Ames Research Center
NASA’s Ames Research Center, one of ten NASA field centers, is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Since 1939, Ames has led NASA in conducting world-class research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology and science aligned with the center’s core capabilities.
Location
Moffett Field, California
Founded
December 20, 1939
People
3,200+
Director
Eugene Tu
NASA’s Next-Generation Solar Sail Mission
NASA is developing new deployable structures and materials technologies for solar sail propulsion systems destined for future low-cost deep space missions. Just as a sailboat is powered by wind in a sail, solar sails employ the pressure of sunlight for propulsion, eliminating the need for conventional rocket propellant.
Learn MoreLatest Articles
NASA’s BioSentinel Studies Solar Radiation as Earth Watches Aurora
Getting SSPICY: NASA Funds Orbital Debris Inspection Mission
NASA’s Record-Breaking Laser Demo Completes Mission
NASA Ames Welcomes Latvian President, Talks Aeronautics Research
Ames Research Center
Ames Leadership
Focus Areas and Capabilities
Ames History
Since 1939, Ames contributions have fundamentally shaped fields of study related to aeronautics and space.
Learn More about Ames History