. NASA has formed 

a pre-project office to determine technically feasible, cost-effective implementations of the STDTrecommended science investigation.

For more information, go to: 

https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/science-strategy/decadal-surveys

https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/resources/stdts/geospace-dynamics-constellation

Operating Missions

LWS SPACE ENVIRONMENT TESTBEDS

The Space Environment Testbeds (SET) project seeks to improve the accommodation and/or mitigation 

of the effects of solar variability on spacecraft by studying how to protect satellites in space. It addresses 

the identification and understanding of the mechanisms of space environment interactions, modeling of 

these interactions, and development and validation of ground test protocols to qualify technologies for 

space. The mission characterizes the harsh space environment near Earth and how it affects spacecraft and 

their instruments. This information can be used to improve spacecraft design, engineering, and operations 

in order to protect spacecraft from harmful radiation driven by the Sun. As the complexity of the 

technologies increases, models derived from the physics-based understanding of the effects are required, 

and the SET mission responds to these needs. 
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

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HELIO-26 

Recent Achievements

SET launched on June 25, 2019 as a rideshare payload on the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s 

Demonstration and Space Experiments spacecraft and is currently operating in medium-Earth orbit. 

PARKER SOLAR PROBE

Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, is on target to unlock the mysteries of the Sun's atmosphere. Parker 

Solar Probe will fly through the solar corona 24 times, gradually lowering its orbit closer to the Sun using 

Venus' gravity during seven flybys over its seven-year mission. After the seventh Venus flyby, the 

spacecraft will fly though the Sun's atmosphere as close as 3.8 million miles to our star’s surface - well 

within the orbit of Mercury and more than seven times closer than any spacecraft has come before 

(Earth’s average distance to the Sun is 93 million miles). 

Flying into the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere, the corona, for the first time, Parker Solar Probe 

will employ a combination of in situ measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the 

corona and expand our knowledge of the origin and evolution of the solar wind. It will also make critical 

contributions to our ability to forecast changes in Earth's space environment that affect life and 

technology on Earth. 

Recent Achievements

On April 4, 2019, and September 1, 2019, Parker Solar Probe successfully completed its second and third

of 24 approaches to the Sun, at 16 percent of the distance of the Earth from the Sun. Each approach pass 

sets a successive new record for all-time speed and close-solar-approach distance. The public release of 

science data from the first two orbits occurred on November 12, 2019. Twenty-one additional solar 

approaches are planned, with the last three bringing the probe to as close as approximately four percent of 

the Earth’s distance from the Sun in 2024. 

VAN ALLEN PROBES

The Van Allen Probes mission, launched in 2012, is helping scientists to understand the Sun’s influence 

on Earth and near-Earth space by studying Earth’s radiation belts on various scales of space and time. The 

mission observes the processes that energize and transport radiation belt electrons and ions in Earth’s 

inner magnetosphere, the area in and around Earth’s radiation belts. These observations are providing new 

knowledge on the dynamics and extremes of the radiation belts that are important to all technological 

systems that fly in and through geospace. The mission will enable an understanding, ideally to the point 

of predictability, of how populations of relativistic electrons and penetrating ions in space form or change 

in response to variable inputs of energy from the Sun. 

Recent Achievements

After seven years of operations, and upon finally running out of propellant, the second of the twin Van 

Allen Probes spacecraft was retired on October 18, 2019. On this date, operators at the Johns Hopkins 

University Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, Maryland, shutdown Spacecraft A of the Van Allen Probes 

mission. The command follows one three months earlier that terminated operations for spacecraft B, the 

second spacecraft of the mission. Now both spacecraft will spiral silently into the Earth’s atmosphere over 

the next 15 years, eventually burning up safely in orbit. Originally designed to survive at least two years, 
Science: Heliophysics: Living with a Star 

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HELIO-27 

the spacecraft repeatedly flew through the hazardous Van Allen radiation belts — rings of charged 

particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field. Their long lifetime means that scientists will be able to 

determine how the belts gain and lose particles over the course of most of the 11-year solar cycle. The 

spacecraft made major discoveries that revolutionized how we understand our near-Earth environment. 

The results of these discoveries will help us improve spacecraft design. Scientists used Van Allen Probe 

observations as the subject of over 640 publications to date in the refereed literature. Authors not directly 

funded by Van Allen Probes led more than 50 percent of publications.

SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY (SDO) 

Launched on February 11, 2010, the SDO seeks to understand the Sun’s influence on Earth and 

near-Earth space by simultaneously studying the solar atmosphere on small scales of space and time and 

in many wavelengths. The observatory enables scientists to determine how the Sun’s magnetic field is 

generated and structured and how stored magnetic energy is converted and released in the form of solar 

wind, energetic particles, and variations in the solar irradiance. SDO collects data to help explain the 

creation of solar activity, which drives space weather. Measurements of the interior of the Sun, the Sun’s 

magnetic field, the hot plasma of the solar corona, and the irradiance that creates Earth’s ionosphere are 

the primary data products. 

Recent Achievements

The SDO project made large strides using machine learning to enhance our scientific goals of 

understanding the Sun and solar activity. In collaboration with the Frontier Development Lab, the SDO 

team devised a deep neural network to translate narrowband ultraviolet (UV) and extreme UV (EUV) 

images from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) into the EUV spectral irradiance measurements 

taken by the EUV variability experiment. These EUV spectral irradiances heat and expand the outer 

atmosphere, while also creating the ionosphere of the Earth. When their levels are high, the drag force on 

satellites orbiting the Earth is increased and the ionosphere is denser, which more strongly affects radio 

communication and navigation. The neural network was able to use the AIA images to generate the 

irradiance levels even at wavelengths that AIA does not directly measure. Therefore, when necessary, we 

can model and predict measurements of the Sun made at other planets or the EUV irradiances at another 

planet. This would allow spacecraft to more accurately plan their orbits around those 

planets. Investigators published this research in Science Advances on October 2, 2019. 
Science: Heliophysics 

SOLAR TERRESTRIAL PROBES

HELIO-28 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Other Missions and Data Analysis 180.5 -- 126.3 262.2 202.6 195.6 115.5

Total Budget 180.5 -- 126.3 262.2 202.6 195.6 115.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Magnetic reconnection at the Earth’s magnetopause drives 

the interaction between the solar wind and Earth. Previously, 

scientists believed that this reconnection occurred along one 

single long reconnection “X” line across the magnetopause, 

like a “crack” across the front of Earth's protective shield 

that allowed solar wind plasma to enter. However, the MMS 

mission has revealed that there are multiple such large-scale 

reconnection lines at the magnetopause. These X lines are 

fairly stationary, with both a primary X line and at least one 

secondary X line. The right image above is a false-color 

image of the magnetopause and illustrates these multiple 

reconnection lines as observed on November 16, 2015. The 

left panel shows a schematic of the reconnecting magnetic 

field relative to the MMS 4-spacecraft formation (seen 

approximately to scale).

The Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP) program 

focuses on understanding the fundamental 

physical processes of the space environment, 

from the Sun to the Earth, other planets, and 

beyond to the interstellar medium. STP 

provides insight into the basic processes of 

plasmas (fluids of charged particles) inherent 

in all astrophysical systems. STP missions 

focus on processes such as the variability of 

the Sun, responses of the planets to those 

variations, and the interaction of the Sun and 

the solar system. NASA defines specific goals 

for STP missions and selects investigations 

for each mission competitively. These 

missions allow the science community an 

opportunity to address important research 

focus areas and make significant progress in 

understanding fundamental physics. 

For more information, go to https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/programs/solar-terrestrial-probes

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

The budget for IMAP is decreased without impact. Additional FY 2019 funds were provided in the 

FY 2019 Initial Operating Plan for IMAP. To take advantage of the novel rideshare opportunity that 
Science: Heliophysics 

SOLAR TERRESTRIAL PROBES

HELIO-29 

IMAP is offering, NASA plans to purchase the IMAP launch vehicle in the summer of 2020. This 

purchase will use FY 2019 funds, thus reducing the requirements for FY 2021 funds. Purchasing the 

launch vehicle earlier in the lifecycle of the mission allows all spacecraft flying on the rideshare to better 

coordinate and understand their requirements, reducing potential cost and logistics risks. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA selected two science Missions of Opportunity (MO) (SIHLA and GLIDE) and two technology 

demonstration MOs (SETH and Solar Cruiser) to complete Phase A concept studies. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Operations of the MMS, STEREO, Hinode, and TIMED missions continue. The science and technology 

demonstration MOs will deliver their concept studies to NASA for evaluation and NASA will make both 

science and technology demonstration MO selections. Both selected MOs will rideshare with the 

Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission to about one million miles (1.5 million 

kilometers) away from Earth towards the Sun at the first Lagrange point (L1).

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021 

IMAP plans to pass its Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C) review and enter its final design and fabrication

phase. The science and technology demonstration MOs will continue their preliminary design and 

technology completion efforts. 

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

FY 2019 Selection of science and technology demonstration mission of opportunities to prepare concept 

studies

FY 2020 Down-selection of science and technology demonstration mission of opportunities

FY 2021 Announcement of opportunity for next mission (STP-6)

Program Management

GSFC manages the STP program.
Science: Heliophysics 

SOLAR TERRESTRIAL PROBES

HELIO-30 

Acquisition Strategy

In the acquisition of STP scientific instruments, spacecraft, and science investigations (including 

Research and Analysis), NASA will use full and open competitions to the greatest extent possible. NASA 

may acquire certain instruments, missions, or mission systems without competition (e.g., through 

international partnerships or in-house builds) if there is a clear scientific, technological, or programmatic 

benefit to NASA to do so. NASA will acquire launch vehicles through existing contracts, managed by the 

Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), except when an international partner 

provides them under an approved agreement. 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Program

Independent 

Review

SRB Feb 2019 Assess performance 

of program Successful Nov 2023 

Program 

Independent 

Review

SRB Nov 2023 Assess performance 

of program TBD
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HELIO-31 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

IMAP 126.8 -- 72.6 185.7 107.0 100.0 66.8

STP Program Management and Future 

Missions

9.8 -- 17.6 42.3 62.8 62.8 16.0

Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) 26.0 -- 18.7 16.8 15.8 15.8 15.8

Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory 

(STEREO)

8.3 -- 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8

Hinode (Solar B) 7.0 -- 7.0 7.0 6.5 6.5 6.5

TIMED 2.7 -- 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.7

Total Budget 180.5 -- 126.3 262.2 202.6 195.6 115.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The x-ray telescope on Hinode captured the transit of 

Mercury as it passed between Earth and the Sun, shown here,

on November 11, 2019. Researchers can use transits like this 

one to measure the distance between Earth and the Sun.

The Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP) Other 

Missions and Data Analysis budget includes 

operating STP missions, program 

management, and funding for future missions 

launching in the next decade. 

For more information, go to: 

http://stp.gsfc.nasa.gov

Mission Planning and 

Other Projects

INTERSTELLAR MAPPING AND 

ACCELERATION PROBE (IMAP) 

The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration 

Probe (IMAP) mission will help researchers 

better understand the boundary of the 

heliosphere, a magnetic bubble surrounding 

and protecting our solar system. This region is 

where the constant flow of particles from our 

Sun, called the solar wind, collides with
Science: Heliophysics: Solar Terrestrial Probes 

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HELIO-32 

material from the rest of the galaxy. This collision limits the amount of harmful cosmic radiation entering

the heliosphere. IMAP will collect and analyze particles that make it through to the heliosphere. 

Another objective of the mission is to learn more about the generation of cosmic rays in the heliosphere. 

Cosmic rays created locally and from the galaxy and beyond affect human explorers in space and can 

harm technological systems, and likely play a role in the presence of life itself in the universe.

The spacecraft will operate about 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away from Earth towards the

Sun at the first Lagrange point (L1). This location will allow the probe to maximize use of its instruments 

to monitor the interactions between solar wind and the interstellar medium in the outer solar system. 

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-mission-to-study-solarwind-boundary-of-outer-solar-system

Recent Achievements

The IMAP project has been working in Phase A on its concept study for the duration of FY 2019, 

achieving goals to allow it to enter Phase B. In addition to establishing baseline mission requirements, the 

project developed the mission design, architecture for each element, and concept of operations. The team 

developed and documented the design architecture for the spacecraft, instruments, and ground system. 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND FUTURE MISSIONS

Program Management and Future Missions provide the resources required to manage the planning, 

formulation, and implementation of all STP missions. The program office ensures successful achievement 

of STP program cost and schedule goals, while managing cross-project dependencies, risks, issues, and 

requirements as projects progress through formal key decision points. In addition, Future Missions 

supports the STP program strategic planning for addressing the recommendations of the Heliophysics 

Decadal Survey and the pre-formulation activities for STP missions not yet approved as projects.

Operating Missions

MAGNETOSPHERIC MULTISCALE (MMS) 

The MMS mission, launched in 2015, investigates how the magnetic fields of the Sun and Earth connect 

and disconnect, explosively transferring energy from one to the other. This magnetic reconnection process 

occurs throughout the universe. MMS uses Earth’s magnetosphere as a natural laboratory to study the 

microphysics of magnetic reconnection, a fundamental plasma-physical process that converts magnetic 

energy into heat and charged particle kinetic energy. In addition to seeking to solve the mystery of the 

small-scale physics of the reconnection process, MMS investigates how the energy conversion that occurs 

in magnetic reconnection accelerates particles to high energies and what role plasma turbulence plays in 

reconnection events. Magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration, and turbulence occur in all 

astrophysical plasma systems. Researchers can only study them in-situ in the solar system, and most 

efficiently in Earth’s magnetosphere, where these processes control the dynamics of the geospace 

environment and play an important role in the phenomena known as space weather. MMS helps us 
Science: Heliophysics: Solar Terrestrial Probes 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-33 

understand reconnection elsewhere as well, such as the atmosphere of the Sun and other stars, near black 

holes and neutron stars, and at the boundary between our solar system's heliosphere and interstellar space, 

where it is more difficult to study.

The MMS mission consists of four identically instrumented spacecraft that measure particles, fields, and 

plasmas. The MMS instrument payload measures electric and magnetic fields and the plasmas found in 

the regions where magnetic reconnection occurs. Fast, multi-point measurements are enabling

dramatically revealing direct observations of these physical processes. A highly elliptical orbit explores 

how Sun-Earth magnetic fields reconnect in Earth’s neighborhood. The four spacecraft fly in a 

tetrahedron formation that allows them to observe the three-dimensional structure of magnetic 

reconnection events. The separation between the observatories is adjustable over a range of 6 to 250 miles 

during science operations in the area of interest. 

For more information, go to http://nasa.gov/mms

Recent Achievements

Since its launch in 2015, MMS has been revealing, for the first time, the small-scale structure and 

dynamics of key reconnection regions by passing directly through them. On the Sun-facing side of Earth, 

reconnection can link the Sun's magnetic field lines to Earth's, allowing material and energy from the Sun 

to funnel into Earth's magnetic environment. On the night side of Earth, researchers believe reconnection 

helps trigger auroras. By observing magnetic reconnection in action, MMS a key component of space 

weather, which affects modern technological systems such as communications networks, GPS navigation, 

and electrical power grids. 

MMS also examines the microphysics of energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. These processes 

occur universally in plasmas, the electrically-conducting material made of positively and negatively 

charged particles, that account for an estimated 99 percent of the observable universe. Operating in a 

highly elliptical orbit around Earth, the MMS satellites set the Guinness World Record for highest altitude 

fix of a GPS signal at 43,500 miles above the surface. When the satellites are closest to Earth, they move 

at up to 22,000 miles per hour, making them the fastest known operational use of a GPS receiver. 

In spring 2019, MMS altered its orbit to provide observations of a new part of near-Earth space. For three 

weeks, MMS studied the solar wind, the stream of supersonic charged particles flung around the solar 

system by the Sun, to better understand turbulence in plasmas, the heated, electrified gases that make up 

99 percent of ordinary matter in the universe. Turbulence is the chaotic motion of a fluid. It shows up in 

daily life everywhere from eddies in a river to smoke from a chimney, but it is incredibly hard to study 

because it’s so unpredictable and it remains one of the least well understood disciplines in all of physics. 

The mini-campaign provided scientists with an up close and in-situ view to push the frontiers of the field. 

SOLAR TERRESTRIAL RELATIONS OBSERVATORY (STEREO)

STEREO, launched in 2006, enables studies of the origin of the Sun’s coronal mass ejections (CME) and 

their consequences for Earth, other planets, and interplanetary space. The mission launched with two 

spacecraft, one Ahead of Earth (STEREO-A) and the other Behind Earth (STEREO-B) in its orbit. 

STEREO’s instrumentation targets the fundamental process of energetic particle acceleration in the low 

solar corona and in interplanetary space. The mission can image the structure and evolution of solar 

storms as they leave the Sun and move through space toward Earth. The mission also provides the 
Science: Heliophysics: Solar Terrestrial Probes 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-34 

foundation for understanding space weather events and developing predictive models. The models, in 

turn, help to identify and mitigate the risks associated with space weather events. In addition, STEREO 

improves our space weather situational awareness not only for Earth and in low Earth orbit, but also 

throughout the solar system.

On October 1, 2014, NASA lost communication with STEREO-B, just as the spacecraft was about to 

orbit around the other side of the Sun. In late 2015, the spacecraft orbit finally carried it out from behind 

the Sun and NASA was able to re-establish contact with STEREO-B for a short period in 2016. NASA 

attempted to establish control of the spacecraft with limited success. Beginning in December 2017, the 

project team made monthly attempts to re-establish contact with the spacecraft, until October 2018, when 

attempts ceased. STEREO-A continues to operate nominally and is still providing significant science 

data. 

For more information, go to: https://stereo.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Recent Achievements

With over ten years in space, the STEREO mission continues to provide new observations about the Sun 

and its effects on space weather near Earth. Working in concert with other NASA missions, STEREO is a 

key sensor in tracking how events propagate through the solar system.

Combined with data from the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) as well as 

computer models, scientists using STEREO data collected in 2016 were able to determine how "stealth 

CMEs" form. CMEs often come with a warning: the bright flash of a flare, a burst of heat, or a flurry of 

solar energetic particles. Another kind of storm has been puzzling for its lack of typical warning signs. 

The research showed how these stealthy solar storms develop: a slow, quiet process can unexpectedly 

create a twisted mass of magnetic fields on the sun, which then pinches off and speeds out into space, all 

without any advance warning. To uncover the origins of stealth CMEs, scientists developed a model of 

the sun’s magnetic fields, simulating their strength and movement in the sun’s atmosphere. Central to the 

model was the sun’s differential rotation, meaning different points on the sun rotate at different speeds. 

Unlike Earth, which rotates as a solid body, the sun rotates faster at the equator than it does at its poles. 

The model showed differential rotation causes the sun’s magnetic fields to stretch and spread at different 

rates. The scientists demonstrated this constant process generates enough energy to form stealth CMEs 

over the course of roughly two weeks. The sun’s rotation increasingly stresses magnetic field lines over 

time, eventually warping them into a strained coil of energy. When enough tension builds, the coil 

expands and pinches off into a massive bubble of twisted magnetic fields, and without warning, the 

stealth CME quietly leaves the sun.

HINODE

Hinode, launched in 2006, is a joint JAXA and NASA mission. The mission consists of a coordinated set 

of optical, extreme ultraviolet, and X-ray instruments that are studying the basic heating mechanisms and 

dynamics of the active solar corona. Hinode explores the magnetic fields of the Sun to improve 

understanding of what powers the solar atmosphere and drives solar eruptions. By investigating the 

fundamental processes that connect the Sun’s magnetic field and the solar corona, Hinode is discovering 

how the Sun generates magnetic disturbances and the high-energy particle storms that propagate from the 

Sun to Earth. 
Science: Heliophysics: Solar Terrestrial Probes 

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HELIO-35 

Hinode’s solar optical telescope is the first spaceborne instrument to measure the strength and direction of 

the Sun’s magnetic field on the Sun’s surface, the photosphere. Combined with two other Hinode 

instruments, the EUV imaging spectrometer and the X-ray/EUV telescope, the project designed the 

mission to understand the causes of eruptions in the solar atmosphere and relate those eruptions to the 

intense heating of the corona and the mechanisms that drive the constant outflow of solar radiation, the 

solar wind. 

Recent Achievements

Researchers used observations from Hinode with observations from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory 

(SDO) to create a model of what triggers different types and sizes of solar eruptions, from long, tapered 

jets to massive explosions of solar material and energy. Because they erupt at such vastly different scales, 

scientists believed that different processes drove jets and the massive clouds called coronal mass 

ejections. 

Hinode observations support a proposal that a universal mechanism can explain the whole spectrum of 

solar eruptions. High-resolution observations of filaments from Hinode and SDO motivated the above 

proposed study. Filaments are dark, serpentine structures suspended above the Sun’s surface and consist 

of dense, cold solar material. Researchers had known that the onset of CME eruptions was associated with 

filaments, but improved observations have recently shown that jets have similar filament-like structures 

before eruption. The scientists call their proposed mechanism for how these filaments lead to eruptions 

the breakout model, for the way the stressed filament pushes relentlessly at, and ultimately breaks 

through, its magnetic restraints into space. The key for understanding a solar eruption is recognizing how 

the filament system loses equilibrium. The loss of equilibrium triggers eruption. In the breakout model, 

the culprit is magnetic reconnection, a process in which magnetic field lines come together and 

explosively realign into a new configuration. 

In stable conditions, loops of magnetic field lines hold the filament down and suppress eruption. The 

filament naturally wants to expand outward, which stresses its magnetic surroundings over time and 

eventually initiates magnetic reconnection. The process explosively releases the energy stored in the 

filament, which breaks out from the Sun’s surface and ejects into space.

The type of eruption depends on the initial strength and configuration of the magnetic field lines 

containing the filament. In a CME, field lines form closed loops, surrounding the filament, so a bubbleshaped cloud ultimately bursts from the Sun. In jets, nearby field lines stream freely from the surface into 

interplanetary space, so solar material from the filament flows out along those reconnected lines away 

from the Sun. 

Understanding what sets off eruptions on the Sun is one of the keys to creating better models to predict 

such solar activity and its subsequent effects on radio communications, space technology, and astronauts 

before it happens. 

THERMOSPHERE, IONOSPHERE, MESOSPHERE ENERGETICS AND DYNAMICS 

(TIMED)

The TIMED mission, launched in 2001, characterizes and studies the physics, dynamics, energetics, 

thermal structure, and composition of the least explored and understood region of Earth’s atmosphere: the 

mesosphere, the lower thermosphere, and the ionosphere. This region, located between altitudes of 
Science: Heliophysics: Solar Terrestrial Probes 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-36 

approximately 35 to 100 miles above the surface of Earth, helps protect Earth from harmful solar 

radiation. It is a gateway between Earth’s environment and space, where the Sun’s energy first affects 

Earth’s environment. Solar events, as well as temperature changes in the stratosphere, can perturb this 

region, but scientists do not understand the overall structure of and responses to these effects. Advances in 

remote sensing technology employed by TIMED enable us to explore this region on a global basis from 

space. 

TIMED’s 18 years of data provides scientists an unrivaled perspective on changes in the upper 

atmosphere. The long lifespan allows scientists to track the upper atmosphere’s response to both quickchanging conditions, like individual solar storms, throughout the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, as well as 

longer-term trends, such as those related to climate change. All of TIMED’s instruments are still 

producing data, enabling continuing studies of the upper atmosphere.

Recent Achievements

Scientists used TIMED measurements to evaluate the presence of a trace chemical called nitric oxide in 

the upper atmosphere. Produced by the changing chemistry triggered by different types of space weather, 

such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms, nitric oxide can actually counteract some of the effects of 

space weather. When solar flares or geomagnetic storms transfer energy into Earth’s atmosphere, some of 

that energy manifests as heat, and that heat causes the upper atmosphere to swell, as individual molecules 

fight for more room. This swelling can envelop spacecraft in space at higher altitudes than we would 

otherwise expect, leading to satellite drag, which disrupts their orbits and makes them more difficult to 

track.

A priori understanding of the upper atmosphere’s response would have the most powerful eruptions from 

the sun ultimately creating the largest amount of swelling and, therefore, more powerful satellite drag. 

However, observations show nitric oxide counteracts that swelling. During some geomagnetic storms, the 

energy input triggers a chemical reaction that produces larger amounts of this nitric oxide. Nitric oxide 

acts as a cooling agent at very high altitudes, radiating energy to space, so a significant increase in this 

compound sometimes causes overcooling. Overcooling causes the atmosphere to shed energy quickly 

from the geomagnetic storm much quicker than anticipated. That quick energy loss counteracts the 

previous expansion, causing the upper atmosphere to collapse back down, sometimes to an even smaller 

state than it started in, leaving satellites to orbit through lower-density regions than anticipated. One of 

TIMED’s instruments tracks the quantity of nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere. Researchers compared 

this TIMED data with data on geomagnetic storms to determine what types of coronal mass ejections, 

giant clouds of ejected solar material, lead to an overproduction of nitric oxide and rapid collapse of the 

upper atmosphere. Counterintuitively, the most energetic CMEs are likely to trigger the geomagnetic 

storms that provide a net cooling and shrinking effect on the upper atmosphere, rather than heating and 

expanding it as had been previously understood. 

Researchers used TIMED observations to further astrobiology studies. Looking at views of Earth from 

TIMED can help researchers simulate how signatures of certain elements in the atmosphere, elements that 

could serve as smoking guns for life on the planet below, might appear when seen on exoplanets from 

afar. What we know about infrared radiation emitted by Earth’s atmosphere, as seen by TIMED, helps us 

understand what kind of signals we might detect elsewhere. If we find exoplanet signals in nearly the 

same proportion as Earth’s, it could be an indicator that that planet is a good candidate for hosting life.
Science: Heliophysics: Solar Terrestrial Probes 

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HELIO-37 

TIMED was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the realization that not only impacts from the Sun, 

but also terrestrial weather percolating upward, drive space weather near Earth. Those insights led to 

questions that new missions - GOLD, launched in 2018, and ICON, launched in 2019 - will answer to 

explore further the way terrestrial weather and space weather interact. Together the three missions are 

currently creating a multi-point view of this dynamic region where our atmosphere gives way to outer 

space. 
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS EXPLORER PROGRAM

HELIO-38 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Other Missions and Data Analysis 147.9 -- 148.4 192.4 167.6 189.0 230.8

Total Budget 147.9 -- 148.4 192.4 167.6 189.0 230.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

This image from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter shows the 

Reiner Gamma lunar swirl on the moon. Data collected by 

THEMIS-ARTEMIS suggest that swirls such as this are a 

result of the solar wind interacting with isolated pockets of 

magnetic field found on the Moon. These pockets create small 

shields that deflect solar particles and concentrate them 

around the edges of the magnetic field, where the particles 

darken the regolith.

The Heliophysics Explorer Program 

provides frequent flight opportunities for 

world-class scientific investigations on 

focused and timely science topics. 

Explorers use a suite of smaller, fully 

competed missions that address these 

topics to complement the science of 

strategic missions of the LWS and STP 

programs. Competitive selections ensure 

accomplishment of the most current and 

best science.

The Explorers Program provides two

classes, Medium Explorers (MIDEX) and 

Small Explorers (SMEX), of flight 

opportunities to accomplish the goals of 

the science program. These mission classes 

enable NASA to increase the number of 

flight opportunities in response to 

recommendations from the scientific 

community. 

Explorers Missions of Opportunity (MO) 

are smaller investigations, typically an 

instrument, characterized as being part of a 

host space mission, sub-orbital flight, 

small complete mission, and new science 

investigation using existing spacecraft or 

ISS-attached payloads.
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS EXPLORER PROGRAM

HELIO-39 

Other Missions and Data Analysis supports numerous operating Heliophysics Explorer missions, as well 

as program management functions and funding for future mission selections. 

For more information, go to https://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov/

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

The program downselected for implementation one Mission of Opportunity (MO) in February 2019 and 

two SMEX missions in June 2019. The teams based their concept study reports on proposals originally 

submitted to the 2016 Heliophysics Explorers Program SMEX AO. The two SMEX missions are Tandem 

Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) and Polarimeter to 

Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH). 

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-proposals-to-study-sunspace-environment

The one MO selection is Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE).

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-mission-to-study-spaceweather-from-space-station

NASA selected three MOs for competitive concept studies (Phase A) from proposals submitted to the 

2018 Heliophysics Explorer Program MO AO. The three MOs are Extreme Ultraviolet High-Throughput 

Spectroscopic Telescope Epsilon Mission (EUVST); Aeronomy at Earth: Tools for Heliophysics 

Exploration and Research (AETHER), and Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE). 

For more information, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-proposals-to-advanceunderstanding-of-space-weather

The program released the 2019 Heliophysics Explorers Program MIDEX AO in July 2019 and received 

proposals in September 2019. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA launched the ICON mission on October 10, 2019, and conducted the post-launch assessment 

review on December 16, 2019. 

NASA will make initial concept study (Phase A) selections for the 2019 Heliophysics Explorer Program

MIDEX. NASA will receive and review for down-selection the 2018 Heliophysics Explorer Program MO 

competitive concept studies (Phase B). PUNCH, TRACERS, and AWE will pass their Key Decision 

Point-C (KDP-C) reviews and enter into final design and fabrication activities phase. KDP-C is the 

agency-level approval for the project to begin implementation and baselines the project's official schedule 
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS EXPLORER PROGRAM

HELIO-40 

and budget. The 2018 Heliophysics Explorer Program MO teams selected for Phase A concept studies 

will deliver their reports to NASA for evaluation. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA will release the 2021 Heliophysics Explorer Program SMEX and MO Draft AO. The 2019 

Heliophysics Explorer Program MIDEX missions selected for Phase A concept studies will deliver their 

reports to NASA for evaluation, and NASA will make new 2019 Heliophysics Explorer Program MIDEX 

mission selections. NASA will make new 2018 Heliophysics Explorer Program MO selections for Phase 

B. 

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

FY 2019 Down select at two SMEX and one MO mission for implementation

FY 2019 Select Explorers MO opportunity for Phase A study

FY 2019 AO announcement for MIDEX opportunity to propose

FY 2020 MIDEX Phase -A selections

FY 2020 Final selection of one Explorers Science MO mission for implementation

FY 2021 Final selection of one MIDEX mission for implementation

FY 2021 AO announcement for SMEX and MO opportunity to propose

FY 2022 SMEX Phase -A selections

FY 2023 Down select at least one SMEX and one MO mission for implementation

FY 2024 AO announcement for MIDEX opportunity to propose

FY 2025 MIDEX Phase -A selections

Program Management & Planned Cadence 

The Heliophysics and Astrophysics Explorer elements are both coordinated sets of uncoupled missions,

wherein each mission is independent and has unique science, and share a common program office at 

GSFC and a common management structure. The Explorer program manager resides at GSFC, reporting 

functionally to the Center Director and programmatically through the Heliophysics and Astrophysics 

Division Directors to the Associate Administrator for SMD. 

This budget brings the Heliophysics Explorer Program into alignment with the Decadal Survey’s 

recommendation of a two-to-three-year mission cadence.
Science: Heliophysics 

HELIOPHYSICS EXPLORER PROGRAM

HELIO-41 

Acquisition Strategy

NASA competitively selects new Explorer missions, releasing solicitations when available funding 

allows, with the expectation of a three-year cadence. NASA acquires launch vehicles through existing 

contracts held by the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD), except when an 

international partner provides them under an approved agreement or when the Explorer mission is not a 

primary payload on the launch vehicle. 

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Program

Independent Review SRB Dec 2019 Assess performance of program Successful Jan 2024
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

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HELIO-42 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) 4.7 -- 3.3 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0

Global-scale Observations of the Limb and 

Disk (GOLD)

4.0 -- 4.0 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.9

Heliophysics Explorer Future Missions 23.2 -- 23.8 80.4 73.6 141.7 194.1

Heliophysics Explorer Program 

Management

19.2 -- 9.8 9.7 10.3 8.0 7.3

Interface Region Imaging Spectogr (IRIS) 6.1 -- 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.6

Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) 3.4 -- 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.5

TWINS 0.4 -- 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Aeronomy of Ice in Mesophere (AIM) 3.0 -- 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.1

THEMIS 4.5 -- 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.8 4.8

Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) 3.0 -- 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1

RHESSI 1.0 -- 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and 

Heliosphere (PUNCH)

32.6 -- 55.5 53.1 47.6 6.8 1.5

Tandem Reconnection and Cusp 

Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites 

(TRACERS)

32.0 -- 17.4 15.7 7.7 4.8 1.5

Atmospheric Wave Experiment (AWE) 10.8 -- 13.4 7.2 3.7 2.9 1.5

Total Budget 147.9 -- 148.4 192.4 167.6 189.0 230.8

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-43 

Data from NASA’s AIM spacecraft shows the sky over the 

Arctic glowing electric blue due to noctilucent, or night-shining, 

clouds, seeded by meteor smoke particles. AIM has improved 

our understanding of the global atmospheric structure and is 

now focusing on the role of gravity waves in atmospheric 

circulation.

The Heliophysics Explorer Other Missions 

and Data Analysis budget includes 

operating Explorer missions, program 

management, and funding for future 

missions not yet approved as projects.

For more information, go to 

https://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Mission Planning and 

Other Projects

POLARIMETER TO UNIFY THE 

CORONA AND THE HELIOSPHERE

(PUNCH) 

The Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and 

Heliosphere (PUNCH) mission will focus 

directly on the Sun's corona and how the 

corona generates the solar wind. Composed 

of four suitcase-size satellites, PUNCH will 

image and track the solar wind as it leaves 

the Sun. The spacecraft will also track 

coronal mass ejections—large eruptions of 

solar material that can drive large space weather events near Earth—to better understand their evolution 

and develop new techniques for predicting such eruptions. These observations will enhance national and 

international research by other NASA missions, such as Parker Solar Probe and the upcoming 

ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter, due to launch in 2020. PUNCH will be able to image, in real time, the 

structures in the solar atmosphere that these missions encounter by blocking out the bright light of the Sun 

and examining the much fainter atmosphere. Together, these missions will investigate how the star we 

live with drives radiation in space. 

NASA selected PUNCH under the 2016 Small Explorers (SMEX) AO. PUNCH is in preliminary design 

and technology completion phase (Phase B) with an expected launch date of February 2023. 

TANDEM RECONNECTION AND CUSP ELECTRODYNAMICS RECONNAISSANCE 

SATELLITES (TRACERS) 

The Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission

will observe particles and fields at the Earth's northern magnetic cusp region, the region encircling Earth's 

pole, where our planet's magnetic field lines curve down toward Earth. Here, the field lines guide particles 

from the boundary between Earth's magnetic field and interplanetary space down into the atmosphere. 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-44 

NASA is planning to launch TRACERS as a rideshare mission, launched as a secondary payload with 

PUNCH.

In the northern magnetic cusp area, with its easy access to our boundary with interplanetary space, 

TRACERS will study how magnetic fields around Earth interact with those from the Sun. In a process 

known as magnetic reconnection, the field lines explosively reconfigure, sending particles out at speeds 

that can approach the speed of light. Earth's magnetic field will guide some of these particles into the 

region where TRACERS can observe them. 

Magnetic reconnection drives energetic events all over the universe, including coronal mass ejections and 

solar flares on the Sun. It also allows particles from the solar wind to push into near-Earth space, affecting 

its space weather. TRACERS will be the first space mission to explore this process in the cusp with two 

spacecraft, providing observations of how processes change over both space and time. The cusp vantage 

point also permits simultaneous observations of reconnection throughout near-Earth space. Thus, it can 

provide important context for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, which gathers detailed, highspeed observations as it flies through single reconnection events at a time. TRACERS' unique 

measurements will help with NASA's mission to safeguard our technology and astronauts in space.

NASA selected TRACERS to go into an extended study phase, since further study is required before 

NASA is willing to start Phase B formulation of the mission. TRACERS is a NASA-launched rideshare 

mission, and if approved in the future, it will launch as a secondary payload with PUNCH. 

ATMOSPHERIC WAVE EXPERIMENT (AWE) 

The Atmospheric Wave Experiment (AWE) will obtain observations of how atmospheric gravity waves 

in the lower atmosphere, caused by variations in the densities of different packets of air, affect the upper 

atmosphere. These observations will provide a broader understanding of space weather interactions, 

specifically the relation between terrestrial weather below and the solar wind. This interaction occurs in a 

dynamic region of the upper atmosphere, and it is important due to the interference it can create in radio 

and GPS communications. NASA will attach AWE to the exterior of the International Space Station, 

where it will focus on colorful bands of light in Earth's atmosphere, called airglow, to determine what 

combination of forces drive space weather in the upper atmosphere. 

AWE is in preliminary design and technology completion phase (Phase B), with an expected launch date 

of August 2022. 

EXPLORER FUTURE MISSIONS

Explorer Future Missions provides the resources required to manage the planning, formulation, and 

implementation of all Explorer missions. The program office ensures successful achievement of Explorer 

program cost and schedule goals, while managing cross-project dependencies, risks, issues, and 

requirements as projects progress through formal key decision points. Additionally, Future Missions 

supports pre-formulation activities for missions not yet approved as projects.
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-45 

EXPLORER PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Explorer Program Management encompasses the program office resources required to manage Explorer 

projects. The program office is responsible for providing support and guidance to projects in resolving 

technical and programmatic issues and risks, for monitoring and reporting technical and programmatic 

progress of the projects, and for achieving Explorer cost, schedule, and technical goals and requirements.

Operating Missions

IONOSPHERIC CONNECTION EXPLORER (ICON)

Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON), launched on October 10, 2019, is a single spacecraft mission 

dedicated to understanding neutral-ion coupling in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, also known as the 

thermosphere. It will resolve both long-standing and newly emerging questions about the mechanisms 

that control the daily development of plasma in Earth’s space environment.

ICON will study the ionosphere by simultaneously measuring altitude profiles of the thermosphere and 

ionosphere’s neutral winds, composition, density, temperature, and ion density. It will also make in-situ 

plasma measurements. Understanding what drives variability in the ionosphere requires a careful look at a 

complicated system driven by both terrestrial and space weather. ICON will study the frontier of space: 

the dynamic zone high in our atmosphere where Earth’s weather meets space weather. This is a hard-toreach area that, despite being close to home, remains mysterious. ICON provides in-situ measurements of 

this complicated region of near-Earth space, which can be difficult to fly through given the variable drag 

on spacecraft. Better understanding of the ionosphere also has practical repercussions, given our everincreasing reliance on technology. Radio communications and GPS signals travel through the ionosphere, 

and variations in this region can result in distortions, or even complete disruption, of these signals. As 

spacecraft travel through this region regularly, improved knowledge will increase our situational 

awareness to protect satellites and astronauts.

ICON will help determine the physics of our space environment and pave the way for mitigating its 

effects on our technology, communications systems, and society.

Recent Achievements

ICON launched successfully to orbit on October 10, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on a 

Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL small expendable launch vehicle. After an approximately month-long 

commissioning period, ICON began sending back its first science data in December 2019. 

GLOBAL-SCALE OBSERVATIONS OF THE LIMB AND DISK (GOLD) 

GOLD, launched in 2018, performs unprecedented imaging of Earth’s thermosphere and ionosphere. 

Capturing never-before-seen images of Earth’s upper atmosphere, GOLD explores our space 

environment, which is home to astronauts, radio signals used to guide airplanes and ships, as well as 

satellites that provide communications and GPS systems in detail. 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-46 

For the first time, GOLD will answer fundamental scientific questions about how the 

thermosphere/ionosphere system responds to geomagnetic storms, solar radiation, and upward 

propagating waves and tides. Gathering observations from geostationary orbit above the Western 

Hemisphere, GOLD measures the temperature and composition of neutral gases in Earth’s thermosphere. 

This part of the atmosphere co-mingles with the ionosphere’s charged particles. Both the Sun from above 

and terrestrial weather from below can change the types, numbers, and characteristics of the particles 

found here, and GOLD helps track those changes.

Activity in this region is responsible for a variety of key space weather events. GOLD scientists are 

particularly interested in the cause of dense, unpredictable bubbles of charged gas that appear over the 

equator and tropics, sometimes causing communication problems. As we discover the very nature of the 

Sun-Earth interaction in this region, the mission could ultimately lead to ways to improve forecasts of 

such space weather and mitigate its effects.

Recent Achievements

GOLD reached orbit in October 2018. In March 2019, the mission made data available to the public for 

analysis. 

Phenomena in the low- and mid-latitude ionosphere, the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA), and the 

variations that occur within it, have been the subject of decades of research because they have significant 

effects on communications and navigation systems. Yet scientists do not understand them sufficiently for 

reliable forecasting.

Because of GOLD’s unique perspective from geostationary orbit and its rapid imaging cadence (a 

complete scan of each hemisphere every 15 minutes), GOLD is providing new information that has not 

been available in previous EIA observations. From its geostationary vantage some 22,000 miles above the 

Earth, GOLD observes the same longitudes repeatedly every night and provides large-scale images of the 

EIA. During the first three months of observations, October-December 2018, GOLD observed gaps 

occurring three to ten times more frequently than was expected from observations during the previous 

solar minimum. GOLD also observed more irregularly detected abrupt changes in the location of the EIA. 

The team will rely on additional measurements before attempting to determine the cause of variability in 

the EIA and its changing location. 

INTERFACE REGION IMAGING SPECTROGRAPH (IRIS) 

IRIS is a small explorer mission selected in June 2009 and launched on June 27, 2013. IRIS joined a 

network of solar spacecraft and ground-based observatories to provide unprecedented insight into a little 

understood region of the Sun called the interface region. IRIS makes use of high-resolution observations 

and state-of-the-art computer models to unravel how matter, light, and energy move through the dense 

region of solar material at the bottom of the sun's atmosphere. Understanding the interface between the 

sun's surface and its atmosphere, the corona, is crucial to understanding what drives heat and energy into 

the corona, as well as what powers solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Improvements in technology 

allow scientists to study this region. In the past, it was not possible to trace how light and material move 

through the dense area. 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-47 

IRIS provides key insights into all these processes, and thereby advances our understanding of the solar 

drivers of space weather from the corona to the far heliosphere by combining high-resolution imaging and 

spectroscopy for the entire chromosphere and adjacent regions.

Recent Achievements

One key focus of IRIS research is to use its unprecedented resolution to help unravel how plasma moves 

through the lower regions of the Sun's atmosphere and what drives the constant change in this dynamic 

region. Recent research showed how a tiny jet called a spicule forms. At any given moment, as many as 

10 million of these wild jets of solar material burst from the sun’s surface. They erupt as fast as 60 miles 

per second, and can reach lengths of 6,000 miles before collapsing. Despite the abundance of these 

spicules, scientists did not understand how they form. IRIS has been able to provide observations of these 

spicules—a boon for researchers who can then try to create simulations based on theories and compare to 

actual observations. For the first time, a computer simulation, so detailed it took a full year to run, 

matched observations of spicules from IRIS. 

INTERSTELLAR BOUNDARY EXPLORER (IBEX) 

IBEX, launched in 2008, is the first mission designed to image the edge of the solar system. As the solar 

wind from the Sun flows out beyond Neptune, it collides with the material between the stars, forming 

several boundaries. These interactions create energetic neutral atoms, particles with no charge that move 

very quickly. This region emits no light that conventional telescopes can see, so IBEX measures the 

particles that happen to be traveling inward from the boundary instead. IBEX contains two detectors 

designed to collect and measure energetic neutral atoms, providing data about the mass, direction of 

origin, and energy of these particles. From these data, researchers create maps of the boundary, creating a 

new map every six months. The mission’s focused science objective is to discover the nature of the 

interactions between the solar wind and the interstellar medium at the edge of the solar system. This 

region is important because it shields a large percentage of harmful galactic cosmic rays from Earth and 

the inner solar system.

Recent Achievements

For several years, IBEX has been measuring particles that travel from the Sun to the edges of the 

heliosphere and back in toward Earth. In late 2014, NASA spacecraft detected a substantial change in the 

solar wind. For the first time in nearly a decade, the solar wind pressure—a combined measure of its 

speed and density—had increased by approximately 50 percent and remained that way for several years 

thereafter. Two years later, in 2016, IBEX, with its view of the boundaries where the solar wind hits 

interstellar space, detected the first sign of the aftermath. Solar wind particles from the initial 2014 

pressure increase had reached the edge of the heliosphere, neutralized themselves into energetic neutral 

atoms, or ENAs, and shot all the way back to Earth. 

Scientists used IBEX data along with sophisticated numerical models to understand what these 

rebounding atoms could tell us about the evolving shape and structure of our heliosphere—the giant 

bubble carved out by the solar wind. Research showed that the solar wind pressure increase had 

propagated from the Sun to the outer heliosphere, morphing and expanding our heliosphere’s boundaries. 

The initial brightening in ENAs was observed approximately 20° south of the upwind direction of the 

heliosphere (the direction through which the solar system is moving through interstellar space), indicating 

it as the closest point from Earth to the heliosheath. From early 2017 to early 2018, the ENA emissions 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-48 

rapidly expanded northward and covered nearly the entire upwind side of the heliosphere. This 

preferential expansion shows that the next closest regions span the upwind side from the north-port to the 

south-starboard directions—consistent with the shaping of the heliosphere by the combined flow and 

magnetic pressures of the local interstellar medium. These observations also appear inconsistent with 

recent suggestions of a roughly spherical heliosphere. 

TWO WIDE-ANGLE IMAGING NEUTRAL ATOM SPECTROMETERS (TWINS)

TWINS provided stereo imaging of Earth’s magnetosphere for 11 years, observing the region surrounding 

the planet controlled by its magnetic field and containing the Van Allen radiation belts and other energetic 

charged particles. TWINS provided a three-dimensional global visualization of this region, which led to a 

greatly enhanced understanding of the connections between different regions of the magnetosphere and 

their relation to solar variability. TWINS is a NASA-sponsored mission of opportunity that will shortly 

end operations. Scientists are archiving all data and processing it for future research opportunities. 

AERONOMY OF ICE IN THE MESOSPHERE (AIM)

AIM is a mission to determine why polar mesospheric clouds form and why they vary. Polar mesospheric 

clouds, Earth’s highest-altitude clouds, form each summer in the coldest part of the atmosphere about 50 

miles above the polar regions. These clouds are of particular interest, as the number of clouds in the 

middle atmosphere, or mesosphere, over Earth’s poles has been increasing over recent years, possibly 

related to climate change. The spacecraft launched on April 25, 2007, completed its prime mission in 

FY 2009, and is currently in extended phase. 

Recent Achievements

After more than 10 years of data collection, during which AIM observed how noctilucent clouds formed 

as ice crystals over tiny microparticles produced when meteors burn up in Earth's atmosphere and showed 

that noctilucent clouds have been steadily increasing over the past decade, AIM entered a new scientific 

phase in 2017. Because of the way the spacecraft’s orbit has shifted over time, AIM is now in an ideal 

position to study gravity waves, oscillations in the air usually caused by weather and winds near Earth’s 

surface. Gravity waves affect the entire circulation of the middle and upper atmosphere and affect the 

global atmospheric structure and composition—and even affect the polar vortex. 

TIME HISTORY OF EVENTS AND MACROSCALE INTERACTIONS DURING 

SUBSTORMS (THEMIS)

THEMIS is a MIDEX mission that launched on February 17, 2007 and is currently in extended 

operations. Starting as a five-spacecraft mission, the three inner probes of THEMIS now focus on 

collecting data related to the onset and evolution of magnetospheric substorms, while the two outer probes 

(now referred to as ARTEMIS) have been repositioned into lunar orbits. Magnetospheric substorms are 

the explosive release of stored energy within the near-Earth space environment that can lead to space 

weather effects. The two ARTEMIS probes orbit the Moon’s surface at approximately 100 miles in 

altitude and provide new information about the Moon’s internal structure and its atmosphere. ARTEMIS 

provides two-point observations essential to characterizing the Moon’s plasma environment and 
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

OTHER MISSIONS AND DATA ANALYSIS

HELIO-49 

hazardous lunar radiation. THEMIS and ARTEMIS, among others in the Heliophysics portfolio, are 

examples of missions offering important dynamics knowledge useful for future human spaceflight. 

Recent Achievements

In 2019, THEMIS helped reveal the cause of the mysterious auroral phenomenon known as STEVE, short 

for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement. Citizen scientists previously spotted this 

phenomenon, appearing in purplish streaks at latitudes some 10° closer to the equator than the more 

typical green aurora, but did not officially categorize it until 2016. The first step towards understanding 

the nature of STEVE came from a statistical study of THEMIS' ground-based all-sky imager observations 

of the nighttime sky. STEVE occurs within the hour following the end of the strongest geomagnetic 

substorms. STEVE remains visible for about 1 hour, with a very narrow latitudinal width of only around 

12 miles, about one-fourth the width of typical auroral streamers. 

Using data from THEMIS, the origins of the phenomenon were then determined. Magnetic explosions 

called substorms—some 13,000 miles above Earth—shoot material downward, racing along Earth's 

magnetic field lines. When the material reaches an altitude of about 150 miles, it begins to emit a mauve 

light. Researchers do not yet understand why it is that color. 

ADVANCED COMPOSITION EXPLORER (ACE)

ACE, launched in 1997, observes particles of solar, interplanetary, interstellar, and galactic origins as they 

pass by its location near the L1 Lagrange point, located about 1 million miles from Earth toward the Sun. 

Changing conditions over the solar cycle are presenting new opportunities, including providing new 

insights relevant to space weather events.

Recent Achievements

Scientists continue to use ACE data to track and analyze the particles streaming toward Earth from the 

Sun—including the largest solar energetic particle events, or SEPs, which can be hazardous to exposed 

astronauts and space-based instrumentation. Research in 2019 helped collect some of the biggest 

examples of such events during the most recent solar cycle—noting the largest of the cycle in the fall of 

2017. In late summer of 2017, an active region on the Sun first appeared, which went on to generate 27 

M-class and 4 X-class flares, including the largest of solar cycle 24 —an X9.3 on September 6, 2017. The 

region also erupted with four coronal mass ejections (CMEs) with velocities greater than 600 miles per 

second, as well as multiple solar energetic particle events observed by near-Earth spacecraft. Of these 

events, the one on September 10, 2017, was the largest seen since June 2015 and one of only two groundlevel enhancement (GLE) events of the current cycle.

New theoretical work in 2018, based on ACE data, also showed that the monotonic pattern of heavy 

element enhancements may be due to a “filtering” process occurring as supra-thermal ions penetrate a 

small amount of material in the solar atmosphere during the early stages of particle acceleration. The 

attachment of orbital electrons by nuclei passing through the coronal plasma affects the distance they can 

travel depending on particle mass and energy. Researchers found a simple model capable of producing 

enhancement patters similar to those observed in 3He-rich events. These results suggest new avenues for 

investigating the decades-old mystery of extreme fractionation in 3He-rich events. They should have 

immediate bearing on understanding SEP observations expected from Parker Solar Probe and Solar 

Orbiter.
Science: Heliophysics: Heliophysics Explorer Program 

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HELIO-50 

RAMATY HIGH ENERGY SOLAR SPECTROSCOPIC IMAGER (RHESSI) 

After more than 17 years of successful operations since its launch in 2002, NASA decommissioned 

RHESSI on August 16, 2018. The RHESSI satellite focused on the highest energy X-rays and gamma 

rays produced by the Sun, helping to observe solar flares of all shapes and sizes. NASA Goddard Space 

Flight Center and the Space Sciences Lab at the University of California, Berkeley, carried out the 

RHESSI Mission Archive Plan in FY 2019 and will continue it in FY 2020. GSFC and SSL will share a 

minimum level of effort to ensure the health and safety of the mission while retrieving over 95 percent of 

the data and ensure continuity of research access to the mission's observations. 
AERONAUTICS 

AERO-1

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Airspace Operations and Safety Program 105.7 -- 90.4 92.6 94.4 96.2 96.2

Advanced Air Vehicles Program 272.1 -- 212.7 222.2 230.3 261.2 266.2

Integrated Aviation Systems Program 209.6 -- 269.0 256.4 244.4 209.5 204.5

Transformative Aero Concepts Program 137.4 -- 129.9 132.3 134.6 136.7 136.7

Aerosciences Evaluation and Test 

Capabilities

0.0 -- 117.0 117.1 117.1 117.1 117.1

Total Budget 724.8 783.9 819.0 820.7 820.7 820.7 820.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Aeronautics ......................................................................AERO-2

AIRSPACE OPERATIONS AND SAFETY PROGRAM .......................................AERO-14

ADVANCED AIR VEHICLES PROGRAM ...........................................................AERO-21

INTEGRATED AVIATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM ..............................................AERO-30

Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator [Development] ...........................................................AERO-37

TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM ........................................AERO-44

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES .............................AERO-51
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Airspace Operations and Safety Program 105.7 -- 90.4 92.6 94.4 96.2 96.2

Advanced Air Vehicles Program 272.1 -- 212.7 222.2 230.3 261.2 266.2

Integrated Aviation Systems Program 209.6 -- 269.0 256.4 244.4 209.5 204.5

Transformative Aero Concepts Program 137.4 -- 129.9 132.3 134.6 136.7 136.7

Aerosciences Evaluation and Test 

Capabilities

0.0 -- 117.0 117.1 117.1 117.1 117.1

Total Budget 724.8 783.9 819.0 820.7 820.7 820.7 820.7

Change from FY 2020 35.1

Percentage change from FY 2020 4.5%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA Aeronautics is leading a new era of flight, depicted 

above, that will include new aircraft configurations with 

electric propulsion and urban air mobility vehicles.

An efficient and effective transportation system 

is fundamental to the future of the U.S.

economy. Aviation is a highly visible and 

forward-looking component of transportation.

Aviation moves the world, and the U.S. is a 

global leader in aviation technology.

The aviation industry accounts for more than 

$1.6 trillion annually of total U.S. economic 

activity1and is one of only a few U.S. industry 

sectors that generates a positive trade balance -

$88 billion in 2018 alone.2It supports more than 

10.6 million direct and indirect jobs, including 

more than one million high-quality 

manufacturing jobs.

 

1 “The Economic Impact of Civil Aviation on the U.S. Economy,” FAA, November 2016

2 “Leading Indicators for the U.S. Aerospace Industry,” ITA, March 15, 2019
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NASA explores technologies that reduce aircraft noise and fuel use, allow passengers to travel safely and 

on time, and transform aviation into an economic engine at all altitudes.

NASA’s aeronautics research directly affects the success of the vital U.S. air transportation system.

NASA-developed technologies are on board every U.S. commercial aircraft and inside every U.S. control 

tower today. Investments in NASA’s cutting-edge aeronautics research support U.S. global leadership in 

an industry that, driven by market interest, is quickly evolving to create exciting new capabilities, such as: 

• An urban air mobility system that provides safe, economical, and environmentally-friendly means 

to move people and packages in population centers;

• A revolutionary travel option made real – quiet commercial supersonic flight for the masses 

enabled by overcoming the current ban on supersonic flight over land;

• Subsonic aircraft with alternative propulsion that are more efficient and help maintain U.S. 

market leadership; and

• A transformed airspace system that supports an increasingly diverse range of vehicles operating 

seamlessly throughout the airspace and gives citizens the confidence that every flight is safe and 

secure.

To ensure that research focuses on enabling this aviation transformation, NASA’s Aeronautics Research 

Mission Directorate (ARMD) guides its efforts with its strategic implementation plan. The plan lays out 

NASA’s approach to addressing growing demand for global air mobility, the increasing demands of 

energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, and the opportunity for convergence between 

traditional aeronautical disciplines and technology advances in information, communications, energy, and 

other rapidly evolving technologies. The strategic implementation plan identifies six research thrusts:

Thrust 1: Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations

A modernized air transportation system that allows much greater capacity and operational efficiency 

while maintaining or improving safety and other performance measures is essential for the United States.

ARMD will contribute specific research and technology to support the Federal Aviation Administration's 

(FAA) continued development of NextGen and beyond to enable safe, scalable, routine, high-tempo 

airspace access for all users. ARMD is working with the FAA to develop a long-term vision for a 

transformed National Airspace System (NAS) to accommodate more diverse and increasingly complex 

operations in a safe and affordable manner. Due to the international nature of aviation, ARMD will 

continue to ensure that developments made in the U.S. go through the International Civil Aviation 

Organization (ICAO).

Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft

Development of efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally compatible commercial supersonic

transports could be a "game-changer" for transcontinental and intercontinental transportation, provide an 

opportunity to maintain U.S. leadership in aviation systems and generate economic and societal benefits. 

ARMD will perform focused research and advance groundbreaking technologies to overcome the major 

environmental and efficiency barriers to market innovation in supersonic transport and achieve practical, 

affordable commercial supersonic air transport. Since overcoming these barriers will likely involve

modifications to regulations and certification standards for supersonic flight, ARMD will conduct its

research in cooperation with the FAA, ICAO, and other aviation regulatory agencies.
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Thrust 3: Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports

Large leaps in aircraft efficiency, coupled with reductions in noise and harmful emissions, are critical to 

the aviation community’s roadmap for achieving greatly improved environmental sustainability. ARMD 

will develop critical technologies to enable realization of revolutionary improvements in economics and 

environmental performance for subsonic transport with opportunities to transition to alternative 

propulsion and energy.

Thrust 4: Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles

Future generations may have the option to utilize flight largely as an option to carry out their day-to-day 

activities when vertical lift enables ubiquitous air travel. ARMD will develop critical technologies and 

knowledge to support regulations and standards that enable realization of extensive use of vertical lift 

vehicles for transportation and services, including new missions and markets.

Thrust 5: In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance

Projected growth in air travel will require a sustained focus on reducing safety risks to maintain 

acceptable levels of safety. ARMD will work with the FAA, the Commercial Aviation Safety Team 

(CAST), and others to perform research and to contribute technology addressing current and future safety 

risks. New operational concepts will change and diversify aviation and create the need for advanced 

safety capabilities, which operate on a broad scale. The future air transportation system will require a 

safety net that utilizes system-wide information to provide alerting and mitigation strategies in time to 

address emerging risks. Moving forward, aviation safety needs to take advantage of modern information 

availability and intelligent systems to predict, detect, and mitigate emerging safety risks throughout 

aviation systems and operations.

Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation

Ever-increasing levels of automation and autonomy are transforming aviation, and this trend will continue 

to accelerate. ARMD will lead in the research and development of intelligent machine systems capable of 

operating in complex environments, including the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) 

in the NAS. Complementary methods will provide safety assurance, verification, and validation of these 

systems. To pave the way for increasingly autonomous airspace and vehicles, ARMD will explore 

human-machine teaming strategies, and advanced metrics, models, and testbeds will enable the effective 

evaluation of autonomous systems in both laboratory and operational settings, which will enable the safe

implementation of autonomy in aviation applications.

For more information, go to: http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/strategic-plan.htm

NASA Aeronautics programs and projects work together to contribute to each of the strategic thrusts. 

These contributions build upon each other to deliver key knowledge and technologies used by industry 

and other Government organizations to improve national economy and expand the impact of the U.S. 

aviation industry around the world. The FY 2021 Budget Request includes major activities that are 

closely coordinated across the mission directorate. The following examples demonstrate how this 

approach is working in several priority areas.

The Low-Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) mission is a major activity within Aeronautics that will 

enable U.S. industry to open new commercial supersonic markets. Through the LBFD mission, NASA 

will fly a quiet supersonic X-plane that will generate a community response database that U.S. and 
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international regulators can use to develop new noise standards for supersonic overland flight. The LBFD 

mission is closely coordinated across three projects: LBFD project, Commercial Supersonic Technology 

(CST) project, and Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities (FDC) project. The LBFD project is 

responsible for building and flight validation of the X-59 QueSST aircraft. The X-59 aircraft is NASA’s 

newest experimental supersonic aircraft designed to reduce the sonic boom to an acceptable level. While 

the LBFD project is building the aircraft, the CST and FDC projects are planning for the community 

response testing phase of the mission. In FY 2021:

• The LBFD project will build the X-59 QueSST aircraft, complete most ground testing, and 

prepare the aircraft for flight.

• The CST project will develop, test, and mature the ability to predict the aircraft's sonic boom and 

the ability to gather human response data from the people in the communities near the aircraft 

flight path.

• The FDC project will prepare the operational and test infrastructure required to execute the 

community overflights for testing and deployment.

The LBFD mission ends in FY 2026 with the delivery of the final set of community response data to the 

ICAO. When a new standard is set, the U.S. aviation industry will be in position to lead a new 

commercial supersonic market, and passengers will benefit from significantly shorter travel times.

A second major priority is developing new subsonic aircraft technologies that the U.S. aviation industry 

will use to produce the next generation of aircraft with better fuel efficiency and reduced environmental 

impact. The technologies include advanced wing design, transformative structures, propulsion-airframe 

integration, small core turbine engines, and electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP). Among these 

technologies, EAP has shown great potential and has strong industry interest. EAP is a focus area for 

NASA. The NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility is enabling full-scale ground test of highpower electric propulsion systems. Technical accomplishments performed in this facility will serve as 

building blocks that demonstrate progress with integration and testing. In FY 2020, NASA began a multiyear effort to solve the technical challenges of a megawatt (MW)-class power electrified propulsion 

system (1-MW is the equivalent of powering 165 homes). Further, NASA will initiate new ground and 

flight research activities to validate these new electric systems in flight. Much of this sustained work 

occurs using advanced fundamental computational tools along with advances in technologies, such as 

structures and materials.

