Directorates

In 2008, NASA reorganized in order to align itself with the new Vision for Space Exploration. The reorganization clarified organizational roles within four mission directorates: Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, Science Mission Directorate, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

However, in September 2021, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate would be split into two new directorates: Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD) and Space Operations Mission Directorate. The change was made to address the expansion of space operations in low-Earth orbit and increase in programs for deep space exploration, including Artemis missions.[1] The 2022 NASA Organizational chart, which reflects this change, can be found here.

These directorates manage the many missions NASA undertakes, and they address the need for an integrated approach to science requirements, management and implementation of the missions. Each mission directorate now covers a major area of NASA's research and development efforts. The NASA budget for each of the four directorates can be found under the NASA Budget tab.

 

Updated September 2022 by Jennifer Ostromecki