The Research and Technology (R&T) Directorate is responsible for developing, directing and maintaining the core research and technology capabilities at the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. It executes research and technology development activities to advance the state-of-the art technologies in support of NASA’s missions: Aeronautics Research, Exploration Systems, Science, and Space Operations.
Current research and development activities are conducted using in-house facilities and in partnership with industry, universities, other NASA Centers and other government agencies.
In support of NASA’s Strategic Goals, R&T personnel are fully engaged in the implementation of projects in all four missions.
Current activities in Aeronautics Research involve numerous tasks generating knowledge to address the goals of three research programs: Fundamental Aeronautics, Aviation Safety, and Airspace Systems.
In Exploration Systems, the Center is pursuing many tasks in the Advanced Capabilities Project ranging from the advancement of propulsion and cryogenic systems to the realization of human-rated, long-life energy storage devices for launch and lunar missions.
Within the Science Mission, researchers are developing new technologies for the nuclear power radioisotope system as well as in-space propulsion systems.
The Center had a very active role in Return to Flight activities in Space Operations, and continues to support the Space Shuttle program with technology issues when they arise.
In addition, R&T is involved with the Space Station electrical power system and leading space communication and navigation technology development.
Technical competencies in the R&T Directorate are managed in the following Divisions:
