About NASA 

NASA is the United States' civil space agency, leading efforts in space exploration, scientific discovery, aeronautics research, and technology innovation. Through its missions and educational programs, NASA inspires future generations while advancing our understanding of Earth, the solar system, and the universe beyond.

Explore the resources below to learn more about NASA's programs, educational opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.

NASA Resources

STEM Engagement

NASA's STEM Engagement programs connect learners and educators with inspiring opportunities, resources, and experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Additional NASA Programs

  • Commercial Crew Program
    Learn how NASA partners with commercial companies to provide safe, reliable transportation to and from the International Space Station and support the future of human spaceflight.
    https://www.nasa.gov/about/
  • Solar System Ambassadors
    Discover NASA's volunteer public engagement program that shares the excitement of space exploration through community outreach and educational events.
    https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system-ambassadors/events/
  • NASA EXPRESS Newsletter
    Stay informed about NASA STEM opportunities, educational resources, events, and program announcements.
    https://www.nasa.gov/stem/express

 

NASA Mission Directorates

NASA's mission directorates lead the agency's work across space exploration, scientific discovery, technology development, and operational support. Together, they advance NASA's mission to explore, discover, and innovate for the benefit of humanity.

Research and Technology Mission Directorate

The Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD) develops and delivers breakthrough technologies in aeronautics, space systems, nuclear power and propulsion, and the communications and navigation capabilities that support NASA missions. RTMD helps ensure U.S. leadership in aerospace innovation while enabling future exploration and scientific discovery.

NOTE: This Mission Directorate merges NASA's former aeronautics (ARMD) and space technology (STMD) activities and includes communications and navigation capabilities to accelerate technology development and mission-enabling innovation.

Learn more: https://www.nasa.gov/rtmd/ 

Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate

The Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate leads NASA's human exploration efforts in low Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. The directorate provides unified leadership for the systems, operations, and architectures that support the next generation of human spaceflight and long-term exploration goals.

NOTE: This Mission Directorate combines NASA's former exploration development (ESDMD) and space operations (SOMD) activities into a single organization responsible for human spaceflight across low Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. 

Learn more: https://www.nasa.gov/human-spaceflight-mission-directorate/ 

Science Mission Directorate

The Science Mission Directorate drives groundbreaking scientific research and discovery. Through missions that explore Earth, the solar system, and the universe beyond, the directorate seeks to answer fundamental questions about our planet, search for signs of life elsewhere, and expand humanity's understanding of the cosmos.

Learn more: https://science.nasa.gov/ 

Mission Support Directorate

The Mission Support Directorate provides the essential services, resources, and capabilities that enable NASA's success. The directorate ensures the agency has the workforce, infrastructure, financial management, and operational support needed to accomplish its missions safely and effectively.

Learn more: https://www.nasa.gov/msd/ 

NASA Center Internships

 

Interested in pursuing an internship at a NASA center? NASA internships provide students with the opportunity to work alongside leading experts, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain valuable hands-on experience in STEM fields.

To learn more about available internship opportunities, application requirements, and experiences from current and former interns, visit the NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internship Program website:

https://intern.nasa.gov/

Students accepted into a NASA Center Internship who wish to receive CTSGC funding must complete an additional CTSGC application. Funding approval is contingent upon successful completion and review of the CTSGC application requirements.

 

 

National Space Grant Program and the Space Grant Foundation 

The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project, commonly known as Space Grant, was established nationally by NASA in 1989 to expand opportunities for Americans to participate in aeronautics, space research, and STEM education. Through a nationwide network of colleges, universities, research institutions, industry partners, museums, science centers, and government agencies, Space Grant supports workforce development, research, and public engagement initiatives across the country.

Today, the Space Grant network includes more than 850 affiliated organizations organized into 52 consortia serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Space Grant programs support:

  • Scholarships and Fellowships for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
  • Research Opportunities that engage students and faculty in NASA-relevant aerospace and scientific investigations.
  • Faculty Development and curriculum enhancement initiatives that strengthen STEM education programs.
  • K-12 Outreach and Public Engagement activities that promote STEM learning and inspire future generations of explorers and innovators.
  • Workforce Development programs that help prepare students for careers in aerospace, engineering, research, and other high-demand STEM fields.

By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations, Space Grant plays a vital role in developing the next generation of scientists, engineers, educators, and leaders who will advance America's future in space and aviation.

 

Your support of Connecticut Space Grant and the National Space Grant Foundation helps make these opportunities possible by:

  • Strengthening the STEM Pipeline
    Providing scholarships, fellowships, and internship opportunities that help undergraduate and graduate students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  • Supporting Local Communities and Economies
    Funding programs across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico that promote aerospace innovation, research, workforce development, and industry partnerships.
  • Expanding Access and Opportunity
    Creating pathways for students from a wide range of backgrounds to participate in STEM education and pursue high-demand technical careers.
  • Advancing Innovative Research
    Supporting university faculty and student researchers as they explore emerging technologies and develop solutions relevant to future aerospace and space exploration missions.
  • Inspiring Future Generations
    Investing in K-12 education initiatives, teacher professional development, science camps, and public outreach programs that spark curiosity and interest in STEM fields.
  • Contributing to National Space Goals
    Funding student competitions and hands-on learning experiences that address real-world challenges connected to NASA's missions and exploration objectives.

 

You can learn more about the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Project or the National Space Grant Foundation online.

Instagram:  @spacegrantfoundation

Facebook:  @SpaceGrantFoundation

Twitter:  @N_SGFoundation