Investment Areas
We fund new technologies to study Earth. From an initial concept design all the way to in-space validation, we work with researchers to build and develop new ideas that advance Earth science research.
Our Mission
NASA monitors and studies Earth from the unique vantage point of space. The Earth Science Technology Office is part of NASA Headquarters’ Earth Science Division, along with the Research and Analysis, Applied Sciences and Flight programs. The four programs design science and technology, launch airborne and space missions, analyze data and observations, and develop ways to put the information to use to benefit society.
The Earth Science Technology Office runs open, competitive solicitations to fund people to build and validate new technologies that enable future science missions. Our projects aim to reduce the risk, size, cost and development time of NASA science missions and turn state-of-the-art technologies into the state-of-the-science.
Explore Investment Areas
Instruments
The Instrument Incubator Program (IIP) helps investigators prepare their instrument for space flight.
Learn more 👁 Image
Components
The Advanced Component Technologies (ACT) program funds and develops components and subsystems that often become the building blocks of Earth science instruments.
Learn More 👁 Image
Information Systems
Part of the Intelligent Systems Group, the Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) program identifies, funds, and develops technologies to revolutionize how we acquire, integrate, and analyze Earth science measurements and observations.
Learn More 👁 ImageAdvanced Modeling
The Advanced Modeling Technologies (AMT) program, initiated in 2025 and also part of the Intelligent Systems Group, aims to expand current definition of modeling and leverage state-of-the-art computer and information science. AMT projects will be essential in the development of Earth System digital twins.
Learn More 👁 Image
In Space Validation and Transition
Building on the successes of ESTO's In-Space Validation of Earth Science Technology (InVEST) program, the Venture Technology Accelerator (VTA) program was initiated in 2026 to test, validate, and rapidly transition next-generation Earth observation technologies to science operations.
Learn More 👁 ImageWildland Fire Technology
The FireSense Technology program funds new, innovative Earth system observation capabilities to predict and manage wildland fires and their impacts.
Learn More 👁 Image
Decadal Survey Incubation Program
The Incubation program will fund projects that accelerate NASA's technological capabilities to measure the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) and Surface Topography & Vegetation (ST&V) from space.
Learn More 👁 Image
New Landsat Technologies
The Sustainable Land Imaging-Technology (SLI-T) program funds projects that ensure the sustainability of future Landsat missions.
Learn More