Another NASA focus is enabling new UAS markets and leveraging this work to enable a new urban air 

mobility (UAM) market. To make progress in this new market area, work in Thrusts 4, 5, and 6 is 

essential. From air traffic management to quiet vertical lift, NASA is working to eliminate key barriers to 

establish these new UAM markets. NASA will develop a series of Grand Challenge (GC) events that will 

help companies work together to demonstrate progress in advancing the technologies needed to execute 

these new concepts of operations. NASA and industry will learn from these demonstrations to inform 

future investments.

NASA investments support the early stages of the future airspace system that will enable all users – from 

UAS to UAM to traditional airlines – to seamlessly access the airspace and safely and efficiently execute 

their missions. In FY 2021, NASA will complete a series of airspace technology demonstrations 

supporting the development of NextGen. In addition, new activities in the Air Traffic Management 

Exploration Project and System Wide Safety project will begin to address the challenges of a more 

complex airspace supporting a broad range of new users.
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EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

As specified in the FY 2020 appropriation, the Aerosciences Evaluation and Test Capabilities (AETC) 

portfolio is a new program within NASA Aeronautics. This consolidation will improve the efficiency and 

effectiveness of managing ground testing capabilities within the Agency.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Thrust 1: Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations 

In FY 2018, NASA began a comprehensive operational evaluation and demonstration of air traffic 

management technologies known as ATD-2. ATD-2 technologies enable improved sharing of operational 

information that significantly increases the efficiency of aircraft movements at busy airports. In FY 2019, 

NASA successfully conducted major demonstrations of ATD-2 technologies in close coordination with 

the FAA, airlines, and airports. Since starting the ATD-2 trial, NASA estimates that airlines have saved 

more than 3.7 million pounds of fuel and 481 hours of surface delays. NASA will complete the ATD-2 

demonstrations in FY 2021 and then transition the technologies to the FAA.

For additional Thrust 1 information, see the Airspace Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) section.

Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft 

To change the regulation related to supersonic flight, NASA will develop the X-59 aircraft that creates a 

quieter sonic boom, characterize its acoustic signature, and measure the impact of the noise level on the 

population. In 2019, NASA made significant progress in all three areas. NASA completed the final design 

of the X-59 aircraft and began building the aircraft. NASA advanced the methods for measuring the shock 

waves generated from a supersonic aircraft in flight. These methods will be very important for assessing 

the performance of the X-59 when it takes flight. Finally, NASA held a first-of-its-kind community 

response test in Galveston, TX. The test results will help develop the methods and procedures for 

capturing acoustic signatures from the X-59 when it flies over U.S. cities. During the Galveston test, a 

special maneuver by a NASA F/A-18 generated an approximate low-boom signal that an array of ground 

sensors captured. This successful experiment will inform plans for collecting X-59 flight test community 

response data that is essential for developing new standards regarding supersonic flight.

For additional Thrust 2 information, see the Advanced Air Vehicle Program, Integrated Aviation Safety 

Program, and Low Boom Flight Demonstration sections.

Thrust 3: Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports

NASA focuses on delivering new technologies, tools, and knowledge to U.S. industry that will help 

significantly improve the efficiency and performance of the design and build of new subsonic aircraft. In 

FY 2019, NASA matured new subsonic aircraft technologies, improved the efficiency of certifying 

composite materials, and set the stage for future flight experiments demonstrating electric aircraft 

propulsion. As an example of an advanced subsonic technology, NASA helped develop and mature a new 

truss-braced wing aircraft configuration. Working closely with industry, NASA tested the new 

configuration and showed that the concept increases efficiency compared to today's vehicles.

With considerable support from our cost-sharing partners, NASA successfully completed the Advanced 

Composites Project, which had three major milestones to improve the efficiency of certifying new 
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composites structures. The first major element was improving the ability to simulate the performance of 

composite structures to enable more effective testing during the certification phase and improved design 

capabilities. A second element was improving the means used to detect flaws in composite structures. 

Finally, the project created a new capability to model the manufacturing process to achieve further 

optimization.

NASA has recognized that electric aircraft propulsion can provide significant reductions in fuel 

consumption and emissions. NASA has tested critical propulsion technologies that are more electric. 

Using the NEAT facility at Glenn Research Center, NASA tested components and gained insights that lay 

the path for further experiments in flight. Additionally, NASA progressed toward flight testing the allelectric X-57 aircraft in FY 2020. This general aviation-sized aircraft will provide key knowledge and 

insight to inform regulations and standards associated with smaller electric air vehicles. To advance the 

state-of-the-art for larger vehicles, NASA initiated conceptual design work with industry to pave the way 

for flight testing of larger (MW-class) electrical systems.

For additional Thrust 3 information, see the AAVP, IASP, and Transformative Aeronautics Concepts 

Program (TACP) sections.

Thrust 4: Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles

Industry and the FAA are looking to NASA to lead the development of several key areas to enable 

widespread use of more electric vertical lift vehicles. Noise has traditionally been one of the limiting 

factors for helicopters and is likely to be a key issue for urban air mobility vehicles. NASA demonstrated 

the ability to model noise and include noise performance improvements in the design phase. In addition, 

NASA conducted flight demonstrations of smart vehicle operations that lowered noise. Another critical 

area for new vehicles is failure mode. NASA worked closely with industry to study and better understand 

failure modes associated with more electric air vehicles. This work sets the stage for overcoming the 

operational barriers of new vertical lift vehicles that will be operating soon. 

For additional Thrust 4 information, see the AAVP section.

Thrust 5: In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance

NASA focused on successfully completing a series of research efforts defined by the CAST. These efforts 

focus on addressing identified safety needs, such as training guidance for pilots to improve recovery in 

upset or stall conditions. NASA delivered a framework for analyzing and identifying hazards in a more 

proactive manner. This work sets the stage to enable proactive, in-time hazard analysis by the FAA and 

guides future NASA research to enable the detection, assessment, and mitigation of safety risks in near 

real-time.

For additional Thrust 5 information, see the AOSP section.

Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation

NASA made significant progress in enabling more routine use of unmanned aircraft at both high- and 

low-altitudes. Two key enablers for unmanned vehicles operating in the Airspace are the abilities to 

communicate with and avoid colliding with other aircraft. NASA conducted successful demonstrations in 

both of these critical areas, which will provide the information needed to set standards for safe operations 

of unmanned systems in the NAS.
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At very low-altitudes, there is not an existing system to safely control and coordinate small vehicle 

operations. NASA is solving this problem with the development of the Unmanned Traffic Management 

(UTM) System. Development of this system includes a series of demonstrations of increasing complexity 

each year. NASA concluded these experimental efforts through a demonstration of UAS operations in 

real urban environments in both Reno, NV, and Corpus Christi, TX. This research involved close 

coordination with the FAA, commercial operators, and local governments, and it showed a viable path 

forward for greater utilization of unmanned vehicles in both rural and urban settings.

For additional Thrust 6 information, see the AOSP and IASP sections.

Cross-Cutting Capabilities

Not all of NASA’s work is applicable to just one Strategic Thrust. Some fundamental work or innovations 

can be broadly applicable. NASA has implemented several strategies to tap into both the talent within the 

NASA workforce and the university community to create new ideas and innovations that can help solve 

key aviation challenges. The Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) project began in FY 2015 to 

stimulate new ideas from the NASA workforce that can directly contribute to the challenges in aviation. 

In FY 2019, several activities under CAS completed critical feasibility assessments. NASA has also 

broadened engagement with the academic community and encouraged comprehensive teaming to solve 

important challenges for aeronautics. Three additional awards occurred under this University Leadership 

Initiative (ULI). Another important component of cross-cutting research is developing fundamental tools 

and techniques for use in multiple applications. NASA created a new design capability that improves the 

ability to predict how different components, such as the propulsion system and the airframe, will work 

together. NASA is also beginning to explore how advanced computational tools make the certification 

process more efficient and more effective.

For additional cross-cutting capabilities information, see the TACP and AETC sections.

Hypersonic Capabilities

Hypersonic flight involves speeds of Mach 5 and above and holds the potential for new military and 

civilian capabilities. Traditionally, NASA has pioneered advances in the flight regime. NASA works 

closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to mature necessary capabilities, while focusing on the 

fundamental research that will lead to new, long-term capabilities to lay the foundation for potential 

future civil and commercial use. NASA expertise assists the DoD by solving key problems and reducing 

risk for a variety of activities, which in turn provides key validation data that NASA can use to support its 

own research. NASA further advanced hypersonic vehicle design capabilities by improving the methods 

to define and understand uncertainties associated with data from ground tests. The application of these 

design tools and approaches enables improved performance estimates for new concepts earlier in the 

design process.

For additional hypersonic capabilities information, see the AAVP section.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Thrust 1: Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations

NASA will complete the final demonstration of the ATD-2 effort, which includes a comprehensive 

demonstration of a suite of tools designed to improve the managing surface traffic to enable an overall 
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improvement of arrival and departure efficiencies. This demonstration will involve multiple airlines and 

several air traffic management facilities in the Dallas / Ft. Worth, TX, area. Following completion of this 

experiment, NASA will transition the tools and knowledge related to ATD-2 to the FAA and airlines.

Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft 

NASA will complete most of the X-59 aircraft build and refine the techniques for collecting data from the 

aircraft. NASA will finalize the approach for the field study methodologies that will be used during X-59 

flight tests. NASA will share results of the FY 2019 Galveston community response test with the ICAO to 

help ensure support for the community response testing plan. NASA will also coordinate with ICAO and 

the international community to improve NASA's flight testing and data collection approach.

Thrust 3: Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports

In partnership with industry over several years, NASA will test a wing concept for a commercial transport 

aircraft application. The testing of the wing includes detailed rendering of structures such as flaps, slats,

and other control surfaces that will inform how we design wings in the future. Additionally, NASA will 

complete testing on components that enable development of new turbine engine cores that are smaller in 

diameter and more efficient.

Development of more electric propulsion concepts will also be a key focus area. NASA component 

testing in the NEAT facility will include simulating higher altitude effects. This capability is the first of 

its kind in the world, and it is critical for understanding how to design hardware that can safely perform at 

altitude. NASA will also conduct the first flight of its all-electric X-57 aircraft. Lessons learned from 

these flights will feed into industry standards for the development of all-electric systems. With this testing 

and coordination with the FAA and industry, NASA is setting the stage for larger aircraft to use electric 

propulsion systems.

Thrust 4: Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles

Building on the initial analysis of potential failure modes for more electric vertical lift systems, NASA 

will move to test concepts in a laboratory environment. An important step is configuring the right 

capabilities to support such testing. The intent is to characterize a wide range of systems to inform future 

regulations and standards. Continued work in this area will help ensure that noise from new urban air 

mobility vehicles shows the proper characterization, and it will inform standards that limit impact to the

public. NASA will extend its modeling techniques to predict noise from fleets of vehicles.

Thrust 5: In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance

NASA will build on the frameworks for improved in-time system-wide safety analysis and apply these 

concepts to commercial operations and the new urban air mobility mission. As aviation systems increase 

in complexity, assurance of these systems will become increasingly difficult and costly. NASA will work 

closely with the FAA and industry to develop and evaluate tools and techniques for assurance of 

increasingly autonomous systems. The information that NASA generates is critical for setting the stage to 

develop standards for more autonomous systems. 

Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation

NASA plans to finish analysis of the urban UTM experiments conducted in FY 2019 and complete the 

UTM Project. NASA will transition key technical products and knowledge and continue to support the 

FAA. Building on the success of managing small, unmanned vehicles, NASA will apply these concepts to 
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manned UAM missions. The initial phase of this work involves simulations with industry partners to 

analyze how humans interact with machines in such an application.

NASA will complete work related to integration of larger unmanned systems into the NAS. This process 

includes finishing testing associated with new radios that will facilitate greater operational benefits. In

close cooperation with industry, NASA will complete a series of capstone demonstrations showing the 

viability of key technologies to enable new commercial UAS missions. NASA will produce reports on 

key lessons learned and vehicle certification insights that will enable new UAS entrants to have greater 

confidence in navigating the requirements for safe operations in the NAS.

Cross-Cutting Capabilities

NASA will award a third set of ULI research proposals. NASA will implement changes to the CAS 

project based on the lessons learned over the first five years. In support of fundamental capabilities, 

NASA will complete an assessment of the best opportunities for futures structures and materials research.

Hypersonic Capabilities

Building on the design work in FY 2019, NASA will incorporate the uncertainty quantification 

techniques into more comprehensive design tools that help predict key performance parameters. In 

addition to improving design tools, NASA is working on developing specific technologies that will enable 

expanded use of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles. One such concept involves enabling the transition 

from a turbine engine to a scram or ram jet. NASA will conduct experiments to help understand how to 

design such systems, which enable re-usable hypersonic flight.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Thrust 1: Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations

NASA will complete transition of tools and data associated with ATD-2 to industry and the FAA, 

marking the end of the ATD Project. The delivery of multiple tools that contribute to NextGen and 

improve the overall effectiveness of air traffic management will be complete. NASA will also lay the 

groundwork for the follow-on to NextGen. Leveraging the initial success of the unmanned traffic 

management concept, NASA will explore the potential for an expanded application of service-based 

architectures to improve efficiency and better accommodate a wider range of air vehicles expected in the 

future. 

Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft

NASA will begin final preparations for initial flight of the X-59 and the accompanying flight and ground 

systems that will be used to measure flight data and the response from the population. NASA will conduct 

integrated systems testing to ensure that the vehicle is functioning properly and is ready for flight testing. 

The airborne measurement capability carried by the supporting NASA F-15 aircraft will be completed and 

tested. NASA will also complete the final development of the ground measurement system and associated 

test methods used to collect data from X-59 flights. 

Thrust 3: Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports

NASA will conduct additional flight testing of the all-electric X-57 aircraft and will modify the vehicle to 

integrate additional electric motors to drive smaller propellers distributed along the wing. This 
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modification will allow NASA to evaluate electrical systems that are more complex to better support 

standards development. NASA will advance the planning for the larger scale flight testbed with approval 

of a plan to proceed with detailed design of a flight system. This work will be closely coordinated with 

industry. NASA will ground test flight-weight electrical systems in support of development of the flight 

test concepts. NASA will also validate noise reduction technologies for advanced wing and engine 

acoustic concepts in support of the aviation industry's goal of decreasing aircraft noise generated near 

airports.

Thrust 4: Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles

In FY 2021, NASA will deliver an initial set of data to help inform standards for electric vertical takeoff 

and landing (eVTOL) vehicles based on testing and evaluation from prior years. These standards will help 

ensure that systems developed by industry have a basis of sound fundamentals and incorporate lessons 

learned to improve safety. NASA will develop methods to predict noise generated by future eVTOL 

vehicles designs with multiple rotors or propellers, which complicates the calculations needed to predict 

noise. Such a capability will allow industry to better account for reducing noise earlier in the design 

process.

Thrust 5: In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance

NASA will develop techniques that process environment and vehicle state information to monitor and 

make predictions about system safety to evaluate potential courses of action. NASA will demonstrate 

these predictive techniques for UAM vehicles. This research feeds into the development of requirements 

to enable in-time system-wide safety assurance.

Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation 

In the future, airspace operations will rely on greater application of autonomy to safely manage the 

increased number and variety of vehicles. NASA will begin to identify potential concepts that could 

greatly expand operations. The initial applications will focus on urban air mobility and will be 

coordinated with NASA's UAM GC as a potential proving ground. In addition, NASA will research 

techniques for monitoring these systems to ensure certification at a safe level.

Cross-Cutting Capabilities

NASA will initiate and execute another round of the competitive ULI proposals that will engage 

universities to address technical barriers intrinsic to achieving ARMD’s strategic outcomes. Using the 

results of the materials and structures studies, NASA will initiate new fundamental research to develop 

models and tools to enable the application of new materials concepts. NASA will conduct fundamental 

cross-cutting autonomy research focusing on areas such as trust and certification of new systems that will 

have broad application across aeronautics.

Hypersonic Capabilities

NASA will mature its new design capabilities and apply them to predict the performance of turbine based 

combined cycle propulsion (TBCC) systems, which may be a viable option for re-usable hypersonic 

vehicles. To validate these design approaches and further mature TBCC technologies, NASA will conduct 

comprehensive validation experiments.
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Programs

NASA Aeronautics has five major programs that focus on particular research areas and are coordinated to 

achieve key commitments at the Strategic Thrust level. For example, new vehicles such as supersonic 

aircraft or UAM vehicles cannot function effectively without advances in how we manage the airspace. 

At the same time, there is value in continuing to explore new concepts and fundamental knowledge that 

could be the key to solving some of the toughest challenges for aviation in the future. Additional detail 

can be found in each of the following Program sections, but it is important to remember that they do not 

operate independently.

AIRSPACE OPERATIONS AND SAFETY PROGRAM

AOSP develops and explores fundamental concepts, algorithms, and technologies to increase throughput 

and efficiency of the NAS safely. The program works in close partnership with the FAA and the aviation 

community to enable and extend the benefits of NextGen, the Nation’s program for modernizing and 

transforming the NAS to meet evolving user needs. Integrated demonstrations of these advanced 

technologies will lead to clean air transportation systems and gate-to-gate efficient flight trajectories. The 

program researches increasingly autonomous aviation systems, including innovation in the management 

of UAS traffic and other novel aviation vehicles and business models. The program is also pioneering the 

real-time integration and analysis of data to support system-wide safety assurance, enabling proactive and 

prognostic aviation safety assurance. The program takes lead responsibility for three of ARMD’s

Strategic Thrusts:

• Thrust 1: Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations;

• Thrust 5: In-Time, System-Wide Safety Assurance; and 

• Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation (co-lead).

ADVANCED AIR VEHICLES PROGRAM

AAVP develops the tools, technologies, and concepts that enable new generations of civil aircraft that are 

safer, are more energy-efficient and have a smaller environmental footprint. The program focuses on 

enabling major leaps in the safety, efficiency, and environmental performance of subsonic fixed and 

rotary wing aircraft to meet challenging and growing long-term civil aviation needs; pioneering lowboom supersonic flight to achieve new levels of global mobility; and advancing fundamental hypersonic 

research while sustaining hypersonic competency for national needs. In partnership with academia, 

industry and other Government agencies, such as the FAA, AAVP pioneers fundamental research and 

matures the most promising technologies and concepts for transition to system application by the aviation 

industry. The program works in partnership with the DoD to ensure both NASA and DoD vehicle-focused 

research is fully coordinated and leveraged. The program takes lead responsibility for three of ARMD’s

Strategic Thrusts:

• Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft;

• Thrust 3: Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports; and

• Thrust 4: Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles.
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INTEGRATED AVIATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM

IASP focuses on experimental flight research and the spirit of integrated, technological risk-taking that 

can demonstrate transformative innovation. Therefore, the program complements both AOSP and AAVP

by conducting research on the most promising concepts and technologies at an integrated system level. 

The program explores, assesses, and demonstrates the benefits of these potential technologies in a 

relevant environment. The program works in partnership with the other aeronautics programs, other 

Government agencies, academia, the aviation industry, and international partners as appropriate. The 

program supports the flight research and demonstration needs across all six ARMD Strategic Thrusts, but 

it shares lead responsibility with AOSP for the following Strategic Thrust:

• Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation (co-lead).

TRANSFORMATIVE AERONAUTICS CONCEPTS

TACP cultivates multi-disciplinary, revolutionary concepts to enable aviation transformation and 

harnesses convergence in aeronautics and non-aeronautics technologies to create new opportunities in 

aviation. The program’s goal is to demonstrate initial feasibility of internally and externally originated 

concepts to support the discovery and initial development of new, transformative solutions for all six 

ARMD Strategic Thrusts. The program provides flexibility for innovators to explore technology 

feasibility and provide the knowledge base for transformational aviation concepts by using sharply 

focused activities. The program solicits and encourages revolutionary concepts, creates the environment 

for researchers to become immersed in trying out new ideas, performs ground and small-scale flight tests, 

allows failures and learns from them, and drives rapid turnover into new concepts. The program also 

supports research and development of major advancements in cross-cutting computational tools, methods, 

and single discipline technologies to advance the research capabilities of all aeronautics programs. 

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES

The aerosciences ground test research capabilities (facilities, systems, workforce, and tools) necessary to 

achieve the future air vehicles described above require efficient and effective investment, use, and 

management of NASA’s suite of world-class wind tunnels. Efforts in this area preserve and enhance those 

specific ground test capabilities that are necessary to achieve the missions. Among these assets are 

subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities at the Ames 

Research Center in Mountain View, CA, the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH, and the Langley 

Research Center in Hampton, VA. These test facilities and capabilities also serve the needs of non-NASA 

users. NASA also offers research customers high-quality data that accurately reflect the simulated test 

environment and the interactions of test articles in those test environments in conjunction with the ground 

experimentation capabilities. Furthermore, NASA expertise helps ensure safe and successful use of the 

assets and high-quality of the research outcomes. The project is cross-cutting and supports ARMD 

Strategic Thrusts as well as other Agency efforts and those of key industry partners.
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 105.7 -- 90.4 92.6 94.4 96.2 96.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Multiple simultaneous drone operations are shown over 

downtown Reno, NV, enabled by Unmanned Aircraft 

Systems Traffic Management (UTM) Technical Capability 

Level 4 (TCL4). 

The current U.S. air transportation system is 

widely recognized to be among the safest in the 

world. While the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA)-led NextGen effort will 

meet growing air traffic demand by enabling 

efficient passage through the increasingly 

crowded skies, it will come with increased 

operating complexity. Current aviation 

participants and the Air Traffic Management 

(ATM) system face many challenges related to 

global competitiveness, efficiency, productivity, 

increasing mobility needs, and the emergence of 

new airspace users.

For the U.S. to meet the public expectations for 

safety in this complex, dynamic domain, 

advanced automation technologies will be 

required. This automation will need to work in 

an integrated fashion across multiple domains and stakeholders, in harmony with human operators. 

NASA is working with the FAA to develop a long-term vision for the future NAS and looks to ensure that 

the system will accommodate these diverse and increasingly complex operations in a safe and affordable 

manner for service providers, vehicle/platform operators, passengers, and cargo. In the coming years, the

sustained, integrated efforts of the FAA and its many stakeholders will systematically transform the

systems and processes of today's National Airspace System (NAS) to accommodate these new operations.

NASA will play a critical role in this transformation through its research and development of autonomous

technologies for aircraft/platforms as well as tools and technologies for managing the airspace to support 

increasingly diverse operations.

The Airspace Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) performs research and technology development to 

enable transformation of air traffic management and operational safety concepts. These technologies 

ultimately benefit the public by increasing capacity and reducing the total cost of air transportation. AOSP 

(with the FAA and its other industry and academic partners) conceives, develops, and demonstrates 

technologies to improve the intrinsic safety of current and future aircraft systems that will operate in the 

NAS. Furthermore, the program develops advanced technologies for a service-oriented and federated 

NAS architecture to enable seamless integration of emergent vehicles, such as unmanned aircraft systems 
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(UAS) and urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles, with present-day aircraft. AOSP also works with other 

ARMD programs to define safe NAS operational requirements for next generation vehicles, mature new 

transformative seedling concepts, and demonstrate integrated systems. AOSP directly supports three of 

the ARMD Strategic Thrusts:

• Thrust 1: Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations 

• Thrust 5: In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance 

• Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation

AOSP aims to:

• Enable completion of NextGen from gate-to-gate to support projected growth and reduce the total 

cost of air transportation operations. NASA will work to develop technologies to reduce operator 

workload, fuel consumption, and environmental impacts while identifying and mitigating safety 

risks in a manner that is scalable over time to meet anticipated operational growth.

• Enable transformation of the NAS to a more scalable, service-oriented architecture to allow safe 

operation of emerging aviation markets. Participants in the transformed NAS include low altitude 

autonomous vehicles ranging from small autonomous UAS through passenger-carrying 

autonomous urban air taxis, high-altitude, long-endurance UAS, and autonomous freight-carrying 

vehicles operating in the NAS. NASA will support the safe and efficient integration of traditional 

and emerging market operations from many more access points in current low-density airspace.

• Enable “in-time” system-wide safety assurance by developing tools and technologies for 

prognostic detection of safety hazards, integrated risk assessment, monitoring and mitigation, and 

assurance of new systems and operations.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project moves from the AOSP into the Integrated Aviation Systems 

Program (IASP) portfolio for FY 2021. The AAM Project will be managing large complex 

demonstrations beginning with the Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge, which involves industry, the 

FAA and other Aeronautics projects. The IASP has the expertise to conduct this type of cross program 

integrated demonstration. In addition, the AOSP will receive additional funding to augment the series of 

Grand Challenges (GC) to support the development and evaluation of artificial intelligence capabilities 

relevant to UAS traffic management and unmanned aerial vehicles' command-and-control and collision 

avoidance systems. This funding structure is consistent with the FY 2021 Budget's support for "Industries 

of the Future."

At the end of each achievement identified in this document, there is a mapping to link it to the related 

Strategic Research Thrust and Program Element.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

• NASA conducted the ATD-2 Phase 2 demonstration to evaluate the fused Integrated 

Arrival/Departure/Surface (IADS) system at Charlotte International Airport. This capability 

enables precision in how the airlines schedule their gate pushback times such that the aircraft 

have a non-stop taxi to the departure runway and, then, a continuous climb to the available highaltitude overhead stream slot. NASA coordinated with the FAA Charlotte terminal area control 
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center, the American Airlines ramp tower, the Charlotte International Airport air traffic control 

tower, and the en-route air traffic control centers for Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, GA. 

Operational use of ATD-2 schedules and more accurate departure times resulted in direct savings 

in fuel, time, and money. Since the start of ATD-2 deployment, NASA estimates more than 3.7 

million pounds of fuel saved, 481 fewer hours of surface delays, and reduced carbon dioxide 

emissions by 11.6 million pounds, and reduced 2,869 hours of runtime on engines. (Thrust 

1/ATD)

• NASA completed a technology transfer to the FAA for Dynamic Routes for Arrivals in Weather 

(DRAW). DRAW is a tool that helps fuse weather information with traffic flow data to allow 

controllers to more efficiently route aircraft – especially in adverse weather conditions. The 

transfer included preliminary extended metering and couple-scheduling requirements, as well as 

DRAW functionalities integrated into the FAA’s Time-Based Flow Metering system, including 

demonstration in high-fidelity human-in-the-loop simulation. (Thrust 1/ATD)

• NASA developed and demonstrated the fourth and final technical capability level (TCL) for 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM), focusing on large-scale UAS 

operations in higher-density urban areas. The demonstrations occurred in Reno, NV, and Corpus 

Christi, TX. TCL4 represents a culmination of UTM research technology development to enable 

safe low-altitude UAS operations. UTM enabled adoption of global standards for small UAS 

operations, providing the FAA with a federated architecture for further development of its flight 

information management interface. UTM enabled commercial UAS service suppliers to develop 

operational systems for their clients and the FAA to execute its small UAS pilot programs. 

(Thrust 6/UTM)

• NASA provided an initial demonstration of near real-time hazard identification by using a 

NASA-developed framework at the FAA to monitor and identify incident precursor patterns. 

NASA transferred the flight anomaly detection code to the FAA for integration into its daily 

Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing program operations. (Thrust 5/SWS)

• NASA completed final deliverables for reducing the risk of loss-of-control accidents to the 

Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST). CAST is a U.S. Government and aviation industry 

partnership that is working to adopt an integrated, data-driven strategy to reduce the fatality risk 

in commercial air travel in the U.S. The final deliverables included formal reporting methods to 

reduce risk of loss-of-control accidents and an evaluation of display strategies to provide control 

guidance for recovery from approach-to-stall. NASA demonstrated new capabilities that enabled 

pilots to better understand and respond safely to complex situations and improved human 

operator effectiveness. Closeout activities for the effort concluded in the fourth quarter of 

FY 2019. (Thrust 5/SWS)

• In support of developing urban air mobility operations, NASA conducted simulations to evaluate 

automated trajectory negotiation, collaborative decision-making, and connected trajectory-based 

technologies. (Thrust 6/ATM-X) 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

• NASA will conduct the ATD-2 Phase 3 demonstration at the Fort Worth Air Route Traffic 

Control Center and the Terminal Radar Approach Control and Air Traffic Control Tower 

facilities at the Dallas/Fort Worth and Dallas Love Field airports. The demonstration will also 

involve American Airlines facilities at Dallas/Fort Worth and Southwest Airlines facilities at 

Dallas Love Field. Phase 3 will be a high-fidelity demonstration of all integrated IADS system 

capabilities, and it aims to validate the benefits of strategic surface metering during periods of 
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significant demand/capacity imbalance. The ATD Project will begin close out in late FY 2020 

after completing all NASA milestones and providing FY 2020 deliverables to the FAA research 

transition team. (Thrust 1/ATD)

• NASA will complete data analysis from its TCL4 demonstrations and transfer final research 

technical products to FAA Research Transition Team working groups for Concepts, Data 

Exchange, and Architecture; Sense and Avoid; and Communications and Navigation. The UTM 

project will continue to support the FAA for the UTM Pilot Program, and a joint final report on 

the results will be produced. (Thrust 6/UTM)

• NASA will develop models and metrics that characterize the safe operations of on-demand 

mobility/urban air mobility (UAM) air vehicles and that allow the safe integration and operation 

of these emergent users into the NAS. In addition, the project will analyze the safety of overall 

system designs that enable autonomy by reliance on backup/failover strategies. Current NASA 

work builds on recent experiments with industry partners and includes development of additional 

tools and techniques that can reduce the costs and improve effectiveness of the assurance of 

autonomy, potentially enabling new operations and new markets. (Thrust 5/SWS)

• NASA will conduct a human-in-the-loop evaluation in collaboration with external partners in 

FY 2020 to assess UAM operations and airspace integration suitable for the ARMD GC. In one 

such partnership, NASA will collaborate with Uber in the UAM arena to develop safe and 

efficient air transportation in highly populated U.S. cities. This collaboration is a first for the 

Agency regarding agreements for UAM operations modeling and simulation. NASA plans to 

simulate small passenger-carrying aircraft fights during peak scheduled air traffic. This process 

will enable establishment of the concept of operations for these emergent vehicles, new airspace 

procedural requirements, and new automation technology. (Thrust 6/ATM-X) 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

• The ATD project will close out in FY 2021 after providing final deliverables (including research 

documentation) to the FAA Research Transition Team. With this project close out, NASA's 

contribution to the FAA's NextGen effort is complete. NASA technologies will enable the FAA's 

deployment of NextGen technologies in FY 2021 and beyond and will enable airlines to leverage 

the FAA's NextGen information architecture to realize operational benefits. (Thrust 1/ATD)

• NASA will develop and deliver airspace management capabilities to enable UAM operations and 

airspace integration suitable for the ARMD GC. The demonstration will be enabled by an 

airspace and traffic management capability for Urban Air Mobility vehicles. (Thrusts 1 and 

6/ATM-X)

• NASA will conduct concept evaluation simulations to determine airspace requirements for 

integration of unmanned autonomous operations into the National Airspace. These simulations 

will leverage prior work with Boeing's ecoDemonstrator aircraft to determine requirements for 

digital trajectory negotiations, data exchange, and concepts of operations that will ultimately 

establish requirements for research to enable autonomous freighter operations in FY 2021 and 

beyond. (Thrusts 1 and 6/ATM-X)

• NASA will conduct a FY 2021 flight test on Boeing's ecoDemonstrator aircraft to determine 

requirements for digital trajectory negotiations, data exchange, and concepts of operations that 

will establish research requirements for future research on autonomous freighter operations in 

FY 2021 and beyond. (Thrust 6/ATM-X)

• NASA will evaluate the use of a tool to actively monitor components while in operation to 

constrain the behavior of machine learning-enabled (e.g., autonomous) components in a system. 
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This evaluation will enable the FAA's development requirements for certification of autonomous 

systems. (Thrust 6/SWS)

• NASA will develop techniques that process vehicle state information to monitor and make 

predictions about system safety to evaluate potential courses of action. This research is critical to 

the development of an advanced in-time system-wide safety assurance system that would enable 

automated monitoring, assessment, and mitigation of risks. (Thrust 5/SWS)

Program Elements

AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT – EXPLORATION (ATM-X)

The Air Traffic Management - eXploration (ATM-X) project will transform the air traffic management 

system to accommodate the growing demand of new entrants with new mission requirements while also 

allowing established, large commercial aircraft operators to fly more user-preferred routes with improved 

predictability. The project will explore challenging use cases in an open airspace management system 

architecture to establish key performance parameters and prioritize technical challenges. An example 

exercise is the definition of requirements for high-density vertical lift vehicle operations for UAM. ATMX will provide early demonstration of emerging market operations by simulating higher levels of 

industry-provided services to validate the potential for more rapid modernization by incorporating 

innovations at "industry" speeds.

ATM-X will demonstrate that an open architecture approach, integration of air traffic technologies, 

system-wide data use, advances in human-machine teaming, and increasingly autonomous decisionmaking will provide comprehensive situational awareness, improved coordinated decision-making, and 

disruption management. This demonstration will enable flexible, user-preferred, predictable, and robust 

operations. The project will validate and transfer key concepts and technologies to the FAA and industry 

stakeholders.

SYSTEM-WIDE SAFETY (SWS)

The System-Wide Safety (SWS) project will develop tools, methods, and technologies to enable 

capabilities envisioned by ARMD’s Strategic Thrust 5 (In-Time System-Wide Safety Assurance). The 

SWS project will perform research to explore and understand the impact on safety of the complexity 

introduced by technology advances aimed at improving the efficiency of flight, broader access to 

airspace, and the expansion of services provided by air vehicles. The project will also develop and 

demonstrate innovative solutions that enable the aviation transformation envisioned by ARMD through 

proactive mitigation of risks in accordance with target levels of safety. The following are drivers of 

increased system safety awareness:

• increased access to relevant data;

• integrated analysis capabilities;

• improved real-time detection and alerting of hazards at the domain level;

• decision support; and

• in some cases, automated mitigation strategies.
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The SWS project also addresses the need, identified in Strategic Thrusts 1 and 6, for safety-related 

advances in methods used for the verification and validation of advanced, increasingly autonomous 

systems.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Jun 2019 UTM – Initiate TCL4 testing to incorporate TCL3 research and to manage large-scale 

contingencies.

Aug 2019

ATD – Conduct Phase 2 Fused IADS Demonstration.

UTM – Perform TCL4 flight validation and demonstration of the UTM system in complex urban 

environments. Transfer of technology to the FAA: delivery of a prototype cloud-based server for 

low-altitude UAS traffic management and related documentation.

Aug 2019 ATM-X – Develop UAM Services dynamic scheduling and congestion management operations.

Sep 2019

ATM-X – Release the NASA Test Bed Build 2 with modeling of emergent vehicles and missions.

SWS – Develop a safety assurance dashboard that can give a comprehensive view of retired and 

residual risks.

Jun 2020

SWS – Develop models and metrics that characterize the safe operations of on demand 

mobility/urban air mobility (UAM) air vehicles and that allow the safe integration and operation of 

these emergent users into the NAS.

ATD – Conduct Phase 3 full-system demonstration of the IADS metroplex departure scheduling 

concept.

Jun 2020 UTM – Complete final concept of operations and project closeout. 

Aug 2020

ATM-X – Partner with Boeing to demonstrate autonomous: (1) digital data transfer; and (2) 

trajectory management technologies through tailored arrival management of separation assurance 

and optimized-profile descents during arrival.

Sep 2020 ATM-X – Develop and deliver airspace management capabilities to enable UAM operations and 

airspace integration suitable for the ARMD GC.

Sep 2020 ATM-X – Perform human-in-the-loop simulation of mixed legacy and new entrants interacting in 

controlled airspace.

Mar 2021 ATD – Complete final research documentation and project closeout.

Sep 2021 SWS – Demonstrate in-time safety monitoring for an on-demand/urban air mobility integrated flight 

test in relevant airspace.

Dec 2021 ATM-X – Initiate Phase 2 development with integrated elements of multiple Phase 1 technologies 

towards defined, focused research and field demonstrations supporting Technical Challenges.
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Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Air Traffic Management 

- Exploration (ATM-X)

Provider(s): Ames Research Center (ARC), Langley Research Center (LaRC), Glenn 

Research Center (GRC)

Lead Center: ARC

Performing Center(s): ARC, LaRC, GRC

Cost Share Partner(s): FAA, Boeing, General Electric (GE), Uber, American Airlines, 

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

System-Wide Safety 

(SWS)

Provider(s): ARC, LaRC, GRC

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, LaRC, GRC

Cost Share Partner(s): FAA, Department of Homeland Security, Department of 

Defense (DoD) Naval Medical Research Unit, DoD Air Force Research Laboratory, 

National Research Council, Networking and Information Technology Research and 

Development Program, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, MITRE, 

Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, Boeing Flight Services, GE Global Research, 

American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, easyJet, Denver 

International Airport, Commercial Aviation Safety Team, Unmanned Aircraft Safety 

Team, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, RTCA, French 

Aerospace Lab (ONERA), DLR

Acquisition Strategy

The AOSP spans research and technology from foundational research to integrated system capabilities. 

This broad spectrum necessitates the use of a wide array of acquisition tools relevant to the appropriate 

work awarded externally through full and open competition. Teaming among large companies, small 

businesses, and universities is highly encouraged for all procurement actions.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA’s Aeronautics programs award multiple smaller contracts, which are generally less than 

$5 million. The contracts are widely distributed across academia and industry.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance 

(Annual)

Expert Review Oct 2019 The 12-month review is a 

formal independent peer 

review. Experts from other 

Government agencies 

report on their assessment 

of technical and 

programmatic risk and/or 

program weaknesses.

Determined that the 

projects made 

satisfactory progress in 

meeting technical 

challenges as well as all 

annual performance 

indicators.

Oct 2020
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 272.1 -- 212.7 222.2 230.3 261.2 266.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Multirotor Test Bed installed in the U.S. Army 7-

foot x 10-foot wind tunnel at NASA Ames 

Research Center, shown above in October 2019, 

for Initial Functional Checkouts.

The Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) develops 

knowledge, technologies, tools, and innovative concepts 

to enable safe new aircraft that will fly faster, cleaner, 

and quieter and use fuel far more efficiently than in the 

past. All major modern U.S. aircraft incorporate NASA 

research and technology. The type of research performed 

by AAVP will prime the technology pipeline, enabling 

continued U.S. leadership, competitiveness, and highquality jobs in the future. Reducing fuel usage, noise, 

and emissions and improving intrinsic safety by these 

advanced integrated technologies and capabilities 

improves vehicle performance. Fuel efficiency and 

environmental factors will play an increasingly 

significant role as the aviation market grows in capacity. 

The broad range of technologies developed by AAVP 

will help ensure continued U.S. industrial leadership that 

will benefit both the economy and the environment. 

Across the program, NASA will continue to engage 

partners from industry, academia, and other Government agencies to maintain a sufficiently broad 

perspective on technology solutions to these challenges, to pursue mutually beneficial collaborations, and 

to leverage opportunities for effective technology transition. AAVP directly supports three of the ARMD 

Strategic Thrusts:

• Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft

• Thrust 3: Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports 

• Thrust 4: Safe, Quiet, and Affordable Vertical Lift Air Vehicles

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 
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At the end of each achievement identified in this document, there is a mapping to link it to the related 

Strategic Research Thrust and Program Element.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

• NASA performed a series of exploratory tests of methodologies to measure community response 

to sonic boom noise in Galveston, TX. The purpose of these tests was to gain experience with 

remote aircraft operations, community noise exposure estimations, social surveys, and overall 

community engagement. Conducting community response field studies using these methods 

(including indoor and outdoor noise metrics, exposure estimates, and survey tools and protocols) 

will help define and validate this flight data. The data and experience gained will inform future 

community response studies and support the X-59 QueSST aircraft, which is currently under 

development within IASP. (Thrust 2/CST)

• NASA and Boeing completed high-speed tests and initiated low-speed and high-lift tests of an 

advanced transonic truss-braced wing (TTBW) design for higher cruise speeds incorporating an 

integrated high-lift system. The TTBW technology enables a larger wingspan for reduced drag 

and fuel burn while meeting a reduced structural weight requirement. Results of the high-speed 

tests confirmed a nine percent fuel burn benefit for the technology. To investigate the structural 

weight reduction, NASA, in collaboration with Aurora Flight Sciences and the University of 

Michigan, completed post-test analysis of the advanced wing structure to assess airframe weight 

limitations and the potential fuel burn reduction of the technology. (Thrust 3/Advanced Air 

Transport Technology-AATT)

• NASA matured Megawatt (MW)-class Hybrid Gas-Electric Propulsion (HGEP) aircraft concepts 

and technologies for commercial transport aircraft. A focus for FY 2019 was the design, assembly 

and initial testing of a MW-scaled electric aircraft powertrain in the NASA Electric Aircraft 

Testbed (NEAT) facility. The design and assembly of a representative electrified aircraft 

powertrain with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) non-flight weight components, which occurred 

in the NEAT facility, demonstrated communications and controls. This advanced HGEP 

powertrain provides an aircraft system-level fuel burn reduction according to system studies,

potentially enabling HGEP introduction into new U.S. aviation markets for smaller transport 

aircraft. (Thrust 3/AATT)

• NASA completed an assessment of test results on an advanced, low-emission, fuel-flexible 

combustor concept for a small core engine in collaboration with the United Technologies 

Research Center. This concept focused on reducing harmful NOx emissions 80 percent below the 

2008 international NOx emissions limits set forth by the Committee on Aviation Environmental 

Protection, with minimal impacts on weight, noise, and component life. NASA identified stable 

and efficient combustion operations for small-core engine technologies as critical to advanced, 

low-emissions, fuel-flexible small core engine combustors. (Thrust 3/AATT) 

• In FY 2019, NASA closed out the Advanced Composites Project (ACP). NASA demonstrated 

computational tools and methods, including Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) simulations, 

validating tools and methodologies through integrated component-level testing and enabling 

collectively more than a 20 percent reduction in the timeline to develop and certify composite 

structures, as shown by system analysis. These tools and computational methods enable the 

ability to rapidly inspect a composite structure, transfer the findings into a structural analysis, and 

make a decision on the need to repair damage or manufacturing defects found during inspection.

Multiple technologies were developed and validated through research conducted by Government 

and multi-industry cooperative research teams executing within the NASA Advanced Composites 
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Consortium or supported by NASA Research Announcement (NRA) awards. The reduction in the 

timeline to develop and certify composite structures will help U.S. industry retain a global 

competitive advantage in aircraft manufacturing to support emerging markets for transport and 

urban air mobility vehicles. (Thrust 3/ACP)

• NASA completed the initial demonstration of multi-disciplinary tools to optimize low-noise rotor 

Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) designs. In a series of flight experiments with Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) partners, NASA also demonstrated low-noise flight operations 

that provided a 58 percent reduction in the Sound Exposure Level footprint area for commercial 

rotary wing vehicles. Based on these successful flight tests, NASA developed flight guidelines 

and distributed them to the helicopter community, which implemented the guidelines to provide a 

positive impact on community noise. The low-noise design tools will assist in future VTOL 

designs that will reduce community noise impact while simultaneously maintaining or improving 

aerodynamic performance. (Thrust 4/RVLT)

• NASA initiated the development of a database of computed Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicle 

sounds that can assess the cumulative noise impact of UAM fleet operations on the community. 

With very limited acoustic data for these new UAM vehicle configurations, the potential noise 

impact on the community is unknown. This new focus area is leveraging previous noise 

prediction research and tool development to establish initial predictions of UAM vehicle noise. 

The FAA, industry, and municipalities will use the new tools to assess and minimize the impact 

of UAM operations on the community. Other ARMD projects, such as ATM-X, will provide the 

expected flight conditions and trajectories for the vehicle operations. (Thrust 4/RVLT)

• NASA funded a study assessing the Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) for 

four electric and hybrid-electric UAM propulsion system architectures. The four systems were 

generic systems developed by NASA to represent the many classes of propulsion systems in the 

UAM market. The results showed the components that are most critical to propulsion system 

reliability and provided guidance for the most critical areas for further NASA research. The 

report is publicly available as a NASA Contractor Report, and the FAA and industry can use this 

study as a template for how to conduct a FMECA analysis. (Thrust 4/RVLT)

• NASA began applying Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) analysis approaches to hypersonic 

ground tests in FY 2019, building on approaches identified in FY 2017 and successfully applied 

to a modeling and simulation challenge in FY 2018. Application of these UQ approaches to 

ground testing allows for increased testing efficiency, better quantification of test uncertainty, 

improved understanding of risk, improved understanding of where to invest to reduce uncertainty, 

and improved understanding of what changes to the vehicle design will result in increased 

performance of operational hypersonic vehicles. (Hypersonic)

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

• NASA will provide a suite of prediction tools to support timely and accurate validation of the 

acoustic performance of the Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator aircraft. NASA will also perform a 

capability review ensuring work is prioritized, delivering Pre-Flight Capability prior to the LowBoom Flight Demonstrator acoustic validation. NASA will host a sonic boom prediction 

workshop and conduct a sonic boom wind tunnel test using a model of the X-59 demonstrator.

The wind tunnel test will support tool development, provide additional tool validation data, and 

inform the X-59 acoustic validation data collection. (Thrust 2/CST)

• NASA will complete the Field Study Methodology for Sonic Boom Community Response by 

developing models for predicting exterior pressure loads, structural vibrations, and indoor 
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acoustic fields caused by sonic booms. NASA will complete development of models of human 

response to sonic boom noise in indoor and outdoor environments. Quantifying atmospheric 

effects on low noise sonic booms provided for the development of a draft test plan of survey tools 

and test protocols for future community studies. (Thrust 2/CST)

• NASA will conduct a virtual international workshop to share survey techniques used during the 

FY 2019 community test in Galveston, TX. The sharing of recruitment methods, survey 

techniques, and lessons learned help gain feedback and influence survey designs for future X-59 

tests. NASA will also identify the initial set of base locations and test communities for the future 

X-59 tests. (Thrust 2/CST)

• NASA will conduct wind tunnel tests on a 10 percent scale aircraft research model that includes 

high-lift features and “common” attributes, enabling the ability to test at multiple organizations 

across the U.S. The “High Lift Common Research Model” will help establish the feasibility of 

quiet high-lift technology concepts with use of active flow control techniques to reduce aircraft 

noise. The technical approach consists of using various methods to fill the gaps between aircraft 

wing leading- and trailing-edge flaps and slats, which produce a large fraction of aircraft noise on 

approach. With this knowledge, research will contribute to advancing wing designs that may be a 

major aspect of future product designs. (Thrust 3/AATT)

• In partnership with industry, NASA helped develop advanced compressor casing treatments, 

three-dimensional compressor blade designs, and high-temperature disks and seals. These 

technologies are critical for advancing small-core turbofan engines with higher engine bypass and 

pressure ratios to improve fuel efficiency. NASA will complete testing and analysis for these 

reduced size/flow, high-pressure compressors and high-temperature disk/seals in FY 2020. 

(Thrust 3/AATT)

• NASA will develop and demonstrate a testing capability at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed 

(NEAT) facility to test MW-scale aircraft electrical components and powertrains under flight 

altitude conditions. This test will be the first of a MW-class electrified powertrain under 

conditions representing flight altitude. The test will establish the practicality of employing these 

types of components in future aircraft systems while ensuring safe and efficient operations under 

flight conditions. (Thrust 3/AATT)

• NASA will re-configure an existing test lab to develop an integrated system geared towards 

assessing performance and reliability of electric propulsion UAM components, including thermal 

effects. These integrated system tests will use a 150-kilowatt (kW) electromechanical powertrain 

test rig. The test system will utilize motor emulators with a capacity of up to 100-kW each to 

simulate motor loads. The emulators allow a great deal of flexibility by enabling fast 

reconfigurations of the test cell for different system architectures. The data generated from 

integrated system tests help to validate predictive models and explore potential failure modes and 

mitigation strategies and provide data for means of compliance standards. (Thrust 4/RVLT)

• The Multirotor Test Bed (MTB) is a new capability that NASA developed that will be used for 

wind tunnel and hover testing of multirotor (up to six rotors) aircraft configurations with a focus 

on individual rotor loads. Data from MTB testing help to validate simulations of multirotor 

systems and eventually lead to better predictions of multirotor performance. (Thrust 4/RVLT)

• NASA will employ an analysis tool to assess UAM fleet noise using operations data provided by 

NASA ATM-X. The results of this study will help establish goals for UAM noise footprint and 

will establish a consistent assessment process for use within NASA and for external users. 

(Thrust 4/RVLT)

• NASA will develop and document new approaches to perform UQ model validation by applying 

UQ analysis to computational modeling and hypersonic aerodynamic, aerothermodynamic, and 
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propulsion ground test data for hypersonic applications. Improved UQ helps identify the most 

fruitful areas for targeted investment and can lead to higher performing and/or more robust 

hypersonic vehicle designs. (Hypersonic)

• NASA will conduct experiments of automated mode transition of a combined cycle engine 

propulsion system utilizing a real-time Turbojet Engine simulator and a Dual Mode Ram Jet 

simulator to establish the control theory and methodology for such transition. Automated control 

is a requirement for successful operation of a combined cycle system as it ensures operability 

while maximizing system performance. (Hypersonic)

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

• NASA will identify and procure the acoustic validation measurement systems and prepare plans 

for the Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator Validation in support of the Low-Boom Flight test. 

(Thrust 2/CST)

• NASA will complete its assessment of pre-test prediction capabilities by using prediction 

validation tools in preparation of the Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator Validation Process. These 

tools will provide model-based noise prediction values that will be validated during future flights. 

(Thrust 2/CST)

• NASA will conduct testing of a flight-weight, flight-like electric inverter at Megawatt-class 

power level under simulated altitude conditions of 30,000 feet at the NEAT facility. This test will 

establish key components for electrified aircraft that can perform safely under flight conditions. 

In addition, NASA will complete a Critical Design Review (CDR) of a turbofan engine test to 

determine the impact of large-scale power extraction from both high-and low-pressure engine 

spools. This future test will ensure that Megawatt-class power extraction from turbofan engines 

will not adversely affect overall Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) system performance. 

(Thrust 3/AATT)

• NASA will validate noise reduction technologies focusing on advanced aircraft wing slats/flaps 

and turbine engine acoustic liners, demonstrating approximately 25 percent lower noise than 

existing technology. These technologies will benefit the aviation industry by ensuring quiet 

operation of aircraft near airports. (Thrust 3/AATT)

• NASA RVLT will lead the Society of Automotive Engineers AE-7 Electric Aircraft Committee 

to develop a High Voltage Direct Current/Power Quality Standard for electric vertical take-off 

and landing vehicles, enabling the improvement in reliability of electric UAM propulsion. (Thrust 

4/RVLT)

• NASA RVLT will demonstrate the ability to calculate multirotor vehicle acoustics for UAM by 

modeling the individual rotors and their interactions with the airframe, as the interactions between 

these types of components are a major contributor to aircraft noise. (Thrust 4/RVLT) 

• NASA will apply calibrated models to compute hypersonic flight test performance predictions 

with quantified uncertainty. An approach to perform design optimization, with quantified 

uncertainties, will be developed and applied for a Turbine-Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) 

propulsion component. This UQ methodology will be available for use on future design and 

analysis efforts. (Hypersonic)

• NASA will implement its calibrated UQ methodology, coupled with Computational Fluid 

Dynamics (CFD) design and analysis, to design a TBCC propulsion component. The component 

will be fabricated (FY 2021) and ground tested in the 4-foot x 4-foot Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel 

(FY 2022). The Agency’s use of CFD predictions as a surrogate for High Speed Testing provides 

an initial assessment of test data accuracy. (Hypersonic)
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Program Elements

ADVANCED AIR TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY (AATT)

The Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) project enables revolutionary advancements in future 

aircraft performance. Research explores solutions to advance knowledge, technologies, and concepts,

enabling major steps in energy efficiency and environmental compatibility and resulting in reduced fuel 

burned, harmful emissions, and noise around airports. The research also benefits U.S. industrial 

competitiveness in the subsonic transport aircraft market, as well as, potentially opening new markets for 

U.S. entrants in the regional jet and smaller size classes. The knowledge gained from this research in the 

form of experiments, data, system studies, and analyses, is critical for conceiving and designing more 

efficient, quieter aircraft. Advanced air transport research directly supports ARMD Strategic Thrust 3 and 

focuses on developing advanced technologies and tools for future generations of commercial transport –

including the emerging area of electrified aircraft propulsion and the supporting engine core research 

needed to develop new engines that will ultimately power the new vehicles. Although this project focuses 

on the long-term technology timeframe, it also contributes to both near- and mid-term development by 

demonstrating interim technology advancements.

REVOLUTIONARY VERTICAL LIFT TECHNOLOGY (RVLT)

The Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) project develops, demonstrates and validates tools, 

technologies, and flight operations methods that reduce VTOL aircraft noise and improve safety, thereby 

enabling expanded use of VTOL aircraft in an integrated airspace environment. The unique ability of 

vertical lift vehicles to hover has significant applications in the civil market for human and cargo 

transportation and delivery systems as evidenced by the emerging UAM industry. Additionally, advanced 

vertical lift technologies and capabilities are directly relevant to vehicles for inspection and surveillance 

missions, oil and gas exploration, disaster relief, and many more critical operations. RVLT research 

advances technologies that will increase safety and reduce noise and annoyance to overcome significant 

barriers for the emergence of a new UAM market. To accomplish this research, NASA uses advanced 

computer-based, multi-fidelity prediction methods, unique NASA facilities, and state-of-the-art 

experimental techniques. RVLT considers current and future vertical lift vehicles of many classes and 

sizes, ranging from small-unmanned configurations to configurations that are viable as inter- and intracity transportation. The RVLT Project primarily supports ARMD Strategic Thrust 4. 

COMMERCIAL SUPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY (CST)

Supersonic vehicle research includes tools, technologies, and knowledge that will help eliminate today’s 

technical barriers to practical, commercial supersonic flight. These barriers include sonic boom noise,

supersonic aircraft fuel efficiency, airport community noise, high-altitude emissions, vehicle 

aeroservoelastic design, supersonic operations, and the ability to design vehicles in an integrated, 

multidisciplinary manner. The Commercial Supersonic Technology (CST) project directly supports 

ARMD Strategic Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Flight. Along with other projects in 

ARMD, the CST project leverages the purpose-built X-59 Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator to gather data 

on the human responses to low-level sonic booms. This human community response data informs national 

and international regulatory organizations’ efforts to define certification standards that commercial 

aircraft manufacturers can follow to create new supersonic aircraft markets. In preparation for the use of 
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the X-59, research establishes the necessary approaches and techniques for objectively measuring the 

level of supersonic overflight noise acceptable to communities living near future commercial supersonic 

flight paths. These approaches, techniques, and resulting data will be the foundation of annoyance limits 

in the international standards. 

HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY (HT)

NASA maintains unique specialized facilities and experts who focus on key fundamental research areas 

that explore key challenges in hypersonic flight. This project coordinates closely with partners in the 

Department of Defense (DoD) so NASA can leverage their investment in ground and flight activities to 

develop and validate advanced physics-based computational models. At the same time, the DoD benefits 

from NASA expertise, analyses, testing capabilities, and computational models. NASA is able to support 

U.S. industry’s emerging interest in civil hypersonic vehicles while supporting DoD needs. The project 

focuses on hypersonic propulsion systems, re-usable vehicle technologies, high-temperature materials, 

and systems analysis.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Jun 2019 AATT – Completion and demonstration of an advanced small core, low-emissions, fuelflexible combustor concept focusing on reducing harmful NOx emissions 80 percent below the 

2008 international NOx emissions limits with minimal impacts on weight, noise, and 

component life.

Sep 2019 AATT – Completion of a Hybrid Gas-Electric Propulsion (HGEP) Concept establishing a 5-10 

MW hybrid gas-electric propulsion system for a commercial transport aircraft. 

Sep 2019 RVLT – Achieve noise reduction of at least five decibels (dB) on approach to landing during 

helicopter flight test operations designed for low-noise.

Dec 2019 AC – Completion of accurate strength and life prediction methodologies to develop and 

validate strength and life prediction tools with known accuracy for complex composite 

structures and standardized procedures.

Dec 2019 AC – Completion of rapid inspection and characterization methodologies to develop and 

demonstrate Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) systems to enable technologies that fully 

inspect and rapidly disposition findings in complex systems.

Dec 2019 AC – Completion of efficient manufacturing process development to demonstrate advanced 

computational methods to relate manufacturing parameters to defect formation, and to connect 

commercial design and analysis software to enable structural optimization while resolving 

predicted manufacturing issues.

Jan 2020 CST – Completion of the sonic boom community response metrics and field study 

methodologies including indoor and outdoor noise metrics, survey tools and test protocols to 

support community studies with a demonstrator aircraft.

Mar 2020 AATT – Completion of Higher Aspect Ratio Wing (HARW) concept enabling a 1.5-2X 

increase in the aspect ratio of a lightweight wing with safe structures and flight control.
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Date Significant Event

Sep 2020 AATT – Complete a conceptual design and validate the performance of compressor and core 

concepts for a compact high Operating Pressure Ratio (OPR) gas generator concept, enabling 

reduced size/flow high-pressure compressors and high-temperature disk/seals that are critical 

for 50+ OPR gas generators with minimal impact on noise and component life.

Sep 2020 RVLT – Develop the theory, implement, and assess functionality of Broadband Acoustic Rotor 

Codes for application to Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Urban Air Mobility (UAM) 

vehicles.

Jun 2021 AATT – Completion of an advanced fan and high-lift noise concept to reduce fan (lateral and 

flyover) and high-lift system (approach) noise on a component basis by four decibels 

(approximately 25 percent reduction in perceived noise) with minimal impact on weight and 

performance. 

Sep 2021 CST – Completion of a Pre-Flight Prediction Capability Review supporting timely and 

accurate pre-flight exposure planning for community response testing.

Sep 2021 RVLT – Trajectory optimization for UAM vehicles with noise metrics as constraints and 

evaluate the impact of flight operation changes on the noise footprint.

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Advanced Air Transport 

Technology (AATT)

Provider(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC 

Lead Center: GRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): U.S. Air Force, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Northrop 

Grumman, General Electric Aviation, Aurora, United Technologies Corporation, 

Rolls Royce/Liberty Works, Honeywell, FAA, Lockheed Martin, U.S. Navy, 

Department of Energy

Revolutionary Vertical Lift 

Technology (RVLT)

Provider(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): FAA, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Bell, Boeing, United 

Technologies Research Center, DLR, ONERA, U.S. Navy, QuesTek, Pennsylvania 

State University – Applied Research Laboratory, Workhorse/Surefly, A&P 

Technologies

Commercial Supersonic 

Technology (CST)

Provider(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC

Cost Share Partner(s): Gulfstream Aerospace, FAA, JAXA, Rockwell Collins, 

ONERA, The University of Washington, Boeing Research and Technology, U.S. 

Navy
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Program Element Provider

Hypersonic Technology 

(HT)

Provider(s): AFRC, GRC, LaRC

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): AFRC, GRC, and LaRC

Cost Share Partners: DoD, John Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory

Acquisition Strategy

Research and technology spans from foundational research to integrated system capabilities. This broad 

spectrum necessitates the use of a variety of acquisition tools relevant to the appropriate work awarded 

externally through full and open competition. Teaming among large companies, small businesses, and 

universities is highly encouraged for all procurement actions.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA’s Aeronautics programs award multiple smaller contracts, which are typically less than $5 million. 

The contracts are also widely distributed across academia and industry.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review 

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance Expert Review Oct 2019

The 12-month review 

is a formal 

independent peer 

review. Experts from 

other Government 

agencies report on 

their assessment of 

technical and 

programmatic risk 

and/or program 

weaknesses.

The Panel provided 

favorable reviews to 

the projects. The 

Panel also gave 

constructive 

comments and 

recommendations.

Oct 2020
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Low Boom Flight Demonstrator 105.9 103.5 79.1 75.5 13.8 3.8 0.0

Integrated Aviation Systems Program 103.7 -- 190.0 180.9 230.6 205.7 204.5

Total Budget 209.6 -- 269.0 256.4 244.4 209.5 204.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

In preparation for X-57 aircraft integration, 

electric cruise motors (shown here) were tested 

using the Airvolt Aircraft Electric Propulsion Test 

Stand at Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Flight research is critically important to create a bridge 

between fundamental research and a level of 

technology readiness that enables technology transfer to 

the aviation community. Specifically, flight research 

advances technology readiness to the levels required for 

incorporation of new technologies into future air 

vehicles and operational systems.

