Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD)

Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD)


A capsule with burn marks and a billowing parachute behind it sits on the desert floor.

A large antenna, part of the Deep Space Network, sits on top of a hill at sunset. The sky around the antenna is a bright orange but bleeds into a dark blue around the edges of the image.

Research and Technology Mission Directorate

The Research and Technology Mission Directorate develops and delivers breakthroughs in aeronautics, space technology, and nuclear power and propulsion to ensure American leadership in aerospace, along with the communications and navigation systems that are critical to every NASA mission.



Learn More About RTMD about Research and Technology Mission Directorate

RTMD Divisions

Explore RTMD’s contributions to advancing technology in support of NASA’s aviation and space missions.

Bottom view of the X-59 aircraft while it's in flight.

Aeronautics Division

More than a century of aeronautical research heritage continues at NASA as we explore the frontiers of flight and transform aviation and air travel for the 21st century.

Two engineers wearing purple gloves peel away wrapping around metal and yellow hardware. The hardware is mounted inside a steel metal frame. This technology could help NASA fuel future missions,

Advanced Research and Technology Division

Advanced Research and Technology develops, demonstrates, and transfers new space technologies that benefit NASA, commercial, and other government missions.

Artist’s concept of NASA’s Space Reactor-1 Freedom spacecraft flying through space near Mars. The spacecraft features a silver central body with two purple-and-white checkered solar arrays on each side. Attached to the body are two gray radiator panels and a long metal boom. Mars appears prominently on the right side of the image.

Space Reactors Division

NASA aims to revolutionize space travel by developing and demonstrating higher performance propulsion systems to achieve the agency’s ambitious science and exploration goals.

A 230-foot-wide antenna at Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in Barstow, California.

Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Division

NASA’s SCaN division is at the forefront of space communications and navigation for the agency, working with commercial partners to advance capabilities in support of Moon to Mars initiatives.

Office of the Associate Administrator for Research and Technology

Research and Technology Mission Directorate Leadership Team

Portrait of Dr. James Kenyon with U.S. and NASA Flags in background

Dr. James Kenyon

Associate Administrator

A portrait of Dr. Wanda Peters

Dr. Wanda Peters

Deputy Associate Administrator

Elements of NASA's Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD) are seen in this artist concept featuring a large satellite dish, two airplanes, a satellite in space, and a scene of a future lunar base.
Elements of NASA’s Research and Technology Mission Directorate (RTMD) are seen in this artist concept featuring a Deep Space Network satellite dish, X-59 quiet supersonic technology demonstrator, the Space Reactor-1 Freedom, and a scene from a future base at the Moon’s south pole.
NASA / Lillian Gipson

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