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Overview Video

A quick look at space testing across NASA in the Agency’s unique labs and facilities.

Welcome to SETMO

NASA’s Space Environments Test Management Office (SETMO) is one of five capability portfolios within the Agency responsible for the oversight of key test and simulation assets across NASA’s field centers nationwide. SETMO’s multi-billion-dollar aggregation of facilities supports NASA research and science and technology development with a combination of unique infrastructure and unmatched skill: test and simulation expertise, state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced equipment, and the exceptionally accomplished personnel without whom it would be impossible to carry out the Agency’s missions.

SETMO is integrally involved in our nation’s resurgent interest in space exploration, providing foundational capabilities necessary to spawn the new programs and initiatives across the NASA mission directorates, as well as engagement with commercial space stakeholders. SETMO’s portfolio, along with NASA’s other test proficiencies, reduce the mission risk inherent in such advanced initiatives as Mars2020, ensuring systems will operate safely and effectively in their intended environments.

We support the Agency’s strategic planning efforts to position NASA infrastructure for the future. Much of NASA’s current infrastructure dates back to the Apollo era of space exploration, with 83 percent of facilities beyond design life. Resilient and ready research facilities are critical for mission success. The demands on NASA’s physical testing assets continue to increase as the Agency’s commercial partnerships increase and missions become ever more complex.

SETMO is diligently working to prioritize and transform our management so that NASA’s mission-critical infrastructure and facilities are available and reliable in the Artemis era and beyond. We continually collaborate with capability owners, centers, mission directorates and Agency leadership to invest in long-term asset health and sustainability in order that future mission goals are successfully achieved.

In addition, we support the work being done to improve and augment NASA’s computational prowess. Computer simulations — analytical models based on extensive data sets that mimic everything from flight in air to travel in space — are essential components of testing. They set the stage for physical models that are studied and assessed in facilities that reproduce as accurately as possible the wide range of conditions crew and vehicles are likely to experience.

Finally, our core mission also enables workforce certification and proficiency; increases testing fidelity and reliability; identifies and implements strategies to modernize testing infrastructure smartly and effectively; and proactively addresses routine but crucial maintenance to ensure optimal operation.

SETMO stands ready to meet the complex challenges of space exploration, to enable, support and sustain our nation’s ongoing journey to reach, explore and make discoveries on the Moon, Mars and beyond!

Jason Coker
SETMO Director

If you have any questions or would like to engage directly, please contact us at hq-setmo@mail.nasa.gov