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Division Overview

The Space Science and Astrobiology Division at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) provides unique interdisciplinary scientific expertise and capabilities that advance human understanding of the Molecular Evolution of Galaxies, the Evolution and Formation of Planetary Systems and our Understanding of the Origin and Evolution of Life in the Universe. Our core science capabilities in theoretical, observational, experimental, and instrument development work enable NASA missions and are focused to enhance and enable the science and exploration goals of NASA and the scientific community.

A bright white center is encircled with pinks, purples and yellow colors with a black background dotted with white and blue stars.

The Division’s scientific breadth and expertise provide the Agency with a unique interdisciplinary workforce utilizing multidisciplinary teams of astronomers, astrophysicists, chemists, microbiologists, physicists, and planetary scientists and are organized into three core science areas:

Astrophysics

Researchers study the physical and chemical properties of astronomical objects and phenomena by observing their radiation at optical, infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths.

Planetary Systems

Researchers develop new, fundamental knowledge about the origins of stars and planetary systems, their evolution and formation, their environment, and astrobiology.

Exobiology

Researchers study the history, distribution, and chemistry of biogenic elements in the solar system; prebiotic chemical evolution and the origin of life; and the history of Earth’s early biosphere as recorded in microorganisms and ancient rocks. 

Strategic Plan

The Space Science and Astrobiology Division will continue to provide interdisciplinary core scientific expertise and capabilities that advance NASA’s goals and our understanding of the Universe.

The Division’s strategic approach will focus on enabling long-term investments in our core scientific research areas. Our unique expertise will advance the Community’s science knowledge while driving innovative technology and instrument concepts. The Division will pursue primary leadership roles in NASA missions and mission support activities, based on our current capabilities in the following key strategic focus areas:

  • Life Detection Research and Technology 
  • Mission-Driven Analog Research and Mission Concept Operations
  • Radiative Transfer Modelling
  • Laboratory Astrophysics Research
  • (Exo)planetary Formation, Evolution, Characterization, and Technology Studies

Have a look at the full version of our Strategic Plan 2018 Code S strategic plan 2018 and our tri-fold brochure Trifold.

Have a look at the full version of our Strategic Plan 2019 Code S 2019 strategic plan and our tri-fold brochure 2019 Code S – Brochure.