What if you could conduct science at the far reaches of the solar system - routinely, thoroughly, and without regard for the complex mechanics of getting there and back again?

The vast gulf of space and the limitations of traditional propulsion technologies are the primary physical obstacles inhibiting the efforts of scientists like you… and it's time to make a change. Important science should not have to wait for decades or more while conventional spacecraft coast across the solar system - only to return mere weeks or months' worth of data.

This 20th century flight paradigm need no longer apply.

These pages are intended to provide you with the contacts, program status and detailed technical information necessary to help you join us in developing, maturing and flying alternative propulsion systems that will one day carry science missions to any point in the solar system - faster than ever before and with an exponentially greater return on investment.

By partnering with the most capable minds in academia, industry and government, NASA seeks to overcome the obstacles impeding the journey, and multiply scientific discovery at the destination.

Together, we look forward to a rich bounty of science research and analysis - measured not in weeks or months…but in full careers

Technology Areas

AEROASSIST
Aerocapture
Aerobraking

SOLAR SAILS

SOLAR ELECTRIC
Next Generation Electric
Hall Thruster

ADVANCED CHEMICAL

SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

TETHERS
Momentum Exchange
Electrodynamic