NASA Glenn Research Center

What NASA Glenn Research Center does

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), established in 1958 under the National Aeronautics and Space Act, is the U.S. federal civil space agency headquartered in Washington, D.C., with ten primary field centers including Glenn Research Center in Cleveland (aeronautics, propulsion, and power systems), Johnson Space Center (human spaceflight and Mission Control), Kennedy Space Center (launch operations), Marshall Space Flight Center (rocket propulsion), Langley Research Center (aeronautics), Goddard Space Flight Center (Earth and space science), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (planetary exploration), Ames Research Center (IT and astrobiology), Armstrong Flight Research Center, and Stennis Space Center (rocket engine testing). The agency conducts human spaceflight, planetary exploration, Earth science, astrophysics, heliophysics, and aeronautics research, operating flagship assets including the International Space Station, Space Launch System, Orion spacecraft, James Webb Space Telescope, Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, IXPE, IMAP, and the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

NASA's core technology portfolio spans heavy-lift launch vehicles, crewed deep-space spacecraft, space telescopes spanning infrared to X-ray wavelengths, planetary probes, ground-based aeronautics test facilities (including the newly opened Flight Dynamics Research Facility at Langley), and a suite of interactive 3D applications (Eyes on the Solar System/Earth/Exoplanets/Asteroids). The agency also operates NASA+, an ad-free streaming service, a Virtual Guest Program with 70M+ registrations, multiple podcasts, and a multi-platform social media presence reaching tens of millions.

As a federal agency, NASA's operating model is funded entirely through annual U.S. Congressional appropriations, with supplemental commercial contracts for launch services (SpaceX, Blue Origin), spacecraft development, and technology demonstrations, plus technology-transfer licensing of spinoff innovations. NASA serves the U.S. government and national interests (primary), the international scientific community, commercial space industry partners, educational institutions, and the general public; its content, apps, and streaming services are provided free of charge under a public-interest mandate.

Name

NASA Glenn Research Center

Legal name

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Website

https://www1.grc.nasa.gov

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

NASA is the U.S. federal civil space agency operating human spaceflight, planetary exploration, Earth science, astrophysics, and aeronautics research across ten field centers, serving the U.S. government, international partners, commercial space industry, and the global public via funded appropriations and free public content.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Research and Exploration Services

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Space Research and Technology (927)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE), Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets (IMABACAA), International Science, Technology & Space Cooperation Organizations (BPADAAAK), Space & Astronomy Programs (EDAMABAE)

Keywords

• Space exploration missions
• Aeronautics research services
• Space science research
• Astronaut spaceflight programs
• Earth science observation

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. U.S. Government Appropriations: NASA is funded through annual congressional appropriations from the U.S. federal government. The agency receives budget allocations from Congress to support space exploration, aeronautics research, and scientific missions.
2. Commercial Partnerships and Contracts: NASA collaborates with commercial companies through contracts for launch services, spacecraft development, and technology demonstrations. Examples include partnerships with SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others.
3. Technology Transfer and Spinoffs: NASA commercializes developed technologies through licensing and partnerships, generating revenue from innovations with civilian applications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

NASA Glenn Research Center conducts aeronautics and space technology research as one of NASA's ten field centers, with emphasis on propulsion, power systems, and flight research. Within the broader NASA portfolio, the agency develops and operates spacecraft, launch vehicles, space telescopes, planetary probes, and the International Space Station, while providing public access to scientific data, imagery, educational content, and the NASA+ ad-free streaming service.

