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About Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science Directorate
Introduction
Based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, the Exploration Architecture, Integration, and Science (EAIS) Directorate is a unique mix of scientists, engineers, mission planners and architects, and program analysts. We create the plans for sending people back to the Moon and on to Mars. We provide integration and business support to NASA’s exploration programs, which stitch together the pieces that make NASA’s missions possible. Our team curates and studies the world’s most extensive collection of samples collected from the solar system. We map the orbital debris around the Earth to keep our missions safe, and we study the lunar surface to figure out where to land NASA missions. Together we enable exploration and discovery.
Our Purpose
EAIS is dedicated to supporting NASA’s mission to explore, discover, and expand knowledge for the benefit of humanity. We connect science, engineering, and mission and program planning so that NASA can send people back to the Moon and eventually on to Mars. We help NASA’s exploration programs figure out what the missions are, how to plan and execute them, and how to make the most of the science they bring home.
Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division
The scientists of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division strive to understand the origin and evolution of our solar system through scientific research of NASA’s human spaceflight and robotic spacecraft missions.
ARES scientists curate the world’s most extensive collection of extraterrestrial samples (Moon rocks, meteorites, and materials collected from other planetary bodies). They conduct research on planetary and space environments, including the orbital debris environment and its effect on spacecraft, and use imagery to monitor launch vehicle performance. ARES is also involved in training International Space Station crews to document Earth processes and in preparing astronauts to go back to the Moon and Mars.
In addition to supporting NASA missions, ARES provides competitive opportunities for researchers to use its unique analytical instruments to advance world-class planetary research. The division also engages students, educators, and the public through events, sample loans, and other programs to generate excitement and awareness of NASA science to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Exploration Development Integration Division
This division develops leaders who deliver systems engineering, cross-program integration, and operations integration products and services, bringing all Artemis architecture elements together to accomplish the agency’s goals.
Exploration Mission Planning Office
This office works across NASA programs and centers to design and analyze every component of human spaceflight mission plans. The office leads the definition of mission objectives, constraints, and requirements, as well as the development of crewed and uncrewed activities to be completed during the mission. It also conducts mission simulations and other operational tests to enhance mission readiness and success.
For the Artemis program, this office is extending its mission planning capabilities to the lunar surface, informing agency decisions on everything from exploration site selection to surface transport and communications systems. The office’s expertise and analysis will also inform the application of Artemis mission elements to future crewed missions to Mars.
Strategic Business Integration Office
The Strategic Business Integration Office partners with human space exploration programs to estimate cost and develop schedules for successful program execution. It also assists program leaders in identifying and minimizing risks that may impact the program’s cost or ability to meet its goals. Additionally, the office performs essential business management functions for the directorate, center, and agency.
Commercial Lunar Payload Services
The CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative allows NASA to work with American companies to deliver science and technology payloads to the lunar surface to help the agency explore the Moon and prepare for future Artemis missions. Through CLPS, NASA is also attempting to accelerate the development of a commercial market for lunar delivery services.
Human Landing System Associate Program Manager
Development of the human landing systems that will transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the lunar surface and back for Artemis missions is primarily managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The human landing system associate program manager (APM), located at Johnson, oversees an integrated human landing system-Johnson workforce. The APM provides leadership to ensure cross-program integration capability and that human spaceflight certification is achieved for Artemis lunar operations. The APM provides accountability for the design, development, test, and evaluation of government-furnished products, as well.
Johnson Space Center Chief Scientist
The chief scientist provides leadership, advocacy, and advice for Johnson’s science and research efforts to retain and improve the center’s reputation for scientific excellence. In this role, Dr. Eileen Stansbery ensures the NASA research integrity process is appropriately addressed within Johnson’s science organizations and guides the strategy of research readiness for the future.
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Source: NASA Johnson Space Center