Planetary Missions Program Office
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Solar System
Planetary Missions Programs
NASA is helping humanity answer profound questions about the nature of the solar system and our place in it. How did the solar system form and evolve? What are the hazards to Earth? Is there life out there? These are the questions we seek to answer, as we work to expand the frontiers of knowledge and opportunity in space.
Discovery Program
Established in 1992, this program includes a series of small planetary missions, launching every 36 months, selected and funded by NASA through open, peer-reviewed competition.
New Frontiers Program
Established in 2003, this program is a series of mid-size planetary missions, launching every 60 months. New Frontiers missions take on high-priority goals established by the planetary science community.
Solar System Exploration Program
From small, focused investigations to large, strategic missions of national importance, this program includes our "flagship" missions to answer the most compelling and challenging questions about our solar system.
Lunar Instruments and Payloads
In preparation for sending humans to Mars for the first time, NASA’s Artemis program will send astronauts back to the Moon by 2024. Twelve new science and technology payloads have been selected as part of this program that will help us study the lunar surface.
Latest Planetary Missions Programs News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from NASA's Planetary Missions Programs.
New data from the agency’s Jovian orbiter sheds light on the fierce winds and cyclones of the gas giant’s northern…
NASA’s Lucy spacecraft took this image of the main belt asteroid Donaldjohanson during its flyby on April 20, 2025, showing…
In its second asteroid encounter, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft obtained a close look at a uniquely shaped fragment of an asteroid…
NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is 6 days and less than 50 million miles (80 million km) away from its second close…
The asteroid 2024 YR4 made headlines in February with the news that it had a chance of hitting Earth on…
The spacecraft was making its 71st close approach to Jupiter when it unexpectedly entered into a precautionary status. Data received…
How did our solar system form and evolve? What are the hazards? Is there life beyond Earth? NASA is exploring our solar system and beyond to answer these age-old questions. We’re launching spacecraft to asteroids, moons and planets beyond Earth. We’re using science to unlock their secrets. And we’re sharing what we learn, freely and openly, for the good of life on Earth. NASA’s Planetary Missions Program brings together three series of robotic exploration missions — Discovery, New Frontiers and Solar System Exploration. The program is part of the agency’s Science Mission Directorate. Find us on Facebook at NASA Planetary Missions Program.
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Planetary Missions Interactive
Right now, NASA spacecraft are exploring the furthest reaches of our solar system to answer age-old questions about life, the universe, and Earth. Join the mission! Try this interactive experience in your browser to learn more:
Learn More about Planetary Missions Interactive