Product overview

NASA offers a broad portfolio of space exploration, science, and technology products and services. Key offerings include the NASA+ streaming platform for multimedia content, multiple space telescopes (James Webb, Hubble, Chandra, Nancy Grace Roman, IXPE), the International Space Station as a research platform, and the Artemis program for lunar exploration. NASA's interactive applications (Eyes on the Solar System, Earth, Exoplanets, Asteroids) provide 3D visualizations of space and Earth data. Mobile apps deliver mission information and station tracking. NASA also provides educational resources including e-books, games, data sonifications, and 3D model repositories. The agency conducts missions studying Earth climate, solar system exploration, heliophysics, and deep space astronomy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NASA+: Ad-free, no-cost streaming service featuring NASA original video content
• Artemis Program
• Eyes on the Solar System
• NASA Climate Kids
• NASA Space Place

Products and services

• SkyFall Mission Mars mission involving three helicopters equipped with ground-penetrating radar to search for subsurface frozen water as a critical resource for future astronauts. Targeted at planetary science researchers.
• PREFIRE Mission Mission with two CubeSats studying seasonal temperature changes in the Arctic and Antarctic using thermal infrared spectroscopy. Targeted at Earth climate researchers.
• NASA+ Streaming Service Ad-free, no-cost, family-friendly streaming service that provides original video series and live coverage of NASA missions, launches, and space events. Available on web, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV for the general public.
• International Space Station Orbiting microgravity laboratory used for scientific research in biology, physics, Earth observation, and technology demonstrations. Serves international partner agencies and research institutions.
• James Webb Space Telescope Infrared space telescope that observes exoplanets, galaxies, and the early universe, serving the global scientific community and astronomy researchers.
• Hubble Space Telescope Visible and ultraviolet space telescope that has provided iconic images and scientific data for over three decades for the global scientific community.
• Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Wide-field infrared observatory designed to study dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. Scheduled for launch August 30, 2026 for the scientific community.
• Artemis Program Human lunar exploration program aimed at returning humans to the Moon and establishing sustainable lunar exploration, with missions Artemis I, II, III, IV, and V.
• Chandra X-ray Observatory X-ray space observatory that observes emissions from high-energy cosmic sources including black holes and neutron stars, serving astrophysics researchers.
• Eyes on the Solar System Immersive 3D web application allowing users to explore planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and spacecraft in real-time from 1950 to 2050. Targeted at the public and educators.
• Eyes on Earth Real-time 3D application allowing users to follow Earth science missions, monitor Earth's vital signs, and view satellite imagery of major weather events. Targeted at the public and researchers.
• Eyes on Exoplanets 3D interactive simulation for exploring over 5,500 exoplanet systems and riding along with spacecraft that discovered them. Targeted at the public and educators.
• Eyes on Asteroids Real-time 3D simulation exploring 30,000+ asteroids near Earth's orbit, showing closest approaches and current mission data. Targeted at the public and researchers.
• NASA App Official NASA mobile application providing access to NASA+ streaming, latest images, news, podcasts, and mission information for general consumers.
• Spot the Station Mobile application that helps users find when the International Space Station is visible overhead at their location. Targeted at general consumers and educators.
• Data Sonifications Audio products that translate observational data from telescopes into sound, creating audio experiences from imagery and scientific data for accessibility and public engagement.
• 3D Resources Repository of 3D models related to NASA missions, available for visualization and educational use by the public, educators, and developers.
• IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) Space telescope conducting X-ray polarimetry observations, measuring polarization of X-rays from cosmic sources to study magnetic fields and cosmic phenomena. Targeted at astrophysics researchers.
• IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) Space probe mapping the heliosphere and studying particle acceleration with 10 instruments collecting space weather and interstellar data. Targeted at heliophysics researchers.
• Flight Dynamics Research Facility New wind tunnel at Langley Research Center providing critical testing for aircraft, rockets, and space exploration vehicles' safety and performance. NASA's first new wind tunnel in more than 40 years. Targeted at aerospace industry partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70+ million registrations in Virtual Guest Program with 3+ million active event participants
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Harvard UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 July 2026Harvard leads the CosmicDS (Cosmic Storytelling with NASA Data) project, part of NASA's Science Activation Program, bringing authentic NASA data into hands of educators and learners nationwide.
