NASA Science
NASA Science seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on Earth and in space.
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Exploring Jupiter's Ocean World
Mars Odyssey Orbiter
![The image depicts a visualization of ocean currents on Earth, particularly focusing on the Atlantic Ocean. The intricate, swirling patterns represent the movement of water, showcasing the dynamic flow of currents. The landmasses, including parts of North America, Greenland, and Europe, are shown in a brownish hue, contrasting with the blue of the ocean. The currents are illustrated with white, wavy lines, emphasizing their direction and motion, creating a mesmerizing, almost artistic depiction of the perpetual movement of the ocean.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/perpetualocean-cover.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA Science is Delivering
NASA Science is delivering: every second of every day, of every week, of every year. 2024 is proving to be yet another year of exceptional scientific discovery and achievement. From soft landing back on the Moon a few months ago, to celebrating the Heliophysics Big Year and a Total Solar Eclipse in the contiguous United States, to receiving stunning imagery from James Webb, NASA Science is as busy as ever. Recently launched earth science missions are also providing us unprecedented views of our planet and incredible insight into the health of our oceans and atmosphere, and helping decision-makers improve lives on Earth and safeguard our future. And we are charting a new, sustainable path for Mars Sample Return.
Looking ahead, we have many exciting launches on the horizon. At NASA, we are fortunate that our science and exploration endeavors are inextricably linked and help us discover and innovate for the benefit of humanity. Together, we explore to advance scientific understanding. Ultimately, exploration enables science, and science enables exploration.
The NASA Science team is continuing to deliver for the benefit of all.
![Dr. Nicky fox casually chats with undergraduate students over coffee in a laboratory at the University of Delaware. Students take notes in front of a whiteboard while seated around Dr. Fox.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/rsch-phys-nasa-fox-dspoc-visit-ek-041824-007.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Featured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
![Artist concept of the GOES-U satellite in orbit around the earth](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/53391379424-903b458616-k.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
GOES-U
Launched on June 25, 2024, GOES-U will provide advanced detection and monitoring of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property, and the nation’s economic health.
![artist's concept of Europa Clipper](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/artists_concept_of_Europa_Clipper.jpeg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Europa Clipper
Launching in October 2024, Europa Clipper’s main science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, that could support life.
![Illustration of NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) on the surface of the Moon](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/viper.png?w=4096&format=png)
VIPER
VIPER launches late 2024 and will be NASA's first robotic Moon rover to measure the location and concentration of water ice and other resources. These resources could eventually be harvested to sustain human exploration on the Moon, Mars — and beyond!
Behind the Scenes of a NASA ‘Moonwalk’ in the Arizona Desert
NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas recently performed four moonwalk simulations to help NASA prepare for its Artemis III…
Read the Story![In the foreground, two people stand facing each other. Their arms are extended toward each other, and their fists meet at the knuckles. They are wearing big, bulky suits with lots of straps. They’re also wearing helmets and large, rectangular backpacks. The pair is standing in a large field with a mountain range in the background.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/jsc2024e033763orig.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
What's Up: July 2024 Skywatching Tips from NASA
The Moon and planets come together twice in the morning sky – at the start and end of July, find the elusive planet Uranus with some help from Mars, and two star clusters – M6 and M7 – are well placed for viewing in the evening.
Learn more about the visualizationBy the Numbers
Science is interconnected; no important question stands alone. The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is an organization where discoveries in one scientific discipline have a direct route to other areas of study. This flow is something extremely valuable and is rare in the scientific world.
Learn More about Science by the Numbers![A complex info graphic with text, numbers, icons on a dark blue background laid out in a circular design](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/07.21_SciencebytheNumbers-1-jpg-e1689964440266.webp?w=4096&format=png)
featured image
Hubble Captures Infant Stars Transforming a Nebula
RCW 7
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image presents a visually striking collection of interstellar gas and dust. Named RCW 7, the nebula is located just over 5,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation
Learn More about RCW 7Explore our changing planet
Earth is our home, shared with millions of species. Rapid changes like rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather are transforming our planet. For over 50 years, observations from space and ground have monitored these changes, guiding critical decisions in areas like agriculture and air quality. By understanding how our actions affect Earth's systems, we can help mitigate these impacts. Discover more about how you can make a difference in safeguarding our planet.
Visit the Earth Information Center![Animated GIF of Spacecraft Over Earth](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Animated_GIF_of_Spacecraft_Over_Earth.gif?w=4096&format=png)
The Sun and Heliophysics
NASA studies the star at the center of our solar system and its influence on space, Earth, and our solar system. This research helps us to not only understand how the universe works, but also protect our technology and astronauts in space.
Learn More about our Sun and Heliophysics![2c.SolarScience_image.jpg](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2c.SolarScience_image_0-jpg.webp?w=4096&format=png)