Science Mission Directorate (SMD)

The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is a part of NASA that oversees scientific research and space exploration missions. Its goal is to study Earth, the solar system, and the universe to understand how they work and to gain new knowledge. SMD manages projects like space telescopes, planetary rovers, and Earth observation satellites. By doing so, it helps advance scientific discovery, supports innovation, and encourages education in STEM fields. Overall, SMD's work expands our understanding of the cosmos and Earth's place within it, benefiting science, technology, and society.