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Research Teams

The Space Science and Astrobiology Division at NASA Ames Research Center provides unique interdisciplinary scientific expertise and capabilities that advance human understanding of the Molecular Evolution in the Galaxy, the Evolution and Formation of Planetary Systems and our Understanding of the Origin and Evolution of Life in the Universe. Our core science capabilities in theoretical, observational, experimental, and instrument development work are focused to enhance and enable the science and exploration goals of NASA and the scientific community.

Laura Kushner in test chamber preparing for testing PCI sysem by dropping sand to check laser sheet to be used in study at AVGR (Ames Vertical Gun Range) with Principal Investigator Dr. Pete Schultz of Brown University.

The Division’s scientific breadth and depth provide the Agency with a unique interdisciplinary workforce utilizing multidisciplinary teams of astronomers, astrophysicists, chemists, microbiologists, physicists, and planetary scientists and organized into different research teams:

Research Teams

Astrobiology / Exobiology

Exoplanets

Planetary

This image features the Cassiopeia A supernova, an expanding ball of matter and energy ejected from an exploding star. Here, rings of neon blue and brilliant white emit veins of polished gold. The rings and their arching veins encircle a place of relative calm at the center of the supernova remnant. This hole at the center of the circle, and the three-dimensionality conveyed by the rings and their arching veins, give this image of Cassiopeia A the look of a giant, crackling, electric blue donut. X-rays detected by Chandra show debris from the destroyed star and the blast wave from the explosion.

Laboratory Astrophysics and Astrochemistry

HERA Analog exterior view

Analog Research

Bright green neon looking lasers for the N-237 Ballistic Range Optical Telemetry Circuit (onboard flying model instrumentation) with laser tracking.

Instrumentation

NASA and partners from Aerostar and AeroVironment discuss a simulation of a high-altitude air traffic management system in the Airspace Operations Lab at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

All Research Teams