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.
Impact
Space Science and Engineering
Since the dawn of the Space Age, APL has expanded the frontiers of space science and technology.
Leadership
Robert Braun Sector Head, Space Exploration
Learn more about Robert Braun
Jason Kalirai Mission Area Executive, Space Formulation
Learn more about Jason KaliraiHighlights
Dragonfly Outer Moons
Dragonfly is a NASA New Frontiers mission that will send a rotorcraft lander to explore the prebiotic chemistry and habitability of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan.
Cislunar 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 and Heliophysics
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
Mar 25, 2025
Parker Solar Probe Team Wins 2024 Collier Trophy
Mar 15, 2025
EZIE Launches on Mission to Study Earth’s Electrojets
