Nasa Langley Research Center
NASA Langley Research Center, founded in 1917, is a U.S. federal aeronautics and space research facility that develops atmospheric, lunar, and space-exploration technologies as part of NASA's broader civilian space program.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1958
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Nasa Langley Research Center does
NASA Langley Research Center, established in 1917, is one of NASA's oldest and most prominent research centers, located in Hampton, Virginia. As part of the U.S. federal government's civilian space agency (founded 1958), Langley specializes in aeronautics research, atmospheric science, and space exploration technologies, hosting the Research Directorate and contributing to science programs spanning Earth observation, heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics. The center sits within a broader NASA portfolio that operates flagship missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble, Mars rovers Perseverance and Curiosity, the Orion crew vehicle, and the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) developed through commercial partners Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab under a combined $4.6 billion contract ceiling.
Langley's near-term technology footprint includes Artemis III science instruments (LEMS seismometer, LEAF plant-growth experiment, LDA dielectric analyzer with JAXA) and LTV-mounted instruments (AIRES, L-MAPS, UCIS-Moon), developed in partnership with universities including University of Maryland Baltimore County, Space Lab Technologies, Arizona State University, and the University of Hawaii. The broader NASA technology stack is anchored by the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), which runs the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, SBIR/STTR, Flight Opportunities, and a Technology Transfer and Spinoffs portfolio that commercializes federally developed innovations.
NASA operates as a sales-led, government-funded entity: it does not sell commercial products but is financed through congressional appropriations (~$25.4 billion annually across the agency) and procures capabilities through competitive contracts and Space Act Agreements with commercial and international partners. Its customer base spans U.S. government mission owners, commercial space industry contractors (SpaceX-equivalent crew/launch suppliers, lunar services providers), international space agencies (ESA, JAXA, CSA, ISRO), and a scientific and citizen-science community engaged across 46+ public participation projects. Pricing is non-commercial; all revenues flow from federal budget allocations.
Nasa Langley Research Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nasa Langley Research Center
- Legal name
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Website
- https://nasa.gov
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1958
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- NASA Langley Research Center, founded in 1917, is a U.S. federal aeronautics and space research facility that develops atmospheric, lunar, and space-exploration technologies as part of NASA's broader civilian space program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nasa Langley Research Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aerospace Research and Space Exploration
- NAICS
- Space Research and Technology (927), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK), Spacecraft Integration, Assembly & Test (IAT) (IMABACAK), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) for Space Systems (IMABACAG), Space & Astronomy Programs (EDAMABAE)
Keywords
Where Nasa Langley Research Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices8 records
Markets served
Nasa Langley Research Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Federal Government Appropriations: NASA receives annual funding through congressional appropriations managed by the Office of Management and Budget. Funding is allocated across multiple directorates including Science, Exploration, Space Operations, and Space Technology.
- Commercial Space Services Contracts: NASA procures commercial services from industry partners including commercial crew transportation, lunar terrain vehicles, and launch services through competitive contracts.
- International Partnerships: NASA collaborates with international space agencies including ESA, JAXA, CSA, and others on joint missions, instrument contributions, and shared exploration objectives.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Nasa Langley Research Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NASA Langley Research Center, established in 1917 as America's first civilian aeronautical research facility, conducts aeronautics research, space exploration, and Earth atmospheric research and technology development on behalf of the U.S. government. The center operates within NASA's broader portfolio of human spaceflight programs (Artemis), space science missions (James Webb, Hubble, planetary rovers), Earth observation satellites, aeronautics research, and technology development programs including the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, NIAC, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate. It serves U.S. national priorities in scientific advancement, national security, economic competitiveness, and international leadership in space.
Product overview
NASA is the United States government agency responsible for civil space program research, exploration, and aeronautics. The agency's technology portfolio spans the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) with programs like NIAC, Flight Opportunities, and Game Changing Development for early-stage space technology; the Science Mission Directorate with missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, Roman Space Telescope, and planetary rovers; and the Artemis program for crewed lunar return. NASA's science instruments include seismometers (LEMS), plant growth experiments (LEAF), and spectrometers (AIRES, L-MAPS, UCIS-Moon) for lunar surface exploration via the Lunar Terrain Vehicle. The agency operates the world's largest astromaterials collection and maintains 46+ citizen science projects. NASA's technology transfer program brings space innovations to public benefit.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts): Program that nurtures visionary ideas that could transform future NASA missions through breakthrough aerospace concepts
- STMD (Space Technology Mission Directorate)
- Artemis
- Artemis Science
Products and services
- Artemis Program NASA's crewed lunar exploration program aimed at returning astronauts to the Moon and establishing long-term presence for scientific discovery and preparation for Mars missions.
- Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) First crew-driven vehicle to operate on the Moon in over 50 years, designed to transport two astronauts and operate remotely without crew, enabling exploration across wide lunar terrain for Artemis missions.
- Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services Service-based procurement model where NASA contracts industry partners (Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, Venturi Astrolab) to provide the Lunar Terrain Vehicle for Artemis crewed rover operations, with combined maximum potential value of $4.6 billion.
- NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program nurturing visionary aerospace ideas that could transform future NASA missions through creation of breakthroughs via early-stage technology research grants, including 17 Phase I studies selected in 2026 covering solar sails, lunar underground explorers, and radioisotope EVA systems.
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) Programs Collection of NASA programs including Center Innovation Fund, Flight Opportunities, Game Changing Development, Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, SBIR/STTR, Small Spacecraft Technology, Space Tech Research Grants, Technology Demonstration Missions, and Technology Transfer that develop new space technologies to benefit NASA, commercial, and other government missions.
- NASA Citizen Science Projects Portfolio of 46+ citizen science projects enabling volunteers to contribute to NASA research across astronomy, planetary science, Earth science, and heliophysics, with materials available in multiple languages and over 650 citizen scientists having co-authored scientific publications.
- Astromaterials Collection NASA's curation of extraterrestrial materials including lunar samples, meteorites, solar wind samples, and asteroid samples from missions like OSIRIS-REx, managed by the ARES division and made available to the research community.
- Science Mission Directorate Missions Comprehensive portfolio of space science missions including astrophysics (James Webb, Hubble, Roman), planetary science (Perseverance, Psyche, OSIRIS-REx), Earth science, and heliophysics, operating spacecraft throughout the solar system and beyond.
Quantifiable outcome
- NASA citizen science projects have enabled volunteers to contribute to thousands of scientific discoveries
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Nasa Langley Research Center
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Nasa Langley Research Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Nasa Langley Research Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and strategic.
- University of California Los AngelesminorThe University of California Los Angeles receives NIAC Phase I funding for coilable stacked solar sails research led by Artur Davoyan for high delta-V missions.
- Zeno Power SystemsminorZeno Power Systems receives NIAC Phase I funding for EARENDIL project on extended astronaut radioisotope-EVA capabilities for nighttime and deep-space icy landscapes.
- Stone AerospaceminorStone Aerospace receives NIAC Phase I funding for Power-over-Fiber to Enable a Lunar Underground Explorer (LUX) project for subsurface lunar exploration.
- ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)coreNASA and ISRO collaborate on the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission, a joint Earth observation satellite that delivers detailed imagery of Earth's surface changes, ice sheet dynamics, and environmental monitoring. NISAR data supports research on climate change, ecosystems, and natural hazards.
- Arizona State UniversitystrategicArizona State University leads the Artemis Infrared Reflectance and Emission Spectrometer (AIRES) instrument development for the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, contributing to lunar mineral and volatile mapping.
- University of HawaiistrategicThe University of Hawaii at Manoa leads the Lunar Microwave Active-Passive Spectrometer (L-MAPS) instrument development for subsurface lunar exploration through the LTV.
- ESA (European Space Agency)coreESA collaborates with NASA on multiple Artemis program elements including the European Service Module for Orion spacecraft and Gateway lunar station contributions.
- CSA (Canadian Space Agency)coreCSA provides contributions to the Artemis program including the Canadarm3 robotic system for Gateway and astronaut services. CSA astronauts will participate in Artemis missions.
- Intuitive MachinescoreSelected as one of three companies to develop the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for Artemis missions under a contract with combined maximum potential value of $4.6 billion. Intuitive Machines will develop and demonstrate their lunar rover capability.
- Lunar OutpostcoreSelected as one of three companies to develop the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for Artemis missions. Lunar Outpost brings expertise in lunar mobility and space systems for extended surface exploration.
- Venturi AstrolabcoreSelected as one of three companies to develop the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) for Artemis missions. Venturi Astrolab contributes advanced rover capabilities for lunar surface operations.
- JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)coreJAXA supports the Lunar Dielectric Analyzer (LDA) instrument for Artemis III through the international payload contribution. JAXA contributes expertise in lunar science and instrument development for volatiles detection on the Moon.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Nasa Langley Research Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- United States Geological Survey (USGS): USGS is a U.S. federal science agency that partners with NASA on Earth observation and planetary geology research, including lunar and Martian surface analysis. It is a downstream user of NASA mission data rather than a direct operational peer.
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA): DARPA is the U.S. Department of Defense agency that funds high-risk, high-reward R&D including space-related technologies. DARPA collaborates with NASA on programs such as the Lunar Communications architecture and shares a similar government-funded advanced R&D mandate.
Emerging players
- Blue Origin: Blue Origin is developing the Blue Moon lunar lander under NASA's Human Landing System program and operates the New Glenn heavy-lift launch vehicle. It is a direct Artemis commercial partner and emerging peer in human spaceflight.
- SpaceX: SpaceX is NASA's primary Commercial Crew and Cargo partner, providing ISS transport (Cargo Dragon, Crew Dragon) and developing Starship for Artemis lunar landing. It is both a contractor and an emerging strategic competitor to NASA's traditional launch and exploration roles.
Direct peers
- Canadian Space Agency (CSA): CSA manages Canada's civil space program, notably contributing Canadarm robotics systems to the Space Shuttle, ISS, and Artemis Gateway (Canadarm3). CSA is a core Artemis partner providing astronaut services and robotic systems.
- European Space Agency (ESA): ESA is a 22-nation intergovernmental space agency and NASA's closest peer in scope, performing parallel civil space activities including science missions, human spaceflight contributions, and Earth observation. ESA is also a core Artemis partner, providing the Orion Service Module and Gateway modules.
- Roscosmos: Roscosmos is Russia's state space corporation, historically a core ISS partner and operator of Soyuz crew transport and Proton launch services. Geopolitical shifts since 2022 have largely severed NASA-Roscosmos operational partnerships.
- China National Space Administration (CNSA): CNSA manages China's civil space program, including Tiangong space station, Chang'e lunar program, Tianwen Mars missions, and a planned crewed lunar landing. CNSA is the primary strategic competitor to NASA in civil space exploration.
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): ISRO is India's national space agency operating launch vehicles (PSLV, GSLV), planetary missions (Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan), and crewed spaceflight (Gaganyaan). ISRO partners with NASA on the NISAR Earth observation mission.
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA): JAXA is Japan's national space agency, operating across space science, human spaceflight (Kibo module on ISS), launch vehicles (H3), and lunar exploration. JAXA is an Artemis partner contributing the LDA instrument and pressurized rover cooperation.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Nasa Langley Research Center social profiles
Digital presenceNasa Langley Research Center compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Nasa Langley Research Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nasa Langley Research Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Nasa Langley Research Center subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Nasa Langley Research Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Nasa Langley Research Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Nasa Langley Research Center
What does Nasa Langley Research Center do?
NASA Langley Research Center, established in 1917 as America's first civilian aeronautical research facility, conducts aeronautics research, space exploration, and Earth atmospheric research and technology development on behalf of the U.S. government. The center operates within NASA's broader portfolio of human spaceflight programs (Artemis), space science missions (James Webb, Hubble, planetary rovers), Earth observation satellites, aeronautics research, and technology development programs including the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, NIAC, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate. It serves U.S. national priorities in scientific advancement, national security, economic competitiveness, and international leadership in space.
Is Nasa Langley Research Center a public or private company?
Nasa Langley Research Center is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Nasa Langley Research Center founded?
Nasa Langley Research Center was founded in 1958. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Nasa Langley Research Center based?
Nasa Langley Research Center is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Nasa Langley Research Center make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Federal Government Appropriations are the primary driver. The others are commercial Space Services Contracts and international Partnerships.
Who are Nasa Langley Research Center's main competitors?
Others on record are United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Emerging players are Blue Origin and SpaceX. Direct peers are Canadian Space Agency (CSA), European Space Agency (ESA), Roscosmos, China National Space Administration (CNSA), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Does Nasa Langley Research Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nasa Langley Research Center.
What industry is Nasa Langley Research Center in?
Nasa Langley Research Center's product category is Aerospace Research and Space Exploration. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial), with a secondary code of BPADAAAK, International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations. Its NAICS code is 927 and its SIC code is 3760.