Flight Projects Directorate
Enabling exploration in EARTH and SPACE science by transforming concepts and questions into reality
FPD is responsible for overall management and implementation of the flight projects at Goddard Space Flight Center. This includes the in-house instrument projects, and the infrastructure that supports these projects including contracts management, technical and business management, mission design, fabrication, integration, environmental test, design and readiness review management, launch operations, and orbital operations.
More About FPD
Portfolio Functions
The FPD Portfolio
The Flight Projects Directorate manages the implementation, maintenance, and operations of end-to-end space architectures, including mission operations, tracking, and data acquisition services for missions supported by GSFC.
FPD assures that a strong and consistent program and project management approach is implemented on all projects including the establishment of overall requirements, design reviews, systems analysis, appropriate pre-launch test programs, and science data delivery from operational systems.
Astrophysics
Focuses on missions and technologies aimed at answering: How do galaxies, stars, and planetary systems form and evolve?
An Amazing Legacy for Astrophysics: Hubble, JWST, and More!
Heliophysics
Addresses solar structure and magnetic activity, solar wind, solar disturbances, and their effects on Earth’s upper atmosphere
Goddard's Heliophysics Science Division
Planetary &
Lunar Science
Supports new scientific measurements to explore the solar system. Primary research areas include developing instruments for landers and orbiting spacecraft, as well as providing entire spacecraft/observatories
Goddard's Planetary Systems Laboratory
Cross-Cutting
Technology &
Capabilities
Addresses technology or capabilities which are applicable to more than one strategic line of business, everything from nano-materials, electronics and detectors, to system architectures
NASA's Exploration & In-space Services
Suborbital
Platforms &
Range Services
Focuses on technologies that allow carriers to fly at new locations, altitude regimes, and for extended durations. The line of business also focuses on reducing the weight of instruments flying on NASA’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) platforms.
Goddard's Suborbital Research
Communications &
Navigation
Addresses systems and technologies needed for responsive communications and navigation. Investments primarily are intended to support NASA’s Exploration, Space Operations, and Science missions in near-Earth and deep space environments
Communicating with Missions
Upcoming Launches
Launch Readiness dates
11/1/2023
Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE)
12/1/2023
Integrated LCRD Low-Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal (ILLUMA-T)
12/1/2023
Galactic/Extragalactic ULDB Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory (GUSTO)
1/9/2024
Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE)
4/30/2024
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite – U (GOES-U)
8/07/2024
Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor-2 (TSIS-2)
11/15/2024
LEMNOS / Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System (O2O)
12/31/2024
Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory (GeoCarb)
2/14/2025
Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH)
3/31/2025
Joint Polar Satellite System-3 (JPSS-3)
10/31/2025
Heliophysics Environmental and Radiation Measurement Experiment Suite (HERMES)
2/27/2026
On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing-1 (OSAM-1)
8/21/2026
Mars Sample Return – CCRS
10/30/2026
Roman Space Telescope
6/15/2027
Dragonfly
1/08/2029
MOMA (ExoMars)
06/2029
DAVINCI
11/30/2030
Landsat NEXT
Visit the NASA Launch Schedule for more launch information
Internal Team Resources
400 Internal Sharepoint website (password required)
Critical Path Newsletter
Centers & Facilities
Goddard Space Flight Center
Location
Greenbelt
Founded
May 1st, 1959
People
10,000
Director
Makenzie Lystrup