• Blue OrigincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 July 2026NASA and Blue Origin agreed to conduct second stage hot fire testing for the New Glenn rocket on the B-2 test stand at Stennis Space Center. This supports Blue Origin's contribution to Artemis lunar missions and commercial space capabilities.
• GE AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026NASA and GE Aerospace work enables hybrid-electric flight demonstration. The partnership advances sustainable aviation technology research supporting NASA's aeronautics mission for ultra-efficient aviation.
• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESA is a key international partner on the International Space Station, Artemis program, and joint science missions. ESA provides hardware contributions and astronaut participation.
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJAXA participates in ISS operations through HTV-X cargo missions and crew contributions. JAXA supports Artemis lunar exploration through hardware and technology development.
• Canadian Space Agency (CSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSA provides astronaut Jeremy Hansen for Artemis II mission. CSA contributes to ISS operations and space exploration through hardware and technology partnerships.
• RoscosmoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRussian space agency provides Soyuz crew transportation to ISS. Joint operations on International Space Station despite geopolitical tensions.
• SpaceXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceX provides Commercial Crew transportation (Crew Dragon) and cargo resupply services to ISS. Falcon 9 launches support various NASA missions.
• Intuitive MachinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) provider delivering science payloads to the Moon. IM-3 mission planned as part of Moon Base preparation under Artemis.
• AstroboticcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLPS provider with Griffin-1 lunar lander mission planned for Moon Base logistics. Partnership supports Artemis lunar surface operations.
• Firefly AerospaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLPS provider with Blue Ghost Mission 2 planned for lunar surface delivery supporting Artemis and scientific research.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBIC-NASA Initiative launched to increase investment in American manufacturers and technology providers critical to space exploration for sustained Moon and Mars presence.
• Republic of SerbiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSerbia signed the Artemis Accords, committing to peaceful space exploration principles and international cooperation standards.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• European Space Agency (ESA): Multinational civil space agency partnering with NASA on ISS, Artemis, and joint science missions. Operates a comparable portfolio of space science, exploration, and launch programs and is the closest international counterpart to NASA.
• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA): Japan's national space agency contributing HTV-X cargo missions to ISS, crew participation on Artemis, and joint science missions. Operates a similar model of government-funded civil space research and exploration.
• Roscosmos (Russian Federal Space Agency): Russia's national space agency and a long-standing ISS partner providing Soyuz crew transportation. Despite geopolitical tensions, it remains one of the few agencies with independent crew transport and human spaceflight heritage comparable to NASA.
• Canadian Space Agency (CSA): Canada's civil space agency providing Canadarm robotics and astronaut Jeremy Hansen for Artemis II. Operates a government-funded model with deep cooperation ties to NASA on ISS and lunar exploration.
• China National Space Administration (CNSA): China's national space agency conducting an ambitious program of lunar (Chang'e) and Mars (Tianwen) exploration plus Tiangong space station. Direct competitor in civil space and rapidly closing capability gaps with NASA.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): India's national space agency with comparable civil space capabilities including Chandrayaan lunar missions, Mangalyaan Mars orbiter, and Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. State-funded, multi-center model analogous to NASA's.

Emerging players

• SpaceX: Commercial launch and crew provider that has become NASA's primary partner for ISS access (Crew Dragon, cargo) and Artemis lander (Starship HLS). Closest commercial peer in operating human-rated spaceflight.
• Blue Origin: Commercial space company partnered with NASA on New Glenn second-stage testing at Stennis and Blue Moon human lunar lander development. A direct peer in the Artemis lander competition and a growing commercial counterpart.

Broad incumbents

• Boeing: Established aerospace prime and NASA partner on SLS core stage, Starliner commercial crew, and ISS operations. Comparable as a large, diversified space and aeronautics contractor serving the same government customer base.
• Lockheed Martin: Major aerospace and defense prime serving as NASA's Orion prime contractor and supporting multiple planetary and astrophysics missions. Operates broadly in the same civil and defense space domain as NASA's exploration programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NASAGlenn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/NASA
• Facebookfacebook.com/NASAGlenn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/NASAGlenn
• Instagraminstagram.com/NASA
• TikToktiktok.com/@nasa
• Pinterestpinterest.com/nasa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about NASA Glenn Research Center