The goal of the Integrated Aviation Systems Program 

(IASP) is to demonstrate integrated concepts and 

technologies at a maturity level sufficient to enable 

their incorporation into operational systems at a level of 

risk that is acceptable to the aviation community. To 

support this goal, IASP focuses on the rigorous 

execution of highly complex flight tests and related 

experiments. These flight tests support all phases of the 

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)

research, not just the culmination of research activities. 

IASP often works collaboratively with other ARMD 

programs (e.g., Advanced Air Vehicles Program) to 

facilitate flight test activities. For technologies at low 

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), IASP flight 

research accelerates the development and/or determines the feasibility of those technologies. For more 

mature technologies, flight research will reduce risks and accelerate transition of those technologies to 

industry.

IASP has been addressing the national challenge of routine access of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

into the National Airspace System (NAS) for civil use. Historically, UAS have supported military and 

security operations overseas, with training occurring primarily in the United States. However, significant 

interest is growing in civil uses, including commercial photography, aerial mapping, crop monitoring, 

advertising, communications, retail services, and broadcasting. The Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) is developing new policies, procedures, and approval processes to address demand for increasing 
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civil UAS operations in the NAS. NASA is completing its work culminating in the contribution of flightvalidated data and capabilities that reduce technical barriers related to the safety and operational 

challenges associated with enabling routine civil UAS access to the NAS. IASP works closely with the 

Airspace Operations and Safety Program and the FAA to enable these advances.

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project is in execution and will build on recent progress achieved in 

UAS and UAS Traffic Management (UTM) projects. AAM is working in close coordination with other 

NASA ARMD airspace operations and vehicle technology projects to help enable new emerging markets 

in aviation. AAM will conduct developmental testing activities in preparation for the Grand Challenge 

(GC) series, which will provide key knowledge and data to both the aviation community and the FAA. 

This will help inform regulations and standards for this new market.

The IASP is developing NASA's newest purpose-built experimental supersonic vehicle known as the 

X-59 QueSST aircraft. The aircraft supports the Low-Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) mission led by 

the AAVP and IASP and supported by both the LBFD and Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities (FDC)

projects. The purpose of the LBFD mission is to develop a low-boom community response database and 

provide it to U.S. and international regulators in support of their development of a noise-based standard 

for supersonic overland flight. While the design and build portion of the LBFD mission under the LowBoom Flight Demonstrator project is in IASP, the FDC project is also a key contributor to the LBFD 

mission. The FDC project will handle flight operations during the community response testing phase of 

the LBFD mission.

IASP leads the FDC project, which provides flight testing of technologies that enable new aircraft 

configurations and significantly reduce fuel consumption, noise, and emissions. One such aircraft is 

NASA’s first all-electric X-plane, the X-57 ‘Maxwell’. The primary goal of the X-57 project is to develop 

and then test the aircraft's electric propulsion design and airworthiness processes so that they can be 

provided to regulators. This will result in more efficient certification procedures for distributed electric 

propulsion systems.

The Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, also led by IASP, is in formulation and 

focuses on flight demonstrations that advance the state-of-the-art in MW-class more-electric aircraft to 

enable enduring leadership of the U.S. aviation industry for the benefit of the country and the U.S. flying 

public.

IASP directly supports three of the ARMD Strategic Thrusts:

• Thrust 2: Innovation in Commercial Supersonic Aircraft 

• Thrust 3: Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transports

• Thrust 6: Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

In FY 2021, the AAM project will move from the Airspace Operations and Systems Program into the

Integrated Aviation Systems Program. The AAM Project will be managing large complex demonstrations 

beginning with the Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge, which involves industry, the FAA and other 

Aeronautics projects. The IASP has the expertise to conduct this type of cross program integrated 

demonstration.
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At the end of each achievement identified in this document, there is a mapping to link it to the related 

Strategic Research Thrust and Program Element.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

• In preparation for X-59 flight operations (beginning in FY 2023), NASA began developing the 

capability to conduct in-situ measurements and optical observations of the X-59 aircraft 

shockwave structure as well as a mobile command center for deployed LBFD mission community 

response operations. (Thrust 2/FDC)

• NASA Landing Gear Noise Reduction work demonstrated a greater than 30 percent reduction in 

the airframe component of community noise with minimal impact on aircraft weight and 

performance. This noise reduction methodology and associated airframe technologies will greatly 

benefit communities near airports and expand airport operations given the reduced noise impact 

of aircraft. (Thrust 3/FDC)

• NASA continued X-57 aircraft integration activities in preparation for first flight in FY 2020. 

These activities included engine mount testing, fabrication of a new, high-aspect ratio wing, and 

mounting electric motors for primary propulsion. Through these activities, NASA is learning how 

to integrate electrified aircraft power distribution and propulsion systems and is participating in 

the development of industry standards for electrified aircraft. (Thrust 3/FDC)

• NASA completed flight testing of a low-size, weight, and power airborne Detect and Avoid 

(DAA) surveillance capability for mid-size UAS. This flight demonstration was a key 

contributing event to inform standards that will define how unmanned aircraft can operate safely 

in the NAS. (Thrust 6/UAS-NAS)

• NASA began flight testing of a new control and non-payload communications radio in relevant 

operational environments. This test will demonstrate command and control capability in flight 

and contribute to standards development that will define how UAS can safely operate in the NAS. 

(Thrust 6/UAS-NAS)

• As a part of risk reduction activities during pre-formulation, NASA awarded three contracts to 

industry partners to assess integrating electric powertrain, power distribution, and energy storage 

components for primary propulsion onto an existing airframe and to assess propulsion system 

performance through flight demonstration. The focus was on high-power electrified aircraft 

propulsion systems of about 1-megawatt power. (Thrust 3/EPFD)

• NASA conducted an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Industry Day and presented their intent to 

conduct a series of GCs for the UAM community. The purpose of the GC is to promote public 

confidence in UAM safety while capturing the public’s interest in this future industry. As part of 

pre-formulation, the AAM project also conducted a tollgate review of the upcoming GC to ensure 

that plans and necessary agreements are in place to support timely execution of the GC as well as 

precursor activities. (Thrust 6/AAM)

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

• NASA will continue preparations for X-59 flight operations, which includes further developing 

capabilities to conduct in-situ measurements and optical observations of the X-59 aircraft 
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shockwave structure as well as developing a mobile command center for deployed LBFD mission 

community response operations. (Thrust 2/FDC)

• NASA will complete risk reduction activities in support of the upcoming Electrified Powertrain 

Flight Demonstration. In addition, the EPFD project will complete Mission Concept, 

Formulation, and Implementation Reviews in anticipation of establishing a baseline plan for 

project execution early in FY 2021. (Thrust 3/EPFD)

• NASA will complete preparations and conduct the first flight of the X-57 Maxwell aircraft (Mod 

II). FDC project personnel also continue to support the development of manufacturing standards 

for electrified aircraft systems to enable progress for U.S. companies to develop aircraft that are 

more-electric. (Thrust 3/FDC)

• NASA will complete flight testing of the new control and non-payload communications radio in 

relevant operational environments. The test will demonstrate command and control capability in 

flight and contribute to standards development that will define how UAS can operate safely in the 

NAS. (Thrust 6/UAS-NAS)

• NASA will complete planned work that contributes to safe UAS operations in the National 

Airspace System. The final deliverables will include research findings through a series of 

technology demonstrations and simulations, which will enable development of DAA and 

Command and Control (C2) Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) by RTCA 

(Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) for mid-size UAS. (Thrust 6/UAS-NAS)

• NASA will complete the Systems Integration and Operationalization (SIO) activity. NASA and 

its partners will work together to tackle challenges that prevent routine commercial UAS 

operations today, including development, integration, and certification of unmanned aircraft and 

avionics. The SIO activity will lead to multiple flight demonstrations that focus on UAS missions 

at altitudes greater than 500-feet above ground level and include integrated Detect and Avoid and 

Command and Control technologies. (Thrust 6/UAS-NAS)

• NASA will successfully complete reviews authorizing the AAM project to enter the 

implementation phase of the project. The project will evaluate the maturity of key systems for 

UAM through developmental testing in preparation for the first of a series of GCs. (Thrust 

6/AAM)

• NASA will complete formulation of the AAM project and move into project implementation. In 

addition, NASA will continue preparations for upcoming GC events; a key element of these 

preparations will be establishing agreements with GC industry participants who will participate in 

GC Development Testing (early FY 2021) and GC 1 (FY 2022). (Thrust 6/AAM)

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

• In preparation for X-59 flight operations, NASA will deliver a validated F-15 based test 

capability that enables precise, near field probing of the LBFD shockwave structure. This 

capability ensures that the shockwave structure produced by the X-59 aircraft in flight is easily 

comparable with current simulations during the flight test campaign. (Thrust 2/FDC)

• NASA will complete a review to authorize proceeding to the implementation phase of the 

Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project. The EPFD project will also continue to 

cooperate with industry on plans to integrate electric powertrain, power distribution, and energy 

storage components for primary propulsion onto an existing airframe as well as to assess 

propulsion system performance through flight demonstration. (Thrust 3/EPFD)

• NASA will continue preparation for Mod III/IV flights of the X-57 Maxwell aircraft. This flight 

test includes testing of electric motors moved to the wingtips on a new optimized wing as well as 
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with integrated distributed electric propulsion motors. FDC project personnel will continue to 

support the development of manufacturing standards for electrified aircraft systems to enable 

progress for U.S. companies to develop aircraft that are more-electric. (Thrust 3/FDC)

• NASA will complete closeout activities for the UAS Integration in the NAS Project that include 

programmatic closeout as well as final documentation of flight test and simulation activities. 

(Thrust 6/UAS)

• NASA will continue to focus on investigating barriers of entry into new emerging markets in 

aviation. This project will be closely coordinated with other related NASA research on both 

airspace operations and vehicle technologies to help prioritize and deliver on the key enabling 

technical challenges that are most appropriate for NASA to work. Based on developmental testing 

for the first GC, NASA will share lessons learned and identified gaps with the FAA and industry. 

The AAM Project will also conduct focused research in key areas such as autonomy that will be 

required to achieve NASA's vision for urban air mobility. (Thrust 6/AAM)

Program Elements

FLIGHT DEMONSTRATIONS AND CAPABILITIES (FDC)

NASA’s FDC project validates various technologies' benefits and demonstrates the feasibility and 

maturity of new technologies through flight testing in a realistic environment. The flight experiments are 

campaigns focused on aggressive, success-oriented schedules utilizing the most appropriate set of assets 

available to accomplish the experimental objectives and collaborative partnerships from across the 

aeronautical industry including international partners (as appropriate). While many of the technologies are

at relatively high TRLs, the FDC project supports all phases of technology maturation.

ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAIN FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION (EPFD)

NASA’s EPFD project focuses on flight demonstrations that advance the state-of-the-art for subsonic 

transports to enable enduring leadership of the U.S. aviation industry for the benefit of the country and 

U.S. flying public. Previously called the Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transport (UEST) project, the initial 

focus of the EPFD project is on the demonstration of electrified propulsion system technologies to 

determine their ability to further advance industry's focus on more-electrified aircraft. The initial flight 

experiment(s) will be high-power (megawatt-class) electrified powertrain demonstration(s) that evaluate 

the performance of hybrid electric propulsion systems. The focus is on technologies and configurations 

that require integration and flight demonstration to validate technical feasibility and performance as well 

as economic benefit.

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY (AAM)

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project focuses on helping to enable a new market in urban air 

mobility. This project is closely coordinated with other related NASA research on both airspace 

operations and vehicle technologies to help prioritize and deliver on the key enabling technical challenges 

that are most appropriate for NASA to work. The AAM project will conduct focused research in key areas 

such as autonomy that will be required to achieve NASA's vision for urban air mobility. One of the initial 
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primary functions of the project is to execute a series of GCs that will help the entire community better 

assess the advances of key technologies and systems and help identify where future research needs to 

focus. NASA works closely with other government and commercial entities to achieve this objective. 

Another important function of the AAM project is to mature NASA’s strategic vision for urban air 

mobility. This vision will not only help NASA prioritize its research but also facilitate planning and 

development in the private sector to help ensure U.S. leadership in this emerging market.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Sep 2019 UAS-NAS – Submit Consolidated Input for Detect and Avoid (DAA) MOPS Rev A to RTCA 

Special Committee for UAS

May 2020 FDC – X-57 Mod II First Flight

Aug 2020 SIO Demonstrations Complete

Sep 2020 UAS-NAS – Submit Consolidated Input for Command and Control (C2) Terrestrial Data Link 

MOPS to RTCA Special Committee for UAS

Sep 2020 UAS-NAS – Submit Consolidated Input for DAA MOPS Rev B to RTCA Special Committee 

for UAS 

Sep 2020 EPFD – Complete Partner Selection for Electrified Aircraft Powertrain Flight Demonstration

Dec 2020 UAS-NAS – Project Closeout

Jan 2021 AAM – Initial Grand Challenge SAAs signed

Aug 2021 FDC – X-57 Final Mod III/IV Ground Vibration Test Complete

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Flight Demonstrations and 

Capabilities (FDC)

Provider(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC 

Lead Center: AFRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): DoD, Air Force Research Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, 

Flexsys, ESAero

UAS Integration in the NAS 

(UAS-NAS)

Provider(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC 

Lead Center: AFRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A
Aeronautics

INTEGRATED AVIATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM

AERO-36

Program Element Provider

Electrified Powertrain Flight 

Demonstration (EPFD)

Provider(s): TBD 

Lead Center: TBD

Performing Center(s): TBD

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD

Advanced Air Mobility 

(AAM)

Provider(s): TBD 

Lead Center: TBD

Performing Center(s): TBD

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD

Acquisition Strategy

NASA’s IASP develops and further matures promising technologies to the integrated system level. This 

necessitates the use of a variety of acquisition tools relevant to the appropriate work awarded externally 

through full and open competition. Teaming among large companies, small businesses, and universities is 

highly encouraged for all procurement actions.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA’s Aeronautics programs award multiple smaller contracts, which are generally less than $5 

million.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Annual 

Performance

Expert 

Review Oct 2019

The purpose of 12-

month review is for 

tracking and 

documenting the 

projects' progress 

made towards the 

Strategic Thrusts and 

outcomes during the 

fiscal year.

The Review Panel 

acknowledged the 

projects were on-track

and expressed 

appreciation for the work 

done by all projects to 

remain relevant to their

stakeholders. There were 

no findings.

Oct 2020
Aeronautics: Integrated Aviation Systems Program

LOW-BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR 

Formulation Development Operations

AERO-37

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) Prior FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 BTC Total

Formulation 100.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.5

Development/Implementation 100.3 105.9 103.5 79.1 75.5 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 467.7

Operations/Close-out 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.4 3.8 0.0 0.0 14.2

2020 MPAR LCC Estimate 200.8 105.9 103.5 79.1 75.5 13.8 3.8 0.0 0.0 582.4

Total Budget 0.0 105.9 103.5 79.1 75.5 13.8 3.8 0.0 0.0 381.6

Change from FY 2020 -24.4

Percentage change from FY 2020 -23.6%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Shown here is a picture of the LBFD aircraft.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Over the past decade, fundamental research and 

experimentation has demonstrated the possibility 

of supersonic flight with greatly reduced sonic 

boom noise. The Low-Boom Flight 

Demonstrator (LBFD) project will demonstrate 

these advancements in flight by utilizing a 

purpose-built experimental aircraft that was 

recently designated the X-59 Quiet Supersonic 

Technology (QueSST). It will provide validation 

of design tools and technologies applicable to 

low sonic boom aircraft. The Low-Boom Flight 

Demonstration mission will create a database of 

community response information supporting the development of a noise-based standard for supersonic 

overland flight.

The LBFD project contributes to an overarching effort called the Low-Boom Flight Demonstration 

mission (LBFD mission) led by the Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) and the Integrated Aviation 

Systems Program (IASP). The AAVP Commercial Supersonic Transport (CST) project is responsible for 

conducting the flight research and the IASP LBFD and Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities (FDC) 

projects will provide the flight vehicle and conduct flight test operations. The three-phase LBFD mission
Aeronautics: Integrated Aviation Systems Program

LOW-BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR

Formulation Development Operations

AERO-38

aims to produce an aircraft that generates a low-noise sonic boom signature and provides crucial data that 

could enable commercial supersonic passenger air travel over land. After test flights to validate the quiet 

supersonic technology are complete, NASA researchers will gather data on public acceptance of the 

technology by flying over a handful of U.S. cities. In FY 2025, NASA will provide the finalized data to 

the Federal Aviation Administration and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Using this data, 

these organizations can develop and adopt new rules to allow commercial supersonic flight over land.

Phase 1 of the LBFD mission includes the LBFD aircraft development activities, which are led by the 

LBFD project. These activities start with the detailed design, continue through fabrication, and conclude

with functional checkouts and supersonic envelope expansion. In Phase 2, a NASA-led team will perform 

low-boom acoustic validation flights of the LBFD aircraft. These flights will characterize and evaluate the 

near-field, mid-field, far-field, and ground sonic boom signatures from the LBFD aircraft. All three LBFD 

mission projects (CST, LBFD, and FDC) will work collaboratively to conduct Phase 2 of the LBFD 

mission. For Phase 3, a NASA-led CST team will lead low-boom community response studies with 

multiple test flight campaigns using the LBFD aircraft over varied locations with aircraft operations 

conducted by the FDC project. The LBFD project supports Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the LBFD mission. 

Following the completion of acoustic validation at the end of the Phase 2, the X-59 QueSST aircraft will 

transfer from the LBFD project team to the FDC project to conduct planned Phase 3 flight operations. The 

LBFD project concludes at the end of Phase 2.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

PROJECT PARAMETERS

The LBFD project will design, manufacture, and perform flight validation of a research aircraft that 

creates a shaped sonic boom signature with a calculated loudness level of 75 PLdB [Perceived Level 

(PL), decibels (dB)] or less during supersonic cruise (Mach ≥ 1.4) flight. This loudness level is a 28 

percent PLdB improvement over the Concorde’s level of 105 PLdB. Although the aircraft will be smaller 

than potential future supersonic airliners, its sonic boom ground signature will remain sufficiently 

understood. This knowledge will enable the design and construction of larger aircraft that will be able to 

comply with regulated noise-based standards. The LBFD aircraft will be capable of performing multiple 

supersonic overflights of a single community with passes that are nominally 50 miles in length and up to 

20 minutes apart on a single flight. The vehicle will support the low-boom community response studies 

with multiple overflight test campaigns in varied locations over the course of two years.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA completed Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C) for the LBFD project. The successful completion of 

KDP-C represents Authorization to Proceed to the developmental phase of the project with approved 

baseline plans for the cost and schedule of the LBFD project to produce the LBFD aircraft. 
Aeronautics: Integrated Aviation Systems Program

LOW-BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR

Formulation Development Operations

AERO-39

Manufacturing of X-59 long-lead components began to reduce schedule impact associated with these key 

components, as well as subsequent integration with other aircraft systems.

NASA conducted a Critical Design Review (CDR) to substantiate final design activities for the LBFD 

aircraft. The contractor will conducted aircraft build activities that include component fabrication and 

assembly, integration of Government Furnished Equipment, and system checkouts in preparation for the 

Flight Readiness Review (FRR).

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Following the successful completion of the CDR, LBFD projects readiness to proceed with the next phase 

of hardware integration activities will occur at a KDP-D review early in FY 2020. This review will 

include a summary of the CDR content and review results, as well as an assessment of readiness to 

proceed from the LBFD Independent Review Board.

The focus of the LBFD project team throughout FY 2020 will be to enable steady fabrication and 

hardware integration progress at the contractor facilities. Final assembly of the X-59 Low-Boom Flight 

Demonstrator aircraft by Lockheed Martin will be complete by the end of FY 2020, and NASA will

complete final aircraft subsystem checkouts and ground testing of the NASA-supplied systems.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

The focus of the LBFD project throughout FY 2021 will be to complete final aircraft subsystem 

checkouts and ground testing of the NASA-supplied systems. The team will also complete the FRR for 

the X-59 QueSST aircraft in anticipation of first flight in January 2022. A System Acceptance Review 

occurs once the envelope expansion flight testing is complete. In January 2023, Lockheed Martin delivers 

the aircraft to NASA, which signifies the Phase 1 completion of the LBFD mission. Validation of the 

aircraft's acoustic signature occurs in Phase 2.

SCHEDULE COMMITMENTS/KEY MILESTONES

Milestone Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

Key Decision Point-B (KDP-B) Aug 2016 Aug 2016

Formulation Authorization Sep 2016 Sep 2016

Acquisition Strategy Meeting Nov 2016 Nov 2016

Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Jun 2017 Jun 2017

Delta PDR Jul 2018 Jul 2018

KDP-C Oct 2018 Oct 2018

Critical Design Review Aug 2019 Sep 2019
Aeronautics: Integrated Aviation Systems Program

LOW-BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR

Formulation Development Operations

AERO-40

Milestone Baseline Date FY 2021 PB Request

KDP-D Oct 2019 Dec 2019

Flight Readiness Review Oct 2021 Dec 2021

First Flight Jan 2022 Jan 2022

System Acceptance Review (Phase 1) Complete Jan 2023 Jan 2023

Acoustic Validation (Phase 2) Complete Oct 2023 Oct 2023

LBFD Project Close-Out Complete Apr 2024 Apr 2024

Development Cost and Schedule

The LBFD project completed a successful KDP-C on October 30, 2018, and the project received authority 

to proceed to development. The LBFD project lifecycle includes aircraft concept refinement studies, 

aircraft preliminary design, aircraft final design and build, and acoustic validation flight testing. These 

activities span from FY 2014 to FY 2024 (Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the LBFD mission).

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%)

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(months)

2017 467.743 70% 2020 467.744 0% First 

Flight Jan 2022 Jan 2022 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic 

estimation techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. 

Estimates that include combined cost and schedule risks denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs 

(confidence levels) reflect cost confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes 

on cost. 
Aeronautics: Integrated Aviation Systems Program

LOW-BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR

Formulation Development Operations

AERO-41

Development Cost Details

Element

Base Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 467.743 467.744 +0.001

Flight Sciences 19.456 19.455 -0.001

Flight Systems 17.002 19.785 +2.783

Aircraft 230.913 245.937 +15.024

Aircraft Operations 45.129 52.789 +7.660

Other Direct Project Costs 155.243 129.778 -25.465

Project Management & Commitments

Element Description Provider Details

Change 

from 

Baseline

Flight Sciences

Vehicle sonic boom, 

aerodynamics, propulsion, 

structures, and mission 

performance

NASA in-house flight 

simulation tools, and analysis of 

vehicle handling qualities and 

control laws

Provider: Ames Research Center (ARC), 

Armstrong Flight Research Center 

(AFRC), Glenn Research Center (GRC), 

Langley Research Center (LaRC)

Lead Center: LaRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, AFRC, GRC, 

LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Flight Systems

Design, development, and test 

of Power Distribution System 

(PDS), Flight Test 

Instrumentation System (FTIS), 

and eXternal Vision System 

(XVS)

Provider: AFRC, LaRC

Lead Center: AFRC

Performing Center(s): AFRC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A

Aircraft

Design/build and initial test of a 

single-piloted X-plane by the 

end of 2021

Provider: Lockheed Martin

Lead Center: AFRC

Performing Center(s): N/A

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

N/A
Aeronautics: Integrated Aviation Systems Program

LOW-BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR

Formulation Development Operations

AERO-42

Element Description Provider Details

Change 

from 

Baseline

Aircraft 

Operations

Demonstrate airworthiness of 

aircraft, flight operations, and 

develop key aircraft subsystems 

- including life support and 

crew escape systems

Provide Government Furnished 

Equipment (GFE) to construct 

the research aircraft, support 

and maintain F414 engine, and 

perform insight/oversight of 

Ops-related tasks that the 

vehicle Contractor performs

Provider: AFRC, LaRC

Lead Center: AFRC

Performing Center(s): AFRC, LaRC

Cost Share Partner(s)/subcontractors: GE, 

Northrop, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin

N/A

Project Risks

Risk Statement Mitigation

Sonic Boom Level is Not Acceptable for Community 

Overflight Research

Given that achieving a fully shaped sonic boom ground 

signature in the 70-75 PLdb range requires a complex 

and integrated design solution that is sensitive to outer 

mold line changes, there is a possibility that the mission 

requirements related to ground signature loudness may 

not be achievable - resulting in an aircraft that may not 

be fully acceptable for community response studies.

NASA will ensure that all configuration assessments 

use the latest and most mature aircraft configuration 

and periodically assess any updates to the aircraft 

configuration, such as the outer mold line, or 

performance characteristics.

Reduced Aircraft Performance Could Impact Mission 

Effectiveness

Given the aircraft and propulsion system selection and 

integration complexity, there is a possibility of reduced 

aircraft performance resulting in loss of mission 

effectiveness and leading to longer duration time to meet 

flight parameter(s), increased costs, and limitations of 

flight test points to standard-day conditions.

NASA will ensure that the contractor has sufficient 

margin for aircraft weight growth with propulsion 

configuration; assess contractor aircraft performance 

and thrust predictions (both computationally and 

experimentally) over the aircraft flight envelope; and 

perform a trade study on engine performance during 

demanding conditions.
Aeronautics: Integrated Aviation Systems Program

LOW-BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR

Formulation Development Operations

AERO-43

Acquisition Strategy

The acquisition strategy for LBFD is to acquire through an industry partner the detailed design/build/test 

of the experimental low-boom demonstrator aircraft. NASA will provide in-house support that will 

include in-flight and ground systems, instrumentation and operations, simulation, wind tunnel testing, and 

safety and mission assurance. NASA supplies aircraft components and systems as Government Furnished 

Equipment whenever feasible and considered to add value to the development of the LBFD aircraft.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

Element Vendor Location (of work performance)

LBFD Aircraft - Design, Build, and 

Initial Testing Lockheed Martin Palmdale, CA

F414-GE-100 Engine General Electric Aviation Lynn, MA

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance LBFD Independent 

Review Board (IRB) Jun 2017 PDR Successfully Completed Jul 2018

Performance LBFD IRB Jul 2018 Delta PDR, Assess 

readiness for KDP-C

Successfully 

Completed Sep 2019

Performance LBFD IRB Sep 2019 CDR, Assess 

readiness for KDP-D

Successfully 

Completed Dec 2021

Performance LBFD IRB Dec 2021 FRR TBD N/A
Aeronautics

TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM 

AERO-44

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 137.4 -- 129.9 132.3 134.6 136.7 136.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The picture above captures a flight test of a NASA 

system that automatically deploys and retracts 

small wing vanes known as vortex generators 

needed for takeoff and landing. The system uses 

NASA-developed materials that change shape in 

response to changes in temperature.

The picture above captures a flight test of a NASA 

system that automatically deploy and retract small 

wing vanes known as vortex generators needed for 

takeoff and landing, but not for cruise. The system 

uses NASA-developed materials that change shape 

in response to changing temperature.

The Transformative Aero Concepts Program (TACP) 

cultivates multi-disciplinary, revolutionary concepts to 

enable aviation transformation. The Aeronautics 

Research Mission Directorate's (ARMD) strategic 

analysis has identified challenges in the global demand 

for mobility, energy, sustainability, and ongoing 

affordability issues for which new technologies can be 

a key part of the solution. TACP fosters innovative 

solutions to these challenges by capitalizing on 

advancements in the aeronautics and non-aeronautics 

sectors to create new opportunities in aviation. The 

ultimate goal of the program is to reduce or eliminate 

technical barriers and infuse concepts that originate 

either internally or externally into all six ARMD 

strategic research thrusts to create innovation for the 

aviation system. Infusing these concepts into all six 

ARMD strategic thrusts will help create advanced and 

improved computational tools, technologies, and 

experimental capabilities that go to other aeronautics 

programs, industry partners, and Government 

collaborators inside and outside of NASA. TACP tools and capabilities have contributed to past and 

present missions and hold the promise of future advances in aviation.

TACP uses sharply focused activities that offer flexibility for innovators to explore technology feasibility 

and provide the knowledge base for radical transformation. The program solicits and encourages gamechanging concepts, creates the environment for researchers to become immersed in trying out new ideas, 

performs ground and small-scale flight tests, allows failures and learns from them, and drives rapid 

ideation into new concepts. TACP also addresses the need for computational and experimental tools that 

are critical for supporting technology development and enabling aviation transformation. Therefore, 

TACP's investments are in brand-new areas that can provide paradigm-shifting analysis and experimental 

capabilities. TACP's new autonomous systems research activities address the key technical barriers that 

will enable the use of autonomous systems in aviation. To get buy-in and foster the rapid adoption of 

program research products, TACP aggressively engages both the traditional aeronautics community and 

new, non-traditional entities through tailored partnerships.
Aeronautics

TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM

AERO-45

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None.

At the end of each achievement identified in this document, there is a mapping to link it to the related 

Strategic Research Thrust and Program Element.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

• NASA successfully integrated four disciplines into an analysis toolset that has broad applicability 

but is currently applied to urban air mobility (UAM) class vehicles. Manufacturers can use the 

toolset to refine and optimize designs characterized by tightly integrated propulsion-airframe 

systems that involve competing requirements for performance, noise, and energy usage. In 

addition, NASA reduced the computational cost to run the toolset. Industry, Government, and 

university members of the UAM community can access these open-source design tools. (Cross 

Cutting/TTT)

• NASA began an effort to reduce the number of physical tests of future vehicles and replace them 

with virtual tests to cut down on development and certification costs and lead times. NASA's 

ultimate goal here is to develop, implement, and validate computationally efficient physics-based 

tools and methods that will reduce error in predicting aerodynamic stall, buffet, flutter, and 

propulsion system performance. These capabilities enable improved and accelerated 

multidisciplinary aircraft designs and reduced certification flight test requirements, which result 

in substantial cost savings. (Cross Cutting/TTT)

• NASA has completed system integration, wind tunnel testing, and ground validation testing in 

preparation for a flight test with an industry partner in FY 2020 to evaluate a Shape Memory 

Alloy Reconfigurable Technology-Vortex Generator (SMART-VG) system. The system uses 

NASA-developed materials to automatically deploy and retract the vortex generators attached to 

the wings. The vortex generators can retract in cruise flight when not needed, resulting in reduced 

fuel consumption. The flight test will validate the system performance and mature the technology 

for potential use in future transport aircraft. (Thrust 3/TTT)

• NASA completed feasibility assessments for several Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) 

activities. Completed activities included a new lightweight, conformal microwave antenna that 

may have application to UAM-category aircraft. To support the introduction of electric aircraft, 

NASA evaluated the use of additive manufacturing techniques to produce new motor designs 

with significantly more power density and efficiency. In another activity, NASA explored 

fundamental chemistry challenges associated with Li-Air batteries, which have the potential to 

provide safe, high-power energy storage with rapid recharging capabilities. (Cross Cutting/CAS)

• NASA selected three new University Leadership Initiative (ULI) awards that executed two 

months of work. ULI now includes eight university teams across the first two award rounds. 

During the year, each ULI awardee began activities to address technical barriers inherent in 

achieving ARMD's strategic outcomes and proposed solutions. Highlighted activities include 

work by Carnegie Mellon University to develop an ecosystem for qualification of additive 

manufacturing processes and materials in aviation that will reduce costs and increase the speed of 

aircraft manufacture, while maintaining or improving product quality and reliability. Another ULI 

award led by the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign addresses the global need for 

alternative propulsion and energy sources. This effort proposes a Cryogenic Hydrogen-Energy 
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TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM

AERO-46

Electric Transport Aircraft concept. The concept leverages the high specific energy content of 

liquid hydrogen to provide an ultra-efficient propulsion system. (Cross Cutting/UI)

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

• NASA plans to complete advanced high-fidelity computational analyses using Turbulent Heat 

Flux studies to improve models of flow and heat exchange around aircraft engine turbines. To 

prevent engine turbines from over-heating, cooler air mixes with hot combustion gases before the 

flow reaches the turbine blades. Current computational tools do not adequately model the 

complex, turbulent flows associated with this mixing, which are essential to designing the 

engine's cooling system. Designers would like to minimize the amount of cooling to improve 

overall engine performance (i.e., maximizing thrust while minimizing fuel consumption). The 

studies will provide crucial flow data around an engine nozzle, allowing modelers to verify that 

their tools accurately represent the flow conditions. The models, validated with detailed 

experimental measurements, will support design of new, high-efficiency propulsion systems. 

(Cross Cutting/TTT)

• NASA will complete a materials, structures and manufacturing analysis of alternatives supporting 

a cross-program (TACP and Advanced Air Vehicle Program (AAVP)) strategic approach to align 

resources and investments with the most critical research addressing the needs of both traditional 

and emerging aviation market players. (Cross Cutting/TTT)

• NASA will begin new CAS activities selected during FY 2019. These activities include a 

prognostics capability that incorporates embedded sensors, non-destructive evaluation, and 

machine learning algorithms to detect impending aircraft battery failure. Another activity 

investigates a new type of battery technology that intrinsically meets rigorous aerospace safety 

and performance criteria. Another activity explores scalable traffic management for emergency 

response operations using an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) 

system. (Cross Cutting/CAS)

• NASA will undergo a major redesign of current practices to promote alignment of innovative 

technologies with the most significant aeronautics challenges, while also facilitating technology 

transition to other NASA programs and the aviation community. These changes will apply 

lessons learned from the previous five years of operations. Under this approach, research teams 

will develop and evaluate solutions to technical problems informed by stakeholders from NASA 

and the external community. New CAS activities selected in FY 2020 and beyond will use this 

approach. (Cross Cutting/CAS)

• NASA will award proposals from the third set of the competitive ULI solicitations and initiate the 

fourth set to U.S. universities, under the UI Project. Selections in the third set should emphasize a 

special topic in materials and structures, as well as autonomous systems applications and 

revolutionary vertical lift vehicles for UAM. In FY 2020, ULI will complete its first activity, an 

effort to develop communication capabilities for improving link and network capacity, reliability, 

and security in support of new ATM applications. In addition, this activity will evaluate several 

of the technologies developed with a flight test conducted by an industry partner. (Cross 

Cutting/UI)
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TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM

AERO-47

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

• NASA will begin the next phase of autonomous systems research. A key focus will involve 

developing human-autonomy teaming solutions for future aviation applications, including 

simplified vehicle operations for UAM and remote supervisory operations for air cargo flights. 

(Thrust 6/TTT)

• NASA will also initiate a refocus on revolutionary materials and structures. This research will 

develop new computational models to characterize materials, systems, and manufacturing 

processes, enabling an integrated approach toward vehicle design, manufacture, and certification. 

Both transport aircraft and UAM vehicles can support the unique requirements these capabilities 

can provide. This promotes full lifecycle health monitoring and rapid manufacturing processes 

that do not compromise quality. (Cross Cutting/TTT)

• NASA will continue development of integrated acoustics analysis capabilities for electric Vertical 

Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These efforts have been well coordinated with 

AAVP/Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) and support tool enhancements that 

RVLT is leveraging along with the U.S. manufacturers. These capabilities will support quieter 

UAM operations and benefit UAM vehicle manufacturers. (Cross Cutting/TTT)

• NASA will select and initiate FY 2021 CAS activities that support multiple ARMD strategic 

thrusts. (Cross Cutting/CAS)

• NASA will award and initiate new sets of competitive ULI proposals under the UI Project. 

Proposals will address additional technical barriers intrinsic to achieving ARMD’s strategic 

outcomes. (Cross Cutting/UI)

Program Elements

CONVERGENT AERONAUTICS SOLUTIONS (CAS)

The CAS project performs rapid feasibility assessments of early-stage innovations that challenge existing 

technical approaches, create alternate paths to solutions, and enable new strategic outcomes. The project’s 

focus is on merging traditional aeronautics disciplines with advancements driven by the non-aeronautics 

world to overcome barriers and enable new capabilities in commercial aviation. Internal research teams 

conduct initial feasibility studies, perform experiments, try out new ideas, identify failures, and try again. 

When a review determines that the developed solutions met their goals and identified potential for future 

aviation impact, ARMD considers the most promising capabilities for continued development by other 

programs or by direct transfer to the aviation community.

TRANSFORMATIONAL TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES (TTT)

The TTT project advances state-of-the-art computational and experimental tools and technologies that are 

vital to aviation applications in the six strategic thrusts. These new computer-based tools, models, and 

associated scientific knowledge provide first-of-a-kind capabilities to analyze, understand, and predict 

performance for a variety of aviation concepts. Applying these tools will enable and accelerate NASA’s 

research and enable the aviation community to introduce advanced concepts and designs. An example 

includes the development and validation of new computational tools used to predict complex turbulent 

airflow around vehicles and within propulsion systems; ultimately leading to an improved ability to 
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TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM

AERO-48

predict future vehicle performance in flight. The project also explores technologies that are critical to 

advancing ARMD strategic outcomes, such as understanding new types of strong and lightweight 

materials, innovative aircraft control techniques, and experimental methods. Such technologies will 

support and enable concept development and benefit assessment across multiple ARMD programs and 

disciplines. The TTT project also initiated the Autonomous Systems Sub-Project to explore new

capabilities to enable improved performance and safety of innovative autonomous aircraft and their 

operational controls.

UNIVERSITY INNOVATION (UI)

The UI project contains a portfolio of disruptive technologies and other new concepts to meet the goals 

established by the ARMD strategic thrusts and support education of the next generation of engineers. The 

project utilizes NASA Research Announcement solicitations where university-led teams assess the most 

critical technical challenges to solve to achieve the Strategic Implementation Plan strategic outcomes; and 

propose independent, innovative research projects to solve those technical challenges. Universities 

develop their own success criteria, progress indicators, and technical approaches. Universities pursue 

multi-disciplinary approaches and incorporate partnerships with other universities, industry, and U.S. 

entities.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Mar 2019 UI – Released ULI Solicitations

Aug 2019 CAS – Closed out and initiated transition of Compact Additively Manufactured Innovative 

Electric Motor and Integrated Computational-Experimental Development of Lithium-Air 

Batteries for Electric Aircraft

Aug 2019 UI – Awarded ULI Solicitations

Sep 2019 TTT – Completed Multidisciplinary Design and Analysis Tools for Urban Air Mobility Vehicles 

and delivery of SMART Vortex Generator actuators to Boeing for the EcoDemonstrator flight 

test

Sep 2019 CAS – Closed out and initiated transition of Conformal Lightweight Antenna Structures for 

Aeronautical Communication Technologies

Feb 2020 TTT - Complete Juncture Flow Experiment activity

Mar 2020 UI – Release ULI Solicitations

Jun 2020 CAS – Begin close out/transition of Autonomy Teaming & Trajectories for Complex Trusted 

Operational Reliability, Automated Airworthiness Assessment for Commercial Drone Fleets and 

Quantum Technologies for UTM

Jul 2020 UI – Award ULI Solicitations

Sep 2020 TTT – Complete deployable vortex generator system and NASA's Turbulent Heat Flux 

Experiment
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AERO-49

Date Significant Event

Mar 2021 UI – Release ULI Solicitations

Jul 2021 UI – Award ULI Solicitations

Sep 2021 TTT – Descoping Combustion Modeling TC and completing Computational Prediction Tools 

for Fuel Sensitivity for Lean Blowout

Dec 2021 CAS – Begin close out/transition of Adhesive free Bonding of Complex Composite Structures; 

Aqueous, Quick-charging battery Integration for Electric Flight Research and High-Efficiency 

Electrified Aircraft Thermal Research

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Convergent Aeronautics 

Solutions (CAS)

Provider(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC 

Cost Share Partner(s): PCKrause & Associates, National Institute of 

Aerospace, Boeing, AFRL, ESAero, Launch Point, Straight Up Imaging, DoT 

Volpe, Moog Inc., IDEO, Idea Couture, Tecolote Research Inc., AFRL, 

Universities

Transformational Tools and 

Technologies (TTT)

Provider(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC

Lead Center: GRC

Performing Center(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC

Cost Share Partner(s): Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, Honda, UTRC, 

ESI, Blue Quartz Software, General Electric, FAA, AFRL, U.S. Air Force, 

U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency 

(DARPA), Distributed Engine Controls Working Group Consortium, 

Honeywell, BAE Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems, Ohio Aerospace 

Institute, U.S. small businesses and universities

University Innovation (UI)

Provider(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC, GRC, LaRC, AFRC

Cost Share Partner(s): N/A

Acquisition Strategy

The research conducted through TACP activities will use variety of acquisition tools relevant to the 

research objectives, including external solicitations awarded through full and open competitions (e.g., 

challenges, prizes).
Aeronautics

TRANSFORMATIVE AERO CONCEPTS PROGRAM

AERO-50

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA's Aeronautics programs award multiple smaller contracts, which are generally less than $5 million. 

These smaller contracts are also widely distributed across academia and industry.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review

Type Performer Date of Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance Expert Review Oct 2019

The 12-month review 

is a formal 

independent peer 

review. Experts from 

other Government 

agencies report on 

their assessment of 

technical and 

programmatic risk 

and/or project 

weaknesses.

Received expert 

feedback on project 

improvement from 

the panel members. 

Determined that the 

project(s) made 

satisfactory progress 

in meeting technical 

challenges and met 

all annual 

performance 

indicators.

Oct 2020
Aeronautics

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES

AERO-51

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 0.0 -- 117.0 117.1 117.1 117.1 117.1

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Pictured is the Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) 

vehicle during a Ground Effects Test at the Langley 

Research Center (LaRC) 14-foot by 22-foot Subsonic 

Wind Tunnel.

Caption for Picture (No more than 10 lines)

The Aerosciences Evaluation and Test 

Capabilities (AETC) Portfolio sets the strategic 

direction for NASA's versatile and 

comprehensive portfolio of aerosciences ground 

test capabilities and assets. Among these assets 

are subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and 

hypersonic wind tunnels, propulsion test 

facilities, and specialty tunnels at Ames 

Research Center (ARC), Glenn Research Center 

(GRC), and Langley Research Center (LaRC). 

NASA’s integrated approach to test capability 

planning, use, and management considers

complementary computational tools, software, 

and related systems to effectively acquire and 

process research data.

Through broad alliances outside of NASA, 

AETC optimizes the use of these capabilities across the Government. NASA participates in the National 

Partnership for Aeronautical Testing (NPAT) and collaborative working groups consisting of NASA, the 

Department of Defense (DoD), and other partners. Members of these working groups (1) gain awareness 

of capabilities across the agencies, academia, and industry; (2) share best practices; (3) provide technical 

support; and (4) refer test programs to facilities best suited to meet test requirements.

Within NASA, AETC directly supports the testing needs of four Agency mission directorates -

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, 

Science Mission Directorate, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

As specified in the FY 2020 appropriation, the Aerosciences Evaluation and Test Capabilities (AETC) 

portfolio is a program within NASA Aeronautics. This consolidation will improve the efficiency and 

effectiveness of managing ground testing capabilities within the Agency.
Aeronautics

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES

AERO-52

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

• AETC supported performance testing of a Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator model at the GRC 8-

foot x 6-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. The tests provided data to inform NASA's successful 

Critical Design Review of the new X-59 aircraft - an experimental aircraft designed to reduce 

sonic boom noise to an acceptable level.

• AETC developed two new wind tunnel test technique capabilities to enable higher quality data in 

next generation customer testing: (1) New Optical Instrumentation for Advanced Flowfield 

Measurements - which are needed for next generation computational simulation development;

and (2) Improved Force Balance Repeatability and Accuracy - which are needed to accommodate

the needs of advanced aircraft design wind tunnel models.

• AETC completed acoustic improvements to the NASA GRC 9-foot x 15-foot Low-Speed Wind 

Tunnel to reduce the test section background noise. With these modifications, NASA is now able 

to test more advanced aircraft fan technologies.

• AETC supported NASA’s development of a modern and powerful advanced launch vehicle for 

the new era of human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. AETC supported the Space Launch 

System (SLS) Payload Fairing Ascent Unsteady Aerodynamics Test at the ARC Unitary Plan 

Wind Tunnel, the SLS High Mach Number Force and Moments Test at LaRC Unitary Wind 

Tunnel, and the SLS Liftoff/Transition Test at the LaRC 14-foot x 22-foot Subsonic Wind 

Tunnel.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

• AETC will provide wind tunnel support for various Agency mission testing needs to include the 

following: Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator (X-59 aircraft), advanced aircraft engine concepts, 

future science mission vehicle developments (e.g., Dragonfly, SLS, Orion), entry system 

modeling, external customer tests, and multiple classified tests in support of national security 

issues.

• AETC will deploy a new propulsion-aircraft/spacecraft simulation testing and calibration 

capability at the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. This new capability enables acquisition 

of next generation aerodynamic test data from aircraft and spacecraft models that integrate with

propulsion simulators (e.g., air ejection nozzle or air powered turbine-powered simulators).

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

• AETC will assess the condition and health of simulation testing capabilities at ARC, GRC, and 

LaRC. The review will identify equipment with a high-risk of failure due to age or maintenance.

• AETC wind tunnels will support NASA's various mission testing needs including those related to 

advanced aircraft engine concepts, future science mission vehicle developments (e.g., SLS, 

Orion), entry system modeling, external customer tests, and multiple classified tests in support of 

national security issues.

• AETC will fabricate and install a new Mach 6 nozzle in the LaRC 8-foot High-Temperature 

Tunnel. The upgraded wind tunnel will provide high-fidelity, true enthalpy, and true pressure 

Mach 6 test environments for durations of up to five minutes required to meet future NASA and 

DoD hypersonic vehicle ground test requirements.
Aeronautics

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES

AERO-53

• AETC will improve integration of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Experimental 

testing which will allow more efficient and optimized testing for all customers and provide strong 

basis in future capability sustainment. AETC will complete an assessment of the accuracy and 

efficiency of computational analysis compared to the LaRC Unitary Plan Supersonic Wind 

Tunnel testing across multiple models having a wide spectrum of aerodynamic prediction 

challenges. NASA will use methods learned from this assessment in future wind tunnel 

assessments.

Program Element

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES (AETC)

Aerosciences ground test capabilities (e.g., facilities, systems, workforce, and tools) that support future 

aircraft, space vehicles, and operations require efficient and effective investment, operations, and 

management. Efforts in this area preserve and enhance ground test capabilities necessary to achieve the 

Agency’s multi-Mission requirements. Among these assets are subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and 

hypersonic wind tunnels and propulsion test facilities at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, 

CA, the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH, and the Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. 

These test facilities and capabilities also serve the needs of non-NASA users. NASA’s integrated 

approach to test capability planning, use, and management will consider the complementary 

computational tools, software, and related systems to effectively acquire and process research data. 

NASA offers research customers high-quality data that accurately reflects the simulated test environment 

and the interactions of test articles in those test environments. Furthermore, NASA expertise helps ensure 

safe and successful use of the assets and the high quality of research outcomes. The portfolio is 

crosscutting and supports the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate's Strategic Thrusts, as well as 

other Agency efforts and those of key industry partners.

Program Schedule

Date Significant Event

Sep 2019 AETC – Completion of facility improvements to reduce background noise levels for engine 

system noise measurements (GRC 9- X 15-foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel)

Sep 2019 AETC – Completion of optically instrumented facility enhancements in the NASA Ames 11-foot

wind tunnel for advanced flow field measurements needed for next generation computational 

simulation development and validation

Sep 2019 AETC – Completion of force balance repeatability and accuracy improvements to accommodate 

needs of advanced aircraft design for wind tunnel models

Sep 2020 AETC – Completion of ARC Propulsion Simulator Calibration Facility

Sep 2021 AETC – Completion of Report on the Evaluation of CFD for Testing at High Supersonic Speeds 

at LaRC Unitary Wind Tunnel

Sep 2021 AETC – Completion of capability for a full life cycle Mach 6 testing at long durations for NASA 

LaRC 8-foot High-Temperature Tunnel
Aeronautics

AEROSCIENCES EVALUATION AND TEST CAPABILITIES

AERO-54

Program Management & Commitments

Program Element Provider

Aerosciences Evaluation and 

Test Capabilities (AETC)

Provider: ARC, LaRC, GRC

Lead Center: HQ

Performing Center(s): ARC, LaRC, GRC

Cost Share Partner(s): TBD

Acquisition Strategy

The nature of maintaining and adding new capabilities of aeroscience ground test assets necessitates the 

use of a variety of acquisition tools relevant to the appropriate work awarded externally through full and 

open competition.

MAJOR CONTRACTS/AWARDS

NASA’s Aeronautics programs award multiple smaller contracts, which are generally less than 

$5 million. Contracts are also distributed across various industries that provide systems applicable to the 

sustainment and operations for large-scale wind tunnel assets.

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Review Type Performer Date of 

Review Purpose Outcome Next Review

Performance 

(Annual)

Expert Review N/A The 12-month review 

is a formal 

independent peer 

review. Experts from 

other Government 

agencies report on 

their assessment of 

technical and 

programmatic risk 

and/or program 

weaknesses.

TBD Oct 2020
 

STEM ENGAGEMENT

STEM-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 110.0 120.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

STEM Engagement ........................................................... STEM-2
 

STEM ENGAGEMENT

STEM-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 110.0 120.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Change from FY 2020 -120.0

Percentage change from FY 2020 0.0%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Shown above are the winning teams of the 

First Nations Launch from Chief Dull Knife 

College and Northwest Indian College at 

Kennedy Space Center on August 14-16, 2018.

The FY 2021 Budget proposes the termination of NASA’s 

traditional education portfolio of domestic assistance 

awards (i.e., grants and cooperative agreements). NASA 

will continue to support other Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities, such as 

internships and fellowships, within the Mission 

Directorates. A functional office at NASA headquarters 

(funded out of Safety, Security, and Mission Services) will 

oversee Agency-wide coordination of STEM engagement 

efforts. NASA will continue to support the 

Administration's STEM priorities, outlined in Charting a 

Course for Success: America's Strategy for STEM 

Education, with three areas of focus: 

• Creating unique opportunities for students to contribute to NASA’s work in exploration and 

discovery; 

• Building a diverse future STEM workforce by engaging students in authentic learning 

experiences with NASA’s people, content, and facilities; and 

• Strengthening understanding by enabling powerful connections to NASA’s mission and work. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

No funding is requested for Space Grant, Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 

(EPSCoR), and Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). NASA proposes to use 

unobligated balances previously appropriated to support the termination of these activities, including but 

not limited to, ongoing administration, oversight, monitoring, and funding of grants previously awarded 

by the Office of STEM Engagement. 
 

STEM ENGAGEMENT

STEM-3 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, the Office of STEM Engagement continues Agency-wide coordination of the Agency and 

Federal priorities for engaging, inspiring, and enabling the next generation of STEM practitioners and 

space explorers. The Office of STEM Engagement continues to implement Agency-level initiatives to 

eliminate duplication of effort and inefficiency and strengthen standards and rigor in project management, 

fiscal accountability, and performance measurement.

Some ongoing work in FY 2020 includes an improved search engine that will help students and educators 

at all levels access the information and products they need on the NASA STEM Engagement website: 

https://www.nasa.gov/education/overview/index.html

Also, a new STEM Engagement Performance Assessment and Evaluation Framework will be continued. 

EPSCoR will administer the grants and support the researchers selected through Research Infrastructure 

Development awards, the FY 2020 Research Award, and the FY 2020 International Space Station Flight 

Opportunities award solicitations. 

In FY 2020, NASA MUREP will support multiple award selections to Minority Serving Institutions under 

the FY 2020 solicitation. In addition, MUREP and EPSCoR will initiate a collaborative program to 

encourage the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in STEM research. 

In FY 2020, NextGen STEM will implement an integrated set of efforts to develop STEM engagement 

products and opportunities that provide a platform for students to contribute to NASA’s endeavors in 

exploration and discovery. These mission-driven activities include over 20 evidence-based products and 

opportunities to engage students in authentic STEM experiences. NASA is also working to provide 

mission-driven opportunities to enhance STEM literacy and help build a vibrant and diverse next 

generation STEM workforce. 

NASA will award new four-year Space Grant awards in FY 2020 that provide the same amount of base 

funding to all consortia and implement a variety of student challenges in partnership with NASA Mission 

Directorates. These student challenges are aimed at enabling student contributions to NASA’s ongoing 

work through Space Grant institutions. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2021

NASA will implement an orderly shutdown of the Office of STEM Engagement programs and projects 

with the goals of minimizing negative impact to awardees and performing closeout in a cost-effective and 

efficient manner.
 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

SSMS-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Mission Services & Capabilities 1729.3 -- 1952.0 1940.6 1940.6 1940.6 1940.6

Engineering, Safety, & Operations 1025.7 -- 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9

Total Budget 2755.0 2913.3 3009.9 2998.5 2998.5 2998.5 2998.5

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

Safety, Security, and Mission Services .......................... SSMS-2

Mission Services & Capabilities ..................................................................SSMS-8 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) ..................................................................SSMS-14

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES.......................................................................SSMS-21

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES ..........................................SSMS-28

Engineering, Safety, & Operations............................................................SSMS-34

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY..................................................................SSMS-39

CENTER ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS .......................................SSMS-47
 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

SSMS-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Mission Services & Capabilities 1729.3 -- 1952.0 1940.6 1940.6 1940.6 1940.6

Engineering, Safety, & Operations 1025.7 -- 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9

Total Budget 2755.0 2913.3 3009.9 2998.5 2998.5 2998.5 2998.5

Change from FY 2020 96.6

Percentage change from FY 2020 3.3%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) core stage pathfinder, 

shown here, is positioned in the B-2 Test Stand at NASA’s 

Stennis Space Center (SSC) near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. 

SSC work crews used it in August to train and practice 

handling and lifting techniques needed for the core stage 

flight hardware when it arrives at SSC for testing in 2020. 

These efforts will enable a successful Moon landing in 2024. 

Safety, Security, and Mission Services (SSMS) 

support the capabilities, workforce, and 

facilities that enable NASA’s ambitious 

portfolio of missions including sending 

astronauts back to the Moon and eventually on 

to Mars. The Agency is modernizing support 

capabilities and improving operations to 

support the Agency’s priorities of scientific 

discovery, human presence in space, and 

developing the technologies of tomorrow. 

These missions are accomplished by 

integrating critical operations at NASA 

Centers and facilities in 10 states and the 

District of Columbia (Headquarters) and by 

providing independent oversight to reduce 

risks to life and mission across all of NASA 

programs. 

Mission support services and capabilities are critical to ensuring the Agency's competencies, technical 

skills, and assets are readily available to meet mission needs while also providing technically and 

scientifically sound support that is consistently safe and reliable across all NASA Centers. NASA is 

committed to ensuring these services are effective, efficient, safe, and meet the Agency's statutory, 

regulatory, and fiduciary responsibilities. 
 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

SSMS-3 

These mission enabling capabilities and related processes provide support needed to successfully and 

safely implement and complete requisite missions. The following are several examples of services funded 

under the SSMS account: 

• Coordination of test facilities, laboratories, chambers, and other capabilities required to conduct 

research, development, and engineering for Agency mission objectives;

• Development of engineering, systems engineering, and safety and mission assurance capabilities 

that support technical activities;

• Governance of Information Technology (IT), sustainment of IT infrastructure, and sustainment of 

security capabilities to support the productivity of NASA scientists and engineers; 

• Human capital, financial management, procurement, legal counsel, small business programs, 

occupational health and safety, and equal employment opportunity and diversity services 

providing strategic and operational planning and management to ensure resources are available 

when needed; and 

• Administration of International and interagency relations, legislative and intergovernmental 

affairs, and strategic communications to facilitate communications with a broad range of internal 

and external communities. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

In FY 2021, NASA will complete its transformation to an enterprise business model for the delivery of 

Safety, Security and Mission Support (SSMS) services, to include alignment of associated budgetary 

resources to the enterprise function. Enterprise functions include: Financial and Resources Management, 

Human Capital Management, Information Technology, Legislative Affairs, Strategic Infrastructure, 

Communications, Procurement, Protective Services, Small Business Programs, General Counsel, Office 

of International and Interagency Relations, and Diversity and Equal Opportunity. The enterprise business 

model allows for delivery of services to customers and employees regardless of geographic locations, 

reduction and elimination of duplicative capabilities, opportunities for employees to work across 

geographic boundaries, and greater flexibility to adjust to evolving demands and meet surge requirements. 

NASA has revised its existing SSMS budget account structure to fully realize the benefits of this new 

model, including greater efficiency and improved insight and accountability for formulating and 

executing the budget. A high-level depiction of the prior budget structure mapped to the revised budget 

structure follows (further details are discussed in subsequent sections): 
 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

SSMS-4 

Also, in FY 2021, the Mission Networks/Legacy Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) budget 

will transfer from the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) account to the 

SSMS IT Program.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Key mission enabling accomplishments in FY 2019 include: 

Delivered more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• Continued a disciplined approach to improving the Agency’s operating model to deliver mission 

enabling capabilities more effectively and efficiently. In FY 2019, completed the framework for 

the enterprise business model including refining transformation objectives and implementing the 

first phase for Human Capital, Financial Management and Legislative Affairs functions. This 

transformation enables mission support service delivery to NASA’s programs and projects across 

geographic boundaries in a more effective, efficient and flexible manner. 

• Since 2016, the Agency has increased investments in preventative and predictive maintenance 

and reduced spending on unscheduled facility maintenance from approximately 38 to 30 percent 

of total maintenance funding. In FY 2019, these investments resulted in a reduction to the amount 

of deferred maintenance and reversed a trend of increased deferred maintenance. This investment 

led to fewer facility failures and more reliable test schedules required to meet mission milestones.
 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

SSMS-5 

Reduced mission risk through technical capabilities:

• The Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) program provided software expertise to 16 

major projects at eight NASA Centers. IV&V identified and documented issues that if manifested 

during spacecraft or system operations, could result in loss of life, physical injury, and/or mission 

failure.

• The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) completed 53 independent assessments and 

support activities touching all of NASA’s Mission Directorates. These assessments furthered the 

Agency's goals and contributed directly to the mission through better informed decision making 

and an overall reduction of risk. 

• NASA received a “Clean” financial audit opinion for the ninth year in a row and the Association 

of Government Accountants' Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting for the fifth 

consecutive year. 

• The Office of Safety and Mission Assurance provided technical leadership for the update of the 

U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standards, as directed by Space Policy Directive 3. 

• NASA was named the "Best Place to Work" for the ninth year in a row among large agencies in 

the Federal Government. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Key mission enabling activities underway in FY 2020 include: 

Deliver more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• Implement transformation of mission support service delivery to an enterprise business model for 

Procurement, Small Business Programs, Diversity and Equal Opportunity, Communications, and 

Protective Services functions.

• Stand up the Centralized IT Procurement Office to achieve consistency in IT requirements; thus 

enabling greater commonality in implementing IT solutions and leading to improved FITARA 

scorecard performance, reduced duplication in IT contracting, and improved IT buying expertise 

to enable “smarter” buyers.

• The Agency will leverage the Legal Enterprise Operating System (LEOS) to enable the entire 

NASA legal team to operate its practice as a single entity, consolidating legal work products, 

data, and case records that are currently maintained at a dozen different legal operating locations.

• Apply Enhanced Use Lease proceeds to permissible projects across the Agency that increase 

building performance, reduce energy costs and meet energy use reduction goals. 

Reduce mission risk through technical capabilities:

• NESC plans to conduct over 50 independent assessments of NASA’s highest risk challenges 

maintaining prioritization on the ISS, Commercial Crew Program, Orion/SLS, Science Missions, 

and Space Technology.

• The Agency is implementing a flexible and agile workforce approach through strategic workforce 

planning. A key element in the strategy is to quickly, fairly, and accurately acquire the best 

candidate for jobs. To facilitate these hires NASA will replace its aged talent acquisition and 

assessment system with USAStaffing/USAHire which will enable NASA to assess candidates 

using industry best practices. 
 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

SSMS-6 

• Implement CDM Phase III, Dynamic and Evolving Federal Enterprise Network Defense 

(DEFEND) capabilities as defined by DHS. DEFEND capabilities provide increased 

cybersecurity services and flexibility for NASA to tailor specific solutions the Agency can deploy 

to safeguard its networks.

• IV&V program expects to provide software expertise to 17 projects, including 15 NASA 

missions, Commercial Crew Program, one multi-agency mission, and across eight NASA 

Centers.

• Complete a requirements document and implementation plan for changes to the Agency’s 

financial systems to achieve the full functionality in budget execution and reporting. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Key mission enabling activities planned for FY 2021 include: 

Deliver more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• Implement the third and final phase of transformation of mission support service delivery to the 

enterprise business model for General Counsel, Information Technology and Strategic 

Infrastructure functions.

• Continue implementation of the enterprise delivery model to streamline NASA procurements and 

improve the Procurement IT website platform. Projected savings for NASA Procurement in 

FY 2021 is $0.9 million. 

• Increase investments in facility maintenance and operations to increase the reliability of missioncritical infrastructure, including utility and custodial support of more than 5,000 buildings and 

other structures containing 47.3 million gross square feet of building area valued at $39 billion. 

Centers will continue to increase reliability-centered maintenance and condition-based 

monitoring activities to provide more efficient and effective systems maintenance.

