Development of breakthrough space exploration technologies and the advancement of existing or new technologies is the responsibility of the Enterprise's Technology Research & Development programs. These technologies will support a new generation of more affordable, more reliable, and more effective space systems.

Our research and development efforts start by identifying key challenges facing humans and robots in space and then trying to come up with the best possible solutions to these challenges. Once solutions are identified, we begin research and initiate development of technologies that will help us overcome these key challenges. We make the most creative use of technologies developed both inside and outside of NASA to meet Agency needs and to benefit the Nation.

To achieve these objectives, the Enterprise has a range of Technology Research & Development programs, including Human & Robotic Technology, Project Prometheus, and Centennial Challenges.