NASA Glenn manages several mission-essential projects, hardware development efforts, and test campaigns for Artemis.
European Service Module
The Orion European Service Module is the spacecraft’s powerhouse, supplying it with electricity, propulsion, thermal control, air, and water in space.
Universal Stage Adapter (USA)
A Universal Stage Adapter (USA) was envisioned to not only provide the structural connection, but also enable a co-manifested payload to be delivered to orbit.
Environmental Testing
Glenn conducts critical testing of spacecraft to ensure they can withstand the harsh conditions of space. Spacecraft components are subjected to extreme conditions to ensure they can withstand the harsh environment of space.
Learn MorePropulsion Systems
NASA uses big, powerful rockets that produce millions of pounds of thrust to break free of Earth’s gravity. But once in space, NASA’s most capable propulsion system produces just one pound of thrust while costing less, carrying more, and reaching speeds up to 200,000 mph.
Electric Propulsion
Learn how electric propulsion works and why its NASA’s preferred system for deep space missions.
Solar Electric Propulsion
Developing and testing high-power solar electric propulsion for future agency and commercial missions.
Power and Propulsion Element
Proving high-power solar electric propulsion on NASA’s lunar space station called Gateway.
Space Nuclear Propulsion
Space nuclear propulsion is an exciting and advanced technology that aims to revolutionize space travel.
Power Systems
The center is working on advanced power systems, such as solar electric propulsion and fission surface power, to ensure reliable energy sources for long-duration missions. Extended stays on the Moon or Mars present many environmental challenges, including lack of sunlight and extreme temperatures. To overcome these challenges, NASA Glenn is developing power systems that will work together to provide future missions with abundant, reliable power.
Fission Surface Power
Designing a fission power system capable of generating 40 kilowatts of energy – enough to run 30 houses for 10 years.
Radioisotope Power
Enabling science missions to the deepest, darkest, and dustiest parts of our solar system.
Solar Power
Revolutionizing solar power technologies to support exploration on the Moon and Mars while bringing innovations back to Earth.
Advancements in fire safety, life support systems, and crew health can extend mission duration and enhance the safety of space travel.
Biomedical and Physical Sciences
Using spaceflight environments to study phenomena in ways that cannot be done on Earth.
Human Health and Performance
Studying the effect long-term spaceflight has on the human body and developing ways to combat any harmful effects.
Cryogenic Fluid Management
Learning how fluids behave in space to improve propulsion, propellant, and life support systems.
Space communication enables the critical exchange of data between spacecraft and ground facilities during every NASA mission.
Space Communications and Navigation
Performs technology development for a wide range of SCaN capabilities and conducts spectrum management for the agency.
Communications Services Project
Glenn is also investigating how emerging commercial satellite communications capabilities can support future agency missions near Earth.
Glenn provides unique scientific expertise and capabilities to advance our understanding of the universe around us.
Planetary Exploration Science Technology Office
Developing power, scientific instruments, and other technologies for future missions headed to the furthest reaches of our solar system.
Glenn Extreme Environments Rig
Creates high temperature and pressure environments here on Earth to test technologies in hellish conditions.
Compass Lab
A specialized team of engineers and scientists who design and analyze spacecraft and mission concepts for the future.
Materials and Structures
NASA Glenn develops materials for the extreme environments found the surfaces of the Moon and Mars, and for other exploration and science missions to destinations beyond.
Rover Tires with Memory
Building and testing innovative airless tires with shape memory alloys that are nearly indestructible.
Advanced Materials and Structures
Developing materials that can survive in extreme environments and protect our explorers from the harmful effects of space travel.
Extreme Electronics
Creating silicon carbide materials for electronic subsystems operating in harsh aerospace conditions.