• In support of government-wide pay for performance initiatives, the General Scale (GS) awards 

pool will be increased from 1.5 to 2.5 percentage points on non-Senior Executive (SES), Senior 

Level, and Scientific or Professional (ST) salary spending in FY 2021. This increase addresses 

workforce challenges and will recognize high performing employees and employees with 

mission-critical talent and skills.

Reduce mission risk through technical capabilities:

• IV&V program will provide expert software analysis on NASA’s safety and mission critical 

software to help assure safety and mission success by identifying software problems as early as 

possible, minimize the cost of rework, and support key milestone decisions. 

• Perform planned space environmental testing for Artemis, Orion, Commercial Crew and Cargo 

Program launch. 

• Conduct Health and Medical Technical Authority (HMTA) independent assessment and 

pathfinder activities in support of Artemis design and development; generate operational 

requirements and products necessary to support Artemis initial and evolving operations; and, 

provide technical content regarding human spaceflight standards to support HLS and Gateway 

programs. 

• Initiate the FY 2020 plan for changes to the Agency’s financial systems to achieve the full 

functionality in budget execution and reporting that provides budgetary resources and budget 
 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

SSMS-7 

execution data as specified in the Treasury Financial Manual to support the budget reporting 

activities defined in the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board Handbook and OMB 

Circular No. A-11, and A-136. 

Themes

MISSION SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES

Mission Services and Capabilities (MSaC) provides enterprise solutions under three programs:

Information Technology, Mission Enabling Services, and Infrastructure and Technical Capabilities. 

Strategically, these programs meet workforce, infrastructure, information technology and business 

operations requirements necessary to enable NASA's mission. MSaC ensures that critical Agency 

operations are effective, efficient, safe, and meet statutory, regulatory, and fiduciary responsibilities. 

These mission enabling services, capabilities and related processes provide efficient and effective 

administration across all NASA Centers.

ENGINEERING SAFETY AND OPERATIONS

Engineering, Safety, and Operations (ESO) provides for the ongoing management and operations of 

NASA Headquarters, nine Centers, and component facilities under two programs: Agency Technical 

Authority and Center Engineering, Safety, and Operations. The programs support scientific and 

engineering activities. They contribute to the reduction of program risks by ensuring that technical skills 

and assets are ready and available to meet program and project milestones; that mission and research 

endeavors are technically and scientifically sound; and that Center practices are safe and reliable 

including the highly skilled staff and specialized infrastructure at the centers that facilitate NASA 

missions.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services 

MISSION SERVICES & CAPABILITIES

SSMS-8 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Information Technology (IT) 501.8 -- 553.9 553.9 553.9 553.9 553.9

Mission Enabling Services 690.8 -- 705.0 693.7 693.7 693.7 693.7

Infrastructure & Technical Capabilities 536.8 -- 693.1 693.0 693.0 693.0 693.0

Total Budget 1729.3 -- 1952.0 1940.6 1940.6 1940.6 1940.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

Testing of the Artemis Thermal Enclosure, 

shown here at the Glenn Research Center 

(GRC) Space Environments Complex (SEC).

Mission Services and Capabilities (MSaC) provides 

enterprise solutions under three programs: Information 

Technology, Mission Enabling Services, and 

Infrastructure and Technical Capabilities. 

The Information Technology (IT) program provides 

information services needed to fulfill NASA’s 

multifaceted missions and operations. NASA's IT

program helps improve Agency outcomes by driving 

discoveries as a strategic partner with programs/projects, 

accelerating mission and business results through digital 

productivity capabilities, sharing NASA’s data and 

discoveries across the Agency and with the public, and 

increasing program/project quality, resiliency, and costeffectiveness. The IT program drives advances in 

science, technology, aeronautics, space exploration, and mission support that support achievement of 

NASA's diverse array of missions, programs, and goals. Reliable, adaptable, and secure cloud-based IT is 

increasingly important as NASA embarks on its Artemis program to safely return astronauts to the lunar 

surface by 2024. 

The Mission Enabling Services (MES) program supports all NASA missions by providing services and 

expertise in the following functional units: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, 

Procurement, Small Business Programs, Legislative Affairs, Diversity and Equal Opportunity, General 

Counsel, Communications, International and Interagency Relations, and Protective Services.

The Infrastructure and Technical Capabilities (I&TC) program ensures the right infrastructure is available 

(ready and reliable) to meet current and future mission requirements. The program provides sustainment, 

efficient operation and effective maintenance for facilities, utilities, structures and technical capabilities. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services 

MISSION SERVICES & CAPABILITIES

SSMS-9 

It also provides effective oversight and management of real property assets, environments testing 

activities, aircraft operations, and logistics functions. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

No major changes.

The MSaC budget comprises portions of the former Center Management and Operations (CMO) and 

Agency Management and Operations (AMO) accounts that directly support programs operating in a 

business enterprise model. Combining the funding will enable NASA to better transform and better 

ensure that budget execution is aligned with Agency strategic goals. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019 

Key mission enabling accomplishments in FY 2019 include: 

Delivered more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• End-User Services transitioned to a new enterprise contract to deliver agile, transformative, and 

cost-effective services to over 55,000 end users across 18 performance sites. In FY 2019, 

approximately 60,000 email inboxes were migrated to cloud-based Microsoft Office 365 

infrastructure. In addition, OneDrive was implemented which is an online storage service which 

helps protect files and enables users to access them across multiple devices.

• NASA continued to expand on the use of condition-based maintenance and initiated a tiered 

maintenance program. Installing remote sensing and asset monitoring enables our talented 

workforce to implement condition-based maintenance, which will reduce operations and 

maintenance costs, while extending the operational life of assets. 

• NASA completed the first phase of transforming mission services and capabilities to a more 

effective and efficient enterprise delivery and support model which included the Office of Chief 

Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), the Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), and the Office 

of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA) mission support office. Shifting these 

mission services to an enterprise business model provided each with full budget authority across 

the Agency to optimize operations. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services 

MISSION SERVICES & CAPABILITIES

SSMS-10 

Reduced mission risk through technical capabilities:

• NASA achieved the major milestone of Full Operating Capability (FOC) status for the Agency's 

Insider Threat Program. NASA strengthened identity vetting and access controls for foreign 

nationals and deployed solutions for PIV and Common Access Cards (CAC) for facilitating 

employee and external partner access to NASA facilities and information systems.

• Completed risk reduction activities for the Arc Jet Complex in support of Orion Exploration 

Mission 1 (EM-1) development and the expansion of the thermal protection system (TPS) 

performance envelope. These risk reduction activities are critical to Artemis by ensuring 

successful passage through the atmosphere upon return of the Orion capsule to Earth. 

• Completed activities to achieve chamber certification of the Space Environments Complex 

(SEC), allowing it to be ready for the testing series required for the Artemis Orion EM-1. 

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 

recognized NASA's Anti-Harassment Campaign and Program as a model for the Federal 

Government for effective and prompt intervention and resolution; early intervention and 

resolution; and proactive corrective action. 

• The OCIO standardized the IT Portfolio data collection process, enhanced transparency, and 

complied with OMB reporting requirements by implementing an enterprise off-the-shelf Program 

Project Management (PPM) tool and configuring the tool to support the Technology Business 

Management (TBM) categorization of IT spending. Improvements to the data collection process 

have provided a deep understanding of the Agency’s full IT footprint and informed investment 

decision-making.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Key activities underway in FY 2020 in the MSaC area include:

Deliver more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• The second phase of transforming mission services and capabilities to a more effective and 

efficient enterprise delivery and support model has commenced with additional Mission Support 

offices beginning their implementation: Office of Procurement (OP), Office of Small Business 

Programs (OSBP), Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO), Office of 

Communications (OCOMM), and Office of Protective Services (OPS).

• NASA is streamlining and modernizing Human Capital Information Technology (HCIT) by 

standardizing position description (PD) classification, centralizing training administration, 

implementing a flexible and agile workforce approach through the Strategic Workforce Plan 

(SWP), and implementing a Strategic Talent Marketplace to replace the aging talent acquisition 

system.

• Multiple Centers will perform backlogged maintenance and repair projects to improve reliability 

of key infrastructure. 

• NASA’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) will oversee a requirements analysis for 

improvements to NASA’s existing financial systems and processes to address a narrow range of 

reporting capability gaps. In consultation with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, OCIO 

will develop a plan for implementing these improvements beginning in FY 2021 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services 

MISSION SERVICES & CAPABILITIES

SSMS-11 

Reduce mission risk through technical capabilities:

• NASA will leverage the Legal Enterprise Operating System (LEOS) to enable the entire NASA 

legal team to operate its practice as a single entity, consolidating legal work products, data, and 

case records that are currently maintained at a dozen different legal operating locations.

• NASA will pilot a data governance platform to: (1) provide access to financial data across the 

Agency; (2) create metadata tags for NASA websites to allow easier searching and data mining; 

(3) use business applications such as Tableau/Power BI for data integration and automation of 

business processes; (4) employ IoT (Internet of Things) to help mine data for critical information; 

and (5) architect a cloud-based platform for next generation Scientific and Technical Information 

/NASA Technical Reports Server (STI/NTRS) System in coordination with the Information 

Management (IM) Program.

• NASA is implementing Dynamic and Evolving Federal Enterprise Network Defense (DEFEND) 

capabilities as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. DEFEND will provide increased 

cybersecurity services and flexibility for NASA to deploy specific solutions the Agency can use 

to safeguard its networks. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Key mission enabling activities planned for FY 2021 include: 

Deliver more efficient and cost effective operations and services:

• The final phase of transforming mission services and capabilities to a more effective and efficient 

enterprise delivery and support model will begin for the following Mission Support offices: 

Office of General Counsel (OGC), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), and Office of 

Strategic Infrastructure (OSI).

• Continue implementation of enterprise business model to streamline NASA procurements by 

establishing a nationalized NASA Procurement IT Website. Anticipated savings in FY 2021 due 

to employing the new enterprise model and streamlining approaches is approximately $850K. 

Reduce mission risk through technical capabilities:

• The Agency will continue to reduce backlogged maintenance through multiple small projects to 

improve the condition and reliability of buildings and infrastructure systems to prevent outages, 

delays, or damage to critical mission hardware or missions (e.g., Artemis). These projects include 

water pumps and piping upgrades, energy management control system automation, water and 

sewer lift station repairs, as well as multiple electrical, fire and safety upgrades.

• NASA plans to develop Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) solutions to 

support international partner collaboration efforts. Expanding existing remote identity proofing 

capabilities, trusted partner agreements, and access control plan capabilities will provide further 

support and capabilities for foreign and domestic partners. These solutions will enable greater 

assurance in partner identities and help manage access risks.

• NASA will enhance its cyber security posture by: (1) continuing to work diligently with 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) 

program implementation; (2) conducting annual Supply Chain Risk Management assessments; (3) 

optimizing its Security Operation Center (SOC); (4) integrating cybersecurity risk into the 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services 

MISSION SERVICES & CAPABILITIES

SSMS-12 

Agency Enterprise Working Group’s risk management practice to ensure cybersecurity is a 

pivotal requirement in Mission projects at NASA; and (5) assessing all systems per the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines and addressing any deficiencies. 

NASA's cybersecurity program will also sustain its Agency logging solution.

• The Computing program plans to complete the build-out of robust computing capabilities to 

enable transformational operations, such as one or more Google Cloud Platform environments 

including integrations with NASA IT infrastructure. Computing will continue the effort initiated 

in FY 2020 to bring unauthorized Software as a Service into compliance with FISMA 

requirements.

• NASA will continue to invest in proactive maintenance initiatives (e.g., reliability centered 

maintenance). NASA is moving towards industry standards for reducing unscheduled 

maintenance by installing sensors and equipment to enable real time monitoring and reduce 

scheduled maintenance inspections.

Program Elements

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

The Information Technology (IT) program provides the information services needed to fulfill NASA’s 

multifaceted missions and operations. NASA's Information Technology program helps improve Agency 

outcomes by driving discoveries as a strategic partner, accelerating results through productivity, sharing 

NASA’s data and discoveries, and increasing quality, resiliency, and cost-effectiveness. The program 

drives advances in science, technology, aeronautics, space exploration, and mission support to enhance 

knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of the planet Earth. Reliable, 

adaptable, and secure cloud-based IT is increasingly important as NASA embarks on its Artemis program 

to safely return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2024. 

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES 

The Mission Enabling Services (MES) program provides an enterprise approach to managing NASA's 

business operations and mission support activities. Missions rely on these institutional services to provide 

the business services and skilled staff required to accomplish their objectives. Enterprise management of 

these areas ensures that critical Agency operations are effective, efficient, and meet statutory, regulatory, 

and fiduciary responsibilities. Business services include Financial Management, Human Capital 

Management, Procurement, Small Business, Legislative Affairs, Equal Opportunity & Diversity 

Management, Legal, Communications, International and Interagency Relations, and Protective Services.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

The Infrastructure and Technical Capabilities (I&TC) program enables NASA missions and ensures 

effective mission support. The I&TC program provides sustainment, operations and maintenance for 

facilities and technical capabilities. The program also provides effective oversight and management of 

real property, environmental program activities, aircraft operations, and logistics functions. These 

capabilities enable NASA to meet its statutory and regulatory responsibilities and ensures that the right 

infrastructure is available to meet mission requirements. This mission is accomplished through effective 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services

MISSION SERVICES & CAPABILITIES

SSMS-13

management of assets and capabilities; proactive coordination with NASA mission directorates; enhanced 

institutional planning; proactive deployment of sustainable practices; ongoing regulatory compliance; and 

reducing current and future infrastructure-related risks.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

SSMS-14 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 501.8 -- 553.9 553.9 553.9 553.9 553.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

A monitor shows the status of NASA's Deep Space 

Network as it receives data from the Cassini 

spacecraft in the Charles Elachi Mission Control 

Center in the Space Flight Operation Center at 

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA. 

NASA's IT program provides secure connectivity 

and data access for the NASA workforce and its 

partners, deploying over 100,000 continuous 

diagnostics and mitigation (CDM) tools across the 

corporate and mission networks and achieving 

Personal Identity Verification (PIV) access for 90 

percent of unprivileged and 100 percent of privileged 

users. The program provides NASA end-users with 

cloud-based email inboxes and productivity and 

collaboration capabilities. The IT program supports 

over 250 applications that empower scientific 

research and mission support and the processing of 

approximately 4.3 million inquiries per year about 

NASA's Scientific and Technical Information (STI), 

providing the scientific community the information 

needed to achieve new discoveries, including those 

required for Artemis.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The IT budget comprises portions of the former Center Management and Operations (CMO) and Agency 

Management and Operations (AMO) accounts that directly support Center and Agency IT capabilities, 

including assets and personnel for effective and efficient operations. Combining the funding for these 

capabilities into the new IT budget organization will enable NASA to transform to an enterprise approach 

to delivering the capabilities and services that enable NASA mission requirements. The enterprise 

business model approach for management of our assets and capabilities will better ensure that budget 

execution is aligned with Agency strategic goals. The new budget structure reflects the importance of 

coordinating and combining NASA's information services as part of the foundation that supports NASA's 

Artemis missions and other science, aeronautics exploration, and technology programs. A mapping of the 

prior and new budget structure follows: 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

SSMS-15 

The NASA Communications Services Office (CSO) budget will be transferred to the OCIO under the 

SSMS account to better align with its management structure. The CSO mission network provides 

mission-critical routed data services to programs and projects across the Agency. This activity is managed 

by the OCIO. However, unlike other OCIO activities which are funded in the Safety, Security, and 

Mission Services account, the CSO, budget is held within the Space Communications and Navigation 

(SCaN) program. This creates a misalignment between the budget and management structure.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

ENTERPRISE IT

The Applications program provided service delivery and governance for more than 250 enterprise 

applications and 3,000 websites. To enhance service delivery of these applications, the program created 

an Applications Repository that identified application capabilities for each business process area. The 

repository will enable rationalization of applications across the enterprise. Additionally, the Applications 

program implemented Phase 2 of Microsoft Office 365, which includes enhanced collaboration features 

(e.g., SharePoint Online and Teams) to improve team productivity and the ability to seamlessly work 

across geographic boundaries. Lastly, the program developed the Agency Software Management Plan to 

ensure timely, cost effective, and efficient procurement of software licenses.

The Communications program completed 32,136 IT service requests, supported 1.7 million minutes of 

video and 125 million minutes of voice conferencing, and resolved 15,440 IT service incidents. It also 

provided secure connectivity solutions to the International Space Station (ISS)/Space Launch System 

(SLS) partners, improving management and operational efficiency. By implementing enterprise 

cybersecurity infrastructure that improved access management for approximately 90,000 assets connected 

to NASA’s networks, Communications reduced obsolete voice technology by migrating to Voice over 

Internet Protocol (VoIP) at two additional Centers. Of the total assets, 59,400 of 80,600 of NASA phones 

(73.7 percent) have been migrated to VoIP. Finally, Communications completed a Software Defined 

Networking (SDN) pilot which provides improved access management.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

SSMS-16 

The Computing Services program sponsored several successful initiatives to promote better 

understanding of developing software in the cloud, including containerization and continuous integration, 

deployment, and automation. The program improved NASA's cloud service offering by increasing 

networking bandwidth, shortening the time to provision a user, and improving privilege management to 

increase user account security and reduce manual account configuration errors. 

The IM program created a dashboard to visualize NASA’s usage of approximately 38 online academic 

journal subscriptions utilizing procurement and network traffic data (approximately 38,000 hits annually) 

and the Digital Object Identifier Management System (DOIMS), which provides researchers with a 

centralized system to create and maintain digital object identifiers (DOIs). The DOIs improve the user 

experience by enabling scientists to tag their publications using NASA-based capabilities.

The Transformation and Data initiative made the following information publicly accessible per the Open 

Data Act: over 42,900 data sets, 555 web-hosted archives of software source code, and 17 sets of routines, 

protocols, and tools used to interact with systems, applications, libraries, and databases. The Agency’s 

Digital Transformation strategy was developed to employ powerful digital practices to enhance the 

Agency’s efficiency, agility, and insights.

SAFEGUARDING DATA AND IT ASSETS

NASA OCIO completed the primary deployment plan of CDM Phase I tools and processes with 

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) support, increasing NASA’s visibility into cybersecurity risks 

and vulnerabilities. Once completed, the Agency will have a holistic view of NASA’s corporate and 

mission network vulnerability profile to enable effective cybersecurity risk management. 

NASA OCIO implemented a Security Operations Center (SOC) Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) to 

maintain SOC operations in the event of a disruption or catastrophic event. OCIO established a formal 

function to integrate cybersecurity risk management processes across the Agency into a formal enterprise 

risk management program. 

Per Executive Order 13800, Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical 

Infrastructure, NASA OCIO led efforts to fully implement the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and conducted ongoing capability assessments to 

improve cybersecurity operations and inform risk-based decisions on strategic, cybersecurity investments.

By establishing an Office of Cybersecurity Services (OCSS) and consolidating duplicative cybersecurity 

services into an efficient enterprise-wide function, NASA OCIO standardized cybersecurity service 

delivery. The OCIO also began deploying a consolidated Agency logging solution capability which 

allows the NASA SOC to process substantially more IT log data than prior local solutions. The increased 

capabilities provide the Communications program with web content filtering, Virtual Private Network 

(VPN), and firewall troubleshooting and the Agency Identity, Credential and Access Management 

(ICAM) program with alerts to notify of key authentication or authorization events throughout the 

Agency.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

SSMS-17 

IT GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT

The OCIO standardized the IT Portfolio data collection process, enhanced transparency, and complied 

with OMB reporting requirements by implementing an enterprise off-the-shelf Program Project 

Management (PPM) tool and configuring the tool to support the Technology Business Management 

(TBM) categorization of Agency IT spending, Improvements to the data collection process have provided 

a deep understanding of the Agency’s full IT footprint and informed investment decision-making.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

ENTERPRISE IT

The Applications program continues to maintain 250 enterprise applications and 3,000 websites. The 

program will create a single, centralized case management solution for the Office of General Counsel 

which enables the entire NASA legal team to operate as a single enterprise, providing more efficient 

delivery of legal services with reduced risks associated with outdated information, different operating 

systems across the NASA legal offices, and divergent case management procedures. The Applications 

program will continue a phased implementation of managing the Agency software lifecycle to reduce 

risks and costs. The program will modernize NASA’s heavily-utilized SAP platform (HANA), which will 

prepare the SAP platform for updates to NASA’s financial system, contract writing system, and business 

intelligence platform. The program will also lead the requirements analysis for improvements to the 

Agency’s financial systems to achieve the full functionality in budget execution and reporting. 

The Communications program continues to provide voice, video, and network services to NASA Centers 

and missions. The program will also continue the VOIP transport project which includes installing new 

infrastructure and completing VOIP migration at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Additionally, the 

Communications program will deploy Software Defined Networking (SDN) capabilities across the 

Agency to improve access management and create operational efficiencies.

The Computing Services program will complete the build-out of one or more Microsoft Azure user cloud 

environments, which includes integrating Azure with NASA’s IT infrastructure. Additionally, Computing 

Services program is bringing unauthorized Software as a Service (SaaS) into compliance with the Federal 

Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). 

The End User Services program continues to expand utilization of its enterprise contract for end user 

services from 80 percent utilization to 90 percent. Additionally, the program is implementing a new 

information management module for change management and SpaceBars, a one-stop walk-up support 

office to provide IT support from friendly, skilled technicians. The EUS program will upgrade all 

computers to Windows 10 before Microsoft ends support for Windows 7 to standardize service delivery 

support and reduce cyber security vulnerabilities. 

The IM program continues to maintain compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, Section 508 of the 

Rehabilitation Act, the Information Quality Act, and Federal records retention requirements. To improve 

performance, security, and the user experience, the IM program is modernizing STI infrastructure, 

enabling use of Google Cloud, and laying the groundwork for future modernization. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

SSMS-18 

SAFEGUARDING DATA AND IT ASSETS

NASA IT program is developing a new enterprise-wide cybersecurity services contract to support existing 

Centers and Agency contracts. To ensure necessary services are available to meet mission needs in the 

event of a disruption or catastrophic event, NASA continues to grow and staff a 24x7 NASA SOC COOP 

capability at JSC. The program will further develop and implement its Agency logging solution for 

flexibility and agile operations to meet evolving demands.

IT GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT

OCIO will enhance the PPM tool to provide integrated planned and actual IT budget data to support 

improved management of NASA’s IT portfolio and promote efficient and effective decision-making. 

Additionally, OCIO is building upon the IT Program strategic roadmaps and updated CPIC processes, 

including leveraging IT governance, to better manage IT investments in support of NASA’s mission.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

ENTERPRISE IT

The Applications program plans on completing the implementation of the centralized, standardized, and 

streamlined lifecycle processes for managing software licenses and consolidating Agency websites. 

Applications will be integrated with cross-location management and employees co-located for 

requirements. The program will also continue to reduce the total number of unique applications and more 

efficiently utilize application services and will initiate the systematic decommissioning of redundant 

applications and software technologies. 

The OCFO will work with OCIO to initiate the FY 2020 plan for changes to the Agency’s financial 

systems. The FY 2021 Budget provides $2 million in new funding for this initiative that will include 

automating standard tracking and reporting features that currently must be performed manually by the 

Agency.

The Communications program will continue providing voice, video, and network services to NASA 

centers and missions and anticipate continued growth in service requests and support to Agency missions. 

Additionally, the program will continue the multi-year project for Agency-wide deployment of SDN, 

including data center and cloud, to improve access management and operational efficiencies. 

Communications also plans on completing the transition to VoIP at two additional Centers. 

The EUS program will continue to increase mobility and collaboration for end users to securely access 

and share data from any geographic location or device working towards the best cloud-based solutions. 

The program plans to improve “self-help” tools including the Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) knowledge 

base to ensure information is readily available for IT related needs. Additionally, the EUS program will 

implement a new configuration management system (CMS) in Service Now.

The IM program will lead the delivery of new Agency IT capabilities to catalog NASA dataset metadata 

and provide Agency users insight into siloed NASA datasets. The program will also establish a steadystate, federated catalog of NASA’s digital assets in an Enterprise Data Inventory while providing NASA 

users with resource discovery, drastically boosting data re-use. Additionally, the IM program will 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

SSMS-19 

implement and deliver an Agency Data Management Plan Policy and Agency Data Sharing Policy, which 

convey the direction of NASA’s data governance and data management approaches.

Through the transformation and data initiative, planned achievements include implementing the Data 

Governance Platform for financial data; implementing/creating metadata tags using artificial intelligence 

for NASA Websites; implementing business application of Tableau/Power BI software for data 

integration; automating business processes; managing IOT; providing an isolated testing environment and 

internet access with analytics at JSC; and prototyping/piloting a cloud-based platform for the next 

generation STI/NTRS System.

SAFEGUARDING DATA AND IT ASSETS

NASA OCIO will integrate cybersecurity risk into the Agency Enterprise Working Group’s risk 

management practice to ensure cybersecurity is a pivotal requirement in Mission projects at NASA. 

Additionally, the OCIO will assess all systems per the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

(NSIT) guideline and address any deficiencies. NASA's cybersecurity program will also sustain its 

Agency logging solution. 

IT GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT

NASA OCIO will work to modernize IT systems, identify redundancies, and reduce deferred technical 

refresh and modernization. By full implementation of revised CPIC processes in the new enterprise IT 

operating model, OCIO will strengthen IT portfolio management and oversight of IT investments. 

Program Elements

ENTERPRISE IT

The Applications program anticipates and aligns customer requirements with solutions that best meet 

Agency needs by delivering secure, sustainable applications quickly and cost effectively, establishing a 

platform-centric architecture and empowered Enterprise Service Providers, enhancing Agency Software 

Management to reduce software license costs, and continuous portfolio rationalization. 

The Communications program is NASA’s enterprise service provider for fully managed network and 

communications services supporting institutions, programs and projects located at the NASA Centers. 

The program is also responsible for maintaining, operating and continually evolving communications 

services to improve delivery capabilities, strengthen NASA’s cybersecurity posture, and reduce costs.

The Computing Services program brokers commercial cloud computing services for the NASA 

community and provides oversight of NASA’s compliance with the Federal Data Center Optimization 

Initiative. Customers of cloud computing services include the science and mission communities across all 

phases of data acquisition, processing and science/engineering analysis.

The EUS program provides high quality, reliable, cost-effective service desk, end user computing 

services, collaboration, content management systems and services in support of all NASA Federal and 

contractor employees. Specific service types supported by the program are laptops, desktops, mobile 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

SSMS-20 

devices, print, enterprise email, instant messaging, help desk services, support, software patching and 

distribution, and other end user support capabilities.

The IM program provides NASA with framework, guidelines, and services to ensure secure and efficient 

access, use, analysis, and preservation of the Agency’s information resources. The program also ensures 

NASA’s compliance with several Federal statutes relating to information access and integrity.

The Transformation and Data initiative engages the brightest minds across the Agency to guide NASA’s 

data strategy, technology infusion, and strategic investment decisions, and identifies emerging 

information technologies to best support NASA’s needs in a rapidly changing world. 

SAFEGUARDING DATA AND IT ASSETS

NASA OCIO is responsible for Agency cybersecurity policy and the implementation and management of 

enterprise cybersecurity and privacy services. The budget is aligned to the NIST Cybersecurity 

Framework to evaluate cybersecurity gaps and investments against the NIST cybersecurity functions: 

Identify, Detect, Protect, Respond, and Recover. This alignment allows the Agency to make strategic 

investments to develop, modernize, and enhance Agency cybersecurity capabilities to address the greatest 

areas of risk to the Agency, its missions, and supporting functions. 

IT GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT

NASA OCIO provides Agency-level capabilities for intentionally managing IT and meeting Agency and 

Federal requirements. IT Governance & Oversight efforts involve collaborating with stakeholders across 

the Agency to formulate plans and manage budgetary data to meet legal mandates, OMB requirements 

and guidance, Executive Orders, and regulations. These efforts also include the E-Government activities 

and Federal CIO Council Committees in which NASA participates. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES

SSMS-21 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 690.8 -- 705.0 693.7 693.7 693.7 693.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

As illustrated in the image above, there are no 

geographical boundaries in providing Mission 

Enabling Services to meet Mission needs.

Mission Enabling Services (MES) provide an enterprise 

approach to managing NASA's business operations and 

protective services with no geographical boundaries in 

the delivery of services. An enterprise approach allows 

NASA to manage its business services in a unified 

approach thereby providing consistent processes and 

systems across the Agency. Missions rely on these 

institutional capabilities to provide the skilled staff 

required to accomplish their objectives. Enterprise 

management of these areas ensures that critical Agency 

operations are effective, efficient, and meet statutory, 

regulatory, and fiduciary responsibilities. These mission 

enabling services and related processes are testament to 

the complexity of the support needed to successfully 

implement and complete requisite missions. MES will 

continue to provide support to all NASA missions 

including critical support to the Artemis program. 

Business services include Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Procurement, Small 

Business Programs, Legislative Affairs, Diversity and Equal Opportunity, General Counsel, 

Communications, International and Interagency Relations, and Protective Services. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

In FY 2021, NASA will complete the transformation to an enterprise model for the delivery of Mission 

Enabling Services which include the following enterprise functions: Financial Management, Human 

Capital Management, Procurement, Small Business Programs, Legislative Affairs, Diversity and Equal 

Opportunity, General Counsel, Communications, International and Interagency Relations, and Protective 

Services. The enterprise model provides standardized services to customers and employees regardless of 

geographic locations. The model also reduces and eliminates duplicative capabilities, provides 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES

SSMS-22 

opportunities for employees to work across geographic boundaries, and offers greater flexibility to adjust 

to evolving demands and meet surge requirements. 

To fully realize the benefits of the new model, NASA has developed a budget account structure that better 

enables the offices to deliver services and products in an enterprise model. Prior to FY 2021, enterprise 

budgets were managed with a combination of funding from the Center Management and Operations and 

Agency Management and Operations budget account themes. Budget authority and reporting under the 

new structure is completely aligned under one theme (Mission Services and Capabilities). This new 

structure is vital to NASA’s efforts to realize more efficient and effective mission support operations and 

ensure alignment with Agency strategic goals. A mapping of the prior and new budget structure follows:

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019 

NASA embarked on transforming the delivery and support model for mission services to an enterprise 

model, enabling the Agency to meet mission requirements while conducting day-to-day technical and 

business operations more effectively. In October 2018, three Mission Support offices began to deliver 

services in an enterprise model: Office of Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), Office of Chief 

Financial Officer (OCFO), and Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA). 

NASA's OCHCO successfully operated utilizing an enterprise business model. This included taking full 

budget authority of funding realigned to OCHCO and pursuing major transformation initiatives, while 

maintaining the goal of providing world-class services to the Agency. During this timeframe, the OCHCO 

transitioned all position staffing and classification services to an enterprise model to enhance efficiencies 

and increase effectiveness. By consolidating and centralizing these services at the NASA Shared Services 

Centers (NSSC), the Agency is now well-positioned to minimize duplication of effort (including 

resources) and standardize processes which will reduce costs related to this function. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES

SSMS-23 

NASA's Office of Procurement (OP) completed transformation of the organization, which included 

realignment of the workforce and budget from the individual NASA Centers to one enterprise 

Procurement Office. The transformation included the development of an enterprise delivery model where 

requirements, that were once decentralized, are consolidated into portfolios that are now procured and 

managed regionally or centrally at one or more of the NASA buying locations. This new model allows for 

the development of streamlined enterprise procurement strategies, smart buyers, shared resources, and 

lower operating costs.

The Agency celebrated the success of the Apollo missions through a series of events aimed at inspiring 

the next generation of human space flight and honoring the astronauts who achieved this monumental 

task. In December 2018, the Agency marked the achievement of Apollo 8 orbiting the Moon with a 

collaboration with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Washington National 

Cathedral. Throughout 2019, NASA supported a series of events across the country to mark the 50th 

anniversary of Apollo 9, Apollo 10, Apollo 11, and Apollo 12. The focal point of our activities was a 

three-day festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the National Air and 

Space Museum and a two-hour NASA TV broadcast from the National Mall, the refurbished Apollo 

Mission Control Center in Houston TX, and other locations across the country. 

NASA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) significantly advanced the development of Artemis through 

innovative, coordinated legal support across Headquarters and multiple field Centers for the many 

procurements that enable NASA to work with our industry partners. The NASA legal team played an 

integral role in the acquisition strategies and implementation of the contracts for the Power Propulsion 

Element, Gateway Logistics Services, Human Landing System, Habitation modules, and Commercial 

Lunar Payload Services, which collectively will create the Gateway architecture for deep-space 

exploration and will enable a sustainable U.S. human and robotic presence on the Moon and progress 

towards human exploration of Mars and beyond. 

NASA's OP and Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) formed an integrated enterprise service 

delivery model that will transform how NASA procures goods and services. This model creates a more 

efficient and effective organization of the NASA Center small business specialists (SBSs).

NASA's OSBP established the NASA Industry Forum (NIF) to increase communication with our industry 

partners and share best practices. The NIF held two meetings in FY 2019. 

NASA exceeded its FY 2019 small business goal of 16 percent by achieving approximately 17 percent. 

NASA exceeded its FY 2019 small disadvantaged business goal of 5 percent by achieving 8 percent. 

Total prime and subcontracting dollars combined increased from $5.2 billion in FY 2017 to $5.5 billion in 

FY 2018. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, five additional Mission Support offices began the implementation and transformation to 

deliver services in an enterprise model: Office of Procurement (OP), Office of Small Business Programs 

(OSBP), Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO), Office of Communications (OCOMM), and 

Office of Protective Services (OPS).

A key element in our talent strategy at NASA is our ability to quickly, fairly, and accurately acquire the 

best candidate for our jobs. During FY 2020, the OCHCO will replace NASA's long standing and aged 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES

SSMS-24 

talent acquisition and assessment system, NASA STARS, with USAStaffing/USAHire. This Government 

off-the-shelf product will bring our hiring process forward by a decade, allowing NASA to assess 

candidates using industry best practices. Additionally, this move will assist NASA in avoiding continued 

costs associated with maintaining the current system. 

The unveiling of the Artemis spacesuits will garner national and international media attention and present 

an opportunity to share the Agency’s plan to send the first woman and the next man to the Moon. 

The International Space Station 20th Anniversary in 2020 will present opportunities to tell the public 

through media and other means about how the International Space Station has contributed to our journey 

to the Moon and Mars. 

NASA has launched a Unity Campaign to enhance the effectiveness of NASA organizations and 

personnel in achieving NASA’s priorities, including the Artemis program with local implementation 

plans developed that align with the Agency’s enterprise strategy for the campaign. NASA expects to 

achieve measurable results, including increased employee engagement, workplace and workforce 

inclusiveness, and enhanced organizational performance. 

Maturation of the enterprise service delivery model and organization structure with a focus on the 

development of a centralized IT Procurement Office to achieve consistency in IT requirements to enable 

greater commonality in implementing IT solutions leading to improved FITARA scorecard performance, 

reduced duplication in IT contracting, and improved IT buying expertise. 

The Office of Protective Services (OPS) continues to upgrade the hardware infrastructure on the National 

Security Systems (NSS) to comply with the methodology for secure data processing and testing of diverse 

software and hardware on the NSS ‘test bed’. These upgrades will ensure that security posture is 

maintained and that the new configurations will enhance the standard. OPS continues to work with all

programs that require access to classified information.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

OCHCO plans to implement an Agency-wide Human Space Flight Pathways Program for 

students/interns. The Pathways Program is an integral aspect of NASA’s workforce pipeline and 

succession planning. The Program’s goal is to ensure NASA’s early career workforce has the necessary 

breadth and depth of experience to support the Agency’s priorities (e.g., Artemis). 

ODEO will lead the development of a new NASA Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) strategic plan to achieve 

the Agency Priority Goal 4.4.2 to Sustain or improve NASA's Inclusion Index scores on the annual 

Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) as measured by the New Inclusion Quotient (New IQ) 

results. 

OGC plans to have completed its transformation into a single legal enterprise with field Center Chief 

Counsel lines of reporting realigned to HQ along with Center Office of Chief Counsel budgets and 

resources. 

OPS will ensure full coverage of Communications Security (COMSEC), National Security Systems, 

Intelligence Analysis, and Special Security Officer support for Artemis, commercial crew endeavors, and 

other NASA priorities. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES

SSMS-25 

Program Elements

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) provides leadership for the strategic planning, 

performance reporting, budget analysis, justification, control, and reporting of all Agency fiscal resources; 

develops the Agency’s detailed strategic plan and performance reports; leads the Agency’s planning, 

programming, budgeting, and execution process; oversees all financial management activities relating to 

the programs and operations of the Agency; and monitors and reports the financial execution of the 

Agency budget. The OCFO manages the Agency’s budget and financial operations, directs the 

preparation and submission of annual financial and budgetary reports, and coordinates Agency financial 

management activities with other federal agencies. The OCFO was established in accordance with the 

Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (CFO Act), Public Law 101-576. 

OFFICE OF CHIEF HUMAN CAPITAL OFFICER 

The Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) provides services and innovative solutions to 

ensure they meet the needs of our mission today and tomorrow. From creating a learning culture to 

implementing technology that supports work/life balance, OCHCO supports and strengthens the human 

foundation of NASA. Game-changing programs help Agency leaders understand workforce investments, 

anticipate workforce needs and easily acquire talent for the task. Game-changing programs include 

streamlining and modernization of the Human Capital Information Technology (HCIT), simplification of 

position description (PD) classification, centralized training administration, implementing a flexible and 

agile workforce approach through the Strategic Workforce Plan (SWP), and replacing our aging talent 

acquisition system. NASA’s talent needs are always evolving with mission activities that test the limits of 

human capability. Leaning forward to be a global leader in human capital excellence, OCHCO enables 

the people of NASA to push the boundaries of achievement by supporting NASA’s mission first and its 

people always. 

OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT 

The Office of Procurement (OP) explores and executes innovative, effective, and efficient acquisition 

business solutions to optimize capabilities and operations that enable NASA’s mission. NASA spends 

approximately 85 percent of its budget on acquiring goods and services through approximately 750 

procurement and small business professionals across the Agency. In FY 2019, Agency spend was 

$19.6 billion via approximately 36,000 procurement actions (e.g., awards, modifications) while managing 

more than 23,000 instruments (e.g., contracts, Purchase Orders, Task Orders, and Delivery Orders). 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

MISSION ENABLING SERVICES

SSMS-26 

OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) promotes and integrates small businesses into NASA’s 

industry base of competitive contractors that pioneer the future of space exploration, scientific discovery, 

and aeronautics research. OSBP provides integration, policy, initiatives, and oversight needed to ensure 

compliance with law and regulation to increase the Agency’s small business industry base while offering 

the best technical solutions and value to support the Agency’s mission. Conducts, sponsors, and 

participates in small business outreach activities which assist small businesses, including small 

disadvantaged, women-owned, Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone), veteran-owned, 

and service-disabled veteran-owned as well as Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)/

Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) in supporting the NASA mission. 

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 

The Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA) provides executive leadership, direction, 

and coordination of all communications and relationships, both legislative and non-legislative, between 

NASA and the United States Congress as well as state and local governments.

OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) leads diversity and civil rights policies, 

programs, and services, which enable the universe of available talent to contribute inclusively and 

equitably to NASA. NASA's ODEO programs empower and advance NASA as a leader and model 

Agency for Diversity and Inclusion and for Equal Employment Opportunity, as well as promote External 

Civil Rights Compliance in NASA-funded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and other 

related programs. 

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services Agency-wide including establishing 

and disseminating legal policy and interpreting new statutes and cases to enable diverse and cutting-edge 

Agency activities and to ensure they are conducted in accordance with all statutory and regulatory 

requirements. The OGC is also responsible for developing the ethics and patent program requirements, 

establishing metrics, and developing quality standards. As a functional office, the General Counsel serves 

in an advisory capacity to the Administrator, Enterprise Associate Administrators and Center Directors 

across nearly 20 core legal disciplines. The Office of the General Counsel provides litigation expertise to 

the Agency and acts as the Agency representative before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other 

administrative forums. NASA attorneys also function as leaders and trusted advisors on matters of policy 

and legal risk, upholding NASA values and enabling the NASA mission. 

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

The Office of Communications (OCOMM) delivers NASA’s incredible work to billions of people around 

the world with compelling storytelling on a variety of platforms thereby strengthening the NASA brand. 

NASA communicates via various methods including news and media engagement, digital services and 

products (e.g., web, multimedia, social media), non-technical publications, exhibits, as well as speaking 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

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SSMS-27 

and public engagement activities and events, to promote effective and consistent NASA communications 

by ensuring synergy and strategic focus and working collaboratively with other Agency organizations. 

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AND INTERAGENCY RELATIONS

The Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR) provides executive leadership and 

coordination for all NASA international and interagency activities and partnerships, and for policy 

interactions between NASA and other U.S. Executive Branch offices and agencies. 

OFFICE OF PROTECTIVE SERVICES 

The Office of Protective Services (OPS) is the focal point for policy formulation, oversight, coordination, 

and management of Agency physical security, intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, 

emergency management, continuity of operations, fire services, National Security, communications 

security (COMSEC), classified information security, personnel security, identity and credential 

management, electronic physical access management, insider threat, and protective services training 

programs. OPS provides services at 20 locations across the country, to ensure the safety and security of 

people, property, and information. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

SSMS-28 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 536.8 -- 693.1 693.0 693.0 693.0 693.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

Preparing to test the Orion capsule in extreme temperature 

conditions (-250 to +300 degrees Fahrenheit) at the Space 

Environments Complex (SEC) at Glenn Research Center

(GRC).

The NASA Infrastructure and Technical 

Capabilities (I&TC) program addresses 

agency-wide operating requirements that are 

not fully funded by a single NASA Mission 

Directorate. The program maintains facilities, 

utilities, structures and technical capabilities. 

It also provides oversight and management of 

real property assets, environmental program 

activities, aircraft operations, and logistics 

functions. Critical to supporting NASA’s 

missions is the underlying infrastructure and 

skilled workforce that keep the Centers and 

facilities operating effectively and efficiently.

 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021 

The I&TC budget is established from portions of the former Center Management and Operations (CMO) 

and Agency Management and Operations (AMO) budgets. I&TC comprises the resources that directly 

support Center and Agency institutional capabilities. Specific capabilities (e.g., vacuum chamber test 

facilities) are also aligned under this single budget line to optimize their utilization and respond to 

emerging mission requirements. This single I&TC budget structure will improve the management of 

fiscal resources, which will enable more efficient, adaptable and effective operations and services. A 

mapping of the prior and new budget structure follows: 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

SSMS-29 

 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019 

Key mission enabling accomplishments in FY 2019 include: 

• NASA approved the Master Plan Facility Development Concepts at three Centers, which 

demonstrated an ability and intent to dramatically reduce the cost of stewardship at the Centers 

over a 20-year period.

• NASA continued to expand the use of Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) and initiated a tiered 

maintenance program. These efforts included installing remote sensing and asset monitoring 

technology on critical assets. This resulted in increased reliability and availability of these assets. 

Examples include the following: 

o The Agency tracked 1,522 Predictive Testing and Inspection (PT & I) “finds,” resulting 

in the Agency finding and repairing 1,522 potential failures early with a potential cost 

avoidance of 66 percent per finding. 

o Glenn Research Center (GRC) had six CBM "finds" that resulted in a 60 percent cost 

avoidance on the repairs of non-instrumented assets. 

o Langley Research Center (LaRC) had more than 150 CBM "finds" since FY 2014 that 

were detected, and maintenance action scheduled before the asset failed and interrupted 

mission work. This resulted in a cost avoidance of over $4.5 million. Maintenance costs, 

on CBM instrumented assets, were reduced by 6 percent. 

• Significant progress was realized in developing an Agency Master Plan that links the Agency's 

strategic objectives to investments in critical assets needed to meet mission objectives. In 

addition, there were divestments of assets no longer required which resulted in reduced 

infrastructure costs. Center Master Plans will directly tie to the Agency Master Plan once 

completed thereby ensuring strategic alignment at all levels.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

SSMS-30 

NASA completed multiple repairs, system refurbishments and mission critical upgrades of aging 

equipment and infrastructure to restore reliability and reduce safety and mission risks. NASA's technical 

capabilities continued to be available for programs and projects with an overall availability of 99.8 

percent. Notable milestones included:

• The Pegasus transportation barge was lengthened by 100 feet to enable transport of Space Launch 

System components.

• The 25-foot Space Simulator supported the Mars 2020 development testing required to launch a 

spacecraft to investigate the Martian astrobiological environment and surface geological 

processes.

• The Flight Simulation Facility at LaRC supported the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate 

with development and testing to enable the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator's to meet their 

research objectives of supporting the development of practical commercial supersonic vehicles.

• Aircraft Operations enabled over 8,000 flight hours without incurring any mishaps. Over 4,200 

aircraft sorties were safely conducted supporting human exploration, science and aeronautics 

research, such as aircraft technology development projects (i.e., X Projects) and astronaut 

training.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Key mission enabling activities underway in FY 2020 include: 

The I&TC program will continue sustainment projects that do not qualify for CECR funding to revitalize, 

replace, upgrade or refurbish infrastructure and technical capabilities. Replacing systems that are far past 

their design life will reduce operating costs and reduce the risk of infrastructure failure. Notable examples 

include: 

• Repair or replace air handler units and cooling systems that pose the highest risk to the Agency's 

missions. Many are over 40 years old and have obsolete parts.

• Replace outdated facility fire safety, emergency and electrical equipment across all Centers to 

reduce safety risks to personnel. 

• Initiate retro-commissioning projects across the Agency to increase building performance, reduce 

energy costs and meet energy use reduction goals, using Enhanced Use Lease proceeds.

• Expand the condition-based maintenance program and utilize a Reliability Centered Maintenance 

Program approach to improve effectiveness and reduce costs.

NASA will perform numerous tests and evaluations to reduce risk associated with NASA’s efforts to 

build the modern, advanced launch vehicle required for Artemis. Activities will include:

• Continue development of Thermal Protection Systems for Artemis Orion and planetary science 

missions at the Arc Jet Complex at the Ames Research Center (ARC). 

• Conduct Thermal vacuum and electromagnetic interference testing for the Orion EM-1 vehicle at 

the Space Environments Complex (SEC) at GRC. 

• Continue developing the external Vision System (XVS) and synthetic vision technologies for 

improved flight training and aviation safety at the Flight Simulation Facility (FSF) at LaRC. XVS 

will enable pilots of supersonic aircraft to safely operate future low-boom, supersonic 

configurations (without forward-facing windows). 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

SSMS-31 

• Thermal vacuum testing planned for the Science Mission Directorate Lucy mission in Chamber A 

at Johnson Space Center (JSC). 

• Thermal vacuum and acoustic testing planned for Commercial Crew and Cargo Program at the 

Space Environments Complex at GRC. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Key mission enabling activities planned for FY 2021 include: 

In FY 2021, NASA will begin implementing a more centralized approach to providing I&TC services, 

incorporating best practices and leveraging expertise independent of geographic location. By sharing 

integrated resources across Centers, NASA will improve efficiencies, effectiveness and reliability across 

the Agency. Notable examples include: 

• Continue replacement of over aged electrical controls and address identified safety risks of arc 

flash events. 

• Continue to support lease and out grants to our partners in support of key NASA missions (e.g., 

Artemis), while leveraging resources from these partnerships to reduce risks of infrastructure 

failures due to overaged infrastructure components.

• Planned testing across the Agency including continued support for: 

o Artemis Orion through thermal vacuum and acoustics and vibrations testing in the SEC; 

o Artemis Orion through heat shield risk reduction testing and Thermal Protection 

Shielding development for the Science Mission Directorate Dragonfly mission at the Arc 

Jet Complex at ARC;

o Artemis Orion, Commercial Crew and Cargo Program launch, and other space 

environmental testing in thermal, vacuum, and acoustic chambers; and 

o Space radiation environment impacts on electronic and related aerospace materials 

systems using external, ground-based, high-energy radiation sources.

Program Elements

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT

The Aircraft Management Program provides capability leadership, oversight, and coordination of 

NASA’s aviation assets, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems to enable NASA’s missions in science, 

technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. NASA policy sets the highest standards and best practices 

of aviation safety. Program-Independent Flight Operations Offices provide oversight of Center aircraft 

flight operations and ensure aircraft operations can meet unique missions worldwide in a safe manner. 

These offices include a Chief of Flight Operations, an Aviation Safety Officer, a Chief of Maintenance 

and a Chief of Quality Assurance to ensure oversight of qualified personnel operating aircraft that are 

airworthy and mission ready. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

SSMS-32 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The Environmental Management Program encompasses the development, implementation and oversight 

of Agency policies for environmental planning, compliance, restoration, pollution prevention, energy and 

water conservation and sustainability while preserving natural, cultural and historic resources in balance 

with enabling the NASA missions. The program enables compliance with applicable Federal, state and 

local environmental laws and regulations, as well as NASA policy in day-to-day operations and mission 

support. Specifically, Environmental Management covers NASA's programs for local environmental 

policy development, Environmental Management System (EMS) implementation, environmental 

permitting and compliance, recycling, sustainable acquisition, hazardous materials and waste 

management, pollution prevention, energy and water management systems and reporting, renewable 

energy, natural resources, historic properties and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) program 

support. 

FACILITIES SERVICES

The Facilities Services program encompasses the institutional facilities support activities throughout the 

Agency. The budget supports utilities, operations and maintenance, real estate, and facilities engineering 

to include civil construction designers, engineers and project managers. I&TC funds the civil servants and 

procurements that operate and manage NASA’s institutional infrastructure. NASA recently deployed a 

cost model that forecasts the funding requirements to sustain its inventory of facilities at the current 

condition. NASA manages a portfolio of assets with over $2.4 billion in deferred maintenance. The I&TC 

budget supports a strategy to reduce the growth of backlogged maintenance and systematically improve 

the reliability of NASA institutional infrastructure from transformers and substations to buildings, 

horizontal infrastructure and test capabilities.

NASA Centers manage their activities focused on planned maintenance, routine operations such as 

grounds, central plant operations and utilities, as well as unscheduled breakdown maintenance. This 

budget reflects NASA’s strategy and priority to reduce backlogged maintenance for important buildings 

systems such as electrical, environmental (heating and cooling), plumbing, utilities and roofs over several 

years. The Artemis missions will require increased reliability of NASA’s infrastructure and this budget 

reduces schedule and technical risk through systematic upgrades of existing, outdated systems. Due to the 

age of most of NASA’s facilities (over 82 percent of NASA’s infrastructure and facilities are beyond their 

constructed design life), many of these systems are due for replacement. NASA is focused on replacing 

aging systems to reduce risk to mission requirements and future operating costs. 

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

The Logistics Management program encompasses the development, implementation, and management of 

agency-wide logistics policies, processes, services, system innovation, and facilitates the implementation 

of Government and Industry best practices for NASA's Centers and facilities. Logistics Management

provides functional management, oversight and coordination over the Agency's personal property 

equipment, supply and material, warehouse and receiving operations, property disposal, and artifact 

property disposition. The program also provides oversight for contractor-held property management; mail 

and freight management; transportation management; life cycle logistics and supply chain management; 

policy compliance and logistics contracts; and Agency library management. Logistics Management 

ensures the readiness of material and equipment for NASA’s scientific, aeronautics, and space exploration 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Mission Services & Capabilities 

INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

SSMS-33 

mission requirements at 10 NASA Centers and three component facilities. The program includes 

receiving and inspecting supplies/materials as well as issuing and moving those materials so that products 

critical to NASA's space exploration mission arrive at the desired locations in an efficient manner. 

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES MANAGEMENT

The Technical Capabilities Management program provides the centralized and strategic management of a 

portfolio of specific capabilities to enable NASA’s missions in science, technology, aeronautics, and 

space exploration. Examples of these capabilities are provided below:

• The high-enthalpy test capability at the NASA Arc Jet Complex, located at ARC, provides 

simulated high-temperature, high-velocity environments and supports the design, development, 

test, and evaluation of TPS materials, vehicle structures, aerothermodynamics, and hypersonic 

aerodynamics experienced by a vehicle during atmospheric entry. 

• Flight simulators are of critical importance to NASA’s research in fundamental aeronautics and 

aviation safety. These capabilities provide scientists and engineers with tools to explore, define, 

and resolve issues in vehicle design and mission operations. The capabilities include the motion 

simulators and development laboratories used in the research and development of flight and 

crewed operations at the ARC Vertical Motion Simulator and the LaRC Flight Simulation 

Facility. 

• Space environments test capabilities and facilities whose primary use is related to spacecraft and 

instrument development and qualification, space technology development, human-rated space 

environments, and launch environments. Capability components include: vacuum, 

thermal/vacuum, and thermal chambers; vibration tables; acoustic labs; cleanrooms; and 

electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility, magnetic, optical, X-ray, solar 

spectrum, and ionizing radiation facilities. Located at most NASA Centers, testing performed 

with these capabilities ensures the equipment, sub-systems, and assembled spacecraft will survive 

the harsh noise and vibrations experienced during launch and the ultra-low pressure and ultra-low 

or ultra-high temperatures experienced in space environments. 

• The external radiation testing capability procures the necessary time and facility support at nonNASA facilities to meet the requirements of Agency programs and projects. The test facilities 

provide controlled sources of electrons, heavy ions, neutrons, protons, and other relevant types of 

high-energy radiation that NASA uses to simulate the impact of the natural space radiation 

environment on a wide range of electronic and material systems. These facilities are highly 

specialized and are operated by national laboratories, private companies, and universities at both 

domestic and foreign locations. Test activities support a wide range of assessment, development, 

and flight activities.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services

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SSMS-34

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Agency Technical Authority 175.3 -- 184.0 184.0 184.0 184.0 184.0

Center Engineering, Safety, & Operations 850.4 -- 873.9 873.9 873.9 873.9 873.9

Total Budget 1025.7 -- 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9 1057.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

Mechanical technicians perform engine maintenance 

on NASA’s crawler-transporter 2 on March 26, 2019.

Engineering, Safety, and Operations (ESO) 

comprise two programs: Agency Technical 

Authority (ATA) and Center Engineering, Safety, 

and Operations (CESO).

ATA protects the overall health and safety of 

NASA's workforce and programs. An independent 

technical authority promotes technical excellence 

and provides independent mission assurance 

increasing the likelihood that missions, operations, 

and programs are executed safely and successfully.

ATA comprises work managed by the Office of the 

Chief Health and Medical Officer (OCHMO); the 

Office of Safety and Mission Assurance (OSMA), 

including the NASA Safety Center (NSC) and the 

Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V); 

and the Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE), 

including the NASA Engineering and Safety Center 

(NESC) and JPL Technical Authority. 

CESO provides funding for the ongoing management and operations of NASA Headquarters, nine 

Centers, and component facilities. CESO funding supports NASA's ability to provide highly skilled staff 

and specialized capabilities to Mission Directorates; and, significantly contributes to the accomplishment 

of Agency goals and objectives.

CESO includes Center unique institutional operations that do not fall under one of NASA's 11 enterprise 

functional offices; and, encompasses a diverse set of activities essential for safe and effective operations. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services

ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS

SSMS-35

These activities provide for ongoing operations of NASA's field Centers and major component facilities 

to ensure a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The ESO budget is comprised of content from the Center Management and Operations (CMO) and 

Agency Management and Operations (AMO) budget that is not beneficial in an enterprise business 

model.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Key mission enabling accomplishments in FY 2019 include: 

Delivered more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• The Office of the Chief Human Medical Officer supported both the Gateway and Human Landing 

System (HLS) programs in rapidly developing and vetting traceable, tailored health and medical 

requirements.

• The Marshal Space Flight Center (MSFC) awarded a new Medical Services contract that 

implements an agency model to determine if insurance use is feasible for personal medical 

services. 

• The Chief Engineer's Academy of Program/Project and Engineering Leadership (APPEL) 

conducted 155 courses and trained 3,250 NASA engineers. APPEL courses have successfully (1) 

Developed project management skills which enable teams to deliver projects within budget and 

on schedule; (2) Included topics such as leadership techniques, earned value management, 

decision making skills, and effective communications which drive mission reliability, crew safety 

and project team integrity; and (3) Included relevant case studies and lessons learned that provide 

attendees with a realistic understanding of learning from a historical perspective.

Upgraded the Optics Coatings Lab cleanroom (GSFC) to enable high reflectance coatings and to 

meet the environmental requirements for precision cleaning, coating and inspection of optical 

mirrors and components, critical for mission success.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services

ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS

SSMS-36

Reduced mission risk through technical capabilities: 

• With support from the NASA Safety Center (NSC), OSMA implemented an oversight role for 

institutional safety through audits, investigation, assessments, and outreach activities that 

contributed to Agency-level safety performance metrics. 

• Created a Level One board to review and determine health and medical technical risks were 

completed in a timely manner via the Health and Medical Technical Authority (HMTA). 

• IV&V found a total of 117 severity 1 and 2 issues in-phase with the developer’s activities 97 

percent of the time with 98 percent of problems accepted by the missions and the issue corrected 

minimizing the cost of software development, reducing potential rework, and increasing the 

security, safety and success posture of these missions. 

• OCHMO led the Agency effort to provide former astronauts with diagnosis and treatment for 

spaceflight associated medical conditions.

• The GSFC Flight Software Sustaining Engineering Lab was expanded to support new on-orbit 

flight sustainment activities (GEDI, DSCOVR) in a centralized location and support continued 

growth for in-house development.

• The NESC completed 53 independent assessments and support activities touching all of NASA’s 

Mission Directorates ensuring mission success for multiple programs. The results included: Flight 

testing to gather data furthering a joint NASA-DoD investigation into pilot physiological 

episodes; Testing and analysis to determine the cause of a Commercial Crew Program 

commercial partners' propulsion system test failure; and In-depth peer review of mathematical 

models used for analysis of the Space Launch System Mobile Launcher.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, highlights of work in progress include:

Deliver more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• Enhance occupational safety services to include Annual Facility Safety Inspections, Annual 

Laboratory Safety Inspections, Facilities Drawing Reviews, Integration and Test Safety 

Operations, Construction Safety Inspections, Facility Adjacency Studies, Cryogenic Safety 

Analyses, Emergency Response, and Safety Program Analyses.

• Planned investments at multiple Centers include research and engineering laboratory repairs, 

upgrades, and new equipment that preserve and strengthen core technical capabilities.

• OCE plans a new engineering research and analysis initiative focused on rebuilding the Agency's 

core engineering capability under a unified structure that will support future missions.

• Leverage digital tools to save the agency time and money while increasing safety though the 

infusion of Model Based Mission Assurance for the Gateway program.

Reduce mission risk through technical capabilities:

• OCHMO will continue HMTA center presence in support of Moon-to-Mars (M2M) initiatives.

• IV&V will continue to provide software expertise to 17 projects, including 15 NASA missions, 

Commercial Crew Program (CCP), one multi-agency mission, and across eight NASA Centers to 

ensure mission software operates to meet mission requirements.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services

ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS

SSMS-37

• OCE activities will include independent Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) modeling and 

simulation for the CCP and integrated ascent trajectory and separation analyses for the ESD SLS 

and Orion programs. 

• Provide enhanced operational safety (e.g. critical lifts, explosives safety) for successful Artemis I 

Crew Service Module environmental qualification testing at GRC Plum Brook Station.

• Establish and implement Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) guidelines for Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Key mission enabling activities planned for FY 2021 include:

Deliver more efficient and cost-effective operations and services:

• OSMA will work to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency's institutional safety 

by focusing workforce, audits, and assessments on areas of concern using a risk-informed 

approach.

• Continue to support the maintenance of the Center Management System, Configuration 

Management support, Audits & Assessments, Program/Project Review Support, GIDEP, 

Metrology and Calibration, In-house Software Assurance Assessment and Electro Static 

Discharge programs.

• Acquire aircraft ground support equipment and calibration devices permitting Langley Research 

Center (LaRC) to perform additional in-house maintenance on the Center’s C-20B aircraft.

• Implement electrical safety and fall protection upgrades and enhanced process safety 

implementation at GRC.

• Planned investments to upgrade or replace outdated/end-of-life systems in research and 

engineering labs at GRC, to mitigate program risks.

Reduce mission risk through technical capabilities:

• OCHMO will conduct independent assessment and pathfinder activities in support of Artemis 

design and development; generate operational requirements and products necessary to support 

Artemis initial and evolving operations; and, provide technical content regarding human 

spaceflight standards to support HLS and Gateway programs.

• IV&V will continue to support elements of Artemis which includes the Orion crew capsule, the 

Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Exploration Ground System (EGS), the lunar Gateway, 

and the Human Landing System (HLS).

• The Environmental Gas Lab at MSFC will support mission program requirement. The Lab will 

focus on both environmental compliance measurements and laboratory compliance. Added focus 

of the lab will be on evaluating maintained cryogen systems, gas systems, clean rooms and flow 

benches.

