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Space Systems

Space systems support communication, navigation, and defense. The National Academies analyze system resilience, coordination, and innovation to strengthen national and global capabilities.

What's happening

For Humans to Reach Mars, Advances Are Needed in Space Nuclear Propulsion Technologies

News Release

Using nuclear propulsion technologies to support a human mission to Mars in 2039 will require NASA to pursue an aggressive and urgent technology development program, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Feb 12, 2021

Featured Publications

Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s

Consensus Study Report

2023

Assessment of Commercial Space Platforms for Earth Science Instruments: Report Series—Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space

Consensus Study Report

2023

Planning the Future Space Weather Operations and Research Infrastructure: Proceedings of the Phase II Workshop

Proceedings

2022

Acquisition Strategies for Future Space-Based Optics: Unclassified Summary

Consensus Study Report

2019

Exoplanet Science Strategy

Consensus Study Report

2018

Featured work

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Recently Completed

Cover art for A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars.

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Atmospheric Science and Space Physics

Other

Recently Completed

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space: Assessment of Commercial Space Platforms for Earth Science Instruments

Consensus/Advisory Activity

My Academies

Space Systems

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What's happening

Featured Publications

Featured work

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars

A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars: Panel on Atmospheric Science and Space Physics

Committee on Earth Science and Applications from Space: Assessment of Commercial Space Platforms for Earth Science Instruments

Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (CAA)

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Heliophysics, Physics, and Physical Science

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Human and Biological Science

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers: Panel on Applied Sciences

Key Non-Polar Destinations Across the Moon to Address Decadal-level Science Objectives with Human Explorers

Space Science Week

Exoplanet Science Strategy

Upcoming events

Units

Aeronautics, Space, and Astronomy Program Area

Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)

Space Technology Industry-Government-University Roundtable (STIGUR)

Polar Research Board

Space Studies Board (SSB)

Climate Crossroads

Transformative Science and Technology for the Department of Defense: Standing Committee and Seminar Series

Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board (ASEB)

U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Radio Science (USNC-URSI)