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Why We Explore

Why Do We Explore?

From the time of our birth, humans have felt a primordial urge to explore -- to blaze new trails, map new lands, and answer profound questions about ourselves and our universe.

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Exploration History

This Month in Exploration

Visit every month to find out how aviation and space exploration have improved life for humans on Earth and in space.

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Conferences and Speeches

Find past speeches and conference materials here!

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Overview

Acquisitions

The Exploration Systems Mission Directorate is committed to increasing competition in contracting, enhancing our socioeconomic programs, and providing private industry the maximum opportunity to do business with the Directorate.

From here you may navigate various acquisition announcements, explanatory documentation, submission procedures, and contact information.

In Depth

Information for Potential Crew Launch Vehicle (Ares) Partners

Links to documents of interest for potential partners.
Crew Exploration Vehicle (Orion) Procurement

Related links for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Procurement
Historical Exploration Systems Acquisition Announcement Selections

09.01.2007 - Exploration Systems Acquisition Announcement Selections

Related News

NASA Calls for Comment on Draft Ares V Request for Proposals

11.25.08 - NASA has released a draft request for proposals, or RFP, regarding Phase I of its Ares V launch vehicle.
NASA Awards Project Management Support Contract for Kennedy

11.24.08 - NASA has selected Science Applications International Corporation of Houston to provide project management support services at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA Awards Contract For Space Flight Projects

11.10.08 - NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has awarded a contract to ZIN Technologies Inc., of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, for the definition, design, fabrication, assembly, integration, test and operation of a broad array of space flight projects.