• Centers will provide engineering assessment and safety oversight pertaining to the technical 

readiness and execution of NASA program and projects.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services

ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS

SSMS-38

Program Elements

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

ATA develops policy and procedural requirements. This program makes recommendations to the 

Administrator, mission directorates, Center Directors, and program managers who ultimately are 

responsible for the safety and mission success of all NASA activities, and the safety and health of the 

workforce (including Astronauts).

ATA resources provide the foundation for NASA’s system of checks and balances, enabling effective 

application of the strategic management framework and the technical authorities defined in NASA’s 

Strategic Management and Governance Handbook. ATA provides training and maintains a competent 

technical workforce within the disciplines of system engineering, including system safety, reliability and 

quality, as well as space medicine.

CENTER ENGINEERING, SAFETY, AND OPERATIONS

CESO provides strategic leadership and planning for the Agency and Center as well as enables the 

Agency’s scientific and engineering activities by providing center engineering assessment and safety 

oversight pertaining to the technical readiness and execution of NASA programs and projects. It also 

sustains NASA’s analysis, design, research, test services, lab services and fabrication capabilities to 

enable efficient implementation of the programs and projects conducted at the Centers.

CESO provides a key component of NASA’s overall approach to risk management by providing center 

level independent technical authority. Center engineering, safety and mission assurance, and health and 

medical organizations: (1) provide, support, and oversee the technical work, and (2) provide formally 

delegated technical authorities. 

These center level technical authorities in concert with the agency level authority provide independent 

oversight and review of programs and projects in support of safety and mission success. Cognizant 

technical authorities formally review and concur on technical and operational matters involving safety 

and mission success risk. These technical authorities concur based on the technical merits of each case 

and agreement that the risks are acceptable. This assures that NASA conducts its mission activities safely 

in accordance with accepted standards of professional practice and applicable NASA requirements.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

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SSMS-39

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 175.3 -- 184.0 184.0 184.0 184.0 184.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

Agency Technical Authority (ATA) programs protect the health and safety of the NASA workforce; and, 

increase the likelihood that programs, projects, and operations will be safely and successfully completed. 

ATA capabilities provide expert technical excellence, mission assurance, and technical authority Agencywide.

The ATA comprises work managed by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (OCHMO); the Office of 

Mission Assurance (OSMA), including the NASA Safety Center (NSC) and the Independent Verification 

and Validation (IV&V); and, the Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE), including the NASA Engineering 

and Safety Center (NESC).

Elements of ATA programs reflect recommendations outlined in studies and by advisory boards and 

panels. The ATA program is focused to improve the probability of safety and mission success for 

programs, projects, and operations and to protect the health and safety of the workforce. The program 

develops policy and procedural requirements and provides recommendations to the Administrator, 

mission directorates, Center Directors, and program managers who are ultimately responsible for the 

safety and mission success of all NASA activities.

ATA resources provide the foundation for NASA’s system of checks and balances, enabling effective 

application of the strategic management framework and the technical authorities defined in NASA’s 

Strategic Management and Governance Handbook. ATA provides training and maintains a competent 

technical workforce within the disciplines of system engineering, system safety, reliability and quality, 

and space medicine.

Programmatic resources are used to evaluate the implications on safety and mission success, including 

health and medical aspects of new requirements and departures from existing requirements. Discipline 

experts analyze the criticality of the associated risks and evaluate the risks acceptability through an 

established process of independent reviews and assessments. The information and advice from these 

experts provide critical data required to develop authoritative decisions related to the application of 

requirements on programs and projects.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SSMS-40

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

The ATA program replaces the former AMO Safety Mission Success (SMS) element and includes 

OSMA, IV&V, OCE and OCHMO. A high-level depiction of the prior budget structure mapped to the 

new budget structure follows:

CHIEF HEALTH AND MEDICAL OFFICER

The ATA OCHMO program provides policy and independent oversight and advances expert health and 

medical capabilities in support of current and future NASA missions. Moreover, the program promotes

employee physical and mental health and well-being; and, ensures the safe and ethical conduct of NASAsponsored human and animal research.

The human system is impacted in nearly every 

component of the vehicle. On long duration 

missions, astronauts undergo a fluid shift in the 

brain that increases the blood in the head and 

thorax, resulting in vision changes, illustrated in 

the image above. The Health and Medical 

Technical Authority (HMTA) required a seat 

angle design for the vehicle that would not 

cause untoward health impairment to the crew. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

OCHMO achievements in FY 2019 include the following 

highlights:

•Created a Level One board to review, evaluate and 

disposition health and medical technical risks in a timely 

manner via the Health and Medical Technical Authority 

(HMTA). OCHMO streamlined health and medical 

standards and placed them in an evidence-based context 

that is understandable and implementable by engineering.

•Supported both the Gateway and Human Landing 

System (HLS) programs in rapidly developing and vetting 

traceable and tailored health and medical requirements.

•Supported both X-plane programs by tailoring the health 

and medical standards into technical requirements for 

ARMD to ensure the safety of pilots.

•OCHMO led the Agency's effort to update 14 CFR Part 

1230, Protection of Human Subjects, which took steps to 

protect the health and medical rights of human subjects by 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SSMS-41

clarifying the roles and responsibilities of NASA Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). 

• OCHMO led the Agency effort to provide former astronauts with diagnosis and treatment for 

spaceflight associated medical conditions. Extensive collaboration was conducted with DOL, 

DHA and the VA to ensure that governmental health programs provided healthcare to former 

astronauts.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, OCHMO's works in progress include:

• A rapid review and evaluation of astronaut medical cases will continue to improve NASA's 

control outcomes and understanding of medical risks. OCHMO allows NASA to ensure that 

crewmember certifications remain valid, thereby preventing the loss of millions of dollars 

invested in training per astronaut for a Commercial Crew or any other human spaceflight mission.

• The certification of continuing medical education activities and flight surgeon education will 

support ongoing medical and health discipline, professionalism, and licensure. To maintain 

clinical currency, OCHMO will continue to sponsor university-based physician training 

programs. Biomedical research programs, in support of human space flight, are guided by NASAdeveloped health and medical standards.

• The program administration of the HMTA, engages in all crewed programs from development 

through de-commissioning. OCHMO continues to provide required direct health and medical 

technical support, insight, and oversight. This promulgates the Human-Rated Spacecraft and XPlane requirements that further promotes mission success and healthy personnel. Moreover, 

OCHMO ensures that NASA's safety culture is interwoven within human spaceflight missions.

• Continuous collaboration and communication with commercial and international partners, sharing 

health and medical knowledge and best practices with space agencies around the world. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, OCHMO planned key achievements include:

• Conduct extensive independent assessments and pathfinder activities in support of Artemis design 

and development. This will result in OCHMO generating operational requirements and products 

necessary to support the initial and evolving operations to return to the lunar surface in 2024.

• Provide technical requirements regarding human spaceflight standards (based on tailored health 

and medical standards) to support Gateway and HLS.

• Direct new funding in FY 2021 ($10 million above the 2019 Operating Plan level) to address 

need for HMTA to assess human factors in NASA missions, ensuring crew health and safety.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SSMS-42

Program Elements

OCHMO promulgates Agency health and medical policies and standards to support the medical technical 

capabilities of the Agency. It assures the physical and mental health and well-being of the NASA 

workforce, as well as the safe and ethical conduct of NASA-sponsored human and animal research. 

OCHMO ensures that bioethics principles and NASA’s policies and practices related to the use of human 

and animal subjects in research are in accordance with all relevant Federal regulations and guidelines. The 

program oversees NASA’s processes for reviewing the use of human and animal subjects in research.

OCHMO administers the HMTA, which engages in all crewed programs from development through decommissioning. The HMTA provides required guidance, insight, and oversight, while translating health 

and medical standards into tailored technical requirements for all Human-Rated programs across the 

Agency.

Planetary Protection engineers inspecting the Mars 

2020 rover and getting ready to take wipe samples to 

assess contamination.

SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE

The ATA Office of Mission Assurance (OSMA) 

program assures the safety and enhances the 

success of all NASA activities through the 

development, implementation and oversight of 

agency-wide safety, reliability, maintainability and 

quality assurance policies and procedures. OSMA 

includes the Mission Support Division, Safety and 

Assurance Requirements Division, and NASA 

Safety Center, as well as the Independent 

Verification and Validation Facility (IV&V).

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

OSMA's significant achievements in FY 2019 

include:

• Technical leadership provided for the update of 

the U.S. Government Orbital Debris (OD) 

Mitigation Standards, as directed by Space Policy 

Directive 3, as well as the establishment of the Presidential Memorandum on the Launch of 

Spacecraft Containing Space Nuclear Systems (NSPM-20). OSMA performed orbital debris 

reviews of all NASA-sponsored missions and completed the nuclear safety evaluation of the Mars 

2020 mission.

• Conducted significant tests and modeling activities benefitting the reliable use of electronic parts 

in space. OSMA established an initiative to develop model-based mission assurance capabilities, 

in addition to ongoing activities to advance hardware and software quality assurance and 

reliability and safety engineering capabilities.

• The NSC maintained and updated the training program covering 262 courses available to the 

Agency. OSMA updated five NASA directives and standards as part of a continued move 

towards more risk-informed assurance policies. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SSMS-43

• IV&V achievements include software assurance provided to 16 major projects at eight NASA 

Centers by finding critical errors in software development artifacts in-phase with the software 

development activities. 

• IV&V found a total of 117 Severity 1 and 2 issues in-phase with the developer’s activities 97 

percent of the time with 98 percent of problems accepted by the missions and the issue corrected. 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, OSMA works in progress include:

• Leveraging digital tools to save the agency time and money while increasing safety though the 

infusion of Model Based Mission Assurance for Gateway as part of NASA's Digital 

Transformation initiative.

• Advancing guidance for the use of a wide variety of Electrical, Electronic, Electromechanical, 

and Electro-Optical component grades and spanning CubeSats to large-scale aerospace projects in 

collaboration with academia, industry, and other Government agencies. Addressing componentlevel issues related to the dynamic availability of piece parts, varying security of the supply chain, 

and assuring access to radiation test facilities for high-reliability space applications.

• Conducting research on non-destructive testing techniques for additive manufactured parts to 

determine variances caused by the manufacturing technique. OSMA is participating in the 

development of industry consensus standards to ensure the proper inspection of additively 

manufactured parts for use in innovative spacecraft hardware.

• IV&V will continue to provide software expertise to 17 projects, including 15 NASA missions, 

Commercial Crew Program, one multi-agency mission, and across eight NASA Centers. These 

missions include elements of Artemis: the Orion crew capsule, the Space Launch System (SLS) 

rocket, the Exploration Ground System (EGS), the lunar Gateway, and the Human Landing 

System (HLS). IV&V efforts are in full support of the Artemis I exploration mission to be 

launched in 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, highlighted planned achievements will include:

• The program aims to enhance the quality and velocity of decisions by establishing an objectivesdriven, case-based assurance framework and to provide NASA programs and projects with 

increased flexibility to determine how to best meet stakeholder objectives. This will be 

supplemented by several workforce engagement activities to enhance the employees' ability to 

support new and innovative acquisition and development approaches.

• OSMA will work towards the improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Agency's 

institutional safety by focusing the workforce, audits, and assessments on the areas of concern 

using a risk-informed approach. The program will coordinate with other offices to consolidate 

Center reporting requirements; and expects to complete a multi-year study to enable the safe, 

continued operations of layered pressure vessels.

• IV&V will continue to provide software expertise to 17 projects, including 15 NASA missions, 

Commercial Crew Program, one multi-agency mission, and across eight NASA Centers. The 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SSMS-44

missions include elements of the Artemis: the Orion crew capsule, the SLS rocket, the EGS, the 

lunar Gateway, and the HLS.

Program Elements

OSMA establishes and maintains an acceptable level of technical excellence and competence in safety, 

reliability, maintainability, and quality engineering areas. The program assesses and communicates risk 

associated with noncompliance and/or compliance with safety requirements to appropriate decision 

makers.

The program conducts a schedule of reviews and assessments that focus on the life cycle decision 

milestones for crucial NASA programs and projects, safety, reliability, and quality processes. Embodied 

in this program is a structured development of methodology and investigation into system attributes that 

improve the probability of mission success. 

The NASA Safety Center, an OSMA component, consolidated Agency-wide efforts in the areas of 

technical excellence, knowledge management, audits and assessments, and mishap investigation support.

The OSMA IV&V program provides software expertise, services, and resources necessary to improve the 

prospects of security, safety and mission success. It independently analyzes mission software on NASA’s 

most critical software systems and identifies software problems in early stages, minimizing the cost of 

software development and potential rework.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SSMS-45

CHIEF ENGINEER

The ATA Office of Chief Engineer (OCE) program ensures that NASA's development efforts and mission 

operations are planned and conducted on a sound engineering basis with proper controls and management 

of technical risks. The program implements checks and balances among key organizations to ensure that 

decisions have the benefit of different points of view and are not made in isolation.

Langley Research Center employee fitted with an 

aviator’s helmet and MBU-20/P series oxygen mask 

with a forehead-mounted physiological monitor prior 

to hypoxia induction at a Naval Medical Research Unit 

in Dayton, Ohio.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

In FY 2019, highlighted achievements will include:

• Significant progress made in the test and 

verification phases of five human spaceflight 

programs.

• NESC completed 53 independent assessments 

and support activities touching all of NASA’s 

Mission Directorates. The results included: Flight 

testing to gather data furthering a joint NASA-DoD 

investigation into pilot physiological episodes; 

Testing and analysis to determine the cause of a 

Commercial Crew Program commercial partners' 

propulsion system test failure; and In-depth peer 

review of mathematical models used for analysis of 

the Space Launch System Mobile Launcher.

• The Academy of Program/Project and 

Engineering Leadership (APPEL) conducted 155 

courses and trained 3,250 NASA engineers.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In FY 2020, work in progress will include:

• Engineering Technical Authority will continue to support the Agency’s most important programs, 

ensuring independent technical insight and assessment of programs at key programmatic 

milestones, such as:

o International Space Station (ISS): Certification of Flight Readiness (COFR) Reviews for 

Crew and Logistics Visiting Vehicle Missions;

o X-57 (Maxwell) Systems Test & Airworthiness Reviews;

o X-59 (QueSST) Aircraft Final Assembly Complete;

o Commercial Crew Program (CCP) - Boeing and SpaceX Crewed Flight Tests;

o Artemis - Orion Thermal Vacuum Testing;

o Artemis - SLS Core Stage Hot-Fire Testing;

o James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) completion of pre-environmental test sunshield 

deploy and stow; and

o Webb completion of Observatory environmental testing.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

AGENCY TECHNICAL AUTHORITY

SSMS-46

• The NESC plans to: 

o Conduct over 50 independent assessments of NASA’s highest risk challenges 

maintaining prioritization of ISS, Commercial Crew Program, Orion/SLS, Science 

Missions, and Space Technology.

o Continue independent Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) modeling and simulation for 

the CCP and integrated ascent trajectory and separation analyses for the ESD SLS and 

Orion programs. 

o Continue the development of a Launch Vehicle Aerodynamic Buffet Flight Test to reduce 

uncertainties in SLS launch vehicle design loads.

• OCE will initiate a new engineering research and analysis initiative focused on rebuilding the 

Agency's core engineering capability, under a unified structure, to support future missions.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

OCE will engage in collaborative efforts with OSMA, OCHMO, and OCE to strengthen the Agency’s 

Technical Authority capability. The offices will work collaboratively, conducting safety reviews and 

independent technical assessments of NASA’s missions (e.g., Artemis, ISS, Commercial Crew, 

Orion/SLS, Webb, robotic missions, and Space Technology investments).

Program Elements

As the Engineering Technical Authority, OCE ensures that NASA's development efforts and mission 

operations are planned and conducted on a sound engineering basis with proper controls and management 

of technical risks. OCE implements checks and balances among key organizations to ensure that decisions 

have the benefit of different points of view and are not made in isolation. Further, OCE establishes and 

maintains program/project management and engineering policy and technical standards, creating the 

foundation for excellence of the Agency’s program and project management and engineering workforce, 

system-engineering methodology, and system of engineering standards.

OCE manages the NESC, which is responsible for enabling rapid, cross-Agency response to mission 

critical engineering, and safety issues at NASA and for improving the state of practice in critical 

engineering disciplines. Established in FY 2003 in response to the recommendations of the Space Shuttle 

Columbia Accident Investigation Board, the NESC performs independent testing, analysis, and 

assessments of NASA’s high-risk projects to ensure safety and mission success. As an Agency-wide 

resource with a reporting path that is independent of the Mission Directorates and independently funded 

from OCE, the NESC helps ensure safety and objective technical results for NASA.

OCE sponsors the Academy of Program/Project and Engineering Leadership to develop program and 

project management and systems engineering skills. This academy provides a formal professional 

development curriculum designed to address four career levels from recent college graduate to executive. 

The office enables technical collaboration and information sharing through the NASA Engineering 

Network.
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

CENTER ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS

SSMS-47

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 850.4 -- 873.9 873.9 873.9 873.9 873.9

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Beginning in FY 2021, SSMS has a revised budget account structure. FY 2019 reflects actual budget authority that 

have been re-cast into the new SSMS budget structure.

Full-scale rocket engine firing in the In-Space Propulsion 

Facility test chamber at GRC.

NASA’s Center Engineering, Safety, and 

Operations (CESO) program provides strategic 

management and crucial policy direction at the 

Agency and Center level in addition to center 

level technical authority. Independent oversight at 

the center of the highly technical programs and 

projects is a key part of NASA’s overall system of 

checks and balances and contributes to overall 

mission excellence.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN 

FY 2021

The CESO budget line item directly supports

Headquarters corporate capabilities and the Center 

management, science and engineering, 

engineering technical authority, and safety and 

mission assurance technical authority capabilities 

that are critical to programmatic mission success.

It comprises the portions of the former Center 

Management and Operations (CMO) and Agency 

Management and Operations (AMO) accounts that are not enterprise functions. Center provided 

capabilities are crucial due to the complexity of the support needed to successfully and safely implement 

and complete requisite missions. A high-level depiction of the prior budget structure mapped to the new 

budget structure follows:
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

CENTER ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS

SSMS-48

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

Key mission enabling accomplishments in FY 2019 include:

• Expanded the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Flight Software Sustaining Engineering Lab 

to support new on-orbit flight sustainment activities in a centralized location and support 

continued growth for in-house development.

• Awarded a new Medical Services contract at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) that 

implements an agency model to determine if insurance use is feasible for personal medical 

services. Contract savings over a five-year period are estimated to be approximately $5 million.

• Received the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star site award at ARC from the Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The prestigious OSHA VPP Star recognizes sites in 

both the private industry and Federal agencies that have implemented effective safety and health 

management systems and have maintained injury and illness rates below those in their respective 

industries.

• Upgraded Optics Coatings Lab cleanroom at GSFC to enable high reflectance coatings and to 

meet the environmental requirements for precision cleaning, coating and inspection of optical 

mirrors and components, critical for mission success. 

• Implemented Process Safety Management upgrades at GRC for Cryogenic Testing in the InSpace Propulsion Complex at Plum Brook Station.

• Enabled scientific research through the use of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation sources and 

devices while maintaining compliance with NRC regulations at GSFC.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Key mission enabling activities underway in FY 2020 include:

• Make critical strategic investments in laboratory equipment to develop cross-cutting technologies 

for advanced flight software systems and on-board science data processing.

• Keep flight software maintenance test beds fully functional to allow for efficient and effective 

responses to operational needs, and to study and simulate operational scenarios. 
Safety, Security, and Mission Services: Engineering, Safety, & Operations

CENTER ENGINEERING, SAFETY, & OPERATIONS

SSMS-49

• The Engineering Cost Office at MSFC will perform cost estimates and analyses to support SLS 

Core Stage, Exploration Upper Stage, and RS-25 procurements as well as provide cost estimates 

for Nuclear Thermal Flight Demonstrators. The organization will continue to support the Solar 

Cruiser Concept Study Report and enable the Artemis Program by providing cost estimates and 

analyses for the Human Landing System (HLS).

• The Partnerships and Formulation Office at MSFC, using a Commercial Space Launch Act 

(CSLA) Agreement, will provide the Saturn V test stand to Blue Origin for their long-term use to 

test/qualify their BE-4 and BE-3U flight engines. 

• LaRC will host the Safeguard with Autonomous Navigation Demonstration (SAND) Challenge in 

May 2020. This opportunity will allow small businesses to compete in an autonomous unmanned 

aerial vehicle competition.

• The Advanced Concepts Office at MSFC will support the BorgSat proposal to study the Earth’s 

aurora.

• Provide support to the National Space Council Users Advisory Group.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, CESO will support:

• Senior Agency and Center leadership and management, executive staff and administrative 

support, student programs, and developmental assignments.

• Center institutional operational safety support to protect personnel and assets, aviation safety, 

emergency preparedness, nuclear safety, construction safety, and other safety services.

• Analysis, design, research, test services, and fabrication capabilities to enable efficient 

implementation of the programs and projects.

• Support calibrations, function tests, adjustments/alignments, repairs, and other support events at 

the Metrology and Calibration Laboratory (MCL) at MSFC. MCL support is critical to program 

and projects meeting their test schedules. With the continued focus on meeting test schedule dates 

for SLS, ISS, and others, this support is critical for the Agency meeting their goals.

• Implementation of an enhanced Enterprise Risk Management System at ARC to provide 

improved sustainment of Center capabilities that support critical milestones for the Artemis 

Program including the Vertical Motion Simulator, which is essential for the success of Artemis. 

The Vertical Motion Simulator enables 6 degree of freedom man-in-the-loop flight simulation. 

• Outfitting of the new Detector Development Lab cleanroom at GSFC to keep pace with emerging 

detector technologies and improve the cost efficiency of detector development. Modernize the 

Toxic Gas Monitoring System for areas containing highly toxic gases. Existing system is more 

than 25 years old with non-serviceable and obsolete components.

• Maintenance of the Center Management System, Configuration Management support, Audits & 

Assessments, Program/Project Review Support, GIDEP, Metrology and Calibration, In-house 

Software Assurance Assessment and Electro Static Discharge programs.

• Provide support to the National Space Council Users Advisory Group.
 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Construction of Facilities 297.3 -- 464.4 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

Environmental Compliance and Restoration 74.9 -- 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7

Total Budget 372.2 373.4 539.1 530.3 530.3 530.3 530.3

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Construction and Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration ....................................................................... CECR-2

Construction of Facilities.............................................................................CECR-9 

INSTITUTIONAL COF ........................................................................................CECR-12

EXPLORATION COF..........................................................................................CECR-24

SPACE OPERATIONS COF...............................................................................CECR-28

SCIENCE COF...................................................................................................CECR-32

Environmental Compliance and Restoration............................................CECR-36
 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Construction of Facilities 297.3 -- 464.4 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

Environmental Compliance and Restoration 74.9 -- 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7

Total Budget 372.2 373.4 539.1 530.3 530.3 530.3 530.3

Change from FY 2020 165.7

Percentage change from FY 2020 44.4%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Central Campus 

Headquarters Building (Phase 1) consolidated 

administrative offices and shared services into a new 

200,000-square-foot facility (shown here). Completed in 

FY 2019, this new building enables deconstruction of more 

than 400,000 square feet, and reduces operations, 

maintenance and energy costs by $400 million over ten 

years. This building was constructed to be certified at a 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 

Silver level.

NASA designs and implements its construction 

of facilities projects, facility demolition projects, 

and environmental compliance and restoration 

activities through its Construction and 

Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

(CECR) account.

Construction of Facilities (CoF) funds capital 

repairs and improvements to NASA’s 

infrastructure to provide NASA programs and 

projects with the research, development, test and 

evaluation facilities required to accomplish their 

missions.

More than 83 percent of NASA's constructed 

infrastructure is beyond its design life, requiring 

significant risk management efforts to mitigate 

risk to current and future missions. Apollo and 

Space Shuttle era legacy infrastructure is 

especially inefficient and costly to maintain and 

operate, and suffers from reliability issues as we 

approach a new era to support lunar and Mars 

manned missions. As NASA's Office of 

Inspector General (OIG) noted in its annual 

NASA's Top Management and Performance 

Challenges (2019), "while NASA strives to keep these facilities operational, the Agency faces a deferred 

maintenance backlog of $2.65 billion as of 2019. This has resulted in unscheduled maintenance rather 

than scheduled maintenance costing up to three times more to repair or replace equipment after it has 
 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-3 

failed." To address these challenges, NASA’s CoF programs focus on modernizing NASA’s 

infrastructure to consolidate into fewer, more efficient, sustainable facilities, and repairing failing 

infrastructure to reduce overall maintenance costs. 

The CoF Program repairs the facilities that have suffered either continuous degradations, recent failures, 

or deterioration from reduced maintenance over time. As a result of prioritizing time-critical repairs, a 

number of construction projects required to meet immediate needs are displacing renewal or new 

construction projects for obsolete facilities; projects that are more cost effective in the long run. The CoF 

renewal program also helps shrink the Agency’s footprint by consolidating related functions into fewer, 

more energy efficient facilities.

The CoF Theme comprises two programs: Institutional CoF and Programmatic CoF. The Institutional 

CoF projects and activities include Facility Planning & Design, Discrete Projects, Minor Revitalization & 

Construction (Minor CoF), Demolition of Facilities, and Energy Savings Investments. The Programmatic 

CoF projects are Mission Directorate-funded discrete or minor projects for construction of specialized 

capabilities as required for testing and development that directly support specific NASA missions.

NASA categorizes construction projects by size of the project as well as whether a project supports 

NASA's energy investments or demolition goals. For example, Discrete projects are those repairs or 

facility replacement projects with an estimated cost of $10 million or more. Minor CoF are projects 

focused on repairing or modifying facilities and infrastructure, with an estimated cost between $1 million 

and $10 million. Energy Savings Investments projects reduce energy consumption, expand renewable 

energy to increase energy reliability and resiliency, and maximize utility cost avoidance. Demolition 

projects eliminate obsolete and unneeded facilities. Facilities Planning and Design projects enable the 

advanced planning and design activities required to execute construction projects. CECR does not fund 

routine maintenance and repairs at NASA Centers with estimates of $1 million or less, or some day-today facility repair activities at NASA field centers. These activities are accomplished with funding in the 

Safety, Security, and Mission Services account.

NASA has an inventory of more than 5,000 facilities and structures with a current renewal pace of 

approximately every 314 years. The Agency's ability to renew these facilities is correlated to the amount 

of the construction budget that is directed towards new construction or distributed system (e.g., utilities) 

recapitalization. The Agency's FY 2021 Budget will decrease the renewal pace to approximately every 

110 years by replacing multiple obsolete facilities with two modern and efficient facilities and 

recapitalizing portions of multiple horizontal infrastructure systems such as potable water system, 

propellant distribution systems and distributed institutional power. Overall, NASA's CoF budget funds the 

Agency's highest priority institutional construction projects and continues to replace obsolete and 

deteriorating facilities that directly support the Artemis mission.

The Environmental Compliance and Restoration (ECR) program mitigates environmental risk at NASA 

installations, NASA-owned industrial plants supporting NASA activities, current or former sites where 

NASA operations have contributed to environmental problems, and other sites where the Agency is 

legally obligated due to more than 200 past releases of pollutants including emerging contaminants such 

as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). At every Center, the ECR program is investigating contaminated 

sites, remediating contaminated soil, water and other media, and monitoring continued compliance with 

remedial objectives. The ECR Program ensures NASA compliance with restoration program requirements 
 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-4 

including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Comprehensive Environmental 

Response, Compensation, Liability Act (CERCLA), and state regulatory requirements and multiple 

consent orders and legal obligations. The remediation program at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory 

(SSFL) site in California consumes approximately 42 percent of the ECR annual budget. 

CoF and ECR activities make NASA’s assets ready, available, and appropriately sized to conduct 

NASA’s current and future missions, and ensures that NASA facilities are compliant with current 

environmental regulations. The CoF and ECR programs support NASA's Strategic Plan and the Annual 

Performance Plan goals related to sustainability and reducing the Agency's overall footprint. 

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

NASA’s new Artemis Moon to Mars exploration program is a generational challenge and mission to 

inspire the imagination of our Nation. The new technologies, systems, and operational tempo needed to 

return to the Moon, establish the cis-lunar Gateway, and start human exploration of Mars will challenge 

NASA program capabilities and require robust, reliable, and resilient Earth-bound facilities and 

infrastructure to safely and successfully support this new exploration enterprise.

In FY 2021, CECR’s CoF program reflects a focus on projects supporting multiple missions including 

Artemis, with emphasis on reducing the highest institutional risks to our Nation’s next generational space 

enterprise. For FY 2021, the major CoF projects added specifically to support the Artemis mission are (1) 

Repair Building 103 Roof Systems at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) and (2) Modifications to 

Launch Infrastructure at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). New CoF projects also directly support 

Science and Space Operations mission. Funding increases for Facility Planning & Design and Demolition 

are requested to ensure efficient execution of new and ongoing CoF projects.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

During 2019, NASA continued to make outstanding progress in execution of the CECR Program, with 

significant achievements in all programmatic areas including CoF and ECR. Major achievements are 

highlighted below, with detailed accomplishments identified in later sections of this document. 

Facility Planning & Design - NASA completed the designs for multiple Discrete projects, including the 

new construction Aerospace Communications Facility at the Glenn Research Center (GRC); and Repair 

and Revitalization projects such as the Repair Lewis Field Storm Sewer System Phase 2 of 5 (GRC), 

Shoreline Protection (Wallops Flight Facility), and the Restore Coastal Shoreline Phase 2 (KSC). Upon 

the completion of these designs, construction was initiated.

New Construction - NASA completed multiple new construction projects. The Central Campus 

Headquarters Building (Phase 1) at the KSC opened in 2019. With approximately 200,000 square feet of 

administrative office, cafeteria, and shared services space, the facility cuts in half the square footage 

previously used for these same activities. The new building serves as the flagship facility housing key 

support functions for NASA's multi-user spaceport. It capitalizes on chilled beam heating, ventilation and 

air conditioning technology that reduces operating costs. Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) new 

Building 4221 houses the Center's Human Exploration Development and Operations Offices, its Science 
 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-5 

and Technology Office and the NASA Engineering and Safety Center - all of them critically involved in 

the Agency's mission to conduct sustainable human exploration of the Moon and prepare for human 

exploration of Mars. These two buildings enabled significant consolidation, reductions to overall square 

footage of constructed assets, and reductions in deferred maintenance. Both of these buildings incorporate 

the adaptability, flexibility, and expandability to accommodate both current needs and anticipated future 

growth over their multi-decade lifespan. With the completion of these facilities, NASA has increased its 

inventory of sustainable facilities to more than 3.5 million square feet. An additional project at the Ames 

Research Center (ARC) completed the power, water, and data infrastructure needed for the new 10-

megawatt Modular Supercomputing Facility (MSF). The MSF facility will serve the next generation 

computing needs of the entire Agency. 

Repair and Revitalization - NASA completed multiple Discrete major repair and/or upgrade projects. 

NASA completed improvements to the 9-foot x 15-foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel at the GRC. The project

modified the tunnels' aerodynamic turning vanes and baffles to enable testing of state-of-the-art quiet 

turbine engines. Also at GRC, NASA completed repairs to the Central Compressed Air System, which 

provides needed repairs to the air dehydration systems, and replaced the antiquated electrical switchgear, 

controls, and valve actuators. The Central Process System provided high pressure air and other 

commodities to the major test facilities at GRC. Its operation is critical to ensuring successful aerospace 

testing.

NASA also finished infrastructure upgrades to the Industrial Area Chiller Plant at the KSC. These 

upgrades ensure sufficient availability of chilled water to support the increased tempo of activity in the 

various facilities as required for execution of the Space Launch System program. Also, at KSC, NASA 

completed repairs and updates to the Hazardous Processing Industrial Area clean room in the MultiPayload Processing Facility. This clean room is required to support the Multi-Person Crew Vehicle 

(Orion) and potential commercial partner applications.

NASA's Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement Project completed multiple phases of the antennae 

infrastructure in both Canberra and Madrid, making both of these complexes more efficient and 

operationally effective. NASA's Launch Services Program completed the Hanger AE and Payload 

Hazardous Servicing Facility Chillers and Boiler Replacement Project at the Cape Canaveral Air Force 

Station to improve energy efficiency and lower operating cost.

In FY 2019, NASA also complete 18 minor projects across all Centers. These projects, focused on repair 

of electrical systems, steam systems, distributed gas systems, roofs, roads and mechanical systems, were 

required to ensure personnel safety, ensure availability of technical capabilities, maintain programmatic 

schedules, and reduce operational costs.

Energy Savings Investments - NASA completed multiple significant Energy Savings Investments 

projects, including construction of a high-efficiency boiler at the MSFC, and installation of expanded 

energy monitoring and control system projects in two buildings at GRC. 

Demolition - NASA continued to reduce the footprint of its portfolio of constructed assets through 

demolition efforts. In FY 2019, 30 facilities, with a net reduction of more than 68,000 square feet of 

building space, were demolished. 
 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-6 

Environmental Compliance and Restoration (ECR) - Multiple NASA sites continued their cleanup 

activities for soil and groundwater. The SSFL program completed demolition activities for structures and 

implemented abatement activities for the remaining Test Stands.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Facility Planning & Design - Emerging institutional risks, such as arc flash and pressure systems 

degradation, are being identified and quantified, and advanced planning for mitigation measures has 

begun. 

New Construction - Within the CoF Program, NASA's planned FY 2020 projects include replacement of 

obsolete buildings and repairs to technical assets. Work will start on the Flight Electronics Integration 

Facility at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility will enable development of robust, 

next-generation avionics systems, and will provide for advanced technical and performance requirements 

such as highly specific electrostatic grounding to prevent damage to flight hardware during 

manufacturing. NASA will also start construction of the Flight Dynamics Research Facility at the 

Langley Research Center (LaRC). This state-of-the-art flight dynamics experimental testing facility will 

consist of a vertical wind tunnel to support vehicle development and risk reduction for entry capsules and 

launch abort systems, enable risk reduction for planetary probes and entry vehicles, and provide support 

for Aeronautics activities. Enhanced capabilities include higher Reynolds numbers and dynamic 

pressures, lower flow turbulence for improved flow quality, closed flow path with variable flow control 

and mechanical cooling capabilities, and increased flexibility and cost effectiveness, and optimization of 

systems for operational and maintenance efficiency. Both of these projects were driven by Center Master 

planning processes which identified priority investments in technical facilities to help meet Agency 

research and development and flight hardware integration needs for aeronautics and space exploration 

missions. 

Repair and Revitalization - Major repairs planned for FY 2020 include the High-Pressure Industrial Water 

66-inch water pipe and ancillary equipment at the Stennis Space Center (SSC). This project ensures 

ability to provide the water required for fire suppression, test stand deflector cooling, and diffuser 

operations during rocket engine testing. NASA will also continue with modifications to the infrastructure 

at Launch Complex 39B at the KSC. This project will update the Environmental Control System (ECS) to 

support future crewed launch missions, and update the Converter Compressor Facility (CCF) to increase 

operational efficiency and augment delivery of helium and nitrogen to the launch site. NASA will 

continue the Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) program's Deep Space Network Aperture 

Enhancement Project and will be working towards having the DSS-56 antenna in Madrid completed and 

operational by the end of the fiscal year. At Goldstone, Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement 

Project will continue with the site excavation and progress on the hybrid RF-Optical design work. Several 

infrastructure repair project will be initiated in FY 2020 at multiple Centers, and repair projects that could 

not be funded in FY 2020 will be deferred.

Energy Savings Investments - To help reduce energy usage, work continues on energy savings projects. 

NASA will install a photovoltaic system at White Sands Test Facility and execute various energy 

efficiency projects at MSFC and Johnson Space Center. 
 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-7 

Demolition - NASA plans to demolition 36 facilities with a corresponding reduction of approximately 

600,000 square feet. 

Environmental Compliance and Restoration - NASA plans to continue with investigation and mitigation 

of chemical releases into the environment from past activities; work to restore soil and water in order to 

protect human health and the environment; and preserve natural and cultural resources for future 

missions. Public review continues for the SSFL draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 

(SEIS), which will assess the impacts associated with a range of soil clean-up alternatives. Following 

completion of the SEIS, NASA will prepare a Record of Decision and submit work plans to the State for 

the soil clean-up. Operation of the groundwater treatment system is expected to resume following 

reconstruction of piping system from recent fire damage. Multiple Centers will continue clean-up of 

groundwater and soil contamination and investigations as necessary. The Agency will continue operations 

of treatment systems and groundwater and soil monitoring at Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), 

ARC, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), LaRC, MAF, SSC, and Wallops Flight Facility. 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021 

Detailed descriptions of planned projects can be found in the different sections for Construction of 

Facilities and Environmental Compliance and Restoration. Summary key planned achievements include 

the following:

New Construction - The FY 2021 Budget includes two repair-by-replacement projects for facilities that 

are integral to Center Master Plans. The first project is the Engineering and Mission Operations Facility at 

the ARC that will provide a consolidated engineering hub to serve aerospace systems and spaceflight 

projects. This facility is focused on consolidating and modernizing inherited, antiquated facilities that 

were built before 1958. The 60,000-square-foot project will enable demolition of 10 obsolete buildings 

and more than 90,000 square feet. 

The second new construction project is the Vehicle and Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance 

Facility at the AFRC. This 25,000-square-foot facility will consolidate and replace five old and degraded 

buildings scattered across the Center, representing 33,000 square feet of demolition. This new state-ofthe-art, sustainable facility will maintain all of the Centers' government vehicles and aircraft ground 

equipment, and will function as a central ground support hub. It includes equipment bays, lifts, a shop, 

testing areas, a wash bay, a technical library a training room and administrative space. The facility is 

integral to supporting AFRC's mission to conduct world-class flight research including NASA aircraft and 

future high-profile X-Planes.

Repair and Revitalization - Multiple Discrete and Minor repair and revitalization projects are planned. 

Key projects supporting Artemis include Phase 1 of a multi-phased replacement of the Building 103 roof 

at the MAF. This 43-acre building is utilized for assembly of the Space Launch System stages and 

components. Also supporting Artemis, NASA plans to continue the infrastructure modifications necessary 

to support the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion launch processing operations at the KSC. This 

project will build on the FY 2020 project work and implement infrastructure modifications necessary to 

support launch. These timely upgrades and infrastructure modifications from previous shuttle 

configurations are required to support the anticipated Artemis processing and launch manifest. 
CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND 

RESTORATION

CECR-8

NASA plans to revitalize the mechanical systems in the Structures, Dynamics, and Thermal Vacuum 

Laboratory, Building 4619 at the MSFC. This facility is mission-critical for support of core NASA 

programs including Space Launch System, Orion, International Space Station, and Solar Probe Plus. This 

building houses MSFC's high bay test facility used for thermal conditioning and structural load testing for 

the Space Launch System.

NASA plans to continue with the phased repair of the potable water systems at the Stennis Space Center. 

Originally installed in 1964, the approximately 65 miles of potable water distribution pipe is now 

extremely pitted, fragile and brittle, with 95 reported water leaks and significant breaks occurring during 

FY 2010-2017. The project will mitigate single points of failure and enhance the level of safety and 

security for NASA’s engine testing programs.

NASA plans to restore the motion reliability of the Virtual Motion Simulator (VMS) at the ARC. This 

one-of-a-kind research and development facility is used for aerospace simulation studies and experiments, 

and is the only motion-based simulator capable of meeting the requirements for the development, testing, 

and certification of the Lunar and Mars Human Landing System, which must meet manual control 

handling qualities requirements. The project replaces the motor drives and other key components that 

provide the complex motion capability of the VMS.

NASA plans to complete the third phase to upgrade the Compressor Station at the LaRC. This effort will 

ensure the Center’s continued ability to safely and reliably provide high pressure air (approximately 6,000 

pounds per square inch) to the research facilities and technical assets across the Center (e.g., 8-foot High 

Temperature Tunnel, National Transonic Facility, Transonic Dynamic Tunnel, and 14-foot x 22-foot 

Tunnel). Continuing this phased work is critical; a NASA Safety Center study previously recommended 

replacing all Compressor Station compressors and associated ancillary systems at LaRC as they are well 

beyond their design life, unreliable, and expected to continue to fail in an unpredictable manner. 

Energy Savings Investments - Energy improvements projects on several of the buildings located at the 

ARC and the Stennis Space Center, and a solar photovoltaic systems installation project with energy 

storage at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is planned. Calculations indicate that these projects should 

provide a return-on-investment payback within 10 years.

Demolition - Demolition of more than 25 facilities with a corresponding reduction of more than 150,000 

square feet, including funding for the demolition of the Indian River Bridge at the KSC.

Environmental Compliance and Restoration - Key planned accomplishments include the continued 

demolition, groundwater clean-up, finalization of soil clean-up plans, continued operation of groundwater 

treatment systems, and continued long term monitoring of air and groundwater at SSFL in accordance 

with the State of California. Additionally, continued investigation and clean-up of groundwater and soil 

contamination at KSC under State of Florida requirements as well as ongoing clean-up programs at the 

MSFC, White Sands Test Facility, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will continue.
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES 

CECR-9

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Institutional CoF 218.9 -- 395.1 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

Exploration CoF 31.9 -- 22.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Space Operations CoF 17.6 -- 23.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Science CoF 19.7 -- 23.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Aeronautics CoF 9.2 -- 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total Budget 297.3 -- 464.4 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Building 4619 at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is 

shown above. Its mission-critical laboratories require 

temperature and humidity control to operate their test 

equipment. The building’s Apollo-era HVAC system is 

expensive to repair, difficult to maintain, and prone to failures 

that impact mission test activities. The project to revitalize its 

mechanical systems will allow it to reliably support the 

laboratory testing critical to the Space Launch System (SLS), 

Orion, the International Space Station (ISS), and Solar Probe 

Plus.

NASA’s Construction of Facilities (CoF) 

program includes both institutional and 

programmatic construction projects. These 

projects reduce facility-related risk to 

mission success, increase sustainability, and 

improve technical infrastructure capabilities 

in support of NASA missions.

Institutional CoF provides for the design and 

construction of facilities projects that enable 

NASA’s infrastructure to meet mission 

needs. New Construction or repair-byreplacement projects replace and/or 

consolidate inefficient, deteriorated 

buildings with energy efficient, highperformance facilities. Repair and 

Revitalization projects generally include 

system and component repairs or upgrades 

to NASA's horizontal infrastructure and 

facilities in order to improve reliability. 

Energy Savings Investments aid the Agency 

in reducing operational costs for utilities and 

improve the Agency's energy independence. Demolition projects eliminate facilities that are no longer 

needed. Together these activities reduce operating costs, reduce the Agency facility footprint, and develop 

an energy-efficient infrastructure to enable NASA’s missions.

Programmatic CoF are Mission Directorate-funded discrete or minor projects for construction of 

specialized capabilities that directly support NASA’s missions. These projects provide facilities for 
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES

CECR-10

critical technical capabilities to manufacture, test, process, or operate hardware for NASA programs. 

NASA Mission directorate funds are transferred into the CECR account to fund these construction 

projects.

The CoF program mitigates institutional risks that are associated with real property assets. NASA defines 

institutional risk in NASA Procedural Requirement (NPR) 8000.4 as "risks to infrastructure, information 

technology, resources, personnel, assets, processes, operations, occupational safety and health, 

environmental management, security, or programmatic constraints that affect capabilities and resources 

necessary for mission success, including institutional flexibility to respond to changing mission needs and 

compliance with internal (e.g., NASA) and external requirements (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency 

or Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations)." Real property assets typically include 

horizontal/vertical infrastructure, facilities and associated collateral equipment. 

CoF projects are grouped as New Construction, Repair and Revitalization, Energy Savings Investments 

and Demolition.

New Construction projects construct new facilities or structures deemed necessary to meet mission needs 

or replace obsolete, but necessary, facilities when repair or recapitalization is not an effective life-cycle 

cost solution. New Construction projects must be consistent with the Agency's Master Planning process, 

which ensures alignment with Agency missions, Strategic Plan and Center roles. Additional specific 

considerations for New Construction projects include assessment of the facility condition, impact to 

mission, annual operational costs, life cycle cost, and extent of Agency footprint reduction.

Repair and Revitalization projects include general repairs, upgrade or recapitalization of institutional real 

property assets. Repair projects restore real property assets to a condition equivalent to the originally 

intended and designed capability. These projects can include wholesale system replacements like a 

mechanical system for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or repairing or replacing items 

such as boilers, roofs, chillers, or larger projects like valves and gates within a canal water impoundment 

system. Upgrade projects include restoration of current functional capability of the real property assets so 

it can accomplish its designated purpose, increase its functional capability, and/or meet new building, fire, 

and accessibility codes. Projects like these would be electrical system upgrades to reduce arc flash risk or 

meet new code requirements. Recapitalization projects within Repair and Revitalization restore systems 

or facilities through wholesale renovation of a facility or replacement of an infrastructure system. These 

projects can be one year or can be phased over many years for large distributed systems such as water 

mains, sewer, natural gas, etc. NASA uses a risk-informed prioritization process to select the Agency's 

highest risk Repair and Revitalization projects that fit within NASA's construction budget profile in a 

given year.

Energy Savings Investments projects provide either new construction for renewable energy and energy 

storage, or system upgrades that provide a return on investment that is determined to be reasonable to help 

reduce operating costs. These projects are intended to help reduce energy usage through various energy 

conservation measures that are applied locally at a building or system level or across multiple facilities.

Demolition projects are prioritized across the Agency and selected based on consideration of square foot 

reduction, readiness to move forward with the project, condition of the facility, maintenance and 

operations costs and other factors. NASA prioritizes its list of projects prior to the year of execution in 

order to keep abreast of any potential changing facility requirements.
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration

CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES

CECR-11

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

In FY 2021, the funding requested for total CoF ($167 million more than provided in NASA's 2019 

Operating Plan) is required to support the new Artemis Moon to Mars exploration program. Institutional 

CoF includes eight major Discrete projects, including two new starts and 19 Minor CoF projects. 

Programmatic CoF includes new Discrete and Minor CoF projects directly serving exploration, space 

operations, and science mission needs
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

INSTITUTIONAL COF 

CECR-12

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 218.9 -- 395.1 455.6 455.6 455.6 455.6

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Photo showing the arrival of the SLS Core Stage at Stennis 

Space Center (SSC) via the barge, Pegasus, as it travels 

through the Stennis Navigational Locks and Bascule 

Bridge.

The Institutional CoF program ensures that 

NASA's physical infrastructure is in sufficient 

condition to enable execution of the Agency's 

missions. The objective of this program is to 

reduce the institutional risks to mission, increase 

infrastructure efficiency and effectiveness, and 

reduce operational costs. To meet this objective, 

Institutional CoF projects focus on the repair, 

upgrade, or replacement of aging real property 

assets. Real property assets include all horizontal 

and vertical infrastructure and the associated 

collateral equipment. Repair and Revitalization 

projects are prioritized with a risk-informed 

process that evaluates risks to mission in terms 

of safety, schedules, cost, and technical 

capability; major facility replacement projects 

also include an economic based analysis.

Prioritized projects address such issues as risk reduction to personnel safety from arc flash injuries, fire 

alarm upgrades, reliability improvement of key systems (e.g., compressor stations, heating and cooling 

plants), and deficiencies with power, natural gas, and potable water distribution infrastructure for NASA 

mission-critical facilities.

NASA maintains an ongoing effort to identify, quantify and prioritize institutional risk(s). Any significant 

risk to mission attributed to institutional real property is mitigated through the Institutional CoF program. 

Risks may be increased or decreased in criticality as the risk posture changes due to mission and/or 

infrastructure condition.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

In FY 2021, Institutional CoF projects support multiple missions, including Artemis, with emphasis on 

reducing the Agency's highest institutional risks. The emergence of the Artemis mission resulted in 

changes to CoF plan. The major institutional CoF projects added specifically in support the Artemis 

mission include: (1) Repair Building 103 Roof Systems at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) and (2) 
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

INSTITUTIONAL COF

CECR-13

the Modifications to Launch Infrastructure for SLS at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The funding 

requested in FY 2021 for Institutional CoF ($176 million more than provided in NASA's 2019 Operating 

Plan) is required to support the new Artemis Moon-to-Mars exploration program.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA completed construction of several discrete CoF projects in FY 2019, including two New 

Construction and multiple Repair and Revitalization projects. 

Construction was completed on two sustainable, Institutional CoF funded facilities: The Central Campus 

Headquarters Building (Phase 1 of 2) at the KSC, and Building 4221 at the Marshall Space Flight Center 

(MSFC). It is anticipated that both of these new buildings will be certified as Leadership in Energy and 

Environmental Design (LEED) Silver, and it is anticipated that the MSFC building will also be certified 

with three Green Globes. LEED and Green Globes, which are among the most respected green building 

certification programs worldwide, present the criteria and rating systems for the design, construction, 

operation, and maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighborhoods with the aim to help building 

owners and operators be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. The KSC Central 

Campus Headquarters building replaces obsolete and inefficient facilities, enables significant 

consolidation, reduction in square footage, and reductions in operating costs. The MSFC Building 4221 

was constructed as the second major replacement building in the Main Administrative Complex in the 

Center’s North Campus. It replaced Building 4201 with an energy and operationally efficient office 

structure to house approximately 450 people, and it will eliminate more than $4.5 million of deferred 

maintenance. Both new buildings incorporate the adaptability, flexibility, and expandability to 

accommodate current needs and anticipated future growth over their multi-decade life span. NASA 

continues to construct new facilities and building upgrades via major renovations to meet the Guiding 

Principles for High Performance Sustainable Buildings, per current Federal statutory and Executive Order 

requirements.

Within Repair and Revitalization, NASA completed the 9-foot x 15-foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel 

improvement project at the Glenn Research Center (GRC). This project modified the tunnels' 

aerodynamic turning vanes and baffles to reduce background noise in order to enable testing of state-ofthe art quiet turbine engines. The Repair of Central Compressed Air System (Phase 2 of 2) project at GRC 

was also completed, providing needed repairs to the compressed air dehydration systems, and 

replacements to antiquated electrical switchgear, controls, and valve actuators in the Central Process 

Systems infrastructure. This Central Process System provided high pressure air and other commodities to 

the majority of the major test facilities at GRC, and therefore its operation is critical to ensuring 

successful aerospace testing.

NASA finished the Repair and Revitalization construction of the power, water, and data infrastructure 

needed for Ames Research Center's (ARC) new 10-megawatt Modular Supercomputing Facility (MSF). 

The MSF will provide the next generation computing needs for the entire agency, and as such, requires 

appropriate supporting infrastructure to ensure 24/7 operation. KSC likewise finished the infrastructure 

upgrades to the Industrial Area Chiller Plant and the Multi-Payload Processing Facility’s Hazardous 

Processing Industrial Area clean room that will support the Multi-Person Crew Vehicle (Orion) and 

potential commercial partner applications.
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In addition to these completed Discrete projects, NASA also completed the following Repairs and 

Revitalization Minor Revitalization and Construction of Facilities projects, increasing reliability and 

safety of multiple facilities.

• Armstrong Flight Research Center

o Repair Mechanical Systems, Research Aircraft Integration Facility

o Repair Paving, Various Locations

• Ames Research Center 

o Replace Substation 115-kilovolt High Voltage Cables (Phase 2 of 3)

o Restore Electrical Reliability for Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, N260, N238, and N243A

o Restore Electrical Reliability of Agency Telecom Gateway, Building N254

• Glenn Research Center

o Repair Building Exteriors, Engine Research Building West Wing, Building 23

• Goddard Space Flight Center 

o Upgrade South Island Electrical, Wallops Flight Facility 

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

o Install Utility Metering

o Upgrade Liquid Nitrogen Tanks (Phase 4 of 5)

• Johnson Space Center 

o Replace Compressed Air System, Central Heating and Cooling Plant, Building B24

• Kennedy Space Center 

o Repair Roads and Replace Culverts, Various Locations

o Replace Roof, Launch Equipment Shop

o Upgrade Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System, Launch Equipment Shop

• Langley Research Center 

o Upgrade Electrical Distribution System

o Upgrade Steam System, Building B1208

• Marshall Space Flight Center

o Revitalize Pressure and Propellant Distribution Systems, Site-wide (Phase 1 of 2)

• Stennis Space Center 

o Refurbish Hydrogen Generation System

o Rehabilitate Natural Gas System, Site-wide

In FY 2019, NASA initiated five significant Discrete projects. Work continued on a critical shoreline 

restoration project through award of the Restore Coastal Shoreline (Phase 2 of 2) project at KSC that is 

needed to protect the spaceport’s launch pads. Work also started on the safety-oriented efforts at MSFC to 

replace and revitalize the site-wide fire protection/alarm node system. Likewise, both phases of the steam 

distribution replacement project at MSFC to convert buildings from steam to more efficient natural gas 

heating systems were initiated. Initiation of these project is critical so the work can be completed prior to 

the 2021, when Redstone Arsenal’s steam is no longer available. Also, GRC started its project to repair 

Lewis Field’s storm sewer system (Phase 2 of 3).

In FY 2019, NASA initiated construction of the following Minor CoF projects:

• Armstrong Flight Research Center

o Repair Mechanical Systems, Flight Loads Lab
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• Ames Research Center

o Reduce Seismic Risk, Buildings N226, N244, and N245

• Goddard Space Flight Center

o Upgrade Fire Alarms, Greenbelt Center-wide

o Repair of North Chilled Water Plant, Building 9

o Repair of South Chilled Water Plant, Building 94

o Restore Electrical Infrastructure, Main Base, Wallops Flight Facility

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory

o Multi-Mission Operations Center, Space Flight Operations Facility, Building B230

o Office Consolidation, Building B303

• Langley Research Center

o Upgrade Electrical Distribution System

• Marshall Space Flight Center

o Upgrade Lightning Protection System, Site-wide

o Water Piping, Engineering and Development Laboratory, Building 4708

• Stennis Space Center 

o Refurbish Potable Water System, Water Wells and Towers

o Rehabilitate E-Complex Deluge System

Energy Savings Investments - NASA continued its energy investments efforts by initiating the Lighting 

Upgrade project at Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), and completing the following projects:

• Expand Energy Monitoring and Control System, Buildings 49 and 110, GRC

• Install High Efficiency Boiler, Engineering and Development Laboratory, Building 4708, MSFC

Demolition - During FY 2019, NASA disposed of 30 facilities with approximately 68,000 square feet of 

unneeded assets.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA plans to continue progress on the Institutional CoF projects that were initiated in FY 2019 and 

prior years. NASA also plans to initiate three discrete projects, including two New Construction and one 

Repair and Revitalization project.

New Construction - The two repair-by-replacement facilities include the Flight Electronics Integration 

Facility (FEIF) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and the Flight Dynamics Research Facility 

(FDRF) at Langley Research Center (LaRC). The state-of-the-art FEIF will enable development of robust, 

next-generation avionics. It is a 95,000 square foot, five-story concrete building with two-way concrete 

floor and roof slabs designed for the high seismic region. This project, joint funded between the Science 

Mission Directorate and Institutional CoF, will provide the best state of the art facility for advanced 

technical and performance requirements, such as highly specific electrostatic grounding to prevent 

damage to flight hardware during manufacturing. The facility will consist of class 1K, 10K and 100K 

cleanrooms and facilities for parts storage, fabrication, integration and testing. More than 115,000 square 

feet of existing buildings will be demolished as a footprint offset. The FEIF initiative supports future 

Discovery and New Frontiers missions, future exoplanet-detection missions, future Earth science 
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missions following on the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) and NASA-Indian Space 

Research Organization (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) missions currently in development, 

and a host of future Earth Science instruments.

The FDRF will support vehicle development and risk reduction for entry capsules and launch abort 

systems, enable risk reduction for planetary probes and entry vehicles, and provide support for 

Aeronautics projects. This facility consists of a single vertical wind tunnel with enhanced capabilities 

encompassing those of the existing 12-foot Low Speed Tunnel (12-Foot) and 20-foot Vertical Spin 

Tunnel (VST). These existing facilities cannot support the complex technology needs for many of the 

currently planned, as well as projected, NASA missions due to poor flow quality, low dynamic pressure 

range, and the unlikely ability to keep them technically viable (even for less demanding applications). The 

FDRF will use a commercial free-fall simulator facility with modifications along with the existing VST 

and 12-Foot test rigs and data acquisition systems. Enhanced capabilities include higher Reynolds 

numbers and dynamic pressures, lower flow turbulence for improved flow quality, closed flow path with 

variable flow control and mechanical cooling capabilities, increased flexibility and cost effectiveness, and 

optimization of systems for operational and maintenance efficiency. Four existing NASA-owned 

buildings in the Langley East Area (Joint Base Langley-Eustis) will be demolished.

Repair and Revitalization - Major repairs will commence on the High-Pressure Industrial Water 66-inch 

water pipe and ancillary equipment at the Stennis Space Center (SSC) with joint Institutional, 

Exploration, and Space Operations CoF funding. This project ensures ability to provide the water required 

for fire suppression, test stand deflector cooling, and diffuser operations during rocket engine testing.

In addition to these Discrete projects, NASA is planning to initiate the following Repair and 

Revitalization Minor CoF projects:

• Ames Research Center 

o Reduce Seismic Risk to Buildings N204A N206A & N239

o Reduce Electrical Arc Flash Risk to Personnel, Phase 1 of 4

• Goddard Space Flight Center 

o Upgrade High Voltage Electrical Feeders, Phase 1 of 2

o Wallops Island Causeway Bridge Repairs, Wallops Flight Facility

• Johnson Space Center 

o Electrical Substation Upgrades 

• Kennedy Space Center 

o Relocate Indian River Bridge Utilities

• Langley Research Center 

o Utility Tunnels 1 & 2 Repairs, Phase 2 of 2

o Utility Tunnels 3 & 4 Repairs

Energy Savings Investments - In FY 2020, NASA plans to continue its energy investment efforts by 

initiating the following projects:

• Implement Energy Conservation Measures and Retro-Commissioning, Various Buildings, Phase 

3, Johnson Space Center (JSC)

• Implement Energy Upgrades, Various Buildings, MSFC
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Demolition - In FY 2020, NASA plans to dispose of 36 facilities with approximately 600,000 square feet 

of unneeded assets.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA is planning an aggressive Institutional CoF program for FY 2021. Summary accomplishments 

planned include the following with detailed descriptions provided thereafter:

New Construction - The FY 2021 Budget funds new starts at two facilities:(1) the Engineering and 

Mission Operations (EMO) facility at ARC, and (2) the Vehicle and Aerospace Ground Equipment 

Maintenance (AGE) facility at AFRC.

Repair and Revitalization - In FY 2021, six Discrete and 19 Minor CoF projects are planned. Those 

projects directly supporting the Artemis program, include: repair of the Virtual Motion Simulator at ARC, 

electrical safety and reliability upgrades at KSC, launch infrastructure modifications at KSC, MAF

Building 103 roof replacement, repair of Building 4619 mechanical systems at MSFC, repair of pressure 

and propellent distribution systems at MSFC, repairs to Test Complex power generation system at SSC, 

and canal impoundment system valve repairs at SSC. The remaining projects reflect the highest priorities 

that are vital to mitigating near-term infrastructure risks.

Energy Savings Investments - Planned for FY 2021 are two energy improvement projects across several 

buildings at ARC and SSC, and a solar photovoltaic systems installation project with energy storage at 

JPL. Combined these projects should provide a payback in less than 10 years.

Demolition - Planned for FY 2021 is the demolition of more than 50 facilities and roughly 300,000 square 

feet.

Detailed descriptions are provided below:

Discrete Construction of Facility Projects

Discrete CoF projects have initial cost estimates of $10 million or greater. These projects may comprise 

major repairs or replacement of failing or damaged infrastructure, or they may include recapitalization 

projects that replace or update outdated facilities or technical assets that impede NASA operations and 

mission achievement. NASA's FY 2021 Institutional CoF budget includes eight discrete repair and 

recapitalization projects that improve reliability of key institutional systems supporting Artemis and other 

missions, and reduce the highest real property related institutional risks to safety, cost, schedule, and 

mission success. These projects are described below.

ARC ENGINEERING AND MISSION OPERATIONS FACILITY

FY 2021 Estimate: $67.0 million; Total Project Estimate: $77.5 million

ARC’s Engineering and Mission Operations Facility will be a new, 60,000-square-foot building that will 

serve as the Center’s new engineering hub that will support its core competencies and NASA missions. In 

doing so, it will consolidate several key program functions and include new engineering collaborative 
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spaces, laboratories, engineering offices, and support areas. This new mission engineering hub will serve 

both aerospace systems and spaceflight projects. It will support innovative engineering, design and 

development, the manufacture, assembly, and operation of complex mechanisms, avionics, materials 

research, instruments, and systems in support of NASA missions in ways not possible with the current 

facilities.

