Mission Area
Space Formulation
Leaning Forward to Take on the Challenges of the Future
Johns Hopkins APL’s Space Formulation Mission Area leverages the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to provide NASA and our partners with innovative solutions to the critical challenges they face in the space domain. By identifying areas where APL can strategically partner and collaborate, we are able to devise game-changing missions and instruments on behalf of new and existing sponsors.
We lean forward to take on the challenges of the future. The Space Formulation Mission Area is responsible for the formulation of all new civil space initiatives, and has oversight of the large portfolio of space science grants and cooperative agreements, as well as integrated initiatives that cut across our nation’s civil and national security space domains.
Our work includes bringing together academia, government and industry stakeholders to participate in sponsored exercises, lead coalitions such as NASA’s Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium, and perform research that can be readily applied to future missions.
Leadership
Highlights
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![Cislunar space (Credit: Johns Hopkins APL)]()
Learn more about Cislunar Science and TechnologyCislunar Science and Technology
APL is making critical contributions to the development of cislunar infrastructure to ensure our nation’s security interests are protected, support development of a sustainable cislunar presence, and advance pioneering science. -
![Space Weather]()
Learn more about Space WeatherSpace Weather
APL is a leader in space weather science, observations, and modeling—particularly in understanding the drivers of solar activity, the role Earth’s magnetosphere plays in protecting us, and the response of the upper atmosphere to solar variability.
Recent News
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![Artist’s impression of Dragonfly soaring over the dunes of Saturn’s moon Titan.]()
Learn more about Dragonfly Mission Confirmed for 2028 Launch to Saturn’s Moon TitanPress Release
Apr 17, 2024Dragonfly Mission Confirmed for 2028 Launch to Saturn’s Moon Titan
NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Saturn’s moon Titan has been confirmed, enabling the mission to progress through its final design and eventual construction and testing. The game-changing mission, equipped with a mobile eight-rotored lander that will fly autonomously, will advance our understanding of the chemical origins of life and explore dozens of locations on Titan. -
![Earth]()
Learn more about Johns Hopkins APL, University of Colorado Boulder Formalize National Security Research PartnershipPress Release
Dec 13, 2023Johns Hopkins APL, University of Colorado Boulder Formalize National Security Research Partnership
APL and the University of Colorado Boulder have signed a master research agreement that expands their existing partnership and opens new avenues for collaboration to address critical national security objectives and workforce needs. -
![Earth and the Moon]()
Learn more about Five Ways Johns Hopkins APL Is Advancing Lunar Science, Security and TechnologyNews
Dec 5, 2023Five Ways Johns Hopkins APL Is Advancing Lunar Science, Security and Technology
The scientific, economic and national security value of the Moon and its surrounding space has kicked off an era of intense international cooperation and competition. Leveraging its broad and distinguished base of experts, APL is making advancements that will keep the nation at the forefront in the development and exploration of the region.
