The Science Directorate (SD) at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., is a dedicated group of research scientists, engineers, computer scientists and technicians working together to better understand our Earth system and striving to explore the synergy between Earth and space science. The SD works to advance the priorities of the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) while meeting the needs of the nation's scientific communities.

Comprising Chemistry and Dynamics Branch, the Climate Science Branch and the Atmospheric Science Data Center (ASDC), the SD has extensive capabilities in a number of fields including Earth observation, interdisciplinary research, Earth system modeling, data processing systems and advanced technology development. The Directorate supports application programs, the worldwide distribution of NASA data, and educational outreach activities. The SD is home to DEVELOP, an Applied Sciences Program that fosters human capital development to extend NASA science research to local communities.