ARC’s existing facilities were not originally designed or built to meet current and future mission needs 

and are widely distributed across the site. These obsolete and distributed facilities contribute to work 

inefficiencies that severely impact the robust “design-build-fly” capabilities needed by NASA’s mission 

directorates. The new Engineering and Mission Operations Facility is the cornerstone of the ARC Master 

Plan’s “Campus of the Future” that is focused on consolidating and modernizing antiquated facilities 

NASA inherited from the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics that were built before 1958. The 

project will achieve LEED Silver certification to comply with Federal statutory sustainable design, energy 

efficiency, and renewable requirements, resulting in reduced utility and maintenance costs and worker 

productivity enhancements (e.g., renewable ready, natural ventilation, daylighting). The project will 

involve the demolition of 10 obsolete buildings and more than 90,000 square feet.

This new integrated facility will support the next generation of NASA programs and help sustain ARC’s 

core competencies, including cost-effective space missions, entry systems, space and earth science, 

astrobiology and life sciences, aero sciences, and intelligent/adaptive systems. It will serve all of NASA 

mission directorates and core NASA programs (e.g., Orion, SLS, ISS, Stratospheric Observatory for 

Infrared Astronomy, and Small Spacecraft Technology). It is anticipated that ISS mission payloads and 

the Artemis Lunar Exploration instrument suite will be developed in this new Engineering and Mission 

Operations facility at ARC.

ARC RESTORE RELIABILITY TO VIRTUAL MOTION SIMULATOR

FY 2021 Estimate: $11.0 million; Total Project Estimate: $12.0 million

The Virtual Motion Simulator (VMS) is a one-of-a-kind research and development facility used for 

aerospace simulation studies and experiments. It is the largest, most realistic motion-based flight 

simulation environment in the world. Continuously degrading VMS drive system will impact the timely 

delivery of simulation results in support of NASA’s Artemis, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and the 

Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Demonstration programs. The VMS is also utilized for support to Federal 

Aviation Administration programs, and is mission-critical to Department of Defense (DoD) activities. 

NASA plans to replace the VMS transformers, switchgears, analog control systems, motion control 

systems and operator interface. NASA also plans to replace the DC motors, drive, and instrumentation 

with A/C motors, variable frequency drives; and replace the mechanical torque tubes, brakes, gear boxes, 

and motor mounts. These improvements are necessary to support the development, testing, and 

certification of the Lunar and Mars Human Landing System (HLS), which must meet manual control 

handling qualities requirements. The manually controlled descent and landing on the lunar and Mars 

surface is probably the most critical and difficult phase of flight. The VMS is the only existing groundbased simulator capable of meeting the requirements of the NASA Human Exploration and Operations 

Mission Directorate. VMS also supports Aeronautics Mission Directorate activities (e.g., Advanced Air 

Mobility and Urban Air Mobility), external Government customers (e.g., DoD, Federal Aviation 

Administration, and National Transportation Safety Board), private industry, and academia.
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AFRC VEHICLE AND AEROSPACE GROUND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE FACILITY

FY 2021 Estimate: $16.7 million; Total Project Estimate: $18.0 million

The new AFRC Vehicle and Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance Facility will consolidate and 

replace the functions of five old and degraded buildings scattered across AFRC. This new 25,000-squarefeet state-of-the-art LEED Silver facility will house and maintain all AFRC’s Government vehicles and 

aircraft ground equipment, and function as a central ground support hub. It will include equipment bays, 

lifts, repair shop, testing areas, wash bay, technical library, training room, and administrative space. This 

repair-by-replacement project will enable demolition of 33,000 square feet consisting of four existing, 

degraded, 50+ year-old prefabricated buildings that have numerous problems (e.g., leaking roofs, failing 

HVAC systems, personnel safety and health risks) and a carport which are responsible for current 

inefficiencies in maintenance operations. This facility’s design and consolidation of multiple facilities 

will enhance operations efficiency and alleviate these deficiencies while also adding a centralized, 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-compliant hazardous material waste collection, disposal, and 

recycling unit. This new facility will directly support the Aeronautics Mission Directorate activities, such 

as current NASA aircraft (e.g., F-15, F-18) and future high-profile X-Planes (e.g., X-57 Maxwell, X-59 

QueSST). The project was previously submitted in FY 2017, but it required redesign and resubmission to 

meet changing bid climates.

KSC MODIFICATIONS TO LAUNCH INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SLS

FY 2021 Estimate: $33.8 million: $25.0 million (Institutional CoF), $8.8 million (Exploration CoF); Total 

Project Estimate: $61.6 million

Jointly funded by Institutional and Exploration Programmatic CoF, NASA will continue developing the 

KSC infrastructure modifications necessary to support SLS and Orion launch processing operations. This 

project's first phase appeared in the FY 2020 Budget submit under the title “Modifications to Convertor 

Compressor Facility and Environmental Control Systems [ECS].” This project will build on the FY 2020 

project work and implement the nitrogen system upgrades and infrastructure modifications necessary to 

support SLS. Additionally, ECS will be installed to ensure continuous critical temperature and humidity 

air supply can be maintained for SLS and Orion flight systems during processing operations. Finally, 

NASA will fabricate and construct the Emergency Egress System (EES) slide wire system that will 

support the Artemis II mission. In the event of an emergency prior to launch, EES enables flight crew 

egress from the mobile launch tower to a ground-based safe haven. To support the mission safety and 

schedule, this project will need to start in the first quarter of FY 2021. Timely upgrades and infrastructure 

modifications to KSC infrastructure from previous shuttle configurations are required to support 

anticipated Artemis processing and launch manifest. No other facilities have the size or capabilities 

necessary to support launch vehicle processing, assembly, and operations. Failure to implement these 

discrete projects seriously impact NASA’s ability to transition and sustain the use of this launch complex 

to support SLS and implement Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate objectives.

LARC UPGRADE COMPRESSOR STATIONS (PHASE 3 OF 4)

FY 2021 Estimate: $14.5 million; Total Project Estimate: $57.6 million
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NASA plans to complete the third phase to upgrade the LaRC Compressor Station that provides high 

pressure air (HPA) site wide. It will ensure the Center’s continued ability to safely and reliably provide 

high pressure air (approximately 6,000 pounds per square inch (psi)) to 25 research facilities and technical 

assets across the Center. NASA relies on this compressor station to provide the HPA needed to operate 

LaRC’s wind tunnels. Building on the Phase 2 work funding in FY 2017, this project will replace an 

obsolete 6,000-psi compressor with a new compressor and update its associated ancillary systems. 

Continuing this phased work is critical; a NASA Safety Center study previously recommended replacing 

all Compressor Station compressors and associated ancillary systems at LaRC as they are well beyond 

their design life, unreliable, and expected to continue to fail in an unpredictable manner. This replacement 

will substantially increase the reliable delivery of HPA to the research facilities and technical assets 

across the Center (e.g., 8-foot High Temperature Tunnel, National Transonic Facility, Transonic Dynamic 

Tunnel, and 14-foot x 22-foot Tunnel). It supports the LaRC Master Plan by increasing the reliability of 

the Compressor Station’s production of air and contributing to the sustainment of the Center’s core 

capabilities serving numerous NASA programs (e.g., SLS, Orion, Commercial Crew, Entry Descent and 

Landing, Commercial Cargo, Hypersonic Technology Project).

MAF REPAIR BUILDING 103 ROOF SYSTEM

FY 2021 Estimate: $25.0 million; Total Project Estimate: $170.0 million

NASA is planning to replace Building 103’s massive roof. Building 103 is an approximately 1.7-millionsquare-foot, large bay facility with a 40-foot height clearance. This environmentally controlled facility 

has been serving as NASA’s primary large-scale aerospace manufacturing facility since the early 1960’s, 

and it continues to support NASA exploration efforts (i.e., Orion and SLS). This five-phase project will 

replace the existing, deteriorated roofing system of the main SLS manufacturing facility at MAF. The

replacement project will remove the entire concrete roof panel deck and replace it with a new metal deck. 

The roof replacement will reduce leaks, improve weather protection, and provide a more durable and 

energy efficient system than the current roof system. Building 103’s roof system replacement is needed to 

address several significant deficiencies that threaten NASA’s capability to manufacture large-scale 

aerospace components/vehicles. First, the above deck roofing system components have degraded from 

both age and exposure to major hurricanes and, more recently, a significant tornado. Second, the existing 

roof deck is composed of precast lightweight concrete panels that were installed in the 1940’s and that 

have far exceeded their useful life. They are experiencing both web and flange cracking along with 

corrosion of the reinforcing steel mesh. Finally, the current deck is supported primarily with timber 

purlins; a recent assessment determined several purlins have deteriorated to the point that they need to be 

replaced. This replacement roof project will address these significant deficiencies. Moreover, it will 

ensure NASA’s long-term capability to manufacture large-scale aerospace components/vehicles, continue 

to build the SLS, and support U.S. capabilities for manned spaceflight. 

In FY 2017, NASA received supplemental funding to repair tornado damage to several MAF facilities 

including Building 103. The scope and cost of those repairs are not included in this roof replacement 

project.

MSFC REVITALIZE BUILDING 4619 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

FY 2021 Estimate: $13.5 million; Total Project Estimate: $14.5 million
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Building 4619, the Structures, Dynamics, and Thermal Vacuum Laboratory, is one of MSFC’s missioncritical laboratory facilities with capabilities that include structural strength and dynamics testing, 

experimental fluids and environmental testing, and guidance, navigation, and control simulation. This 

project will renovate the building’s HVAC systems across all of its offices, laboratories, and high bay 

areas. It will remove the facility’s inefficient and high-maintenance steam heating system and replace it 

with a modern, reliable, and energy efficient, natural gas-fired hot water boiler heating system. Much of 

the building’s main mechanical infrastructure is original to the building, which was built in 1959. HVAC 

system failures (e.g., mechanical failures, water pipe ruptures) result in the loss of air conditioning (i.e., 

temperature and humidity control). Building 4619’s laboratories require temperature and humidity control 

for the proper operation of their test equipment. These mechanical failures can shut down the facility’s 

laboratories, resulting in mission delays of a week or more and can have a major impact on program 

requirements and mission schedules. By replacing infrastructure that is well beyond its useful life, this 

renovation project will realize operation and maintenance cost savings, enhance energy efficiency, and 

reduce the risk to supported programs’ costs and schedules. The risk reduction from this project is 

significant as these laboratories support core NASA programs (e.g., SLS, Orion, ISS, Solar Probe Plus).

SSC REPAIR POTABLE WATER SYSTEM, BASE SIDE (PHASE 3 OF 4)

FY 2021 Estimate: $11.7 million; Total Project Estimate: $43.0 million

NASA intends to complete Phase 3 repairs to SSC’s potable water system by replacing 50+-year-old iron 

pipe water distribution system throughout the base side of SSC. It is past its design life, prone to failures, 

and currently operating with a patchwork of temporary repairs. While not addressing the entire system, 

this phase alone will replace the vast majority of base side piping that is in danger of imminent failure, 

and it will eliminate 190 temporary patches to the system. Originally installed in 1964, SSC’s

approximately 65 miles of potable water distribution pipe is now extremely pitted, fragile, and brittle, 

with 95 reported water leaks and breaks occurring during FY 2010-2017. Within a six months span during 

FY 2018, SSC experienced 12 potable water breaks and/or significant leaks (i.e., an average of one break 

or leak every 15 days) with impacts including boil water orders, fire protection system impairment, 

Center operations interruptions, and test delays due to the inability to cool buildings or provide basic 

water service. Further, the existing single points of failure and degraded condition significantly increase 

the fire risk to property and life. This project will, however, increase the potable water system reliability 

and reduce the ongoing costs of responding to and fixing failing water pipes. The project will mitigate the 

single points of failure and enhance the level of safety and security for NASA’s engine testing programs 

(e.g., NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Space Launch System and RS-25, 

Space Technology, Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP)).

Minor Revitalization and Construction of Facilities

FY 2021 Estimate: $133.8 million

Minor Revitalization and Construction of Facilities projects have initial cost estimates between $1 million 

and $10 million. These projects may include new construction, major repairs, upgrades, or replacement of 

failing or damaged infrastructure. The following planned FY 2021 Minor Revitalization and Construction 

of Facilities projects will provide critical repairs or upgrades across NASA’s Centers. Not funding these 
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projects would cause direct cost, schedule, technical, and/or personnel safety impacts to major NASA 

missions or programs, and/or direct impacts to NASA’s commercial partners.

• Armstrong Flight Research Center

o Repair Building Envelopes, Center-wide

• Glenn Research Center

o Repair Electrical Distribution System (Phase 3 of 5)

o Repair Facility Horizontal Communications Infrastructure, Plum Brook Station 

o Repair Water Distribution System, Cooling Tower Numbers 1 and 4

o Repair Water Distribution System, Cooling Tower Numbers 3 and 6

• Goddard Space Flight Center

o Restoration of Main Base Electrical Infrastructure, Wallops Flight Facility

o Replace Chiller 3, Building 31, 

o Update Fire Alarm, Center-wide

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

o Seismic Bracing, Building 183

• Johnson Space Center 

o Central Heating and Cooling Plant Chiller Replacement

o Replace Natural Gas System, Johnson Space Center / White Sands Test Facility, WSTF

• Kennedy Space Center

o Upgrade Safety and Reliability of Institutional Power Systems (Phase 4 of 5)

• Langley Research Center

o Rehab Utility Tunnel Environmental Controls

o Repair Utility Tunnels 1 and 2 (Phase 1 of 2)

o Upgrade Electrical Distribution System, Main Core Campus

• Marshall Space Flight Center

o Revitalize Pressure and Propellant Distribution System (Phase 3 of 3)

o Utility Control System Risk Reduction (Phase 1 of 2)

• Stennis Space Center

o Repairs to Critical Test Complex Power Generation System

o Repair Canal Impoundment System, Miter Gates, and Closure Valves

Energy Savings Investments

FY 2021 Estimate: $7.0 million

These important projects focus on improving systems efficiencies and reducing utilities expenditures. The 

projects that comprise this request are of the highest priority based on expected return on investment or 

contribution to Federal energy mandates. The group of projects listed below collectively provides an 

estimated 9.7-year simple payback period – the time required to recover the initial investment through 

annual energy cost avoidances. Implementing these projects will contribute to NASA meeting Federal 

statutory and executive order energy requirements and will result in an estimated annual $1.3 million in 

avoided utilities expenditures. Specific projects planned for FY 2021 include:

• Improve Building Energy Efficiency, Various Buildings, ARC
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• Install Solar Photovoltaic Systems with Energy Storage, JPL

• Implement Energy Improvements, Various Buildings, SSC

Demolition of Facilities

FY 2021 Estimate: $25.0 million

NASA continues to meet its national fiduciary responsibilities, leveraging Agency-retained assets to 

increase their functionality to support mission success while disposing of unneeded Federal real estate, 

increasing the use of under-utilized assets, minimizing operating costs, and improving energy efficiency. 

NASA will use the requested funding to eliminate inactive and obsolete facilities that are no longer 

required for NASA’s Mission. Abandoned facilities pose potential safety and environmental liabilities at 

the Centers. The Agency must maintain these facilities at minimal levels to prevent increasing safety and 

environmental hazards, and these recurring maintenance costs impose a drain on the maintenance dollars 

available at the Centers. Demolishing these abandoned facilities allows the Agency to avoid nonproductive operating costs required to keep abandoned facilities safe and secure. Demolition is the most 

cost-effective means to reduce the Agency's deferred maintenance.

NASA identifies facilities for demolition through special studies to determine whether a facility is 

required for current or future missions. Facilities that are no longer needed are included in a five-year 

demolition plan that sets project schedules based on last need, annual costs avoided, square foot 

reduction, return on investment, potential liability, and project execution factors. Specific planning for 

FY 2021 includes demolition of approximately 25 facilities with a corresponding 150,000+ square foot 

reduction, including funding for demolition of the Indian River Bridge at the KSC.

Facility Planning and Design

FY 2021 Estimate: $44.9 million

NASA will continue to provide funding for advanced planning and design activities, special engineering 

studies, facility engineering research, preliminary engineering efforts required to initiate design-build 

projects, preparation of final designs, construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates associated 

with non-programmatic construction projects. These activities include master planning, value engineering 

studies, design and construction management studies, facility operation and maintenance studies, 

condition-based maintenance studies, facility utilization analyses, engineering support for facilities 

management systems, engineering support for management oversight, and capital leveraging research 

activities. Funding also supports participation in facilities-related professional engineering associations 

and organizations to better leverage industry best practice. The facilities planning and design activities are 

crucial to implementing NASA's recapitalization strategy and supporting mission needs. These projects 

are also necessary to make progress toward required Federal footprint reduction, sustainability, energy, 

and stewardship goals.
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FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 31.9 -- 22.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Technicians use a crane to lower the Space Launch System 

(SLS) Core Stage pathfinder into High Bay 3 inside the 

Vertical Assembly Building (shown here) at Kennedy Space 

Center (KSC).

Exploration Construction of Facilities (CoF)

provides construction required to support the 

Space Launch System (SLS), Orion, and 

Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program 

activities. Funds required for the planning and 

design of out-year programmatic construction 

remain in the applicable program accounts.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES 

IN FY 2021

None.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

During FY 2019, NASA continued to make 

tremendous progress transitioning facilities 

configured for the legacy Space Shuttle and 

Constellation programs to facilities configured 

to support the SLS and Orion programs for 

Artemis Missions.

At Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program continued to achieve 

key milestones, evolving legacy Apollo and Space Shuttle infrastructure to accommodate future SLS and 

Orion launch processing requirements and Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate

objectives.

New Construction - At Launch Complex 39B (LC-39B), fabrication and installation of an approximate 

1.25M gallon liquid hydrogen (LH2) sphere continued, along with the installation of a vaporizer, flare 

stack and associated piping/valve system.

Repair and Revitalization - Within the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), construction began on the 

installation of a new Environmental Control Systems (ECS) that will maintain continuous critical
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

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CECR-25

temperature and humidity air supply for SLS and Orion flight systems during processing operations. In 

addition, EGS completed installation of access platforms (20 total) in VAB’s High Bay 3, and this 

commenced the final commissioning phase, supporting real time fit checks with mobile launcher (ML) 

operations.

EGS continued planning activities associated with the revitalization of KSC infrastructure as it relates to 

life-cycle replacement objectives at KSC. Ongoing planning continues to address multiple rehabilitation 

and repair projects, including the Rotational Processing Surge Facility (RPSF) fire protection. 

At Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), the SLS Program continued modifications to the facility to 

support tooling and manufacturing for the SLS Core Stage production. This work included the second 

phase to repair structural components of critical fan houses on the roof of Building 103, and replacing 

electrical Substation 1 with the installation of a new double ended substation. Numerous design efforts 

were accomplished in FY 2019 for future construction at MAF, such as the rehabilitation of East Mater 

Substation, Phase 1 installation of the site wide storm water drainage system, replacement of Substation 

21, and rehabilitation of the industrial waste water tank facility (IWTF) and processing system.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

Repair and Revitalization - EGS will start upgrades to the ECS at LC-39B to support future crewed 

launch missions. Given the time interval between Artemis I and Artemis II missions, EGS is proactively 

commencing an initial construction phase in FY 2020. Augmented ECS upgrades will follow within the 

window of time allocated between the launches of Artemis I and Artemis II. This project will replace 

legacy equipment, including Apollo-era air intake filters and Shuttle-era cooling towers. These 

modifications are necessary regardless of future Artemis launch vehicle configurations.

A multiphase construction project at the Converter Compressor Facility (CCF) is required to increase 

operational efficiency and augment delivery of helium and nitrogen to the launch site. FY 2020 planned 

modifications (i.e., first of two phases of modifications) are necessary to ensure SLS and Orion peak flow 

rates are met during processing and launch at KSC. This initial phase will replace CCF helium system 

pumps, associated pipe configuration, and controls. The second phase is expected to begin in FY 2021.

EGS will initiate construction of three rehabilitation projects at KSC. The program will upgrade the 

Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility (RPSF) fire protection system to ensure safety code compliance 

during facility processing. EGS will also replace the aging HVAC system at the KSC Logistic Facility in 

accordance with the EGS life cycle replacement plan. Finally, EGS will repair and/or replace the 

distribution pumps, piping, and valves associated with potable water systems and sewage/drain collection 

systems throughout VAB high bays.

The Orion program will also refurbish the south wall of the high bay used as a clean room for Orion 

capsule processing in the Neil Armstrong operations and checkout building at KSC. This repair will 

eliminate water penetration through cracks/defects in the existing coating of the exterior surface of the 

high bay wall.

At the Booster Fabrication Facility Complex at KSC, the SLS Program will initiate the design for roof 

replacement of both the Manufacturing building and the Engineering and Administration building. This 

roof project includes the replacement and upgrade of all roof top mechanical installations (i.e., HVAC 

equipment and exhaust fans) supporting both administrative and operational areas. Construction is 
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

EXPLORATION COF

CECR-26

expected to begin in the 4th quarter of FY 2020 with a planned completion in FY 2021. An additional 

design project will start for upgrades to the existing obsolete substations and switchgears throughout the 

complex. The project will include design and installation of new exterior pad mounted medium voltage 

transformers and new automated dual source switchgears. The current switches are not automatic and 

increase the risk of unplanned outages that impact flight hardware production operations.

At MAF, work will continue on modifications to Building 103 and Building 110 to support SLS Core 

Stage manufacturing. In addition, numerous construction projects will be completed in FY 2020, such as 

the Phase 1 installation of the site wide storm drainage system, replacement of the North 50-psi steam 

system piping, rehabilitation of structural components of critical fan houses in Building 103, and Phase 1 

of rehabilitation of the IWTF tank and processing system. Construction will also commence on upgrading 

the bridge crane capability for SLS between column D2 to G3 in Building 103 from 10- to 15-ton; 

upgrading the legacy cranes in the robotic weld tool (RWT) and inter tank (IT) Areas; rehabilitating Cell 

Q; and starting Phase 2 installation of the site-wide drainage system, rehabilitation of critical fan houses 

in Building 103, and rehabilitation of the IWTF and Process System.

Numerous designs are scheduled to be completed, including the following: repairs to roadways at MAF; 

elevator upgrades in buildings 103, 110 and 114; upgrade Fire Alarm Panels in the 100 and 200 series 

buildings; and Phase 1 of Building 103 roof replacement. The designs scheduled to start include the north 

condensate distribution in Building 103, Cell H activation, and rehabilitation of the center steam 

distribution system in Building 103.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Repair and Revitalization - At KSC, Exploration and Institutional CoF are jointly funding critical 

infrastructure modifications necessary to support SLS and Orion launch processing operations via the 

SLS Modifications for CCF, ECS, and EES project. The CCF upgrade efforts will focus on replacing the 

nitrogen compression pumps, vaporizers, selected valves, and piping configurations. It will also provide 

rehabilitation repair due to long-term deferred maintenance, update building code compliance, and replace 

obsolescence infrastructure with new energy efficiency technology. An ECS will be installed to ensure 

continuous critical temperature and humidity air supply can be maintained for SLS and Orion flight 

systems during processing operations. Construction is planned at LC-39B to fabricate and install an EES. 

The EES provides emergency evacuation of flight crew to a safe haven via a slide wire system from the 

Mobile Launcher. Following completion of the KSC Booster Fabrication Facility Complex replacement 

roofs, the SLS Program will initiate a rehabilitation of the complex office areas. The interior remodel will 

include a redesigned office and cubicle layout along with new flooring, furniture, and restrooms. The SLS 

Program will begin the design for a replacement of the low voltage power distribution system (i.e., 

obsolete panel boards, disconnect switches, universal power system units, and transfer switches).

At MAF, construction will start with the activation of Cell H, rehabilitation of the center steam 

distribution system in Building 103, upgrade to the elevators in buildings 103, 110 and 114, replacement 

of the north condensate distribution system, and upgrade to the fire alarm panels in the 100 and 200 Series 

buildings. Several constructions projects will be completed, such as, upgrades to the bridge crane between 

columns D2 and G3 in Building 103 from 10- and 15-tons, upgrades to legacy cranes in the RWT and IT 

Areas, rehabilitation of Cell Q, Phase 2 installation of the site-wide storm drainage system, rehabilitation 

critical fan houses in Building 103, and rehabilitation of the IWTF and processing system. In addition, 
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

EXPLORATION COF

CECR-27

work is expected to start on the design to replace the fire system post indicator valves (PIV) and sectional 

control valves (SCV) as well as Phase 1 of the restroom renovations in Building 103.

Discrete Construction of Facility Projects

Discrete CoF projects have initial cost estimates of $10 million or greater. These projects may comprise 

major repairs or replacement of failing or damaged infrastructure, or may include new construction 

projects that replace or update outdated facilities or technical assets that impede NASA operations and 

mission achievement. Exploration CoF has one discrete project jointly funded with Institutional CoF at 

KSC, which is described in the Institutional CoF section (KSC Modifications to Launch Infrastructure for 

SLS).

Minor Revitalization and Construction of Facilities

FY 2021 Estimate: $13.5 million

These projects provide for the repair, modernization, or upgrade of facilities and collateral equipment 

required by Exploration activities. Repair projects restore facilities and components to a condition 

substantially equivalent to the originally intended and designed capability. Repair and modernization 

work includes the substantially equivalent replacement of utility systems and collateral equipment 

necessitated by incipient or actual breakdown. Modernization and upgrade projects include both 

restoration of current functional capability and enhancement of the condition of a facility so that it can 

more effectively serve its designated purpose, increase its functional capability, and/or meet new building, 

fire, and accessibility codes.

The minor projects below provide critical investments to support refurbishment of infrastructure to 

support Exploration infrastructure and ensure building, fire, and accessibility codes compliance. During 

the year, rearrangement of priorities may be necessary that may cause a change in some of the items to be 

accomplished.

• Kennedy Space Center

o VAB Water Distribution Rehabilitation

• Michoud Assembly Facility

o Activate Cell H (Phase 2)

o Rehabilitate Center Steam Distribution System

o Upgrade Elevators in Buildings 110 and 114

o Replace North Condensate Distribution Building 103

o Replace Fire Alarm Panels 100/200 Series buildings
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

SPACE OPERATIONS COF

CECR-28

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 17.6 -- 23.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

NASA’s Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement 

Project DSS-54 antenna at Madrid is shown undergoing 

installation, integration, and testing.

Space Operations CoF provides construction to 

support Space Communications and Navigation 

(SCaN), the International Space Station (ISS) 

program, and the Launch Services Program (LSP). 

Funds required for the planning and design of outyear programmatic construction remain in the 

applicable program accounts.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN 

FY 2021

No major changes.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

New Construction - FY 2019 marked the 

completion of several milestones for the DAEP. In 

Madrid, the first quarter saw the completion of the 

antenna pedestals for DSS-53 and DSS-56. 

Meanwhile, the assembly of the steel structure for 

both antennas progressed and culminated in the critical lift of the main reflector assembly for DSS-56. 

This achievement was followed with the start of the Integration, Installation, and Test (II&T) of 

electronics at DSS-56. The critical lift for DSS-53’s main reflector assembly was achieved later in the 

fiscal year. 

Goldstone identified the site for the new DSS-23 antenna. This site selection is significant as the 

construction of this new antenna will complete the array of four 34-m Beam Wave Guide antennas at 

Goldstone and will add new RF-Optical hybrid capabilities for the DSN.

Repair and Revitalization - Canberra completed the Site-Wide Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) project 

and placed it into operation. The Replace Beam-Wave Guide (BWG) Chillers project was successfully 

completed in FY 2019. The final set of wheels for the Replace Beam Wave Guide Azimuth Tracks, 34-m 

Subnet project were installed, benefitting a total of six antennas at the site.
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

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At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), the LSP completed the Hanger AE and Payload 

Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) Chillers and Boiler Replacement Project. The project is a functional 

replacement of chilled water systems and other Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) 

components at Hangar AE. These PHSF components were well beyond their service life and were in 

severely deteriorated conditions. The improved technology in the replaced systems and components will 

achieve functional redundancy and a much-reduced operational cost.

At Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), LSP also completed the energy efficiency upgrades to Building 

840 that included an integrated HVAC system and advanced building controls to better maintain the 

interior environmental control. This project also included the installation of lighting controls, lightemitting diode lights, and high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heating/cooling systems and 

controls.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

New Construction - In FY 2020, the DAEP will be working towards having the DSS-56 antenna in 

Madrid completed and operational by the end of the fiscal year. At Goldstone, DAEP will continue with 

the site excavation and progress on the hybrid RF-Optical design work. 

Repair and Revitalization - DAEP will initiate one new minor project at Goldstone to replace DSS-14 

US-1, US-2, Servo Starters.

In Madrid, the Antenna Apron and Subsoil Remediation project will continue as planned. However, under 

direction of SCaN, the pedestal remediation project for the DSS-54 antenna will be on standby as DAEP 

first plans to build a replacement pedestal for the existing DSS-54 antenna along with the necessary 

facilities-support structures and interface components. 

LSP will continue closeout activities and commissioning of the Hanger AE and the PHSF chillers and 

boiler replacement project at CCAFS. The Building 840 energy efficiency upgrades will continue at 

VAFB.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

New Construction - NASA plans to complete constructions and start operations of DSS-53 in FY 2021. 

Once complete, Madrid will be the first deep space communication complex to have the capability to 

array four antennas for an enhanced aperture.

Goldstone plans to complete the DSS-23’s antenna pedestal build by the end of 2020, which will enable 

the next phase of the project. The hybrid RF-Optical project design and build process will continue.

Repair and Revitalization - SCaN plans to begin two minor projects at Goldstone: replace BWG antenna 

drives and drive cabinets, subnet; and update Goldstone site-wide UPS 10-year lifecycle. Both projects 

will replace antiquated equipment for greater safety and reliability of these mission critical assets.
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

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Discrete Construction of Facility Projects

Discrete CoF projects have initial cost estimates of $10 million or greater. These projects may comprise

major repairs or replacement of failing or damaged infrastructure, or they may include recapitalization 

projects that replace or update outdated facilities or technical assets that impede NASA operations and 

mission achievement.

JPL 34-M DEEP SPACE NETWORK APERTURE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT (DEAP)

BEAM WAVE GUIDE ANTENNAS AT GOLDSTONE AND CANBERRA

FY 2021 Estimate: $21.2 million; Total Project Estimate: $113.4 million

NASA plans to build four new 34-m BWG Antennas at each of the DSN’s communications complexes. 

DSS-23 will become the fourth Goldstone-operating 34-meter BWG antenna, capable of providing both 

RF and Optical Communications for deep space. The project includes the fabrication and installation of 

the antenna structures, panels, gearboxes, bearings, electric drives, encoders, beam wave guide mirrors, 

sub-reflectors and positioners, optical mirrors, and related servomotors. The project also includes the 

construction of the pedestals and all the facilities/infrastructure in and around the antennas (e.g., paved 

access roads, trenches, drainage, flood control devices, water main and distribution system, antenna 

apron, perimeter security fence, HVAC systems, electrical power distribution, fire detection and 

suppression system, and surveillance system assembly).

At present, existing DSN antennas are operating at capacity and are oversubscribed, with demand 

exceeding supply by about 50 percent. The new DAEP 34-meter beam waveguide antennas are essential 

to provide DSN with the needed capabilities to support NASA missions in the 2020s. Projections indicate 

a growing number of interplanetary spacecraft, including planetary robotic missions and precursor robotic 

missions for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. NASA’s ability to support the

expected growth in the number of supported crewed missions will depend on these expanded capabilities. 

The newly developed optical communications capability will provide much higher data rates for both 

robotic and crewed missions of the future.

Minor Revitalization and Construction of Facilities

FY 2021 Estimate: $2.7 million

These projects provide for the repair, modernization, or upgrade of facilities and collateral equipment 

required by Space Operations activities. Repair projects restore facilities and components to a condition 

substantially equivalent to the originally intended and designed capability. Repair and modernization 

work includes the substantially equivalent replacement of utility systems and collateral equipment 

necessitated by incipient or actual breakdown. Modernization and upgrade projects include both 

restoration of current functional capability and enhancement of the condition of a facility, so that it can 

serve its designated purpose more effectively, increase its functional capability, or meet new building, 

fire, and accessibility codes.
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

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The minor projects below provide critical investments to support refurbishment of infrastructure to 

support Space Operations infrastructure and ensure building, fire, and accessibility code compliance.

During the year, rearrangement of priorities may cause a change in some of the items to be accomplished.

• Goldstone: Replace BWG Antenna Drives and Drive Cabinets, Subnet

• Goldstone: Update Site-wide UPS 10-year Life-cycle
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

SCIENCE COF

CECR-32

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 19.7 -- 23.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Construction will start on the Flight Electronics Integration 

Facility, shown here in the artist's rendering, in FY 2020. This 

state-of-the-art facility will be used to develop next-generation 

avionics and will integrate multiple flight hardware assembly and 

fabrication facilities across the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

into a single location.

Science CoF provides construction 

required to support NASA’s programs in 

Earth Science, Planetary Science, 

Astrophysics, and Heliophysics. It also 

includes construction for NASA’s HighEnd Computing Capability (HECC) 

Program, which the Science Mission 

Directorate (SMD), as the biggest user, 

manages for NASA. Construction for 

HECC directly supports the Aeronautics, 

the Human Exploration and Operations 

Mission Directorate, Science, and Space 

Technology Missions.

Funds required for the planning and 

design of out-year programmatic 

construction remain in the applicable 

program accounts.

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

Construction of the new Astromaterials Curation Annex project at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) will 

provide approximately 20,000 square-feet of critical laboratory space for what will be an unprecedented 

increase in new astromaterial collections from sample return missions. This laboratory space is required 

to provide for curation, analysis, preliminary examination, and allocation of samples to the scientific 

community.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

New Construction - NASA completed the infrastructure and utilities work in FY 2019 for the Modular 

Supercomputing Facility (MSF) at Ames Research Center (ARC) based on the successful proof-ofconcept prototype completed in FY 2016-2017. Rather than meeting computing requirements through the 

expansion of capability within conventional facilities, this project provides a lower cost modular
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

SCIENCE COF

CECR-33

container-based capability adjacent to the Advanced Supercomputing Facility at ARC. This infrastructure 

will enable the flexible expansion of this new energy-efficient and water-conserving modular computing 

technology. It enables NASA to increase supercomputing capability with minimal impact on energy and 

water resources. This modular approach also ensures flexibility to adjust for fast-changing technology 

with minimal risk and will provide the supercomputing capability necessary to meet NASA's mission 

requirements today and into the future.

Repair and Revitalization - In FY 2019, SMD initiated two minor Science CoF projects: JSC Asteroid 

Sample and Advanced Curation Facility, Building 31; and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) – Renovation 

of Space Flight Operations Facility (SFOF), Building 230. The JSC Asteroid Sample and Advanced 

Curation Facility, building 31 project constructed approximately 4,000 square feet of new laboratory 

suites within in the existing Planetary and Earth Sciences Laboratory. This construction project is critical 

to the development, testing, and refinement of organic and microbiological contamination control 

procedures and precision cleaning techniques required for future astromaterial samples and asteroid 

samples due to arrive from the Hayabusa 2 and OSIRIS-Rex missions in 2021 and 2023, respectively. 

The Renovation SFOF, building 230 project will provide efficient, re-configurable space for Mars 2020 

and other planetary-surface mission operations. It will make required upgrades to mission-critical 

equipment, increasing reliability and significantly reducing operations and maintenance costs. Its start in 

FY 2019 will allow SMD to take advantage of the rare window of opportunity presented by Cassini 

mission close-out.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

New Construction - In FY 2020, SMD will contribute to the modernization of capabilities and NASA 

infrastructure by starting construction on the new Flight Electronics Integration Facility (FEIF) at JPL. 

The FEIF will be a state-of-the-art facility for developing robust, next-generation avionics and is an 

important revitalization project that will integrate multiple flight hardware assembly and fabrication 

facilities into a single location. While supporting a more efficient workflow, the FEIF will greatly reduce 

the risk to mission flight hardware associated with the current need to transport it between multiple 

facilities across JPL (refer to Institutional CoF Section for further information). In FY 2020, NASA plans 

to complete renovation of JPL SFOF, Building 230 and construction on the JSC Asteroid Sample and 

Advanced Curation Facility, Building 31. Work on the Asteroid Sample and Advanced Curation Facility 

will continue in FY 2021 with construction of Building 31 Annex, described below. In addition to 

completing these projects, NASA plans to initiate the minor the Replace/Refurbish Laboratory 

Infrastructure (Building N239) Phase 2 of 3 project at ARC.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

NASA's FY 2021 Science CoF budget includes one discrete and one Minor CoF project required to meet 

laboratory needs. The Astromaterials Curation Annex at JSC is a New Construction project and additional 

work to Replace/Refurbish Laboratory Infrastructure, Building N239 at ARC is a Repair and 

Revitalization project.
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

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CECR-34

Discrete Construction of Facility Projects 

Discrete CoF projects have initial cost estimates of $10 million or greater. These projects may comprise 

major repairs or replacement of failing or damaged infrastructure, or they may include recapitalization 

projects that replace or update outdated facilities or technical assets that impede NASA operations and 

mission achievement.

JSC ASTROMATERIALS CURATION ANNEX, BUILDING 31

FY 2021 Estimate: $19.5 million

NASA plans to construct an approximately 20,000-square-foot, Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design (LEED)-certified annex to JSC Building 31 for Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science 

(ARES) and enable the demolition of more than 25,000 square feet of obsolete space across JSC. This 

annex will provide critical laboratory space to support NASA’s core planetary science and curation 

requirements as we return to the Moon, return samples from asteroids, and look to Mars and beyond. 

NASA and our international partners will be bringing back an unprecedented amount of astromaterial 

samples in the coming decade. The number, diversity, and complexity of these new NASA astromaterials 

collections will soon exceed that of NASA’s existing collections that were accumulated over the last half 

century (i.e., all of NASA’s history). New samples from the Moon, asteroids, and Phobos will present 

exciting challenges to meet organic cleanliness levels and preserve cold and volatile-rich samples.

NASA faces significant analysis and curation facility challenges. JSC’s Building 31 curation facilities are 

already at capacity. Sample curation and research staff are currently spread across four JSC buildings, and 

this poses a great risk to both sample security and contamination (i.e., there is an increased risk of 

contamination each time a sample is handled and packaged for transport). JSC’s existing facilities are 

more than 50 years old, not designed to support today’s sensitive laboratories, and do not meet the 

requirements for next generation analytical instruments. These aged facilities experience frequent 

mechanical, electrical, and structural failures that force ARES facility or instrument downtime (i.e., 50-

100 times per year). Scientists using ARES facilities often get one opportunity to make measurements on 

small, irreplaceable samples so achieving consistent performance is mission critical.

The new Astromaterials Curation Annex will help NASA and our international partners maximize these 

unprecedented astromaterial research opportunities by fully leveraging multi-million dollar plant services 

feeding existing curatorial and analytical laboratories within the current Building 31 complex.

Efficiencies will be realized by bringing all of the sample curation and research staff (more than 150 

people) into a single building complex and enabling them to better share existing high-valued Agency 

research and analysis assets. Most importantly, NASA’s missions to collect and return these samples 

represent a substantial taxpayer investment and the facilities on the ground have to be up to the task of 

properly analyzing and curating them. This new, dedicated space is required to prevent contamination 

from other astromaterial collections, answer fundamental questions driving these sample return missions, 

and maximize the scientific return from these irreplaceable samples. This project will significantly 

contribute to NASA’s Mars 2020, OSIRIS-REx, and Artemis Moon (i.e., return of new lunar samples) 

programs, and will maximize the scientific return on our participation in JAXA’s MMX mission.
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration: Construction of Facilities

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Minor Revitalization and Construction of Facilities

FY 2021 Estimate: $3.6 million

These projects provide for the repair, modernization, or upgrade of facilities and collateral equipment 

required by Science activities. Repair projects restore facilities and components to a condition 

substantially equivalent to the originally intended and designed capability. Repair and modernization 

work includes the substantially equivalent replacement of utility systems and collateral equipment 

necessitated by incipient or actual breakdown. Modernization and upgrade projects include both 

restoration of current functional capability and enhancement of the condition of a facility so that it can 

more effectively serve its designated purpose, increase its functional capability, and/or meet new building, 

fire, and accessibility codes.

NASA plans a Minor CoF project that will continue efforts to replace and refurbish laboratory 

infrastructure in outdated and non-compliant laboratories in Building N239 at ARC.

• Replace/Refurbish Laboratory Infrastructure, N239 Phase 3 of 3
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

CECR-36 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 74.9 -- 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7 74.7

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

The Mid-Plume treatment system at WSTF (pictured 

here) uses an ultraviolet (UV) reactor to treat the Nnitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) contaminated 

groundwater. Ultraviolet lamps disperse UV light into the 

water, breaking the chemical into harmless byproducts. 

To support Sustainable Remediation, the UV reactor is 

powered by an onsite photovoltaic system. 

NASA’s Environmental Compliance and 

Restoration (ECR) program cleans up hazardous 

materials and waste products released to the 

surface or groundwater at NASA installations, 

NASA-owned industrial plants supporting 

NASA activities, current or former sites where 

NASA operations have contributed to 

environmental problems, and other sites where 

the Agency is legally obligated to address 

hazardous pollutants. ECR program activities 

include projects, studies, assessments, 

investigations, sampling, plans, designs, 

construction, related engineering, program 

support, monitoring, and regulatory Agency 

oversight.

Funding also covers land acquisitions required to 

ensure operation of remedial treatment processes 

and facilities as part of remediation and cleanup 

measures.

For more information, go to: http://www.nasa.gov/offices/emd/home/ecr.html

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

None. 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

NASA’s ECR program includes cleanup activities at all NASA Centers, with priority given to protecting 

human health and the environment in conformance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

and state regulatory agreements and requirements. NASA accomplished the following notable restoration 

activities in FY 2019: 
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

CECR-37 

• SSFL completed demolition activities for structures and implemented abatement activities for the 

remaining Test Stands. The site has submitted and is finalizing plans for groundwater cleanup. As 

a result of the expected increased volumes for soil cleanup, NASA issued a Notice of Intent to 

prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) that will assess the impacts 

associated with a range of cleanup scenarios. Work also focused on recovery efforts to restore 

power and reinstall piping for the groundwater treatment system destroyed as a result of the 

Woolsey Fire in November 2019. Cultural resource management continued per the Programmatic 

Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office, Native Americans, and consulting parties.

• The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in conjunction with the State of California and EPA, 

continued onsite and offsite groundwater contamination remediation to protect public drinking 

water sources per the recently completed Record of Decision.

• Kennedy Space Center (KSC) continued investigation and clean up of groundwater and soil 

contamination. Activities included the installation of new groundwater treatment systems, 

excavation and removal of contaminated soils, investigation of additional sites for potential 

contamination, continued sampling of more than 700 monitoring wells, continued operations of 

existing groundwater cleanup systems, and site closures.

• Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) began contaminated soil removal in the East and West Test 

Areas as well as implementing interim actions to address the groundwater plume operable unit. 

• WSTF continued to operate the plume front and mid-plume front treatment systems to capture 

and treat contaminated groundwater and continued source area investigations and closure 

activities.

• Glenn Research Center (GRC) began clean-up operations of an abandoned wastewater treatment 

facility and a lead contaminated range at Plum Brook Station. 

• The Agency began an investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the 

Centers. NASA completed surveys of the Fire Fighting and Environmental communities on the 

use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam and releases. Based on this survey, NASA awarded a 

contract to implement a consistent Preliminary Assessment of all potential releases across all 

NASA facilities.

• The Agency continued operations of treatment systems and monitoring at Ames Research Center 

(ARC), Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), 

Langley Research Center (LaRC), Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), Stennis Space Center 

(SSC), and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). 

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

NASA is continuing its commitment to restoration by executing the following activities in FY 2020: 

• SSFL will submit for public review the draft SEIS that will assess the impacts associated with a 

range of soil cleanup alternatives. Following completion of the SEIS, NASA will prepare a 

Record of Decision and submit work plans to the State for the soil cleanup. At the 

recommendation of the OIG and in consultation with the interested parties, NASA is deciding 

whether to retain one or all of the remaining test stands at SSFL. Operation of the groundwater 

treatment system is expected to resume following reconstruction of the piping system that 

suffered fire damage. SSFL will finalize plans and begin implementation of pilot-scale 

groundwater cleanup actions and continue long-term groundwater and air monitoring at the site 
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

CECR-38 

Cultural resource management will continue per the Programmatic Agreement with the State 

Historic Preservation Office, Native Americans, and consulting parties.

• KSC will continue investigation and clean up of groundwater and soil contamination. Activities 

planned include the installation of new groundwater treatment systems, removal of contaminated 

soils, investigation of additional sites for potential contamination, continued sampling of more 

than 700 monitoring wells, and continued operations of existing groundwater cleanup systems. 

• JPL will continue operations, in conjunction with the State of California and EPA, for onsite and 

offsite groundwater contamination remediation to protect public drinking water sources. 

• MSFC will continue contaminated soil removal in the East and West Test Areas as well as 

implement interim actions to address the groundwater plume operable unit. 

• WSTF will continue to operate the plume front and mid-plume front treatment systems to capture 

and treat contaminated groundwater and continued source area investigations and closure 

activities. 

• GRC will continue cleanup operations of an abandoned wastewater treatment facility and lead 

contaminated range at Plum Brook Station. 

• WFF will begin operation of a groundwater treatment system to address specific perfluorinated 

compounds. 

• In support of the PFAS investigation, NASA will conduct document searches, employee 

interviews and site visits to implement the Preliminary Assessment. Once potential areas of 

concern have been identified, NASA will prepare plans for further characterization. 

• The Agency will continue operations of treatment systems and groundwater and soil monitoring 

at AFRC, ARC, GSFC, LaRC, MAF, SSC, and WFF.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

Key projects and achievements planned for the FY 2021 include: 

• $31.5 million for demolition, groundwater cleanup, finalization of soil cleanup plans, continued 

operation of groundwater treatment systems, and continued long-term monitoring of air and 

groundwater at SSFL in accordance with the State of California. Cultural Resource management 

will continue per the Programmatic Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office, 

Native Americans, and consulting parties.

• $15.9 million for the continued investigation and clean up of groundwater and soil contamination 

at KSC under State of Florida requirements. Key activities planned include the installation of new 

groundwater treatment systems, removal of contaminated soils, investigation of additional sites 

for potential contamination, continued sampling of more than 700 monitoring wells, and 

continued operations of existing groundwater cleanup systems and closure activities.

• $8.6 million for the continued cleanup program at MSFC including contaminated soil removal in 

the East and West Test Areas as well as implementing interim actions to address the groundwater 

plume operable unit.

• $7.9 million to operate and maintain systems to clean up contaminated groundwater emanating 

from JPL and continued operations of the Lincoln Avenue and Monk Hill drinking water 

treatment systems.

• $7.6 million for the continued clean up of ground water contamination and investigation of soil 

contamination at WSTF, including completion of closure activities, implementation of source 
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

CECR-39 

area facility investigations, long-term monitoring of groundwater, and continued operation of the 

plume front and mid-plume ground water treatment systems. 

• $2.0 million for the PFAS investigation. NASA will implement planned characterization efforts, 

which will include sampling of groundwater surface water and sediments. Sampling efforts will 

direct further action. 

• $1.2 million for partial funding continuation of remedial efforts at the eight other Centers and 

facilities, and Environmental Compliance and Functional Leadership projects. 

Program Elements

RESTORATION

Restoration projects address cleanup liabilities at all NASA Centers and component facilities. As of the 

start of FY 2020, known liabilities totaled $1.7 billion with many of the individual cleanup projects 

estimated to take more than 30 years to complete. NASA policy is to address these liabilities using a 

“worst first” approach to ensure protection of human health and the environment and to facilitate mission 

readiness. Plans for FY 2020 are based on a prioritized, risk-based approach for incrementally addressing 

NASA’s cleanup portfolio. Projects are ranked according to the relative urgency and the potential health 

and safety hazards related to each individual cleanup. As studies, assessments, investigations, plans, 

regulatory approvals, and designs progress, and as new discoveries or regulatory requirements change, 

NASA may adjust program priorities. 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Environmental Compliance and Functional Leadership projects invest in environmental methods and risk 

reduction practices that ensure NASA can continue to carry out its scientific and engineering missions. 

This includes methodologies for sustainably reducing energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions, 

supporting operational activities, and meeting external reporting requirements. 
 

INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-1 

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 39.3 41.7 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

Inspector General ................................................................... IG-2
 

INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-2 

FY 2021 Budget

Op Plan Enacted Request

Budget Authority (in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Total Budget 39.3 41.7 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.2

Change from FY 2020 2.5

Percentage change from FY 2020 6.0%

FY 2019 reflects total discretionary funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations 

Act, 2019, as adjusted by NASA's FY 2019 Operating Plan.

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specific marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column.

For FY 2021, the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) requests $44.2 million to support the work of 

auditors, investigators, analysts, specialists, lawyers, and support staff located at NASA Headquarters in 

Washington, DC, and 12 other locations throughout the United States. 

The OIG conducts audits, investigations, and reviews of NASA programs to prevent and detect fraud, 

waste, abuse, and mismanagement and to assist NASA managers and Congress in promoting economy, 

efficiency, and effectiveness in the Agency’s programs and operations. OIG’s operational offices are the 

Office of Audits (OA) and the Office of Investigations (OI).

OA conducts independent and objective audits of NASA programs, projects, operations, and contractor 

activities, and oversees the work of the independent public accounting firm that conducts the Agency’s 

annual financial statement audit. In its work, OA targets NASA’s top management and performance 

challenges and the Agency’s most important projects and missions. OIG audits provide fact-based 

analysis with actionable recommendations that help NASA achieve its space exploration, scientific, and 

aeronautics goals more effectively and efficiently.

OI investigates allegations of cybercrime, fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct related to NASA 

programs, projects, personnel, operations, and resources. OI refers its findings to the Department of 

Justice for criminal prosecution and civil litigation or to NASA managers for administrative action. 

Through its investigations, OI develops recommendations to reduce the Agency’s vulnerability to 

criminal activity or administrative inefficiency. Given that NASA spends approximately 74 percent of its 

total resources on contracts and grants, OI’s caseload includes investigations of suspected false claims 

submitted by NASA contractors, product substitution and counterfeit parts, and conflict of interest cases 

that involve NASA employees who place private gain before public service.

The OIG’s FY 2021 request is for $44.2 million in two-year funding and includes the following:

• $37 million (84 percent) to fund personnel and related costs, including salaries, benefits, 

monetary awards, worker’s compensation, permanent change of station costs, and Government 

contributions for Social Security, Medicare, health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift 

Savings Plan including increased rates for retirement contributions. Salaries include the required 

additional 25 percent law enforcement availability pay for OIG’s approximately 55 criminal 

investigators;
 

INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-3 

• $3 million (7 percent) to fund the statutorily required annual audit of the Agency’s financial 

statements; 

• $1 million (2 percent) to fund travel, per diem, and related expenses; and 

• $3 million (7 percent) to fund equipment, training, Government vehicles, special equipment for 

criminal investigators, transit subsidies, and information technology equipment unique to OIG.1

EXPLANATION OF MAJOR CHANGES IN FY 2021

For FY 2021, the budget requests $44.2 million in two-year funding, an increase of $2.5 million (6 

percent) from FY 2020 enacted. Salaries and benefits and the contract with a private accounting firm to 

conduct the statutorily required audit of NASA’s financial statements consume 91 percent of the OIG

annual budget. The budget funds an additional three Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) for expanded OIG 

activities in support of NASA’s lunar program, known as Artemis, and to cover increased costs when a 

new contract is awarded for the financial statement audit.

In addition, the budget funds OIG payroll and benefits, including retirement costs, a 1 percent increase in 

base pay for civilian employees in 2021, and increases in employee awards for FY 2021. The OIG is a 

personnel-driven organization with our salaries and benefits representing 84 percent of our budget. 

Consequently, it is critical that OIG maintain sufficient staffing to carry out the oversight mission. 

Additionally, OIG plans to award a new contract to a private accounting firm for the statutorily required 

annual audit of NASA’s financial statements. The current vendor provided its services at a lower price 

(compared to similar previous contracts), a reduction in costs that OIG does not expect to continue with 

firms currently competing for the new five-year contract. Specifically, from FY 2005 to FY 2014, the 

OIG paid an average annual cost of $3 million for the financial statement contract compared to the $2.4 

million average cost for the contract expiring in FY 2020. 

For FY 2021, OIG is requesting all funding be deemed two-year funding. This change is consistent with 

other NASA appropriations – that is, the OIG is the only NASA component lacking two-year budget 

authority – and will allow the OIG to streamline its financial, procurement, and other year-end processes 

within NASA’s centralized systems to more efficiently carry out its oversight mission. It will also provide 

efficiencies in hiring for an organization that is 84 percent salaries and benefits. Two-year funding will 

give OIG the flexibility to more efficiently manage hiring and keep our workforce at stable levels in this 

era of multiple continuing resolutions. In Public Law 116-93, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, the 

OIG received $500,000 of two-year funding. 

 

1 This number includes $500,000 for staff training and $100,000 to support the Council of Inspectors General on 

Economy and Efficiency (CIGIE). In accordance with Public Law 110-409, the Inspector General Reform Act of 

2008, the Inspector General certifies that these amounts are sufficient to satisfy all training requirements and 

contributions to CIGIE.
 

INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-4 

ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2019

In FY 2019, the OIG issued 15 audit products containing 79 recommendations for improvement and 

identifying approximately $276 million in potential savings for NASA. Audit products included reports 

examining NASA’s:

• Management of the Space Launch System Stages Contract;

• Progress With Environmental Remediation Efforts at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory;

• Oversight of the Agency Technology Transfer Process; 

• Success in Controlling Cost and Mitigating Risks for the Europa Mission; 

• Actions to Identify and Account for Historic Real and Personal Property; 

• Strategy for Maintaining Heliophysics Science Capabilities and Missions; and

• Cybersecurity Practices at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

In FY 2019, OI investigated a wide variety of criminal and administrative matters involving procurement 

fraud, theft, counterfeit parts, ethics violations, and computer intrusions leading to more than $75.6 

million in criminal, civil, and administrative penalties and settlements with approximately $6.2 million of 

these funds returned directly to NASA. Overall, OI’s efforts in FY 2019 resulted in 34 indictments, 24 

convictions, 8 civil settlements, 32 administrative actions, and 19 suspensions or debarments. Examples 

of OI’s work over the past year include: 

• A multi-year joint investigation by NASA OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), 

and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) resulted in a lab supervisor of a NASA 

subcontractor pleading guilty to mail fraud for his participation in a decade-long scheme to 

defraud NASA and the Missile Defense Agency. The criminal behavior involved the fraudulent 

alteration of material properties test results for parts manufactured for use in rockets and military 

hardware. As part of the guilty plea, the supervisor admitted that he trained and directed lab 

technicians to falsify mechanical properties test results for extrusions (metal) used in rockets and 

military hardware that failed to meet industry standards. The extrusions were believed to be the 

cause for the loss of two NASA satellite missions valued in excess of $580 million. The 

supervisor also admitted that the NASA subcontractor and others made over 4,000 alterations on 

aluminum extrusion test results, which allowed the subcontractor to gross more than $6.8 million 

in total sales based on the altered test results. The supervisor was sentenced to 37 months 

imprisonment, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $170,000 in restitution. As a 

result of the investigation, the NASA subcontractor entered into a global settlement resolving 

civil and criminal claims whereby the company agreed to pay $34.1 million in combined 

restitution to NASA, the Missile Defense Agency, and commercial customers. The subcontractor 

also agreed to forfeit $1.8 million in ill-gotten gains. The NASA subcontractor and its parent 

company agreed to plead guilty to one count of mail fraud, and the parent company entered into a 

deferred prosecution agreement. 

• As the result of a joint investigation by the NASA OIG, Defense Contract Audit Agency 

(DCAA), DCIS, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Air Force Office of Special 

Investigations, and Department of Energy (DOE) OIG, a Delaware company and one of its coowners agreed to pay $2.75 million in a civil settlement to resolve allegations the company 

mischarged labor costs and falsely certified work it performed by duplicating the same work on 

multiple Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer 

contracts.
 

INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-5 

• Based on a Qui Tam filed with the Department of Justice and an investigation by NASA OIG and 

DCIS, a major parts supplier agreed to pay $11 million in a civil settlement to resolve claims it 

charged the Government for various electrical components that were not manufactured and/or 

screened properly. The affected components were used by NASA and other Government 

agencies, though no resulting failures were identified. 

• Following a joint investigation by the NASA, National Science Foundation (NSF), and DOE 

OIGs, the University of Puerto Rico agreed to pay more than $1.77 million in a civil settlement to 

resolve claims it misused grant funds. Although the institution certified its labor costs to each 

agency, the investigation revealed the costs were charged incorrectly.

• A joint investigation by the NASA OIG, DCAA, DCIS, Department of Health and Human 

Services (HHS) OIG, National Science Foundation OIG, and DOE OIG revealed the University 

of Wisconsin-Madison participated in rebate and discount programs with supply and equipment 

vendors that generated rebates and discounts through purchase cards and service centers. In 

violation of OMB cost principles, the university failed to credit the rebates and discounts 

associated with these purchases to the federal awards. The university agreed to pay $1.5 million 

in a civil settlement to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to properly 

account for rebates and credits to reduce costs allocable to federal grants and awards.

• During the previous semiannual reporting period, four small businesses and their owner were 

charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for obtaining separate federal 

funding to conduct the same research on multiple SBIR contracts. The owner and three of the 

companies pled guilty to the charges and agreed to pay restitution of nearly $1.1 million. The 

owner entered into a pretrial diversion program and was sentenced to two years of probation and 

80 hours of community service. 

• Following an investigation by NASA OIG, a Kennedy Space Center contractor agreed to pay 

$500,000 to settle claims that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to meet Small Business 

Administration requirements for labor participation and work performance over a three-year 

period. 

• As a result of a joint investigation by the NASA OIG and the Small Business Administration 

OIG, a small business based in Cleveland, Ohio agreed to pay $490,710 in a civil settlement to 

resolve allegations that it engaged in capabilities misrepresentation to secure NASA contracts, 

and then outsourced most of its business.

WORK IN PROGRESS IN FY 2020

In the first three months of FY 2020, the OIG has issued audit reports examining NASA’s management of 

security operations processes and programs; plans and progress for safely transporting astronauts to the 

International Space Station using commercial carriers; and compliance with the Federally mandated 

Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act. During the remainder of the fiscal year, the OIG

will examine development of Mobile Launchers; Distributed Active Archive Data Centers; Earth Science 

portfolio of projects and missions; storage and disposal of hazardous materials; and the Orion 

multipurpose crew vehicle. 

Ongoing OI work includes proactive initiatives designed to identify acquisition and procurement fraud 

schemes. Additionally, representatives from both OI and OA are working together to use the OIG’s 

advanced data analytics capabilities to help identify indicators of potential fraudulent activity. 
 

INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-6 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FY 2021

In FY 2021, the OIG will continue to focus its audit work on NASA’s top management and performance 

challenges identified in our November 2019 report. Specifically, the OIG plans to undertake work in the 

following areas: 

• Landing Humans on the Moon by 2024 

o Acquisition Strategy for Lunar Missions 

o Mitigation of Risks Arising from the Transition from ISS to Gateway Operations

o Partnership with the European Space Agency in developing additional Orion Service 

Modules 

• Improving Management of Major Projects

o Impact of 5G Rollout on Weather Satellite Data Collection Efforts

o Chandra X-ray Observatory

o Astrophysics Portfolio

o Management and Oversight of Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory 

• Attracting and Retaining a Highly Skilled Workforce

o Acquisition Workforce

o Mishap Information System 

• Sustaining a Human Presence in Low Earth Orbit

o Efforts to Stimulate Commercialization of Low Earth Orbit

o Management and Utilization of the International Space Station 

o Commercial Crew Program

o Efforts to Mitigate the Risks from Orbital Debris

• Improving Oversight of Contracts, Grants, and Cooperative Agreements 

o Management of Universities Space Research Association contracts, grants and 

cooperative agreements

o SEWP Awards and Novation Agreements 

o Review of Institutes Established by the Space Technology Mission Directorate 

o Management of International Space Station Operations and Maintenance Contracts

• Addressing Long-standing Information Technology Governance and Security Concerns 

o Agency Cybersecurity Protections

o Management of the Deep Space Network 

• Sustaining Infrastructure and Facilities

o Construction of Facilities across NASA field sites 

o Environmental Remediation Efforts at NASA Facilities

OIG will also continue oversight in a variety of Financial Management and Quality Control areas to 

include: 

• Improper Payments Information Act Compliance; 

• Desk and Quality Control Reviews of Selected Single Audit Reporting Packages; 

• Oversight of Financial Statement Audit; 

• Reviews of Selected NASA Exchange Audits; 

• Risk Assessment of Purchase and Travel Card Programs; 

• Management of Non-reimbursable Agreements; and
 

INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-7 

• Federal Information Security Modernization Act. 

Critically, as part of a broader antifraud effort, FY 2021 funding will support an increase in the number of 

public audit reports produced and will help provide support in a new area of oversight – auditing small 

grantees.

