Spacecraft Subsystems

Communication​ Subsystems 

JSC offers expertise and unique facilities in which multi-element spacecraft communications subsystems are interfaced with relay satellites and ground elements for end-to-end testing in a controlled radio frequency environment. JSC also provides for design, development, and testing of spacecraft communication systems, including evaluation of electromagnetic radiation properties of antennas and other radiating objects.

Entry, Descent & Landing Subsystems  

Energy dissipation in a short amount of time, high entry velocities, composition of the atmosphere, and hitting the target encompass the challenges of planning for entry, descent and landing (EDL) of spacecraft. JSC provides a combination of ground test, analytical and flight test capabilities needed to develop EDL systems.

Flight Computing & Avionics Subsystems 

JSC has facilities and expertise that specialize in the unique aspects of the design, development, testing and evaluation of avionics systems and architectures for human space flight. From critical commanding and data handling architectures to comprehensive component level testing and analysis, JSC stands as a beacon of expertise in the realm of aerospace technology.

Guidance, Navigation & Control​ Subsystems 

JSC provides design and evaluation of mission concepts, vehicle flight performance capabilities and requirements, and guidance, navigation, and control requirements and verification. 

Materials & Structures ​Subsystems 

JSC has world-class capabilities and unique expertise in structures design and development, analysis, testing and materials evaluation, damage and assessments. JSC has extensive experience in the design and development of space vehicle mating attachment systems and light weight hatches, windows, inflatable structures and traditional structures.  

Mechanical & Pyrotechnic Subsystems

JSC has a long heritage of providing safe, reliable pyrotechnic solutions and mechanisms for aerospace applications. JSC is a worldwide leader in the development and testing of human-rated mechanisms, especially docking systems.

Power​ Subsystems 

JSC provides test facilities and skilled personnel for many of the fluid and energy conversion systems required for human exploration and development in space, including power generation and storage, fluid storage and distribution, and electromechanical and hydraulic actuation.

Propulsion Subsystems 

JSC has led the development and certification of many of NASA’s human spacecraft propulsion systems and is actively engaged in the development and demonstration of advanced propulsion system technologies.

Rendezvous, Prox Ops & Docking​ Subsystems 

JSC performs systems requirement definition, analyses, design and testing necessary to support the development of rendezvous, proximity operations and docking system designs and to verify the compatibility of the designs with functional and performance requirements. 

Software & Autonomous Subsystems 

JSC is a leader in software and autonomous subsystems for human spaceflight, offering an array of capabilities in high-fidelity, real-time, human-in-the-loop engineering simulations. Our expertise encompasses software development for flight and ground systems, real-time, mission-critical embedded software, software integration, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Thermal Management​ Subsystems 

JSC stands at the forefront with our advanced thermal management design, development and testing capabilities. From cold stowage systems to active and passive thermal control system designs, JSC experts provide design, analytical simulation and modeling, standards and specifications development, validation and integrated testing. 

Thermal Protection Systems

Johnson Space Center offers comprehensive expertise in spacecraft thermal protection systems, encompassing design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and software tools for ensuring the structural integrity and thermal safety of spacecraft during re-entry.