Research and Development at NASA

The success of the Vision for Space Exploration relies upon the ongoing research and development activities conducted at each of NASA’s 10 field centers. In an effort to promote synergy across NASA as it works to meet its long-term goals, the Agency formed four Mission Directorates: Space Operations, Exploration Systems, Science, and Aeronautics Research. These directorates provide NASA Headquarters and the field centers with a streamlined approach to continue exploration in space and on Earth.