From an investigative perspective, the FY 2021 request will continue support for investigations of 

cybercrime, fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct related to NASA programs, projects, personnel, 

operations, and resources.

Given the important role of NASA’s contracting practices in returning humans to the Moon on an 

expedited schedule, the majority of OIG’s proactive initiatives focus on acquisition activities that are 

susceptible to procurement fraud schemes. Examples of ongoing proactive initiatives that will continue to 

be active throughout FY 2021 include the following: 

• A project initiated to monitor and aggregate data related to NASA’s Artemis program in an 

attempt to identify indications of fraud on the part of prime contractors and subcontractors; 

• A project that will develop actionable information pertaining to individuals, businesses, or other 

parties that supply substandard, counterfeit, or non-conforming parts to NASA or its contractors 

and suppliers; 

• A project initiated in conjunction with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), 

other OIGs, and federal law enforcement partners that will assess suspicious financial activities 

involving Government employees, contractors, and grant recipients in an attempt to identify 

potential corruption (e.g., bribery and kickback schemes, conflicts of interest);

• A project that will identify indications of construction fraud schemes (e.g., false applications for 

payment, change order manipulation, billing for work not performed, collusion) impacting 

NASA’s space and research centers; and 

• A Criminal and Cyber Threat Intelligence (CaCTI) project that will identify instances where 

sensitive procurement information and other critical data may have been improperly exfiltrated 

from NASA computer systems.

In FY 2020 and FY 2021, OIG intends to place additional emphasis on proactive initiatives designed to 

identify antitrust crimes (e.g., bid-rigging conspiracies and related fraudulent schemes) that undermine 

competition in Government procurement, grant, and program funding. On November 5, 2019, the 

Department of Justice (DOJ) announced creation of a new Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF). 

During FY 2021, the PCSF will continue to lead a national effort to protect taxpayer-funded projects from 

antitrust and related crimes. Prosecutors from DOJ’s Antitrust Division and participating U.S. Attorneys’ 

Offices, along with agents from NASA OIG, the FBI, and partner OIGs, will conduct outreach and 

training for procurement officials and government contractors on antitrust risks in the procurement 

process. The partnered prosecutors and investigators will jointly investigate and prosecute cases that 

result from their targeted proactive efforts.

Finally, FY 2021 funding will allow for the following mission support capabilities: 

• Audit leadership training at the director and program manager levels;

• Participation in anti-fraud training and fraud-risk workshops; 

• Agency fraud risk exposure analysis;

• Incurred cost audits of NASA subcontractors; and
INSPECTOR GENERAL

IG-8

• Third-party review of OIG’s IT network and systems security.
SUPPORTING DATA

SD-1 

Supporting Data

Funds Distribution by Installation....................................................................SD-2 

Civil Service Full-Time Equivalent Distribution...............................................SD-5 

Working Capital Fund........................................................................................SD-8 

Budget by Object Class................................................................................... SD-12 

Status of Unobligated Funds .......................................................................... SD-13 

Reimbursable Estimates ................................................................................. SD-14 

Enhanced Use Leasing.................................................................................... SD-15 

National Historic Preservation Act................................................................. SD-17 

Budget for Microgravity Science.................................................................... SD-20 

Budget for Safety Oversight ........................................................................... SD-22 

Physicians’ Comparability Allowance............................................................ SD-24 

Budget for Public Relations............................................................................ SD-29 

Consulting Services ........................................................................................ SD-30 

E-Gov Initiatives and Benefits ........................................................................ SD-32 

Comparability Adjustment Tables.................................................................. SD-38 

Rebaselined Projects....................................................................................... SD-42 

IT Statement of Affirmation...............................................................................SD-43
Supporting Data

FUNDS DISTRIBUTED BY INSTALLATION

SD-2 

FUNDS BY MISSION BY NASA CENTER

Budget Authority ($ in millions) FY 2021*

Deep Space Exploration Systems 40.8

Exploration Technology 38.7

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 30.3

Science 200.8

Aeronautics 143.7

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 213.0

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 81.6

Ames Research Center (ARC) Total 748.9

Deep Space Exploration Systems 2.1

Exploration Technology 21.4

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 0.1

Science 31.5

Aeronautics 108.0

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 65.8

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 24.5

Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) Total 253.4

Deep Space Exploration Systems 187.2

Exploration Technology 63.2

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 68.7

Science 35.8

Aeronautics 189.5

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 219.1

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 39.0

Glenn Research Center (GRC) Total 802.4

Deep Space Exploration Systems 9.5

Exploration Technology 113.4

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 205.7

Science 2,244.0

Aeronautics 7.8

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 399.3

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 22.1

Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Total 3,001.8
Supporting Data

FUNDS DISTRIBUTED BY INSTALLATION

SD-3 

Budget Authority ($ in millions) FY 2021*

Deep Space Exploration Systems 8.7

Exploration Technology 30.1

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 183.7

Science 1,386.2

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 10.0

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 31.6

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL/NMO) Total 1,650.3

Deep Space Exploration Systems 2,037.3

Exploration Technology 21.0

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 3,165.7

Science 51.4

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 353.2

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 30.9

Johnson Space Center (JSC) Total 5,659.4

Deep Space Exploration Systems 412.4

Exploration Technology 11.1

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 174.7

Science 264.6

Aeronautics 0.0

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 379.3

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 44.0

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Total 1,286.0

Deep Space Exploration Systems 29.0

Exploration Technology 40.7

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 1.3

Science 253.2

Aeronautics 238.2

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 273.5

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 29.6

Langley Research Center (LaRC) Total 865.5

Deep Space Exploration Systems 2,170.0

Exploration Technology 55.0

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 144.6

Science 166.5

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 467.5

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 65.4

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Total 3,069.0
Supporting Data

FUNDS DISTRIBUTED BY INSTALLATION

SD-4 

Budget Authority ($ in millions) FY 2021*

Deep Space Exploration Systems 3,814.7

Exploration Technology 1,181.9

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 179.2

Science 1,671.7

Aeronautics 131.7

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 571.0

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 151.6

Office of Inspector General 44.2

NASA Headquarters (HQ) and Inspector General (IG) Total 7,746.0

Deep Space Exploration Systems 50.1

Exploration Technology 1.9

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 33.5

Science 0.7

STEM Engagement 0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 58.3

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 18.8

Stennis Space Center (SSC) Total 163.2

25,246.0

* Sums may not add to Total due to rounding. 

NOTE: Funds will not be fully distributed to Centers until after final acquisition decisions are made. Thus, Center 

FY 2021 allocations should not be considered final or directly comparable to prior year allocations.
Supporting Data

CIVIL SERVICE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT DISTRIBUTION

SD-5 

NASA’s workforce continues to be one of its greatest assets for enabling missions in space and on Earth. 

The Agency remains committed to applying this asset to lead or participate in emerging space technology 

opportunities, collaborate and strengthen the capabilities of commercial partners, and communicate the 

strategic plans and results of Agency programs and activities. The civil service staffing levels in the 

FY 2021 Budget reflect NASA’s requirements for scientists, engineers, researchers, managers, 

technicians, and the business operations workforce. The funding requested for NASA in FY 2021 

provides compensation and benefits for civil service personnel at NASA Centers, Headquarters, and 

NASA-operated facilities, including a 1 percent raise in 2021. 

NASA continually assesses and adjusts the mix of skills in its workforce to address changing mission 

priorities and to leverage industry partnerships, academic partnerships, and on- and near-site support 

contracts to optimize operations. A knowledgeable and well-trained civil service workforce is critical for 

conducting mission-essential work and overseeing contracted work in research and technology. To adjust 

the mix of skills where appropriate, Centers explore cross-mission retraining opportunities for employees, 

offer targeted buyouts in selected surplus skill areas, and identify, recruit, and retain a multi-generational 

workforce of employees who possess skills critical to the Agency.

CIVIL SERVICE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE) DISTRIBUTION BY CENTER 

DIRECT FUNDED

Actual Estimate Request

 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

ARC 1,144 1,126 1,120 1,120 1,120 1,120 1,120

AFRC 500 511 503 503 503 503 503

GRC 1,505 1,489 1,478 1,478 1,478 1,478 1,478

GSFC 3,002 2,876 2,880 2,880 2,880 2,880 2,880

JSC 2,910 2,905 2,913 2,913 2,913 2,913 2,913

KSC 1,948 1,892 1,901 1,901 1,901 1,901 1,901

LaRC 1,741 1,771 1,758 1,758 1,758 1,758 1,758

MSFC 2,264 2,249 2,268 2,268 2,268 2,268 2,268

SSC 280 265 266 266 266 266 266

HQ 1,118 1,146 1,147 1,147 1,147 1,147 1,147

NSSC - - - - - - -

NASA

Total* 16,412 16,230 16,234 16,234 16,234 16,234 16,234

OIG 175 184 187 187 187 187 187

*Sums may not add to totals due to rounding

NOTE: Funds will not be fully distributed to Centers until after final acquisition decisions are made. Thus, 

Center FY 2021 allocations should not be considered final or directly comparable to prior year allocations.
Supporting Data

CIVIL SERVICE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT DISTRIBUTION

SD-6 

CIVIL SERVICE FTE DISTRIBUTION BY CENTER 

REIMBURSABLE FUNDED

Actual Estimate Request 

 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

ARC 31 22 22 22 22 22 22 

AFRC 35 15 15 15 15 15 15 

GRC 14 3 3 3 3 3 3 

GSFC 210 225 225 225 225 225 225 

JSC 31 - - - - - - 

KSC 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 

LaRC 17 15 15 15 15 15 15 

MSFC 34 - - - - - - 

SSC 17 20 20 20 20 20 20 

HQ 172 - - - - - - 

NSSC - 179 179 179 179 179 179 

NASA 

Total* 572 480 480 480 480 480 480 

OIG 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 

*Sums may not add to totals due to rounding

NOTE: Funds will not be fully distributed to Centers until after final acquisition decisions are made. Thus, Center 

FY 2021 allocations should not be considered final or directly comparable to prior year allocations.
Supporting Data

CIVIL SERVICE FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT DISTRIBUTION

SD-7 

FY 2021 FTE DISTRIBUTION BY ACCOUNT BY CENTER Science Aeronautics Exploration Technology Deep Space Exploration Systems LEO and Spaceflight Operations STEM Engagement Safety, Security, and Mission Services

Reimbursable / Working 

Capital Fund**

OIG

NASA-Funded Total

Agency TOTAL

ARC 141 215 86 99 27 - 552 22 - 1,120 1,142

AFRC 89 190 16 6 1 - 201 15 - 503 518

GRC 74 315 122 220 124 - 623 3 - 1,478 1,481

GSFC 1,183 - 109 36 131 - 1,421 225 - 2,880 3,105

JSC 32 - 55 792 1,201 - 833 - - 2,913 2,913

KSC 9 - 49 593 423 - 827 1 - 1,901 1,902

LaRC 181 441 118 120 4 - 894 15 - 1,758 1,773

MSFC 133 - 100 853 204 - 978 - - 2,268 2,268

SSC - - 6 66 40 - 154 20 - 266 286

HQ 20 - 8 - - - 1,119 - - 1,147 1,147

NSSC - - - - - - - 179 - - 179

NASA 

Total* 1,862 1,161 669 2,785 2,155 - 7,602 480 - 16,234 16,714

OIG - - - - - - - 5 187 187 192

*Sums may not add to totals due to rounding

**Includes 179 FTE funded by Working Capital Fund; and 301 FTE funded by reimbursable customers

NOTE: Funds will not be fully distributed to Centers until after final acquisition decisions are made. 

Thus, Center FY 2021 allocations should not be considered final or directly comparable to prior year 

allocations.
Supporting Data

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

SD-8 

NASA established the Working Capital Fund (WCF) to satisfy specific recurring needs for goods and 

services through use of a business-like buyer and seller approach under which NASA’s WCF entities 

provide goods or services pursuant to contracts and agreements with their customers. The overarching 

aim of WCF is to promote economy, efficiency, and accountability with fully reimbursed rates and by 

focusing on streamlining operations, measuring performance, and improving customer satisfaction. 

NASA’s WCF is comprised of four entities: 

• NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC); 

• Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) Government-Wide Acquisition Contract; 

• Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Integration Program (I3P); and 

• National Center for Critical Information Processing and Storage (NCCIPS). 

WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS BUDGET SUMMARY 

Spending Authority from Offsetting Collections ($ millions)

Actual Estimate Request

FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021

NSSC 74 74 88

SEWP 20 27 29

I3P 360 407 398

NCCIPS 43 23 43

Total New Spending Authority 496 531 558

Unobligated Brought Forward, Oct. 1 14 30 38

Recoveries of Prior Yr. Unpaid Obligations 2 8 8

Total Budgetary Resources 512 569 604

NSSC 71 75 88

SEWP 19 27 29 

I3P 361 407 398

NCCIPS 31 23 43

Total Obligations 482 531 558

Unobligated Balance (end-of-year)* 30 38 46

*Unobligated balance end-of-year is budgetary resources less obligations 

NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER (NSSC) 

NSSC opened in March 2006 to provide centralized administrative processing services and customer 

contact center operations for support of human resources, procurement, financial management, Agency 

IT, and Agency business support services. NASA established NSSC, a function under the NASA 

Headquarters Mission Support Directorate, as a public/private partnership. NSSC has awarded its major 

business management and IT services contract to CSRA (Computer Sciences Corporation merged with 

SRA International). Typical expenditures are related to civil service workforce, support contractor, other 

direct procurements, and Agency training purchases.
Supporting Data

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

SD-9 

NSSC is located on the grounds of Stennis Space Center and operates in a manner that provides for 

transparency and accountability of costs and services. NASA has reduced its administrative costs through 

centralized processing at NSSC. The work performed by NSSC reduces duplicative efforts and increases 

cost efficiencies.

NSSC’s revenue streams include funding from the NASA Centers, Mission Directorates, and various 

NASA mission support offices. During FY 2020, NSSC will continue to offer similar services as in 

FY 2019 expanding the scope to include one additional service, Training Administration. In addition to 

expanding the scope, NSSC will also be making minor expansions to existing services. During FY 2021, 

NSSC will continue to offer similar services as in FY 2020. 

SOLUTIONS FOR ENTERPRISE-WIDE PROCUREMENT (SEWP) 

SEWP refers to operations related to the Government-Wide Acquisition Contract that was established 

under the authority of section 5112 of the Information Technology Management Reform Act (40 U.S.C. 

1412(e)), enacted in 1996, under which NASA is designated by the Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB) as a Federal Government Executive Agent for SEWP contracts.

SEWP was established as a WCF entity to allow all Federal agencies use of a best value tool to purchase 

IT product solutions and services. Under this approach, the buying power of Federal Agencies is 

combined to acquire best value for IT products and services more efficiently. Typical acquisitions include 

a wide range of advanced technologies such as UNIX-Linux and Windows-based desktops and servers, 

along with peripherals, network equipment, storage devices, security tools, software, and other IT 

products and product-based solutions.

SEWP promotes aggressive pricing using online tools to obtain multiple, competitive quotes from 

vendors. On average for FY 2020, SEWP quotes have a 20 percent savings for any Federal customer 

using SEWP contracts. In addition, SEWP offers a low surcharge to recover NASA’s costs to operate the 

program with an average 0.36 percent fee as compared to the Government standard of 0.75 percent. 

SEWP revenue is generated solely from the surcharge fees on all transactions processed. For FY 2019, the 

Federal Government is projected to save about $19 million in fees, based on the difference between 

General Services Administration (GSA) and SEWP surcharge fees.

IT INFRASTRUCTURE INTEGRATION PROGRAM (I3P) 

WCF operations supporting I3P began in early FY 2012. WCF enables I3P to improve the efficiency and 

economy in which contract services and management are provided to support NASA’s IT strategic 

initiatives and to increase visibility into NASA’s IT budget and expenditures. Under I3P, NASA has 

consolidated 19 separately managed contracts into 5 centrally managed ones described as follows: 

• The Enterprise Applications Service Technologies contract supports Agency Applications Office 

(AAO) applications hosted by MSFC. The AAO operates and maintains a broad spectrum of 

NASA’s enterprise applications, with an emphasis on fully integrating business process expertise 

with application and technical knowledge. A small team of civil servants and support contractors 

sustain operations, implement new applications and capabilities, and provide business readiness 

support to the stakeholders and end-users.
Supporting Data

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

SD-10 

• The NASA Integrated Communications Services contract provides wide and local area network, 

telecommunications, video, and data services hosted at MSFC.

• The Web Enterprise Service Technologies contract provides public Web site hosting, Web 

content management and integration, and search services. GSFC and ARC host these services. 

• The Agency Consolidated End-User Services contract provides program management, 

provisioning, and support of desktops, laptops, cell phones, personal digital assistants, office 

automation software, and video conferencing. NSSC hosts these services.

• The Networx Telecommunications Circuits contract provides telecommunication services 

including, tele-conferencing services, core circuit services, mission network services, and 

regional circuit services hosted at MSFC.

I3P’s consolidated contracting approach benefits NASA by providing cost saving opportunities, such as 

the reduction in administrative burden involved with the business management of contracts and a 

significant reduction in procurement request transaction volume. Other I3P benefits include the 

streamlining budgeting, funding, and costing of I3P services; achieving transparency through the 

provision of detailed customer monthly billings; and providing consolidated, consistent reporting of 

Agency-wide consumption of I3P-related goods and services.

I3P is unique in that revenue streams and expenditures are limited to contract costs for its five service 

contracts. Revenue streams include funding from the NASA Centers, NASA Mission Directorates, and 

various NASA mission support offices. As reflected in the FY 2020 anticipated funding level, the I3P 

WCF will continue to offer similar services as in FY 2019. During FY 2021 NSSC will continue to offer 

similar services as in FY 2020 with no significant scope changes anticipated.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CRITICAL INFO. PROCESSING AND STORAGE (NCCIPS)

NCCIPS is a federal shared services data center (as defined by the Uptime Institute) designed for sensitive 

and secure processing and storage. NCCIPS is a 200,000 sq. ft. secure data center facility on a 64-acre

campus within the Stennis Space Center. NCCIPS offers federal customers collocation services from a 

state-of-the-art data center. NCCIPS offers 24x7x365 availability at a Tier III level, with complete 

redundancy in the electrical distribution system from the national grid to the rack level. 

NCCIPS provides the following infrastructure/services:

• Four Layer Security – Buffer Zone/perimeter fencing, armed security at all gates, roving guards, 

and NCCIPS Guards (Internal NCCIPS Security Systems) 

• Two separate National Power Grid feeds to SSC and three separate power feeds available to 

NCCIPS

• Power infrastructure is fully redundant from National Power Grid down to the racks on the floor 

• Expert IT staff with a proven track record of uninterrupted service

• 24x7 facility operations staff monitoring 

• Tier III redundant (N + 1) power from two national grids with diesel generator backup 

• Robust network infrastructure with multiple, discreet communication paths 

• FE-25 clean agent fire suppression

The NASA WCF provides NASA with a mechanism to collect amounts sufficient to finance continuing 

operations, acquire capital assets, and adjust for prior year results of operations, in addition to normal 

operating expense recovery at NCCIPS. NCCIPS WCF benefits NASA and its customers by: 
Supporting Data

WORKING CAPITAL FUND

SD-11 

• Enabling funds to be collected over time and (once earned) used for new equipment and 

technology;

• Allowing the NSSC to incorporate a level equipment replacement, maintenance and technology 

refresh cost into client rates; 

• Helping to normalize rates charged to NCCIPS clients from year to year, as the need for facility 

repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and routine equipment maintenance increases, thus enabling 

NCCIPS clients to maintain their appropriation funding without incurring potentially large 

unplanned expenses;

• Facilitating NCCIPS business opportunities for new clients; and 

• Reducing the probability of hardware failure within the NCCIPS operational environment. 

NCCIPS’ revenue streams include funding from the NASA SSC and NSSC Centers and External Federal 

Agencies such as Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Navy Department of Defense 

Supercomputing Resource Center (NDSRC), Government Services Administration (GSA), Department of 

Transportation Maritime (DOT-MARAD), Department of Transportation OCIO (DOT-OCIO) and 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During FY 2020, NCCIPS will continue to offer 

similar services as in FY 2019 with no significant scope changes anticipated. During FY 2021, NCCIPS 

will continue to offer similar services as in FY 2020 with no significant scope changes anticipated. 
Supporting Data

BUDGET BY OBJECT CLASS

SD-12 

Totals may not add due to rounding

NOTE: The table only reflects the FY 2021 request and does not include remaining funding from previous direct or 

supplemental appropriations.
Supporting Data

STATUS OF UNOBLIGATED FUNDS

SD-13 

The table below displays actual and estimated unobligated balances of direct and reimbursable budget 

authority in each NASA account at the end of each fiscal year. The data is non-comparable, or based 

solely on an appropriation account’s activity or projected activity with no adjustment to the FY 2019 or 

FY 2020 amounts to make them comparable to the budget structure underlying the FY 2021 request.

UNOBLIGATED FUNDS SUMMARY BY APPROPRIATIONS ACCOUNT

Budget Authority ($ millions) Unobligated Balances 

Sept. 30, 2019

Estimated 

Unobligated Balances 

Sept. 30, 2020

Estimated 

Unobligated Balances 

Sept. 30, 2021

Deep Space Exploration Systems 198 251 304

Exploration Technology 67 79 91

LEO and Spaceflight Operations 98 425 752

Science 745 749 823

Aeronautics 27 39 51

STEM Engagement 9 11 13

Safety, Security, and Mission Services 781 829 877

Construction and Environmental 

Compliance and Restoration 319 393 467

Office of Inspector General 0 0 1 

Working Capital Fund 30 38 46

Science, Space, and Technology 

Education Trust Fund 1 1 1 

Total NASA 2,275 2,815 3,426 

*Totals may not add due to rounding

Note: Table excludes unobligated balances in NASA's legacy accounts (80-0110, 80-0111, 80-0112, and 80-0114) that were 

rescinded in FY 2019.
Supporting Data

REIMBURSABLE ESTIMATES

SD-14 

Reimbursable agreements are agreements where the NASA costs associated with the undertaking are 

borne by the non-NASA partner. NASA undertakes reimbursable agreements when it has equipment, 

facilities, and services that it can make available to others in a manner that does not interfere with NASA 

mission requirements. Reimbursable agreements are executed under various legal authorities including: 

• National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, as amended [P.L. 85–568] - Space Act Agreements 

(SAAs) and Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) authority [incorporated through P.L. 108-7]. 

• Commercial Space Launch Act [P.L. 98-575] – authority to outsource the use of its launching 

facilities and services to private companies. 

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) [P.L. 89-665] – Leasing authority for historic 

property. 

• Government Employees Training Act [P. L. 85-507] – authority to conduct employee training for 

other government organizations.

• Economy Act [P.L. 31–15359] – authority for agencies to obtain supplies or services from another 

agency. 

The agreements are transacted in three accounts (SSMS, CECR, and OIG). Most of the work is managed by 

a specific NASA Center and performed by the relevant Mission Directorate or Office program at the 

Center (i.e., Aeronautics, Human Exploration and Operations, Exploration Technology, Mission Support, 

Office of STEM Engagement, and Office of Inspector General). Examples include use of NASA-operated

wind tunnel test facilities and rocket test stand facilities by other Government agencies or private sector 

users. Some larger agreements and those that involve multiple Centers or Mission Directorates are 

managed by NASA headquarters. For example, NASA serves as the acquisition agent for the GOES series 

of satellites operated by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. 

The table below presents the budget authority for NASA’s reimbursable work. As most reimbursable 

requests to NASA do not occur until the year of execution, the FY 2020 and FY 2021 estimates are based 

on anticipated reimbursable agreements reported by NASA Centers and headquarters units. 

REIMBURSABLE BUDGET AUTHORITY BY APPROPRIATIONS ACCOUNT 

($ millions) Actual Estimate Estimate

FY 

2019

FY 

2020

FY 

2021

Safety, Security, and Mission Services (including EUL and NHPA) 1,823 2,344 1,932

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration (including EUL) 22 21 21

Office of Inspector General 1 2 2

Total 1,846 2,367 1,955
Supporting Data

ENHANCED USE LEASING

SD-15 

In 2003, Congress authorized NASA to enter into leasing arrangements at two Centers. In 2007 and 2008, 

Congress expanded that authority such that NASA may enter into leasing arrangements at all Centers. 

Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) is currently authorized through December 31, 2021. EUL revenues help

NASA maintain critical facilities and address deferred maintenance challenges as well as support Centers’ 

revitalization plans. Additionally, NASA’s EUL Authority supports important relationships with industry, 

academia, and non-profit organizations. 

After deducting the costs of administering the leases, Centers are permitted to retain 65 percent of net 

receipt revenue. The balances are made available to NASA for use Agency-wide. These funds are in 

addition to annual appropriations. The table below depicts the estimated FY 2021 EUL expenses and 

revenues. The amounts identified under Capital Asset Account Expenditures may be adjusted between 

projects listed based on actual contract award. There are no civil servants funded from EUL income. 

SUMMARY OF PROJECTED FY 2021 EUL ACTIVITY

FY 2021 EUL Expenses and Revenues ($ Thousands) ARC GSFC JPL(NMO) MSFC SSC KSC Agency Total

Base Rent 12,537.0 48.2 100.5 115.0 88.1 1,447.8 3,000.0 17,336.6

Institutional Support Income 899.5 6.0 321.7 8.9 88.9 1,325.0

Additional Reimbursable Demand Services Requested by Lessees (including overhead) 4,542.4 18.5 28.5 749.0 5,338.4

Total Lease Income (L Funds) - Program Year 2021 17,978.9 54.2 100.5 436.7 115.5 1,565.2 3,749.0 24,000.0

Institutional Support Costs -899.5 -6.0 -29.1 -7.0 -88.9 0.0 -1,030.5

Lease Management and Administration -1,051.5 -149.9 -1.9 0.0 -1,203.3

Tenant Building Maintenance and Repair -1,064.9 -2,000.0 -3,064.9

Cost to Fulfill Reimbursable Demand Services (including overhead) -4,542.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 -18.5 -28.5 -749.0 -5,338.4

Total Cost Associated with Leases - Program Year 2021 -7,558.3 -6.0 0.0 -179.0 -27.4 -117.4 -2,749.0 -10,637.1

Net Revenue from Lease Activity - Program Year 2021 10,420.6 48.2 100.5 257.7 88.1 1,447.8 1,000.0 13,362.9

Projected Balance, Capital Asset Account - Prior Program Years 541.5 0.0 125.5 78.0 210.0 753.1 10,324.7 12,032.8

Net Revenue from Lease Activity Retained at Center - Program Year 2021 6,773.4 31.3 65.3 167.5 57.3 941.1 5,327.0 13,362.9

Total Available, Capital Assest Account - All Program Years 7,314.9 31.3 190.8 245.5 267.3 1,694.2 15,651.7 25,395.7

Planned Maintenance, Various Buildings -6,750.4 -500.0 -7,250.4

Replace Roofs on Varous Buildings 0.0

Misc. Renewable Solar Energy Expansion -500.0

Replace Bldg 1 main steam condensate piping 0.0

Upgrade Lighting Systems (Green Project) -160.0 -160.0

Energy and Sustainability Upgrades, Various Buildings (Stennis) -55.0 -55.0

Energy and Sustainability Upgrades, Various Buildings (Various Centers) -6,934.6 -6,934.6

Capital Asset Account Expenditures -6,750.4 0.0 0.0 -160.0 -55.0 -1,000.0 -6,934.6 -14,900.0

 

Capital Asset Account Ending Balance 564.5 31.3 190.8 85.5 212.3 694.2 8,717.1 10,495.7

In Kind Activity 175.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 39.1 0.0 214.1
Supporting Data

ENHANCED USE LEASING

SD-16 

DEFINITIONS

Base Rent

Revenue collected from the tenant for rent of land or buildings lease.

Institutional Support Costs

Cost for institutional shared services, such as fire, security, first responder, communications, common 

grounds, road, and infrastructure maintenance, as well as routine administrative support and management 

oversight (e.g., environmental). 

Total Lease Income

Total gross proceeds from EUL activities including expenses due to renting NASA property. 

In-Kind Activity

Consideration accepted in lieu of rent payment (only applies to selected leases signed prior to 

January 1, 2009). 

Reimbursable Demand Services 

Services such as janitorial, communications, and maintenance that solely benefit the tenant and are 

provided for their convenience. There is no net income received by NASA, as these payments may only 

cover the costs of NASA and its vendors providing these services.
Supporting Data

NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

SD-17 

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 54 U.S.C. §306121-306122 provides that:

[(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any Federal agency after consultation with the 

Council [the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation], shall, to the extent practicable, establish 

and implement alternatives for historic properties, including adaptive use, that are not needed for 

current or projected agency purposes, and may lease an historic property owned by the agency to 

any person or organization, or exchange any property owned by the agency with comparable 

historic property, if the agency head determines that the lease or exchange will adequately insure 

the preservation of the historic property. 

(b) The proceeds of any lease under subsection (a) may, notwithstanding any other provision of 

law, be retained by the agency entering into such lease and used to defray the costs of 

administration, maintenance, repair, and related expenses incurred by the agency with respect to 

such property or other properties which are on the National Register which are owned by, or are 

under the jurisdiction or control of, such agency. Any surplus proceeds from such leases shall be 

deposited into the Treasury of the United States at the end of the second fiscal year following the 

fiscal year in which such proceeds were received. 

(c) The head of any Federal agency having responsibility for the management of any historic 

property may, after consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, enter into 

contracts for the management of such property. Any such contract shall contain such terms and 

conditions as the head of such agency deems necessary or appropriate to protect the interests of 

the United States and insure adequate preservation of historic property.] 

In FY 2014, NASA established a program for leasing its historic properties based upon the NHPA 

authorities. Funds received from historic property leases are expended for purposes of operating, 

maintaining, and managing the properties, or for authorized demolition or removal of buildings. Federal 

workforce costs associated with executing the leasing program are funded from annual appropriations not 

leasing revenues. 

The table below depicts the estimated amounts of anticipated NHPA expenses and revenues for FY 2021. 

NASA currently expects total rental income of approximately $24.4 million. Of the $24.4 million in total 

rental income, approximately $8.9 million represents net revenue from lease activities. The net revenue 

amount of $8.9 million will be used for historic building maintenance and repairs at ARC, as well as other 

properties throughout the Agency. 
Supporting Data

NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

SD-18 

FY 2021 NHPA Expenses and Revenues ($ thousands) Ames Research Center

Base Rent 15,500.0

Security Deposit (Reissue) -

Institutional Support Income 3,427.4

Cost to Fuflill Reimbursable Demand Services 5,560.8

Total Rental Income 24,488.2

Institutional Support Costs (9,718.8)

Security Deposit (Reissue) -

Lease Management and Administration (284.1)

Reimbursable Demand Services Requested by Leasees (5,560.8)

Total Cost Associated with Leases (15,563.7)

Net Revenue from Lease Activity 8,924.5

Unobligated Proceeds Prior Years (as of 9/30/2020) -

Deferred Maintenance for Buildings 2, 10, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 

25, 26, N200, N226, N227, N234, N238 & N243 (1,663.7)

Restore Reliability of VMS Out-the-Window Cockpit Visual 

Infrastructure N243, Phase 2 of 2 (1,080.9)

Upgrade UPWT Main Drive Speed Control to Variable 

Frequency Drive - Design (1,570.0)

Seismic Restraint of Arc Jet Steam Vacuum System Support, 

Phase 1 of 2 - Study (200.0)

Reduce Fire Risk to Personnel N200 (1,000.0)

Restore Reliability of UPWT Main Drive Oil System - Design (885.5)

Restore Reliability of UPWT 9X7 Centerbody Knuckle Sleeve (2,524.4)

Capital Asset Account Expenditures (8,924.5)

Capital Asset Account Ending Balance -

In Kind Activity -
Supporting Data

NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT

SD-19 

DEFINITIONS

Base Rent

Revenue collected from the tenant for rent of land or buildings. 

Institutional Support Costs

Cost for institutional shared services such as fire, security, first responder, communications, common 

grounds, road, and infrastructure maintenance, and routine administrative support and management 

oversight (e.g., environmental). 

Total Rental Income 

Total gross proceeds from NHPA activities for expenses due to renting NASA property.

In-Kind

Consideration accepted in lieu of rent payment.

Reimbursable Demand Services 

Services such as janitorial, communications, and maintenance that solely benefit the tenant and are 

provided for their convenience. There is no net income received by NASA, as these payments may only 

cover the costs of NASA and its vendors providing these services.
Supporting Data

BUDGET FOR MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE

SD-20 

BUDGET FOR INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) RESEARCH

The Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate supports research which takes advantage of 

the unique environment of reduced gravity on the International Space Station (ISS). ISS Research is 

conducted in two broad categories: Exploration ISS Research and Non-Exploration ISS Research. 

$ in millions

FY 2019 

Actual FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

Exploration ISS Research $260 $249 $246 $241 $236 $236 $239 

Non- Exploration ISS Research $169 $155 $133 $130 $125 $124 $126 

Total $429 $404 $380 $371 $360 $360 $366 

% of Non-Exploration to Total 39% 38% 35% 35% 35% 35% 35%

The amounts included for FY 2019 reflect actuals. FY 2020 through FY 2025 are reflective of NASA out-year 

planning.

FY 2019 reflects funding amounts specified in Public Law 116-006, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, as 

adjusted by NASA’s FY 2019 Operating Plan. 

The FY 2020 Operating Plan was not finalized at the time of Budget release. Therefore, only specifics marks from 

Public Law 116-93, Consolidate Appropriations Act, FY 2020, as well as projects in development, are included in 

the FY 2020 column. 

Exploration ISS Research

Exploration ISS Research supports the Agency’s need for improved knowledge about working and living 

in space to enable future long-duration human exploration missions. The Human Research Program 

provides research results that reduce risks to crew health and performance from prolonged exposure to 

reduced gravity, space radiation, and isolation during exploration missions. Research on the ISS is 

mitigating risks to humans in space and on Earth by conducting research in human health 

countermeasures, space human factors and habitability, behavioral health and performance, and 

exploration medicine, tools, and technologies. ISS Research investigates the underlying gravitydependent phenomena in areas vital to the design of future space vehicles and systems: fire prevention, 

detection, and suppression; boiling and multiphase flow; capillary phenomena; and the response to the 

space environment of microbes, plants, and higher lifeforms. These applied research investigations will 

provide the necessary data for the future design of the following technology areas: life support systems, 

propellant storage, power generation, thermal control, and advanced environmental monitoring and 

control. Multi-User System Support (MUSS) is responsible for the integration of all ISS payloads 

including NASA, international partners, and non-NASA users and supports both Exploration and NonExploration ISS Research. This includes coordinating payload completion schedules, ISS mission 

schedules, and the space available on the launch vehicles. The Exploration ISS Research category in the 

table above includes funding for MUSS.

Non-Exploration ISS Research

NASA allocates at least 15 percent of the funds budgeted for ISS research to ground-based, free-flyer, and 

ISS life and physical science research that is not directly related to supporting the human space 

exploration program, in accordance with Section 204 of the NASA Authorization Act of 2005. The 

purpose is to ensure the effective use of the ISS in its capacity to support space-based basic and applied 
Supporting Data

BUDGET FOR MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE

SD-21 

scientific research that can be advanced significantly through the use of the microgravity environment and 

provide broad national benefits. This budget supports basic ISS research in the fields of: physiological 

research, fluid physics, combustion science, atomic physics, cell science, materials science, and plant 

research. This research helps to sustain U.S. scientific expertise and capability in microgravity research 

and to identify new areas for participation by commercial entities or other government agencies. The 

Non-Exploration ISS Research category in the table above includes funding for the Center for the 

Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and MUSS. CASIS 

is the organization selected by NASA to manage non-NASA use of the ISS U.S. National Laboratory. 

AMS is a particle physics and astrophysics experiment on the ISS that is searching for dark matter, antimatter, and strange matter.
Supporting Data

BUDGET FOR SAFETY OVERSIGHT 

SD-22 

The following table provides the safety oversight budget request. This includes the Agency-wide 

surveillance functions as well as the project specific safety, reliability, maintainability, and quality 

assurance elements embedded within individual projects. NASA does not have a single safety oversight 

budget line item, but instead amounts are embedded in program, project, and mission support budgets. 

BUDGET SUMMARY FOR SAFETY OVERSIGHT

Actual Estimate Request

Budget Authority ($ millions) FY 

2019

FY 

2020

FY 

2021

FY 

2022

FY 

2023

FY 

2024

FY 

2025

Safety and Mission Assurance 49.5 50.0 48.9 48.9 48.9 48.9 48.9

Institutional Operational Safety 38.0 37.7 37.4 37.4 37.4 37.4 37.4

SMA Technical Authority 51.0 52.8 53.3 53.3 53.3 53.3 53.3

Agency-Wide Safety Oversight 138.5 140.5 139.6 139.6 139.6 139.6 139.6

Program Specific* 300.0 300.0 300.0 300.0 300.0 300.0 300.0

NASA Total, Safety 438.5 440.5 439.6 439.6 439.6 439.6 439.6

* Estimated values

Agency-Wide Safety Oversight

Agency-level programs and activities that support the overarching NASA Safety and Mission Success 

program. 

Safety and Mission Assurance

The Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) program administers and refines the pertinent policies, 

procedural requirements, and technical safety standards. The program participates in forums that provide 

advice to the Administrator, Mission Directorates, Program Managers, and Center Directors who are 

ultimately accountable for the safety and mission success of all NASA programs, projects, and operations. 

Specific program responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing NASA’s Orbital Debris 

program, NASA’s Electronic Parts program, and the NASA Safety Center. The budget for the Safety and 

Mission Assurance is part of the Agency Technical Authority (ATA) program under the Safety, Security, 

and Mission Services (SSMS) mission account. 

Institutional Operational Safety

NASA’s Institutional Operational Safety program is driven by the Office of Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1960, OSHA Standards, NASA Procedural Requirement (NPR) 

8715.1A, NASA Occupational Safety and Health Programs, NPR 8715.3D, and NASA’s General Safety 

Program Requirements. The program includes: risk management, safety training, safety awareness, 

construction safety, the voluntary protection program, safety metrics and trend analysis, contractor 

insight/oversight, support to safety boards and committees, support to the emergency preparedness and 

fire safety programs, aviation safety, explosives and propellants safety, nuclear safety, radiation safety, 

confined space entry, fall protection, lifting devices, pressure vessel safety, hazard reporting and 

abatement systems, cryogenic safety, electrical safety requirements (lock out/tag out), facility systems 

safety, institutional safety policy development, visitor and public safety, institutional safety engineering, 
Supporting Data

BUDGET FOR SAFETY OVERSIGHT 

SD-23 

and a mishap prevention program including a reporting system and investigations. The Institutional 

Operational Safety program requires significant federal state and local coordination. The budget for 

Institutional Operation Safety is part of the Center Engineering, Safety, and Operations (CESO) program 

under the SSMS mission account. 

S&MA Technical Authority

S&MA Technical Authority provides independent oversight of programs and projects in support of safety 

and mission success and is a key part of NASA’s overall system of checks and balances. The S&MA 

Technical Authority program includes travel and labor only for all S&MA supervisors, branch chiefs or 

above and designated deputies. In addition, where the principal job function of a non-supervisory S&MA 

person consists of rendering authoritative decisions on S&MA matters relating to the design or operation 

of a program or project, that person’s salary is included. Often, these positions are the lead S&MA 

managers for large programs where the decision-making process is nearly a full-time demand. This 

category does not include salaries for individuals who only occasionally work on an authority task; 

however, the program budget does include travel funds in direct support of these tasks when needed. The 

budget for S&MA Technical Authority is part of the CESO program under the SSMS mission account. 

Program Specific

Project specific S&MA costs are included in individual project budgets. These costs include the technical

and management efforts of directing and controlling the safety and mission assurance elements of the 

project. This incorporates the design, development, review, and verification of practices and procedures 

and mission success criteria intended to assure that the delivered spacecraft, ground system, mission 

operation, or payload meets performance requirements and function for their intended lifetimes.
Supporting Data

PHYSICIANS’ COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE

SD-24 

Physicians’ Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan

Department and component: 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Purpose: The purpose of this document is to describe the agency’s plan for implementing the Physicians’ 

Comparability Allowance (PCA) program. Per 5 CFR 595.107, the Office of Management and Budget 

(OMB) must approve this plan prior to the agency entering into any PCA service agreement. Changes to 

this plan must be reviewed and approved by OMB in accordance with 5 CFR 595.107. 

Reporting: In addition to the plan, each year, components utilizing PCA will include their PCA worksheet 

in the OMB Justification (OMBJ), typically in September. OMB and the Office of Personnel Management 

(OPM) will use this data for budget development and congressional reporting.

Plan for Implementing the PCA program:

1) Identify the categories of physician positions the agency has established are covered by PCA 

under § 595.103. Please include the basis for each category. If applicable, list and explain the 

necessity of any additional physician categories designated by your agency (for categories other 

than I through IV-B). List Any Additional Physician Categories Designated by Your Agency: 

Pursuant to 5 CFR 595.107, any additional category of physician receiving a PCA, not covered by 

categories I through IV-B, should be listed and accompanied by an explanation as to why these 

categories are necessary.

Number of 

Physicians 

Receiving 

PCAs by 

Category 

(non-add)

Category of 

Physician 

Position

Covered 

by Agency 

(mark “x” if 

covered)

Basis for Category

21

Category I 

Clinical 

Position

x 

Difficulty recruiting and retaining:

Physicians in this category perform both operational 

medical support that is mission-critical and provide 

medical subject matter expertise in the development of 

future programs, including Artemis, Gateway, and the 

Lunar Lander. Much of the work they do is inherently 

governmental, as it requires establishing requirements, 

both for spaceflight programs and for commercial offers 

in NASA procurements for spaceflight capabilities. These 

specialized physicians are often called on to evaluate 

commercial and international partner proposals for 

medical capabilities. These physicians also provide 

leadership in NASA’s multilateral medical operations, 

representing NASA in multilateral fora. Civil Servant 

physicians are also required to provide oversight of key 

contract functions that support mission-critical activities.

0 

Category II 

Research 

Position

N/A N/A

0 

Category III 

Occupationa

l Health

N/A N/A
Supporting Data

PHYSICIANS’ COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE

SD-25 

Number of 

Physicians 

Receiving 

PCAs by 

Category 

(non-add)

Category of 

Physician 

Position

Covered 

by Agency 

(mark “x” if 

covered)

Basis for Category

0 

Category IVA Disability 

Evaluation 

N/A N/A

6 

Category IVB Health 

and Medical 

Admin.

x 

Difficulty recruiting and retaining:

Management physicians play a critical role in ensuring 

NASA’s ability to meet its’ ambitious goals of returning 

humans to the moon in 2024, expanding commercial 

access to space, and eventually sending humans out into 

the solar system. These physicians occupy positions that 

are primarily comprised of inherently governmental 

activities, including: supervision of other civil servant

physicians; oversight of significant projects and 

programs, such as the Johnson Space Center (JSC) 

Clinic; providing independent oversight of NASA’s health 

and medical activities through the Health and Medical 

Technical Authority; developing and assessing the risk 

associated with NASA standards that are applicable to all 

human spaceflight programs and NASA’s 

commercialization activities; and serving as Chief 

Medical Officer at the Agency, Center, and Program 

levels to make ultimate determinations that affect Agency 

action and resources.

2) Explain the recruitment and retention problem(s) for each category of physician in your agency 

(this should demonstrate that a current need continues to persist). § 595 of 5CFR Ch. 1 requires 

that an agency may determine that a significant recruitment and retention problem exists only if 

all of the following conditions apply:

- Evidence indicates that the agency is unable to recruit and retain physicians for the category;

- The qualification requirements being sought do not exceed the qualifications necessary for 

successful performance of the work;

- The agency has made efforts to recruit and retain candidates in the category; and 

- There are not a sufficient number of qualified candidates available if no comparability allowance 

is paid.

Number of 

Physicians 

Receiving PCAs by 

Category (non-add)

Category of 

Physician 

Position

Recruitment and retention problem

21 Category I 

Clinical Position

NASA physicians who receive PCA are located at JSC in 

Houston, Texas; Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, 

Maryland; and Headquarters in Washington D.C. Physician 

salaries in the Houston area and across the country 

continue to rise and the General Schedule (GS) salaries that 

JSC may offer are consistently lower than private sector 

salaries and those offered by our prime 

contractors. According to the 2019 Medscape Physician 
Supporting Data

PHYSICIANS’ COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE

SD-26 

Number of 

Physicians 

Receiving PCAs by 

Category (non-add)

Category of 

Physician 

Position

Recruitment and retention problem

Compensation Report, the average physician compensation 

in the South-Central geographical area was $300,000. In 

2020, the maximum GS salary payable for GS employees is 

$166,500. In addition, significantly higher physician pay 

scales under Title 38 in the Veterans Administration (VA) 

and Department of Defense (DoD) provide a potential 

incentive for NASA physicians to continue their government 

service and receive higher pay by transferring to those 

agencies. Further, NASA is now competing with commercial 

space companies that are attempting to expand their human 

spaceflight capabilities and need physicians experienced in 

human spaceflight.

NASA physicians are supporting more critical program 

activities simultaneously than at any time in the past. This 

includes supporting the NASA Health and Medical Technical 

Authority, International Space Station crew (operating 24/7), 

Commercial Crew, Orion, Gateway, and Lunar activities, the 

active astronaut corps, and the operation of the Lifetime 

Surveillance of Astronaut Health program, which includes all 

retired astronauts.

The implementation of the TREAT Act means that they will 

also be providing life-long care for former astronauts. 

Physicians who are board-certified in Aerospace Medicine 

and who have operational experience are a rare and 

valuable commodity. There is a shortage of aerospace 

medicine specialists nationwide and other government and 

military organizations are actively recruiting qualified 

physicians. Many of the JSC physicians with aerospace 

medicine training and experience are also board-certified in 

other clinical specialties including internal medicine, 

emergency medicine, and psychiatry. The double boardcertified physicians are an especially rare commodity and 

their dual areas of expertise are extraordinarily valuable to 

NASA. The training period after medical school, including 

on-the-job training at NASA after hire, is nearly a full 

decade. Retaining such physicians after they are hired and 

have completed NASA Flight Surgeon training requirements 

is critical to the success of the human space flight program.

All of these factors affect NASA’s ability to attract and retain 

qualified physicians. Without offering PCA, NASA would not 

be able to recruit and retain qualified physicians.

0 

Category II 

Research 

Position

N/A
Supporting Data

PHYSICIANS’ COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE

SD-27 

Number of 

Physicians 

Receiving PCAs by 

Category (non-add)

Category of 

Physician 

Position

Recruitment and retention problem

0 

Category III 

Occupational 

Health

N/A

0 

Category IV-A 

Disability 

Evaluation 

N/A

6 

Category IV-B 

Health and 

Medical Admin.

NASA faces challenges recruiting and retaining physicians 

who are willing and able to serve in physician management 

and leadership roles. Because physicians are at the top of 

the GS pay scale, and previously, NASA had only one PCA 

category, there has been no pay incentive to accompany the 

increase in responsibility and authority. In 2019, NASA 

placed four physicians who occupy significant medical 

management and leadership positions into a separate PCA 

category that provides the opportunity for additional pay.

Physician leaders are in even greater demand than skilled 

aerospace physicians. Additional PCA for those holding 

these critical roles helps to attract the best physicians to 

these roles and retain them in leadership and management 

positions. Over the past few years, NASA has been unable 

to fill critical branch and division leadership positions that 

require physicians, and as a result has been unable to 

develop a robust succession management plan to ensure 

that physician leaders are developed and retained to fill 

critical Agency roles such as Chief Medical Officer and Chief 

Health and Medical Officer. Providing enhanced PCA for 

those physicians willing to step up to roles of increased 

responsibility will encourage young physicians to apply for 

these challenging roles and ensure a cadre of skilled 

physician leaders for the future.

3) Explain how the agency determines the amounts to be used for each category of physicians.

Number of 

Physicians 

Receiving PCAs by 

Category (nonadd)

Category of 

Physician 

Position

Basis of comparability allowance amount

21 Category I 

Clinical Position

The PCA amounts paid are the minimum needed to deal 

with the recruitment and retention problems. The amount 

$22,000 - $24,000 is offered to many of our physicians in 

this category (or $14,000 per regulations, depending on 

tenure), and we have determined that amount is justified via 

two means: 

(1) Market Data relevant to the most applicable field of 

practice, Emergency Medicine, includes the following:
Supporting Data

PHYSICIANS’ COMPARABILITY ALLOWANCE

SD-28 

Number of 

Physicians 

Receiving PCAs by 

Category (nonadd)

Category of 

Physician 

Position

Basis of comparability allowance amount

- According to a March 2019 publication by Doximity, a 

reputable source, Single Board-Certified Emergency

Medical Physicians in America make an average of 

$336,000 per year.

According to a September 2018 publication by the Houston 

Medical Journal, a reputable source, the average salary for 

an Emergency Medical Physician in the Houston 

Metropolitan Area makes $350,000 per year. Double BoardCertified physicians can easily make more. References to 

that data include: Glassdoor Inc., (2018, August); Kane,

L., MA. (2018, April); and Medscape Physician 

Compensation Report 2018 (2018, July).

(2) NASA Centers have had success hiring candidates with 

the offers of $14,000 - $24,000 of PCA; therefore, a higher 

amount of PCA would not be justifiable for physicians in this 

category.

0 

Category II 

Research 

Position

Currently no physician positions in this category

0 

Category III 

Occupational 

Health

Currently no physician positions in this category

0 

Category IV-A 

Disability 

Evaluation 

Currently no physician positions in this category

6 

Category IV-B 

Health and 

Medical Admin.

The PCA amounts paid are the minimum needed to deal 

with the recruitment and retention problems. Similar 

research and rationale went into making initial offers for 

PCA for Physicians in this category; however, we have 

determined that $14,000 - $24,000 has not been satisfactory 

in recruiting NASA physicians to take on the additional work 

burdens of Health and Medical Administration duties and 

retaining them in such a position. The maximum amount of 

PCA Allowed by law, $30,000 will be required to satisfy this 

recruitment and retention effort.

4) Does the agency affirm that the PCA plan is consistent with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5948 and 

the requirements of § 595 of 5 CFR Ch. 1?

Yes
Supporting Data

BUDGET FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS

SD-29 

The NASA budget for Public Affairs is funded within the Safety, Security, and Mission Services account 

under Mission Enabling Services. These budgets include the dissemination of information to the news 

media and the public concerning NASA programs. Content includes support for public affairs/public 

relations, Center newsletters, internal communications, guest operations (including bus transportation), 

public inquiries, NASA TV, the nasa.gov portal (see: http://www.nasa.gov), and other multimedia 

support. 

NASA PAO BUDGET SUMMARY, BY CENTER

Actual Estimate Request

Budget Authority ($ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

ARC 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6

AFRC 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3

GRC 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5

GSFC 4.6 4.6 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8

HQ 14.4 14.4 14.4 14.4 14.4 14.4 14.4

JSC 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2

KSC 10.3 10.3 10.3 10.3 10.3 10.3 10.3

LaRC 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7

MSFC 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1

SSC 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9

NASA Total 54.5 54.5 54.9 54.9 54.9 54.9 54.9

Sums may not add to Total due to rounding.
Supporting Data

CONSULTING SERVICES

SD-30 

NASA uses paid experts and consultants to provide advice and expertise beyond that which is available 

from its in-house civil service workforce. Management controls ensure that there is ample justification for 

consulting services before these services are obtained. Much of the Agency’s expert and consultant 

support is for the NASA Advisory Council and the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. NASA uses experts 

and consultants to provide expertise on the selection of experiments for future space missions. The use of 

these experts and consultants provides the Agency with an independent view that promotes the selection 

of experiments likely to have the greatest scientific merit. Other individuals provide independent views of 

technical and functional problems to provide senior management with a wide the range of information to 

support making major decisions. Historically, each mission directorate engages a few consultants 

supporting primarily programmatic and Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel issues. 

NASA CONSULTING SERVICES BUDGET SUMMARY

Actual Estimate Request

FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021

Number of Paid Experts and Consultants 33 33 33

Annual FTE Usage 6.0 6.7 6.7

(Cost in $ millions)

Salaries 0.7 0.7 0.7

Benefits Costs 0.2 0.2 0.2

Travel Costs 0.2 0.2 0.2

Total Costs 1.1 1.1 1.1

FY 2019 are actual obligations. FY 2020 and FY 2021 are estimated Budget Authority

A broader definition of consulting services could include the total object class Advisory and Assistance 

Services as shown in the Supporting Data Budget by Object Class section of this volume. Advisory and 

Assistance Services includes: (1) Quality Control, Testing & Inspection Services; (2) Management and 

Professional Support Services; (3) Studies, Analysis, and Evaluations; and (4) Engineering and Technical 

Services; and (5) IT Services.

Actual Estimate Request

(Cost in $ millions) FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021

Quality Control, Testing & Inspection Services 36.9 39.6 49.1

Management and Professional Support Services 709.9 763.1 945.6

Studies, Analysis, & Evaluations 92.2 99.1 122.8

Engineering and Technical Services 9.2 9.9 12.3

IT Services 73.8 79.3 98.2

Total Costs, Advisory & Assistance Services 922.0 991.0 1,228.0

FY 2019 are actual obligations. FY 2020 and FY 2021 are estimated obligations
Supporting Data

CONSULTING SERVICES

SD-31 

DEFINITIONS

Consultant

A person who can provide valuable and pertinent advice generally drawn from a high degree of broad 

administrative, professional, or technical knowledge or experience. When an agency requires public 

advisory participation, a consultant also may be a person who is affected by a particular program and can 

provide useful views from personal experience.

Expert

A person who is specially qualified by education and experience to perform difficult and challenging 

tasks in a particular field beyond the usual range of achievement of competent persons in that field. An 

expert is regarded by other persons in the field as an authority or practitioner of unusual competence and 

skill in a professional, scientific, technical, or other activity. 

These definitions are located under 5 CFR 304.102. The appointments are made under 5 U.S.C. 3109, and the use of 

this authority is reported to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) annually.
Supporting Data

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS

SD-32 

E-GOVERNMENT FUNDING CONTRIBUTIONS AND SERVICE FEES BY INITIATIVE

NASA will provide funding contributions in FY 2021 for each of the following E-Government initiatives:

Initiative 2021 Contributions (Includes In- Kind)

(In Thousands)

2021 Service Fees*

(In Thousands)

E-Rulemaking 0 10,633

Grants.gov 73,000 0

E-Training 0 1,583,625

Recruitment One-Stop 0 129,375

Enterprise HR Integration 0 357,500

E-Payroll 0 3,950,075

E-Travel 0 89,520

Integrated Award Environment (IAE) 0 719,644

Financial Management LoB 124,236 0

Human Resources Management LoB 68,478 0

Geospatial LoB 225,000 0

Budget Formulation and Execution LoB** 120,000 0

Federal PKI Bridge 0 172,349

NASA Total $610,714 $7,012,721

*Service fees are estimates as provided by the E-Government initiative Managing Partners

**Final FY 2021 commitments have yet to be finalized by Managing Partners (OMB MAX)

After submission of the budget, NASA will post FY 2021 Exhibit 300 IT business cases on the IT 

Dashboard located at: https://www.itdashboard.gov

The E-Government initiatives serve citizens, businesses, and federal employees by delivering high-quality 

services more efficiently at a lower price. Instead of expensive “stove-piped” operations, agencies work 

together to develop common solutions that achieve mission requirements at a reduced cost, which makes 

resources available for higher priority needs. Benefits realized by NASA through these initiatives in FY 

2021 are described below: 

eRulemaking (Managing Partner EPA) FY 2021 Benefits

NASA has benefited from the eRulemaking initiative by being able to better provide the public with onestop access to the Agency’s information on rulemakings and non-rulemaking activities via the 

Regulations.gov website. 

NASA uses the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) to post its rulemakings so that the public 

can gain access to, review, and comment on these rulemakings. NASA relies on Regulations.gov to 

retrieve public comments on its rulemakings. NASA’s use of the FDMS and Regulations.gov 

substantially improves the transparency of its rulemaking actions and increases public participation in the 

regulatory process. Direct budget cost savings and cost avoidance has resulted from the FDMS and 

Regulations.gov. 
Supporting Data

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS

SD-33 

Grants.gov (Managing Partner HHS) FY 2021 Benefits

The Grants.gov initiative benefits NASA and its grant programs by providing a single location with 

broader exposure to publish grant (i.e., funding) opportunities and application packages, making the 

process easier for applicants to apply for funding with multiple agencies. All 26 major Federal grantmaking agencies post 100 percent of their synopses for discretionary funding opportunity announcements 

on Grants.gov. 

In addition, Grants.gov provides a single site for the grantee community to apply for grants using a 

standard set of forms, processes, and systems. This gives grantees greater access and ability to apply for 

Federal funding. Through the continued use of Grants.gov, NASA can reduce operating costs associated 

with online grant posting and application evaluation. Additionally, the Agency is able to improve 

operational effectiveness through the use of Grants.gov by increasing data accuracy and reducing 

processing cycle times.

e-Training (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2021 Benefits

The e-Training initiative provides access to premier electronic training systems and tools that support the 

training and development of the Federal workforce. The initiative supports Agency missions through 

efficient one-stop access to e-Training products and services. The availability of an electronic training 

environment enhances the ability of the Federal government and NASA to attract, retain, manage, and 

develop highly skilled professionals needed for a flexible and high-performing government workforce. 

The e-Training initiative benefits NASA by reducing redundancies and achieving economies of scale in 

the purchase, development, and deployment of e-learning content and in the management of learning 

technology infrastructure. The System for Administration, Training, and Educational Resources at NASA 

(SATERN) is a web-based talent management tool that serves as NASA’s training system of record for 

over 100,797 active civil servants and contractor accounts tracked within the system. This centralized 

approach allows NASA to reduce and leverage training costs by eliminating unique systems, 

standardizing training processes, and maintain valid data. In 2018 NASA migrated SATERN to a 

software as a service (SaaS) cloud hosted solution.

Through SATERN, employees can view required training, launch online content, view training history, 

and self-register for approved courses and conferences. In addition, the system allows NASA officials to 

identify groups and individuals who have not met basic training requirements and ensure accountability 

for mission critical and Federally mandated training and development. SATERN also offers employees 

access to career planning tools, individual development plans, and competency management assistance. 

Currently, SATERN offers learners access to more than 2,500 online courses and 18,000 online books 

and training videos. SATERN is available at all times and can be accessed from work or at home.

Recruitment One-Stop (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2021 Benefits

USAJOBS simplifies the Federal Job Search Process for Job Seekers and Agencies. The USAJOBS.gov 

website provides a place where citizens can search for employment opportunities throughout the Federal 

Government. USAJOBS is a fully operational, state-of-the-art recruitment system that simplifies the 

Federal job search process for job seekers and agencies. Through USAJOBS.gov users have access to:

• A centralized repository for all competitive service job vacancies;

• Job vacancies;
Supporting Data

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS

SD-34 

• A resume repository used by agencies to identify criticalskills;

• A standardized online recruitment tool and services;

• A standard application process; and

• Intuitive job searches including e-mail notifications for jobs of interest.

Integration with Recruitment One-Stop allows NASA to better attract individuals who can accomplish the 

Agency’s mission. The USAJOBS interface allows job seekers to view and apply for all NASA 

employment opportunities, as well as those from other Federal agencies.

In 2005, NASA adopted the USAJOBS resume as the basic application document for all NASA positions, 

except for astronaut positions. To date NASA has not identified any specific savings, either in terms of 

budgeted savings or cost avoidance. Although the Agency believes that implementation of Recruitment 

One-Stop has resulted in significant intangible benefits in terms of providing better vacancy information 

to applicants, it has not resulted in any specific cost savings to NASA. The numerous intangible benefits 

Recruitment One-Stop provides to NASA and other agencies include:

• Decreasing hiring time for managers;

• Providing an integrated solution to agency applicant assessment systems;

• Providing a cost-effective marketing and recruitment tool;

• Realizing cost savings over commercial job posting boards;

• Reducing the delay associated with filling critical agency vacancies; and

• Enhancing competition with the private sector for the best and brightest talent for Federal service.

Enterprise HR Integration (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2021 Benefits

The Enterprise HR Integration (EHRI) Program supports the strategic management of human capital by 

providing agency customers access to timely and accurate Federal workforce data. In support of this 

objective, EHRI has the following goals: 1) Streamline and automate the exchange of Federal employee 

human resources (HR) information Government wide; 2) Provide comprehensive knowledge management 

and workforce analysis, forecasting, and reporting across the Executive Branch; 3) Maximize cost savings 

captured through automation; and 4) Enhance retirement processing throughout the Executive Branch. 

