NASA's Earth Science Technology Office
Investing in technologies to advance our understanding of Earth’s natural systems.
Changing the way we observe Earth.
We understand that to develop breakthrough technologies, you need resources and funding for your project. We provide grants and support for cutting-edge sensors, information systems, and a variety of other projects to develop breakthrough technologies that can improve Earth observations. We believe that diverse ideas from engineers, scientists, and students nationwide will deepen our knowledge of Earth’s systems and help guide decision makers. To date, we have invested in over 1,000 projects spanning a wide range of technologies at different stages of development.
Investment Areas
From initial concept design all the way to in-space validation, we work with researchers to build and test new ideas that advance Earth science. ESTO programs fund instruments, components, and information systems to make Earth science research easier, more efficient, more cost effective, and more robust.
Learn more about Project TypesProject Highlights
Measuring Ocean Wind Speed from a Commercial Satellite
A science antenna developed with support from ESTO is now in low-Earth orbit aboard MuSat2, a commercial remote-sensing satellite flown by the aerospace company Muon Space.
Novel software testbed helps prepare sensors for future cooperative networks
With support from ESTO, a collaborative team of researchers from numerous organizations demonstrated a novel software platform that will help networks of dispersed sensors share information with each other more efficiently.
Exploring a New Approach for Measuring Water Vapor on Earth
NASA researchers are exploring a new radar-based method to map water vapor both in Earth’s atmosphere and near the surface of Mars.
A Transparent Process
1
Ideas are Submitted
ESTO releases periodic solicitations for cutting-edge Earth science technologies.
2
Proposals are Reviewed
ESTO uses a science-driven strategy and relies on peer review and competition to award the best cutting-edge technology projects.
3
Technologies are Advanced
ESTO works with scientists, engineers, and students to refine and validate their technologies.