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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.

Orion spacecraft in the foreground and the Moon and Earth in the background on Flight Day 13 of the Artemis I mission. Orion reached its maximum distance from Earth during the Artemis I mission when it was 268,563 miles away from our home planet.

In this image, Orion captures a unique view of Earth and the Moon, seen from a camera mounted on one of the spacecraft’s solar arrays.

NASA

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.

Photographic coverage of Artemis II Crew Training on Lunar Fundamentals in the JSC Lunar Lab.

Artemis II crew in the Lunar Lab (managed by ARES) observing lunar samples and learning about Apollo sample curations. Photo Date: May 9, 2023.

Robert Markowitz/NASA

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.

Artemis logo

NASA

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.

Artemis II will be the first flight with crew aboard NASA’s deep space exploration system: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. During their mission, four astronauts will confirm all of the spacecraft’s systems operate as designed with people aboard in the actual environment of deep space, over the course of about a 10-day mission. The Artemis II flight test will pave the way to land the first woman and next man on the Moon on Artemis III.

NASA

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.

Graphic representing the key stakeholders engaged with the Strategic Business Integration Office.

NASA

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.

Commercial landers will carry NASA-provided science and technology payloads to the lunar surface, paving the way for NASA astronauts to land on the Moon by 2024.

NASA

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.

Artist’s concept of the SpaceX Starship human landing system (left) and the Blue Moon lander (right).

SpaceX, Blue Origin

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.

Dr. Eileen Stansbery discusses the importance of lunar geology to exploring and understanding our Solar System.