A key initiative of EHRI is the electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF), a web-based application 

capable of storing, processing, and displaying the OPFs of all current, separated, and retired Federal 

Employees. Specific EHRI/eOPF benefits to NASA include improved convenience in searching for 

information, better security and safety for electronic files, decreased costs, streamlined business 

processes, and the ability to have a central repository of OPF records for the Agency. NASA deployed the 

eOPF capability of electronic transfer of eOPFs between agencies in FY 2010. Specific NASA employee 

benefits include secure online access to OPFs, automatic notification when documents are added, 

exchange of retirement and HR data across agencies and systems, and the elimination of duplicate and 

repetitive personnel data in personnel folders. NASA completed its implementation to eOPF in March 

2008, and transitioned personnel actions processing to the NASA Shared Service Center.

E-Payroll FY 2021 Benefits

The E-Payroll Initiative standardizes and consolidates government-wide Federal civilian payroll services 

and processes by simplifying and standardizing human resources (HR)/payroll policies and procedures 

and better integrating payroll, HR, and finance functions. Since 2004, the Department of Interior (DOI) 
Supporting Data

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS

SD-35 

has served as NASA's payroll provider, DOI’s system (Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS)), 

processes NASA's HR and Payroll transactions and supplies all key delivery aspects of its payroll 

operation functions. The E-Payroll initiative benefits NASA by permitting the Agency to focus on its 

mission related activities rather than on administrative payroll functions. Payroll processing costs are 

reduced through economies of scale and avoiding the cost of duplicative capital system modernization 

activities. The initiative also promotes standardization of business processes and practices and unified 

service delivery.

E-Travel (Managing Partner GSA) FY 2021 Benefits

NASA completed migration of its travel services to ETS2 - Concur Government Edition (CGE) (formerly 

HP Enterprise Services (FedTraveler)). Completed in 2014, this migration has allowed NASA to provide 

more efficient and effective travel management services. ETS2 is a streamlined, adaptable, world-class 

travel management service that continually applies commercial best practices to realize travel efficiencies 

and deliver a transparent, accountable, and sustainable service that yields exceptional customer 

satisfaction.

Integrated Award Environment (Managing Partner GSA) FY 2021 Benefits

The Integrated Award Environment (IAE) initiative is designed to streamline the process of reporting on 

subcontracting plans and provides agencies with access to analytical data on subcontracting performance. 

Use of the IAE common services allows agencies to focus on specific needs such as strategy, operations, 

and management while leveraging shared services for common functions. Furthermore, use of a 

government-wide business focused service environment reduces funding and resources for technical 

services and support for acquisition systems originally housed by individual agencies.

Through adoption of the tools and services provided by IAE, NASA improves its ability to make 

informed and efficient purchasing decisions and allows it to replace manual processes. If NASA did not 

use IAE systems, the Agency would need to build and maintain separate systems to record vendor and 

contract information and to post procurement opportunities. Agency purchasing officials would not have 

access to databases of important information from other agencies on vendor performance and could not 

use systems to replace paper-based and labor-intensive work efforts.

Integrated Award and Environment – Loans & Grants FY 2021 Benefits 

All agencies participating in the posting and/or awarding of Contracts and Loans & Grants are required by 

the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006 and the Digital 

Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) reporting requirements to disclose award 

information on a publicly accessible website. On December 14, 2007, OMB launched USASpending.gov 

(see: http://www.USASpending.gov) to meet the FFATA statutory requirements. NASA analyzes the past 

and present total funding amounts of each proposing entity, as well as its total number of awards to assist 

in assessing each grant proposer’s risk level and score during the 2 CFR 200 required pre-award risk 

assessment process. This information is submitted and housed in USASpending.gov by funding agency. 

Understanding the total dollar amounts managed and the number of awards, provides insight on a 

proposer’s experience with managing federal funds. 
Supporting Data

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS

SD-36 

Federal PKI Bridge - FY 2021 Benefits

The Federal Public Key Infrastructure (FPKI) is the primary, secure mechanism that allows for electronic 

business transactions across Government and between Government and industry. It is the backbone and 

trust anchor for HSPD-12 and PIV Cards and is critical to enabling cyber security via identity 

management. The FPKI enables secure physical and logical access using strong credentials, such as the 

PIV card, and allows NASA documents to be digitally signed, sent, encrypted, and archived in digital 

media without fear that they will be compromised, spoofed, or altered. A number of core governmentwide documents mandate NASA’s use of the FPKI.

LINES OF BUSINESS

Financial Management LoB (Managing Partners DOE and DOL) FY 2021 Benefits

NASA’s contribution to FMLoB supports efforts to transform Federal financial management, reduce 

costs, increase transparency, and improve delivery of agencies’ missions by operating at scale, relying on 

common standards, shared services, and using state-of-the-art technology. NASA benefits from the FM 

LOB because it provides a forum in which Federal agencies can share information and weigh pros and 

cons of various initiatives (e.g., shared services). A shared services solution may be an alternative 

considered by NASA as part of its financial system improvements.

Human Resources Management LoB (Managing Partner OPM) FY 2021 Benefits

The HR LoB vision is to create government-wide, modern, cost-effective, standardized, and interoperable 

HR solutions to provide common core functionality to support the strategic management of Human 

Resources through the establishment of Shared Service Centers (SSCs). 

NASA works in partnership with one of the approved service providers, the Department of Interior's 

Business Center (IBC). Through this partnership, NASA shares and receives "best-in-class" HR solutions. 

The Business Center (IBC) delivers NASA-developed solutions to their customer agencies, enabling 

improved efficiencies and system integrations at a fraction of the cost and delivery time than similar 

solutions could have been produced by the Interior Business Center. NASA achieves the benefits of "bestin-class" HR solutions through implementation and integration of IBC and NASA-developed HR 

solutions. NASA’s participation in HR LoB provides the Agency opportunities to implement modern HR 

solutions and benefit from best practices government-wide strategic HR management. NASA participates 

in the ongoing development of a 10-year Federal Human Resources Strategic Plan with the HRLOB 

managing partner (OPM) and member agencies.

Geospatial LoB (Managing Partner DOL) FY 2021 Benefits 

The Geospatial LoB serves the agencies’ missions and the Nation’s interests by developing a more 

strategic, coordinated, and leveraged approach to producing, maintaining, and using geospatial data and 

services across the Federal Government. 

As a science agency, the work of NASA’s science and mission professionals is inherently different from 

duties and functions performed by operational agencies. These differences lead NASA to organize and 

manage data to best facilitate science activities. Scientific inquiry often leads scientists to use different 

schemas for analyzing data and information produced from remote sensing data (e.g. a common grid or 
Supporting Data

E-GOV INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS

SD-37 

projection). NASA will continue to apply the elements of Federal Geographic Data Committee standards 

where these are appropriate. In FY 2008, NASA signed an MOU with the Department of Labor to 

continue its active participation in the Geospatial LOB. 

Budget Formulation & Execution LOB (Managing Partner Education) FY 2021 Benefits 

The Budget Formulation and Execution LoB (BFELoB) provides significant benefits to NASA and other 

partner agencies by encouraging best practices crossing all aspects of Federal budgeting – from budget 

formulation and execution to performance to human capital needs. To benefit all agencies, BFELoB 

continues to support the idea of shared service budget systems. As NASA currently has its own budgeting 

tools, the Agency has not chosen to move to a new budget system; however, a shared service budget 

system is an option in the future. 
Supporting Data

COMPARABILITY ADJUSTMENT TABLES

SD-38 

FY 2019 Budget Structure Crosswalk to FY 2021 Budget Structure FY 2019 FY 2021

Budget Authority ($ in millions) Structure 1 Structure 1

NASA TOTAL $19,892.2 $19,892.2

Deep Space Exploration Systems $4,558.8 $4,698.8

Exploration Systems Development $3,669.8 $3,669.8

Advanced Exploration Systems (Title Change to Exploration Research & Development) $889.0 $1,029.0

Lunar Orbital Platform - Gateway $504.2 $504.2

Adv Cislunar and Surface Capabilities $116.5 $116.5

Exploration Advanced Systems (Title Change to Advanced Exploration Systems) $268.2 $268.2

Human Research Program $140.0

Exploration Research and Technology $1,002.7 $862.7

Exploration Research and Technology $1,002.7 $862.7

Early Stage Innovation and Partnerships $108.4 $108.4

Technology Maturation $216.5 $216.5

Technology Demonstration $332.7 $332.7

Human Research Program $140.0

SBIR and STTR $205.0 $205.0

LEO and Spaceflight O perations $4,624.6 $4,548.1

International Space Station $1,462.2 $1,462.2

Space Transportation $2,108.7 $2,108.7

Space and Flight Support (SFS) $903.7 $827.2

Space Communications and Navigation $634.1 $457.7

Space Communications Networks $523.4 $346.9

Next Generation Capability $100.0

Communications Service Office (CSO) $76.5

Human Space Flight Operations $135.4 $135.4

Launch Services $86.6 $86.6

Rocket Propulsion Test $47.6 $47.6

Communications Services Program $100.0

Communications Services Program $100.0

Next Generation Capability $100.0

Commercial LEO Development $150.0 $150.0

Commercial LEO Development Program $150.0 $150.0

Commercial LEO Development $150.0 $150.0

Commercial LEO Development Project $150.0 $150.0

Science $5,895.0 $5,895.0

Earth Science $1,784.2 $1,784.2

Earth Science Research $451.4 $451.4

Earth Systematic Missions $788.1 $788.1

Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-II) $23.1

GRACE FO $11.3

Surface Water and Ocean Topography $114.3 $114.3

NASA-ISRO SAR $131.9 $131.9

Landsat 9 $162.4 $162.4

Sentinel-6 $59.6 $59.6

Other Missions and Data Analysis $285.6 $320.0

ICESat-2 $23.1

GRACE Follow-On $11.3

Earth System Science Pathfinder $235.0 $235.0

Earth Science Multi-Mission Operations (Title Change to Earth Science Data Systems) $196.9 $196.9

Earth Science Technology $59.7 $59.7

Applied Sciences $53.1 $53.1

Planetary Science $2,234.7 $2,234.7

Planetary Science Research $258.0 $298.2

Planetary Science Research and Analysis $210.3 $210.3
Supporting Data

COMPARABILITY ADJUSTMENT TABLES

SD-39 

Other Missions and Data Analysis $47.7 $87.9

Advanced Multi-Mission Operation System $40.2

Planetary Defense $150.0 $150.0

Lunar Discovery and Exploration $218.0 $218.0

Discovery $381.2 $381.2

New Frontiers $130.2 $130.2

Mars Exploration $601.5 $601.5

Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds $285.6 $285.6

Technology (Title Change to Radioisotope Power) $210.2 $170.0

Technology (Title Change to Radioisotope Power) $210.2 $170.0

Advanced Multi-Mission Operation System $40.2

Astrophysics $1,185.4 $880.8

Astrophysics Research $259.2 $259.2

Cosmic Origins $491.4 $186.8

James Webb Space Telescope $304.6

Physics of the Cosmos $136.8 $136.8

Exoplanet Exploration $52.4 $52.4

Astrophysics Explorer $245.6 $245.6

Heliophysics $690.7 $690.7

Heliophysics Research $242.7 $242.7

Living with a Star $247.8 $247.8

Parker Solar Probe $107.2

Solar Orbiter Collaboration $62.3 $62.3

Other Missions and Data Analysis $78.2 $185.4

Parker Solar Probe $107.2

Solar Terrestrial Probes $91.0 $91.0

Heliophysics Explorer Program $109.2 $109.2

James Webb Space Telescope $304.6

Aeronautics $633.9 $633.9

Education $0.0 $0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services $2,749.7 $2,826.2

Center Management and O perations $1,949.6

Center Management and Operations $1,949.6

Agency Management and O perations $800.1

Agency Management $359.5

Safety and Mission Success $175.8

Agency IT Services (AITS) $238.1

Strategic Capabilities Asset Program $26.7

Mission Services & Capabilities $1,535.6

Information Technology (IT) $567.9

Information Technology (IT) $567.9

Communications Service Office (CSO) $76.5

Mission Enabling Services $404.2

Mission Enabling Services $404.2

Infrastructure & Technical Capabilities $563.5

Infrastructure & Technical Capabilities $563.5

Engineering, Safety, & O perations $1,290.6

Agency Technical Authority $175.8

Agency Technical Authority $175.8

Center Engineering, Safety, & Operations $1,114.8

Center Engineering, Safety, and Operations $1,114.8

Construction & Envrmtl Compl Restoration $388.2 $388.2

Inspector General $39.3 $39.3

NASA TOTAL $19,892.2 $19,892.2

1/ - Reflects FY 2019 President's Budget Request funding amounts

NOTE: Chart represents changes in budget structure and does not reflect funding changes.
Supporting Data

COMPARABILITY ADJUSTMENT TABLES

SD-40 

FY 2020 Budget Structure Crosswalk to FY 2021 Budget Structure FY 2020 FY 2021

Budget Authority ($ in millions) Structure 1 Structure 1

NASA TOTAL $22,615.7 $22,615.7

Deep Space Exploration Systems $6,396.4 $6,396.4

Exploration Technology $1,146.3 $1,146.3

LEO and Spaceflight O perations $4,285.7 $4,209.3

International Space Station $1,458.2 $1,458.2

Space Transportation $1,828.6 $1,828.6

Space and Flight Support (SFS) $848.9 $772.4

Space Communications and Navigation $611.0 $534.6

Space Communications Networks $468.1 $391.7

Communications Service Office (CSO) $76.4

Space Communications Support $142.9 $142.9

Human Space Flight Operations $99.8 $99.8

Launch Services $88.6 $88.6

Rocket Propulsion Test $46.5 $46.5

Communications Services Program $3.0 $3.0

Commercial LEO Development $150.0 $150.0

Science $6,393.7 $6,393.7

Earth Science $1,779.8 $1,779.8

Planetary Science $2,712.1 $2,712.1

Astrophysics $844.8 $844.8

Heliophysics $704.5 $704.5

Heliophysics Research $237.0 $237.0

Living with a Star $107.6 $107.6

Solar Terrestrial Probes $177.9 $177.9

Heliophysics Explorer Program $182.0 $182.0

ICON $1.4

Other Missions and Data Analysis $180.6 $182.0

Ionospheric Connection Explorer $1.4

James Webb Space Telescope $352.6 $352.6

Aeronautics $666.9 $783.9

Aeronautics $666.9 $783.9

Airspace Operations and Safety Program $121.2 $96.2

Airspace Operations and Safety Program $121.2 $96.2

Advanced Air Mobility $25.0

Advanced Air Vehicles Program $188.1 $188.1

Aerosciences Eval. & Test Capab. Program $117.0

Integrated Aviation Systems Program $233.2 $258.2

Low Boom Flight Demonstrator $103.5 $103.5

Integrated Aviation Systems Program $129.7 $154.7

Advanced Air Mobility $25.0

Transformative Aero Concepts Program $124.4 $124.4

STEM Engagement $0.0 $0.0

Safety, Security, and Mission Services $3,084.6 $3,044.0

Center Management and O perations $2,065.0

Agency Management and O perations $1,019.6

Agency Management $390.4

Safety and Mission Success $192.0

Agency IT Services (AITS) $275.7
Supporting Data

COMPARABILITY ADJUSTMENT TABLES

SD-41 

Strategic Capabilities Asset Program $161.5

Strategic Capabilities Assets Program $161.5

Aerosciences Evaluation and Test Capabil $117.0

Mission Services & Capabilities $1,814.6

Information Technology (IT) $613.2

Information Technology (IT) $613.2

Communications Service Office (CSO) $76.4

Mission Enabling Services $519.8

Mission Enabling Services $519.8

Infrastructure & Technical Capabilities $681.6

Infrastructure & Technical Capabilities $681.6

Engineering, Safety, & O perations $1,229.5

Agency Technical Authority $192.0

Agency Technical Authority $192.0

Center Engineering, Safety, & Operations $1,037.5

Center Engineering, Safety, and Operations $1,037.5

Construction & Envrmtl Compl Restoration $600.4 $600.4

Inspector General $41.7 $41.7

NASA TOTAL $22,615.7 $22,615.7

1/ - Reflects FY 2020 President's Budget Request (Amended) funding amounts

NOTE: Chart represents changes in budget structure and does not reflect funding changes.
Supporting Data

REBASELINED PROJECTS

SD-42 

In accordance with NPR 7120.5, NASA rebaselined the estimated Life Cycle Costs for the following 

projects. The original baselines are shown for comparison. 

($ in millions)

Webb Date Prior FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 BTC Total

Original Life Cycle Cost 2009 4,448 92 93 94 94 76 54 12 4,964

Rebaselined Life Cycle Cost 2019 5,991 620 569 534 305 423 415 806 9,663

Actual n/a 5,991 620 569 534 305

ICESat-2 Date Prior FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 BTC Total

Original Life Cycle Cost 2013 683 119 27 14 11 6 - 860

Rebaselined Life Cycle Cost 2015 725 141 93 67 14 14 9 - 1,064

Actual n/a 730 117 87 39 22
Supporting Data

IT STATEMENT OF AFFIRMATION 

SD-43 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Headquarters

Washington, DC 20546-0001 JAN 2 3 

Reply to Attn of:Office of the Chief Information Officer

TO: NASA Chief Financial Officer, Jeff DeWit

FROM: NASA Chief Information Officer, Renee Wynn 

SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2021 NASA IT Budget Justification Statement of Affirmation

As required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-11 and the 

Federal

Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), and based on the 

information presented from the Offices of the Chief Information Officer, and on insights 

into the current Information Technology (IT) Portfolio over which the Chief Information 

Officer (CIO) has direct budget authority, this letter affirms the following:

1. The CIO's common baseline rating for Element D ("CIO reviews and approves 

major IT Investment portion of budget request") is fully implemented; 

2. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the CIO jointly affirm that the CIO had a 

significant role in reviewing planned IT support for major program obj ectives; 

3. Significant increases and decreases in IT resources are reflected in the Agency's 

current services baseline budget submission for those items over which the CIO 

has direct budget authority;

4. The CIO has reviewed and approved the use of incremental development for all 

investments submitted as major investments in the IT Portfolio; 

5. The CIO holds the role ofNASA's Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP) and 

has therefore reviewed the IT Budget submission to ensure that privacy 

requirements and any associated costs, are explicitly identified and included with 

respect to any IT resources that will be used to create, collect, use, process, store, 

maintain, disseminate, disclose, or dispose of personally identifiable information 

(PID;
Supporting Data

IT STATEMENT OF AFFIRMATION 

SD-44 

6. Agency budget request funding levels will include expected contributions to the EGovLineof-Business initiatives;

7. The CIO collaborated with the Information Technology Council (ITC) comprised 

of 

Missions, Centers and Mission Support including the CFO on the IT Budget submission; 

8. The IT Portfolio (OMB Circular A-11, Section 55.6 and as described herein) 

includes appropriate estimates of all IT resources included in the President's 

Budget; and 

9. The CIO has reviewed and had significant input in approving all IT Investments 

included in the President's Budget.
Management and Performance

Cost and Schedule Performance Summary

CSP-1 

2020 Major Program Annual Report Summary

The 2020 Major Program Annual Report (MPAR) is provided to meet the requirements of section 103 of 

the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-155; 42 U.S.C. 16613). The 2020 MPAR consists of this 

summary and FY 2021 Congressional Justification pages designated as “Projects in Development,” for 

the projects outlined below, with the exception of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem 

(PACE) project. These project pages constitute each project’s annual report, or if this is the first year for 

which it is in reporting, the baseline report. The MPAR summary also includes the confidence level of 

achieving the commitments as requested in the Conference Report accompanying the FY 2010 

Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 111-117). 

Changes in MPAR Composition since the FY 2020 NASA Budget Estimates

There are four new projects with estimated lifecycle costs greater than $250 million that received 

authority to proceed into the development phase since NASA submitted its 2019 MPAR in the FY 2020

NASA Congressional Justification. 

• The Europa Clipper project with a baseline development cost of $2,412.8 million;

• The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) project with a baseline development 

cost of $558.0 million;

• The Psyche project with a baseline development cost of $681.9 million; and

• The Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) project with a baseline development cost of $155.9 million 

All four projects have a joint confidence level of 70 percent. The Budget request provides no funding for 

PACE, as current ocean-monitoring capabilities are sufficient and demonstrating enhanced capabilities is 

a lower priority compared to other NASA programs. 

 

There are two projects that successfully launched since NASA submitted its 2019 MPAR in the FY 2020

NASA Congressional Justification. 

1. Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) successfully launched on October 10, 2019; and

2. Parker Solar Probe (PSP) successfully launched on August 12, 2018. 

Changes in Development Cost and Schedule Estimates from the 2019 MPAR

Four projects (Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), Low Boom Flight Demonstrator (LBFD), 

Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) and James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) had no 

changes in their development cost or schedule estimates over the last year. Development cost increases 

were experienced by both the Laser Communications Relay Demonstrator (LCRD) (up 40%) and Mars 

2020 (up 18%) projects. The Mars 2020 project is consuming cost, primarily for labor, in order to 

maintain schedule. Although the LCRD project saw a 14 month schedule slip (driven by delays in the Air 

Force-managed spacecraft development, which will host the LCRD payload, not development of the 

LCRD payload itself), the Mars 2020 project had no schedule changes. Another four projects had 

development cost decreases with no schedule changes: Landsat 9 (down -6%), Lucy (down -1%) NASA 

ISRO Synthetic Aperature Radar (NISAR) (down -4%) and Sentinel-6 (down -1%) . The Solar Orbiter 

Collaboration (SOC) project also experienced a development cost decrease (down -84%) while 

maintaining its current schedule. 

The Exploration Ground System (EGS), Orion and Space Launch System (SLS) projects all experienced 

development cost increases (up 4%, 8% and 10% respectively). However, the schedules for EGS and 

SLS are both currently under review. Whereas the Orion schedule has increased by 6 months. 
Management and Performance

Cost and Schedule Performance Summary

CSP-2 

MPAR Summary Table 

Figure 1 provides cost, schedule, and confidence level information for NASA projects currently in 

development with lifecycle cost estimates of $250 million or more. NASA records the estimated 

development cost and a key schedule milestone and then measures changes from them. NASA tracks one 

of several key milestones, listed below, for reporting purposes:

• Launch Readiness Date (LRD);

• Full Operational Capability (FOC);

• Initial Operating Capability (IOC); or 

• Launch Readiness for Artemis I or Artemis II 

As a note for clarification, LRD schedule milestones, as reported here, are not typically the launch dates 

on the NASA launch manifest, but are the desired launch dates as determined by the payload mission and 

approved by the NASA Flight Planning Board (FPB). A launch manifest is a dynamic schedule that is 

affected by real world operational activities conducted by NASA and multiple other entities. It reflects the 

results of a complex process that requires the coordination and cooperation by multiple users for the use 

of launch range and launch contractor assets. The launch dates shown on the NASA FPB launch manifest 

are a mixture of confirmed range dates for missions launching within approximately six months and 

contractual/planning dates for the missions beyond six months from launch. The NASA FPB launch 

manifest date is typically earlier than the reported schedule dates reported here, thereby allowing for the 

operationally driven fluctuations to the launch schedule that may be outside of the Project’s control. The 

NASA FPB launch manifest is updated on a periodic basis throughout the year. 

Additional explanations for the data in the summary table are provided here: 

• Orion, SLS and EGS: The Artemis I and II launch dates are under review pending completion 

of several assessments. NASA is conducting a Program Status Assessment of the overall 

Artemis effort, of which Orion, SLS and EGS are key components. This assessment includes 

review of the schedule and technical approaches as well as systems engineering integration and 

program management. In parallel, NASA is performing an independent technical and 

programmatic assessment, including a joint cost and schedule confidence level analysis of the 

SLS and EGS programs. NASA Leadership will review the results of these assessments before 

considering potential updates to the Artemis I and II launch planning dates. 

• Webb: Cost Estimate includes Construction of Facilities funds. 

• SOC: The cost of the two instruments is below the $250M LCC threshold for JCL. 

Independent cost and schedule estimates completed by Aerospace and GSFC RAO with each 

instrument had confidence levels for cost and schedule that were 70 percent when NASA 

approved the start of development (at KCP-C). 

• EGS: The 80% JCL is inferred from analysis based on FY14 President's Budget Request (PBR) 

including FY14 Appropriation changes. JCL analysis was completed prior to the release of the 

FY15 PBR. The ABC is informed by the 80% JCL and adjusted to reflect the FY15 PBR 

budget reduction. 

• LCRD: The project will fly as a hosted payload on the U.S. Air Force Space Test Program 

(STPSat-6) mission. The primary spacecraft bus is co-funded by NASA and the U.S. Air 

Force. The LCRD project has remained within its cost and schedule baseline for payload 

development and has completed payload integration and testing. The replan incorporating the 

U.S. Air Force managed spacecraft bus and schedule problems was completed in April 2019. 

The table below reflects the LCRD proposed rebaselined cost and schedule as provided in the 

2019 Congressional notification. 
Management and Performance

Cost and Schedule Performance Summary

CSP-3 

Additional information on the projects shown in the table below can be found in their individual program 

and project pages, with the exception of PACE which is included here, in the main body of the 

Congressional Justification. 

Figure 1: MPAR Summary and Confidence Levels

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M) Key Milestone Date

Project

Base

Year

JCL

(%) Baseline FY 2020

Cost 

Change 

(%)

Key

Milestone

Event Baseline FY 2020

Schedule 

Change 

(months)

DART 2019 70 258.3 258.3 0% LRD Feb 2022 Feb 2022 0

EGS* 2015 80 1,843.5 2,329.0 26% LR for

Artemis I Nov 2018 U/R N/A

+ Europa Clipper 2020 N/A 2,412.8 2,412.8 0% LRD Sep 2025 Sep 2025 0

Landsat-9 2018 70 634.2 587.7 -7% LRD Nov 2021 Nov 2021 0

LBFD 2019 70 467.7 467.7 0% First Flight Jan 2022 Jan 2022 0

LCRD** 2020 70 128.6 128.6 0% LRD Jan 2021 Jan 2021 0

Lucy 2019 70 622.2 614.2 -1% LRD Nov 2021 Nov 2021 0

Mars 2020 2017 70 1,676.9 2,036.2 21% LRD Jul 2020 Jul 2020 0

NISAR 2017 70 661.0 640.4 -3% LRD Sep 2022 Sep 2022 0

Orion*** 2016 70 6,768.4 7,686.6 14% LR for 

Artemis II Apr 2023 U/R N/A

PACE 2020 70 558.0 558.0 0% LRD Jan 2024 Jan 2024 0

Psyche 2020 70 681.9 681.9 0% LRD Aug 2022 Aug 2022 0

Sentinel-6 2017 70 465.9 460.9 -1% LRD Nov 2021 Nov 2021 0

SEP***** 2020 70 155.9 155.9 0%

 AEPS Life 

Qual Test 

Report 

Dec 2024 Dec 2024 0

SLS 2015 70 7,021.4 8,750.2 25% LR for 

Artemis I Nov 2018 U/R N/A

SOC 2014 N/A 376.9 279.8 -26% LRD Oct 2018 Feb 2020 16

SWOT 2017 80 571.5 571.5 0% LRD Apr 2022 Apr 2022 0

Webb**** 2019 N/A 7,002.6 7,002.6 0% LRD Mar 2021 Mar 2021 0

* The 80% JCL is inferred from analysis based on FY14 President's Budget Request (PBR) including FY14 Appropriation changes. JCL analysis was completed prior to the release of 

the FY15 PBR. The ABC is informed by the 80% JCL and adjusted to reflect the FY15 PBR budget reduction.

** The table reflects the LCRD proposed rebaselined cost and schedule as provided in the 2019 Congressional notification.

*** Approximately -2% of this amount reflects a transfer of funding to formulation costs and does not represent a reduction in the life cycle cost estimates.

  Based on the Consolidated Apropropriations Act, 2019 the Webb project has a new reporting baseline. Compared to the prior baseline of $6,197.9, the mission has been delayed 29 

months and increased by $804.7 million.

** *** Aerojet Electric Propulsion String Qual Test: The test demonstrates continuous long-term operation of the system sufficient to characterize and predict the capability and lifetime of 

the system. The report tells us what the capability is based on the results of the test.

+ The Budget proposes to launch the Europa Clipper on a commercial launch vehicle as early as 2024. The launch date in Figure 1 assumes current law, which requires launch on an 

SLS rocket in 2025. Launching the Europa Clipper on a commercial launch vehicle would save over $1.5 billion compared to using an SLS rocket

 Launch Readiness (LR) Launch Readiness Date (LRD) Aerojet Electric Propulsion String (AEPS) 
Management and Performance

Cost and Schedule Performance Summary

CSP-4 

PACE Development Cost and Schedule 

Base 

Year

Base 

Year 

Development 

Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

JCL 

(%) 

Current 

Year

Current 

Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate 

($M)

Cost 

Change 

(%) 

Key 

Milestone

Base 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Current 

Year 

Milestone 

Data

Milestone 

Change 

(mths)

2020 558.0 >70% 2019 558.0 0% LRD Jan 2024 Jan 2024 0

Note: The confidence level estimates reported reflect an evolving process as NASA improves its probabilistic estimation 

techniques and processes. Estimate reflects the practices and policies at the time it was developed. Estimates that include 

combined cost and schedule risks are denoted as JCL (joint confidence level); all other CLs (confidence levels) reflect cost 

confidence without necessarily factoring the potential impacts of schedule changes on cost. The Budget request provides no 

funding for PACE, as current ocean-monitoring capabilities are sufficient and demonstrating enhanced capabilities is a lower 

priority compared to other NASA programs. 

PACE Development Cost Details 

Element

Base Year Development 

Cost Estimate ($M)

Current Year 

Development Cost 

Estimate ($M)

Change from Base Year 

Estimate ($M)

TOTAL: 558.0 558.0 0.0

Aircraft/Spacecraft 103.6 104.1 0.5

Payloads 79.2 82.0 2.7

Systems I&T 18.8 18.8 0.0

Launch Vehicle 105.0 105.0 0.0

Ground Systems 19.3 19.4 0.1

Science/Technology 50.0 50.0 0.0

Other Direct Project 

Costs 182.1 178.8 -3.3
 

FY 2021 PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

PAL-1 

DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION SYSTEMS 

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of exploration research and 

development activities, including research, development, production, and operations, support, and services; 

maintenance and repair, facility planning and design; space flight, spacecraft control, and communications 

activities; program management; personnel and related costs, including uniforms or allowances therefor, as 

authorized by sections 5901 and 5902 of title 5, United States Code; travel expenses; purchase and hire of 

passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and administrative 

aircraft, $8,761,700,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)

EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of space exploration technology 

activities, including research, development, operations, support, and services; maintenance and repair, facility 

planning and design; space flight, spacecraft control, and communications activities; program management; 

personnel and related costs, including uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by sections 5901 and 5902 of 

title 5, United States Code; travel expenses; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, 

charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and administrative aircraft, $1,578,300,000, to remain available 

until September 30, 2022. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)

LEO AND SPACEFLIGHT OPERATIONS 

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of space operations research and 

development activities, including research, development, operations, support and services; space flight, spacecraft 

control and communications activities, including operations, production, and services; maintenance and repair, 

facility planning and design; program management; personnel and related costs, including uniforms or allowances 

therefor, as authorized by sections 5901 and 5902 of title 5, United States Code; travel expenses; purchase and hire 

of passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance and operation of mission and administrative 

aircraft, $4,187,300,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)

SCIENCE

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of science research and 

development activities, including research, development, operations, support, and services; maintenance and repair, 

facility planning and design; space flight, spacecraft control, and communications activities; program management; 

personnel and related costs, including uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by sections 5901 and 5902 of 

title 5, United States Code; travel expenses; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, 

charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and administrative aircraft, $6,306,500,000, to remain available 

until September 30, 2022. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)
 

FY 2021 PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

PAL-2 

AERONAUTICS

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of aeronautics research and 

development activities, including research, development, operations, support, and services; maintenance and repair, 

facility planning and design; space flight, spacecraft control, and communications activities; program management; 

personnel and related costs, including uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by sections 5901 and 5902 of 

title 5, United States Code; travel expenses; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; and purchase, lease, 

charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and administrative aircraft, $819,000,000, to remain available until 

September 30, 2022. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS ENGAGEMENT

Unobligated balances previously appropriated under this heading shall be available for purposes of the closure of 

the Office of STEM Engagement, including, but not limited to, ongoing administration, oversight, monitoring, and 

funding of grants previously awarded by the Office of STEM Engagement. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, in the conduct and support of science, aeronautics, space 

technology, exploration, space operations and education research and development activities, including research, 

development, operations, support, and services; maintenance and repair, facility planning and design; space flight, 

spacecraft control, and communications activities; program management; personnel and related costs, including 

uniforms or allowances therefor, as authorized by sections 5901 and 5902 of title 5, United States Code; travel 

expenses; purchase and hire of passenger motor vehicles; not to exceed $63,000 for official reception and 

representation expenses; and purchase, lease, charter, maintenance, and operation of mission and administrative 

aircraft, $3,009,900,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

For necessary expenses for construction of facilities including repair, rehabilitation, revitalization, and 

modification of facilities, construction of new facilities and additions to existing facilities, facility planning and 

design, and restoration, and acquisition or condemnation of real property, as authorized by law, and environmental 

compliance and restoration, $539,085,000, to remain available until September 30, 2026: Provided, That proceeds 

from leases deposited into this account shall be available for a period of 5 years to the extent and in amounts as 

provided in annual appropriations Acts: Provided further, That such proceeds referred to in the preceding proviso 

shall be available for obligation for fiscal year 2021 in an amount not to exceed $18,700,000: Provided further, 

That each annual budget request shall include an annual estimate of gross receipts and collections and proposed 

use of all funds collected pursuant to section 20145 of title 51, United States Code. (Science Appropriations Act, 

2020.)

INSPECTOR GENERAL

For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General in carrying out the Inspector General Act of 1978, 

$44,200,000, to remain available until September 30, 2022. (Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)
 

FY 2021 PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS LANGUAGE

PAL-3 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Funds for any announced prize otherwise authorized shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until a 

prize is claimed or the offer is withdrawn.

Not to exceed 5 percent of any appropriation made available for the current fiscal year for the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration in this Act may be transferred between such appropriations, but no such appropriation, 

except as otherwise specifically provided, shall be increased by more than 10 percent by any such transfers. Any 

funds transferred to "Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration" for construction activities shall 

not increase that appropriation by more than 20 percent. Balances so transferred shall be merged with and 

available for the same purposes and the same time period as the appropriations to which transferred. Any transfer 

pursuant to this provision shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 505 of this Act and shall not 

be available for obligation except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that section.

Not to exceed 5 percent of any appropriation provided for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

under previous appropriations Acts that remains available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2021 may be 

transferred between such appropriations, but no such appropriation, except as otherwise specially provided, shall 

be increased by more than 10 percent by any such transfers. Any transfer pursuant to this provision shall retain its 

original availability and shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 505 of this Act and shall not be 

available for obligation except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that section.

Notwithstanding the limitations in the preceding two paragraphs, upon the determination of the Administrator that 

such action is necessary in support of establishment of a United States strategic presence on the Moon, the 

Administrator may transfer funds between Deep Space Exploration Systems and LEO and Spaceflight Operations 

appropriations available to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including funds appropriated in 

prior Acts that remain available for obligation or expenditure, to be merged with and to be available for the same 

purposes as the appropriation to which transferred. Any transfer pursuant to this provision shall be treated as a 

reprogramming of funds under section 505 of this Act and shall not be available for obligation except in compliance 

with the procedures set forth in that section.

The spending plan required by this Act shall be provided by NASA at the theme, and program level. The spending 

plan, as well as any subsequent change of an amount established in that spending plan that meets the notification 

requirements of section 505 of this Act, shall be treated as a reprogramming under section 505 of this Act and shall 

not be available for obligation or expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that section. 

(Science Appropriations Act, 2020.)
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-1 

AA Ascent Abort

AAM Advanced Air Mobility

AATT Advanced Air Transport Technology

AAVP Advanced Air Vehicles Program

ABC Agency Baseline Commitment

ABoVE Arctic Boreal and Vulnerability Experiment

AC Advanced Composites

ACCESS Advancing Collaborative Connections for Earth System Science

ACE Advanced Composition Explorer (Heliophysics)

ACF Analytic Center Framework

ACO Announcement of Collaborative Opportunity

ACP Advanced Composites Project

ACSC Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities

ACTIVATE Aerosol Cloud Meteorology Interactions over the Western Atlantic Experiment

ADAP Astrophysics Data Analysis Program

ADCAR Astrophysics Data Curation and Archival Research

AEPS Advanced Electric Propulsion Systems

AES Advanced Exploration Systems

AETC Aeronautics Evaluation & Testing Capability Project

AFRC Armstrong Flight Research Center

AFRL Air Force Research Laboratory

AGBRESA Artificial Gravity Bed Rest with the European Space Agency

AI Artificial Intelligence

AI&T Assembly, Integration, and Testing

AIA Atmospheric Imaging Assembly

AIM Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere

AIRS Atmospheric Infrared Sounder

AIST Advanced Information Systems Technology

AMMOS Advanced Multi-Mission Operations System

AMO Agency Management and Operations

AMR Advanced Microwave Radiometer

AMS Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

AO Announcements of Opportunity

AOSP Airspace Operations and Safety Program

APL Applied Physics Laboratory

APMC Agency Project Management Council

ARC Ames Research Center

ARES Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science

ARIEL Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey

ARMD Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-2

ARRM Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission

ARSET Applied Remote Sensing Training

ARTEMIS Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction 

with the Sun

ASAP Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel

ASCAN Astronaut Candidate

ASMPM Astrophysics Strategic Mission Program Management

AST Architecture Study Team

ASTER Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer 

ASU Arizona State University

ATA Agency Technical Authority

ATD Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration-1

ATLAS Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System

ATLO Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations 

ATM Air Traffic Management

AU Astronomical Units

AURA Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

AUVSI Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International

AWE Atmospheric Waves Experiment

BAA Broad Agency Announcement

BCDU Battery Charge/Discharge Unit

BCT Blue Canyon Technologies

BPS Biological and Physical Sciences

BTC Budget to Complete

BWG Beam Wave Guide

CAC Common Access Cards

CAL Cold Atom Laboratory

CALIPSO Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation

CAPSTONE Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation 

Experiment

CAS Convergent Aeronautics Solutions

CASE Contribution to ARIEL Spectroscopy of Exoplanets

CASIS Center for the Advancement of Science in Space

CAST Commercial Aviation Safety Team

CATALYST Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft Touchdown

CATSAT Cognitive Application Technology Satellite

CCAFS Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

CCDev Commercial Crew Development

CCDev2 Commercial Crew Development Round 2

CCF Converter Compressor Facility

CCiCap Commercial Crew Integrated Capability
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-3

CCP Commercial Crew Program

CCRPP Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program

CCSDS Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems

CCtCap Commercial Crew Transportation Capability

CDM Continuous Diagnostic Mitigation

CDR Critical Design Reviews

CERES Compact Radiation Belt Explorer

CESAS Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space

CESO Center Engineering, Safety, and Operations

CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics

CHS Crew Health and Safety

CIF Center Innovation Fund

CL Confidence Level

CLIN Contract Line Item Number

CLPS Commercial Lunar Payload Services

CLV Commercial Launch Vehicles

CM Crew Module

CMA Crew Module Adapter

CME Coronal Mass Ejections

CMO Center Management and Operations

CNEOS Center for Near-Earth Object Studies

CNES Centre National d’Etudes’ Spatiales

CNT Carbon Nontube Composites

COF Construction of Facilities

COFR Certification of Flight Readiness

COMSEC Communications Security

COOP Continuity of Operations

COR Cosmic Origins

CoSTEM Committee on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

CPIC Capital Planning and Investment Control

CRP Commercialization Readiness Program

CRS Commercial Resupply Services

CSA Canadian Space Agency

CSDA Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition

CSESP Citizen Science for Earth Systems Program

CSI Calorimeter Spectrometer Insert

CSIM Compact Spectral Irradiance Monitor

CSLI CubeSat Launch Initiative

CSM Crew and Service Module

CSP Communications Services Program
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-4

CSPD Cyber Security Privacy Division

CST Commercial Supersonic Transport

CT Computerized Tomography

CY Calendar Year

CYGNSS Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System

DAA Detect and Avoid

DAAC Distributed Active Archive Center

DAEP DSN Aperture Enhancement Project

DALI Development and Advancement of Lunar Instrumentation

DARPA Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

DART Double Asteroid Redirection Test

DATA Digital Accountability and Transparency Act

DC District of Columbia

DCAA Defense Contract Audit Agency

DCIS Defense Criminal Investigative Service

DCOTSS Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere

DDAP Discovery Data Analysis Program

DDR Detailed Design Review

DDT&E Design, Development, Test, and Evaluation 

DEAP Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement Project 

DEFEND Dynamic and Evolving Federal Enterprise Network Defense

DEUCE Dual-Channel Extreme Ultraviolet Continuum Experiment

DHS Department of Homeland Security

DI Decadal Incubation

DLR German Aerospace Center

DM/CM Document Management/Case Management

DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid

DO Designated Observable

DOE Department of Energy

DOIMS Digital Object Identifier Management System

DORIS Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite

DRACO Didymos Reconnaissance and Asteroid Camera for OpNav

DRAW Dynamic Routes for Arrivals in Weather

DRIVE Diversify, Realize, Integrate, Venture, Educate

DRPS Dynamic RPS

DSAC Deep Space Atomic Clock

DSCOVR Deep Space Observatory

DSE Data System Evolution

DSI Deutsches SOFIA Institute

DSN Deep Space Network
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-5

DSOC Deep Space Optical Communication

DSRR DSN Operations Readiness Review

DSS Deep Space Station

EAP Electric Aircraft Propulsion

ECI Early Career Initiative

ECLSS Environmental Control and Life Support Systems

ECM Europa Clipper Magnetometer

ECOSTRESS Ecosystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station

ECR Environmental Compliance and Restoration

eCryo Evolvable Cryogenics

ECS Environmental Control System

EDL Entry, Descent, and Landing

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity

EES Emergency Egress Systems

EGS Exploration Ground Systems

EIA Equatorial ionization Anomaly

EIK Extended Interaction Klystrons

EIS Europa Imaging System

EM Exploration Mission

EMIT Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation

ENA Energetic Neutral Atoms

ENSO El Nino Southern Oscillation

EOS Earth Observation Systems

EOSDIS Earth Observing System Data and Information System

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EPFD Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration

EPIC Earth Poly-Chromatic Imaging Camera

EPSCoR Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 

ERB Earth Radiation Budget

ERBS Earth Radiation Budget Science

ERD Exploration Research and Development

EROS Earth Resources Observation and Science

ESA European Space Agency

ESAero Empirical Systems Aerospace

ESD Exploration Systems Development

ESDIS Earth Science Data and Information System

ESDR Earth System Data Records

ESDS Earth Science Data Systems

ESM European Service Module

ESO Engineering, Safety, and Operations
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-6

ESPA EELV Secondary Payload Adapters

ESSP Earth System Science Pathfinder

ESSP PO Earth System Science Pathfinder Program Office

ESTP Earth Science Technology Program

EUMETSAT European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites

EUS Exploration Upper Stage

EUV Extreme UV

EVA Extravehicular Activity

EVC Earth Venture Continuity

EVI Earth Venture Instruments

EVM Earth Venture small Missions

EVS Earth Venture Suborbital

EXCOM Executive Committee

EXPORTS Export Processes in the Ocean from Remote Sensing

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation

FDC Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities

FEIF Flight Electronics Integration Facility

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEWS NET Famine Early Warning System Network

FIRST For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

FISMA Federal Information Security Modernization Act

FITARA Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act

FMECA Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis

FO Follow-On

FOC Full Operational Capability

FRR Flight Readiness Review

FSR Formulation Synchronization Review

FSSE Flight Software Sustaining Engineering

FY Fiscal Year

GC Grand Challenge

GDC Geospace Dynamics Constellation

GDMS General Dynamic Mission Systems

GE General Electric

GEDI Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation Lidar

GEO Geostationary Earth Orbit

GGAO Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory

GIMP Greenland Ice Mapping Project-3

GISS Goddard Institute for Space Studies
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-7

GLIMR Geosynchronous Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer

GLM Geostationary Lightning Mapper

GLOBE Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment

GLS Gateway Logistics Services

GMI GPM Microwave Imager

GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

GOES Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite

GOLD Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk

GPCP Global Precipitation Climatology Project

GPM Global Precipitation Measurement

GPS Global Positioning System

GPSP Global Positioning System-Payload

GRACE Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment

GRC Glenn Research Center

GSE Ground Support Equipment

GSFC Goddard Space Flight Center

GSI Ground Systems Implementation

GSLV Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle

GUSTO Galactic/Extragalactic Ultralong duration balloon Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory

GV Ground Validation

HALO Hydrogen Albedo Lunar Orbiter

HAQAST Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team

HARP Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter

HCIT Human Capital Information Technology

HEASARC High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Center

HECC High End Computing Capability

HEOMD Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate

HERA Human Exploration Research Analog

HERO Human Exploration Research Opportunity

H-FORT Heliophysics Flight Opportunities for Research and Technology

HGEP Hybrid Gas-Electric Propulsion

HHS Department of Health and Human Services

HIRMES High Resolution Mid-Infrared Spectrometer

HIS Heavy Ion Sensor

HLS Harmonized Landsat/Sentinel

HMTA Health and Medical Technical Authority

HOME Habitats Optimized for Missions of Exploration

HP3 Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package

HPA High Pressure Air

HPSC High Performance Spaceflight Computing
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-8

HQ Headquarters

HRP Human Research Program

HSFO Human Space Flight Operations

HT Hypersonic Technology

HTV H-II Transfer Vehicle

HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

I&T Integration & Test

I&TC Infrastructure & Technical Capabilities

IADS Integrated Arrival/Departure/Surface

IASP Integrated Aviation Systems Program

IBEX Interstellar Boundary Explorer

ICAM Identify, Credential, and Access Management

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

ICEMAG Interior Characterization of Europa Using Magnetometry

ICESat Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite

ICON Ionospheric Connection Explorer

ICPS Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage

IDA ISS Docking Adapter

IDIQ Indefinite-Delivery-Indefinite-Quantity

ILLUMA-T Integrated LCRD LEO User Modem and Amplifier Terminal

IM Information Management

IMAP Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe

IMC International Mission Contributions

IMERG The Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM 

IMPACT Interagency Implementation and Advance Concepts Team

IMPACTS Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Storms

INL Idaho National Lab

InSight Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport

InVEST In-space Validation of Earth Science Technology

IOAG Interagency Operations Advisory Group

IPAC The Infrared Processing and Analysis Center

IR Infrared

IRB Independent Review Board

IRIS Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph

IRT Independent Review Team

IRTF Infrared Telescope Facility

ISA Israel Space Agency

ISAAC Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking

ISPF In Space Propulsion Facility

ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-9

ISRS In-Space Robotic Servicing

ISRU in-situ resource utilization

ISS International Space Station

IT Information Technology

ITL Integrated Test Lab

IV&V Independent Verification and Validation

IWTF Industrial Waste Water Tank Facility

IXPE Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explore

JAXA Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency

JCL Joint Confidence Level

JHU Johns Hopkins University

JPL Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JPSS Joint Polar Satellite System

JSC Johnson Space Center

JUICE Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer

KARI Korea Aerospace Research Institute

KaRIn Ka-band Radar Interferometer

KDP Key Decision Point

KOA Keck Observatory Archive

KORUS-AQ Korea-United States Air Quality Study

KSC Kennedy Space Center

KUS Kenney Uplink Station

LANCE Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS

LANL Los Alamos National Laboratory

LARC Langley Research Center

LAS Launch Abort System

LASP Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

LBFD Low Boom Flight Demonstrator

LC Launch Complex

LCAS Low-Cost Access to Space

LCC Life Cycle Cost

LCLUC Land Cover/Land Use Change

LCPSO Land Cover Project Science Office

LCRD Laser Communications Relay Demo

LCS Launch Communications Segment

LDEP Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

LEO Low Earth Orbit

LEOS Legal Enterprise Operating System

LETF Launch Equipment Test Facility
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-10

LH2 Liquid Hydrogen

LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging

LIS Lightning Imaging Sensor

LISA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

LLC Limited Liability Company

LOFTID LEO-based Flight Test of Inflatable Decelerator

LOX Liquid Oxygen

LRA Laser Retro-reflector Assembly

LRD Launch Readiness Date

LRO Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

LRR Launch Readiness Review

LSII Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative

LSP Launch Services Program

LST Land Surface Temperature

L'TES Thermal Emission Spectrometer

LunIR Lunar InfraRed imaging

LVSA Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter

LWS Living With a Star

MAF Michoud Assembly Facility

MAIA Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols

MARCI Mars Color Imager

MASPEX The Mass Spectrometer for Planetary Exploration/Europa

MAST Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes

MAVEN Mars Atmosphere & Volatile Evolution

MCL Metrology and Calibration Laboratory

MCR Mission Concept Review

MCS Mars Climate Sounder

MDR Mission Design Review

MEaSUREs Making Earth System data records for Use in Research Environments

MEDA Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer

MEDLI Mars Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation

MEGANE Mars-moon Exploration with Gamma rays and Neutrons

MES Mission Enabling Services

MESSENGER Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging

MEVV Multi-Element Validation and Verification

MIDEX Medium-Class Explorers

MISE Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa

MISR Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer

MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MJO Madden-Julian Oscillation
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-11

ML Mobile Launcher

MMRTG Multi-mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator

MMS Magnetospheric Multiscale

MMX Martian Moons Exploration

MO Missions of Opportunity

MO&I Mission Operations and Integration

MODIS Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer

MOMA Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer

MOMA-MS Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer Mass Spectrometer

MOPS Minimum Operational Performance Standards

MOXIE Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment

MPAR Major Program Annual Report

MPPF Multi-Payload Processing Facility

MRO Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

MS Mass Spectrometer

MSF Modular Supercomputing Facility

MSFC Marshall Space Flight Center

MSL Measurement Systems Laboratory

MSR Mars Sample Return

MTB Multirotor Test Bed

MUREP Minority University Research and Education Program

MUSS Multi User Systems and Support

MW Megawatt

NAC National Agency Check

NAS National Airspace System

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASEM National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

NAVO NASA Astronomical Virtual Observatories

NCRP National Council on Radiation Protection

NDE Non-Destructive Evaluation

NEA Near Earth Asteroid

NEAT NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed

NED NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database

NEN Near Earth Network

NEO Near-Earth objects

NEOO Near-Earth Object Observations

NEOWISE Near Earth Objects Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer

NESC NASA Engineering and Safety Center

NET No Earlier Than

NextSTEP Next Space Technologies for Exploration
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-12

NG Northrop Grumman

NGAP NASA Compliant General Application Platform

NGAS Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems

NGIS Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems

NIAC NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts

NICER Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer

NID NASA Interim Directive

NIF NASA Industry Forum

NIH National Institutes of Health

NIRCam Near Infrared Camera

NISAR NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

NISTAR National Institute of Standards and Technology Advances Radiometer

NLS NASA Launch Services

NOAA National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration

NOS New Observing Strategies

NOx Mono Nitrogen Oxide

NPP National Polar-orbiting Partnership

NRA NASA Research Announcement

NRHO Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit

NRPTA National Rocket Propulsion Test Alliance

NSC NASA Safety Center

NSF National Science Foundation

NSPM-20 National Security Presidential Memorandum-20

NSS National Security Systems

NSSDCA National Space Science Data Coordinated Archive

NTRS NASA Technical Reports Server

NTTS NASA's Technology Transfer System

NuSTAR Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array

O&M Operations and Maintenance

O&TM Operations and Test Management

O2O Optical to Orion

OA Office of Audits

OCE Office of the Chief Engineer

OCFO Office of the Chief Financial Officer

OCHCO Office of Chief Human Capital Officer

OCHMO Office of Chief Health Medical Officer

OCIO Office of the Chief Information Officer

OCO Orbiting Carbon Observatory

OCOMM Office of Communications
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-13

OCSD Optical Communications and Sensor Demonstration

OCT Office of the Chief Technologist

ODEO Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity

OFT Orbital Flight Test

OGC Office of General Counsel

OGS Optical Ground Station

OI Office of Investigations

OIG Office of Inspector General

OLI Operational Land Imager

OLIA Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs

OMB Office of Management and Budget

OMG Oceans Melting Greenland

OMI Ozone Monitoring Instrument

OMPS Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite

OMS Orbital Maneuvering System

ONERA French Office National d’Etudes et Recherches Aérospatiales

OP Office of Procurement

OPR Operating Pressure Ratio

OPS Office of Protective Services

ORR Operational Readiness Review

OSAM On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing

OSBP Office of Small Business Programs

OSC Orbital Sciences Corporation

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSIRIS-REx Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer

OSMA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance

OSMU Orion Service Module Umbilical

OSST Ocean Salinity Science Team

OSTM Ocean Surface Topography Mission

OSTST Ocean Surface Topography Science Team

OTE Optical Telescope Element

OTIS Optical Telescope and Integrated Science Instrument Module

P.L. Public Law

PAC Planetary Science Advisory Committee

PB President’s Budget

PBS Plum Brook Station

PCOS Physics of the Cosmos

PCSF Procurement Collusion Strike Force

PD Position Description

PDCO Planetary Defense Coordination Office
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-14

PDR preliminary design review

PDS Planetary Data System

PEP Particle Environment Package

PFAS Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

PGN Pandonia Global Network

PHO Potentially Hazardous Objects

PHSF Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility

PI Principal Investigator

PIMS Plasma Instrument for Magnetic Sounding

PIR Program Implementation Review

PIV Personal Identity Verification

PIXL Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry

PLI Propellant, Liner, and Insulation

PMPO Planetary Missions Program Office

PMT Program Management Team

PNTAB Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory 

POWER Protecting Our Workers and Ensuring Reemployment

PPE Power and Propulsion Element

PPF Payload Processing Facility

PPM Program Project Management

PQM Propulsion Qualification Module

PREFIRE Polar Radiant Energy In The Far Infrared Experiment

PTD Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator

PTS Propellant Transfer Subsystem

PU Plutonium

PUFFER Pop-Up Flat Folding Explorer Robot

PUNCH Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere

QueSST Quiet Supersonic Technology

QuikSCAT Quick Scatterometer

R&A Research and Analysis

R&D Research and Development

R&T Research and Technology

RAMPT Rapid Analysis and Manufacturing Propulsion Technology

RAP Robotics Alliance Project

RapidScat Rapid Scatterometer

RDAP Rosetta Data Analysis Program

RDT&E Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

REASON Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near-surface

RF Radio Frequency

RFI Request for Information
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-15

RFID Radio Frequency Identification

RFP Request for Proposal

RFU Radio Frequency Unit

RHESSI Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager

RHU Radioisotope Heater Unit

RIME Radar for Icy Moons Exploration

RO Radio Occultation

ROSA Roll Out Solar Array

ROSES Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences

RPS Radioisotope Power Systems

RPSF Rotation, Processing, and Surge Facility

RPT Rocket Propulsion Testing

RS Reflected Solar

RTCA Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics

RTG Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator

RVLT Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology

RWT Robotic Weld Tool

SAGE Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment

SAM Sample Analysis at Mars (Planetary Science)

SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar

SARI South/Southeast Asia Regional Initiative

SASS Small Altitude Simulation System

SAT Strategic Astrophysics Technology

SBIR Small Business Innovation Research

SCaN Space Communications and Navigation

SCE Spacecraft Element

SCMD Science Mission Directorate

SCS Supplemental Calibration System

SDAP Science Data Analytics Platform

SDN Software Defined Networking

SDO Solar Dynamics Observatory

SDPC Science Data Processing Center

SDR System Design Review

SE&I Systems Engineering and Integration

SEC Space Environments Complex

SEDAC Socio-economic Data and Applications Center

SEIS Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure

SEP solar electric propulsion

SET Space Environment Testbeds

SFCO Space Flight Crew Operations
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-16

SFOF Space Flight Operations Facility

SFS Space and Flight Support

SGLT Space-Ground Link Terminals

SGP Space Geodesy project

SGSLR Space Geodesy Satellite Laser Ranging

SGSS Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment

SHERLOC Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics and 

Chemicals

SIF Solar Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence

SIO Systems Integration and Operationalization

SIPS Science Investigator-led Processing Systems

SIR System Integration Review

SIRIUS Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station

SISTINE Suborbital Imaging Spectrograph for Transition region Irradiance from Nearby Exoplanet

SLI Sustainable Land Imaging

SLPSRA Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications

SLS Space Launch System

SM Service Module

SMA Safety and Mission Assurance

SMAP Soil Moisture Active/Passive

SMART-VG Shape Memory Alloy Reconfigurable Technology-Vortex Generator 

SMBH Super Massive Black Holes

SMD Science Mission Directorate

SMEX Small Explorers

S-MODE Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics and Vertical Transport

SMS Safety and Mission Success

SN Space Network

SNC Sierra Nevada Corporation

SNWG Satellite Needs Working Group

SOC Solar Orbiter Collaboration

SOFIA Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

SOHO Solar and Heliospheric Observatory

SoloHI Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager

SOST Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology

SpaceX Space Exploration Technologies Inc.

SPD Space Policy Directive

SPHERES Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, and Experimental Satellites

SPHEREx

Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices 

Explorer

SPIDER Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot

SPLICE Safe and Precise Landing-Integrated Capabilities Evolution
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-17

SR&T Strategic Research and Technology

SRB Standing Review Board

SRC Sample Return Capsule

SRR Systems Requirement Review

SSC Stennis Space Center

SSFL Santa Susana Field Laboratory

SSI Solar Spectral Irradiance

SSL Space Systems Loral

SSMS Safety, Security, and Mission Services

STAR Strategic Technology Architecture Round-table

STDT Science and Technology Definition Team

STEM Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics

STEREO Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory

STEVE Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement

STI Scientific and Technical Information

STMD Space Technology Mission Directorate

STP Solar Terrestrial Probes

STRG Space Technology Research Grants

STScI Space Telescope Science Institute

STTR Small Business Technology Transfer

SUDA Surface Dust Mass Analyzer

SWOT Surface Water Ocean Topography

SWP Strategic Workforce Plan

SWRI Southwest Research Institute

SWS System-Wide Safety

TACP Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program

TAG Touch-And-Go

TALOS Thruster Advancement for Low-Temperature Operations in Space

TBCC Turbine-Based Combined Cycle

TBD To Be Determined

TBIRD Terabyte Infrared Delivery

TBM Technology Business Management

TC Tropical Cyclone

TCL Technical Capability Level

TDE Tidal Disruption Event

TDRS Tracking and Data Relay Satellite

TEMPO Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution

TESS Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite

TGO Trace Gas Orbiter

THEMIS Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-18

TI Technology Investments

TIMED Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics

TIRS Thermal Infrared Sensor

TLI Trans-Lunar Injection

TOPEX Topography Experiment

TP Tipping Point

TPS Thermal Protection System

TRACERS Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites

TREAT To Research, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat

TRIDENT The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain

TRISH Translational Research Institute for Space Health

TRL Technology Readiness Level

TRMM Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission

TRN Terrain Relative Navigation

TROPICS Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a 

Constellation of SmallSats

TSI Total Solar Irradiance

TSIS Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor

TTBW Transonic Truss-Braced Wing

TTT Transformational Tools and Technologies

TUI Tethers Unlimited Inc.

TWINS Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom Spectrometers

U.S. United States

UAG Users' Advisory Group

UAM Urban Air Mobility

UARC University Affiliated Research Center

UAS Unmanned Aircraft Systems

UCLA University of California Los Angeles

UFE Unallocated Future Expenses

UI University Innovation

UKSA United Kingdom Space Agency

ULA United Launch Alliance

ULDB Ultra-Long Duration Balloon

ULI University Leadership Initiative

ULS United Launch Services

UPS Uninterruptable Power System

UQ Uncertainty Quantification

URT Underway Recovery Test

USAF U.S. Air Force

USAID U.S. Agency for International Development
Reference

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

REF-19 

US-COMP Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USG U.S. Government

USGCRP U.S. Global Change Research Program

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

USOS U.S. Operating Segment of ISS

USRA Universities Space Research Association

UTM UAS Traffic Management

UV Ultraviolet

UVS Ultraviolet Spectrograph

UWMS Universal Waste Management System

V&V Verification and Validation

VAB Vehicle Assembly Building

VAFB Vandenberg Air Force Base

VCLS Venture Class Launch Services

VGOS VLBI Global Observing System

VIIRS Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer

VIPER Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover

VLBI Very Long Baseline Interferometry

VMS Virtual Motion Simulator

VO Virtual Observatory

VOIP Voice over Internet Protocols 

VPP Voluntary Protection Program

VTOL Vertical Take Off and Landing

WAN Wide Area Networks

Webb James Webb Space Telescope

WFF Wallops Flight Facility

WFIRST Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope

WISE Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer

WIT Water Impact Testing

WIYN Wisconsin, Indiana, Yale, and NOAO Telescope

WMKO W.M. Keck Observatory

WRC World Radiocommunications Conferences

WSC White Sands Complex

WSTF White Sands Test Facility

WWAO Western Water Applications Office

XMM X-Ray Multi-Mirror Mission

XRISM X-Ray Imagining and Spectroscopy

XVS External Vision System