Artemis I Flight Day 13: Orion, Earth, and Moon

Apollo sample processors, from left, Andrea Mosie, Charis Krysher and Juliane Gross open lunar sample 73002.

Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorate

Based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, the Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorate is a unique mix of scientists, engineers, mission planners and architects, and program analysts. We create the plans for sending people back to the Moon and on to Mars. We provide integration and business support to NASA’s exploration programs, which stitch together the pieces that make NASA’s missions possible. Our team curates and studies the world’s most extensive collection of samples collected from the solar system. We map the orbital debris around the Earth to keep our missions safe, and we study the lunar surface to figure out where to land NASA missions. Together we enable exploration and discovery.

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Our Purpose

The Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorate is dedicated to supporting NASA’s mission to explore, discover, and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. We connect science, engineering, and mission and program planning so that NASA can send people back to the Moon and eventually on to Mars. We help NASA’s exploration programs figure out what the missions are, how to plan and execute them, and how to make the most of the science they bring home.

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NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen atop the mobile launcher at Launch 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Artemis I mission is the first integrated test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and supporting ground systems. The mission is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions to the Moon. Launch of the uncrewed flight test is targeted for no earlier than Sept. 3 at 2:17 p.m. ET. With Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before.

EAIS Divisions and Offices

Learn more about the divisions and offices within EAIS.

Exploration Development Integration Division

This division develops leaders who provide system engineering, cross-program integration, and programmatic integration expertise, bringing architecture elements together to accomplish the Agency’s goals.

D-RATS NASA crew members Jessica Meir and Sarah Shull walk behind the rover during a simulated moonwalk.

Exploration Mission Planning Office

This office leads cross-agency planning for human space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. Its responsibilities include leadership of architecture development, supporting the development of initial mission concepts and goals, and analyzing every aspect of Artemis missions, both in-space and on the Lunar and Martian surfaces, to improve design and execution.

Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division

This division ensures scientific discovery is part of every space exploration mission. Its team of leading scientists advances exploration discovery with cutting-edge research and observational investigations, integrating science into missions, curating the most extensive collection of extraterrestrial materials on Earth, and leading the global understanding of the orbital debris environment.

Strategic Business Integration Office

This office plays a vital role in ensuring that human exploration programs successfully achieve the goals set by the agency. It develops estimates of the costs involved and creates schedules for NASA program leaders, enabling effective planning and execution of the programs.

Focus Areas and Capabilities

Learn more about specialized EAIS focus areas and capabilities.

Artist's concept of SpaceX Starship human landing system. Artist’s concept of the Blue Moon lander.

Human Landing System Associate Program Manager

The human landing system will transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the lunar surface and back for Artemis. The human landing system associate program manager oversees an integrated human landing system-Johnson workforce.