Goddard Engineering and Technology Directorate

ETD Software Engineering Division

SED | Code 580

Optimizing the Future of Software Engineering

The Software Engineering Division is where innovation and precision converge to shape the digital landscape of tomorrow. Navigating the complexities of software systems to design, build, and optimize solutions that drive progress and empower NASA missions.

Ground Station Antennas, Alaska Satellite Facility Fairbanks, Alaska
Ground Station Antennas, Alaska Satellite Facility

Software Systems Engineering Branch (581)

The Software Systems Engineering Branch provides end-to-end software systems engineering for the development and the support of conceptual design, requirements specification, implementation and maintenance of software systems that enable current and future NASA missions, programs and projects. Branch personnel represent expertise in all aspects of information, communication and technology software systems from flight and ground software components to science data systems and management. Branch personnel plan, coordinate, and lead the end-to-end development of such systems as well as provide technical and managerial oversight of contractor developed systems. Formulation and conceptual design of future missions represent one of the core activities of the Branch, and Branch personnel actively lead and participate in collaborative proposals with other Goddard branches, Divisions and Directorates and with external partners (other NASA Centers, universities or industry). The Software Systems Engineering Branch also provides leadership within the Integrated Design Center (IDC) to enable scientists and engineers in the exploration of new design concepts for proposed space systems and missions, remote sensing instruments and advanced technology applications.

Contact Code 581 Key Personnel

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a next-generation space telescope that will survey the infrared universe from beyond the orbit of the Moon. The spacecraft's giant camera, the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will be fundamental to this exploration. NASA Scientific Visualization Studio
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is a next-generation space telescope that will survey the infrared universe from beyond the orbit of the Moon. The spacecraft’s giant camera, the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will be fundamental to this exploration. NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Flight Software Systems Branch (582)

The Flight Software Systems Branch provides on-board, embedded software products that enable spacecraft hardware, science instruments and flight components to operate as an integrated on-orbit science observatory. This includes flight software and associated high fidelity simulation test systems. Branch personnel provide life-cycle flight software engineering; including early mission formulations and designs, requirements analysis, development, verification and validation, and mission life-sustaining engineering. Flight software leadership strives for effective advancements in flight hardware and software architectures, operations ground/flight interfaces, onboard autonomy, onboard science data analysis and test-beds. Flight software prototypes are implemented as proofs-of-concept for future missions. Formalized reuse of flight software products plus the utilization of standards and commercially available products reduce flight program complexities, risks, costs and schedules.

Contact Code 582 Key Personnel

Ground Antenna in Fairbanks, Alaska. Credit: NASA, Clare Skelly.
Ground Antenna in Fairbanks, Alaska. Credit: NASA, Clare Skelly.

Ground Software Systems Branch (583)

The Ground Software Systems Branch provides software products and expertise that satisfy ground system requirements for Earth and space science missions and instruments. Branch personnel perform requirements analysis, design, implementation, verification, validation, deployment and sustaining engineering for all types of ground software applications and architectures. Domain expertise includes ground system architectures, spacecraft command and control systems, flight dynamics products, automation frameworks, event monitoring and assessment applications, telemetry trending and analysis tools, and data management. Ground software product development leadership is provided throughout all lifecycle phases. Branch personnel also investigate and apply state-of-the-art technologies and commercially available products to ensure cost effective solutions that optimally meet customer needs.

Contact Code 583 Key Personnel

To communicate with Hubble, the Space Telescope Operations Control Center uses NASA’s Space Network. Called the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), this network includes a series of satellites in geosynchronous orbit and ground facilities that support and communicate with those satellites. Credit NASA Goddard, M. Marosy
To communicate with Hubble, the Space Telescope Operations Control Center uses NASA’s Space Network. Called the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS). Credit NASA Goddard, M. Marosy

Mission Validation and Operations Branch (584)

The Mission Validation and Operations Branch provides expertise in operations engineering, operations planning and systems validation to ensure optimal operability of information systems. In support of the Earth Science, and Space Science Missions, and the Exploration and Technology focus areas, the Branch develops and analyzes operational concepts, requirements, plans, schedules and documentation for planning, conducting, and evaluating spacecraft operations. Branch personnel plan, coordinate, and take responsibility for the end-to-end testing of mission systems. Pre-launch end-to-end simulations of launch and early orbit scenarios are developed, coordinated and tested by this Branch to ensure launch readiness of ground and flight systems. Branch personnel direct the mission Flight Operations Teams in preparation and training for launch, in-orbit checkout and daily mission operations. Branch personnel prepare and define budgets and schedules for operations functions. The Branch works closely with other Center personnel, other NASA Centers and contractor personnel, to assure compatibility of performance, interfaces, schedules and budgets.

Contact Code 584 Key Personnel

Pictured are some of the NASA Earth science satellite projects Code 585 has supported.
Pictured are some of the NASA Earth science satellite projects Code 585 has supported.

Cybersecurity & Software Technologies Branch (585)

The Cybersecurity & Software Technologies Branch provides a diverse variety of services and tools in support of activities within the Software Engineering Division (SED). Branch personnel oversee missions’ compliance with cybersecurity directives, regulations, and emergency guidelines, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure. They drive the security strategy, manage system security plans, implement emerging technologies, and evaluate contractor performance to optimize operational resilience and cybersecurity posture. They proactively protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems by implementing robust security controls, maintaining a vigilant monitoring posture, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across organizations, while adhering to industry best practices and relevant federal and Agency regulations. The branch develops web-based collaborative and knowledge management systems, while deploying prototypes to foster the adoption of these systems in partnership with customer groups. The branch further provides expertise in various technologies including data services, requirements scripting, and cloud architectures.

Contact Code 585 Key Personnel

These images, captured by the EPIC instrument on the DSCOVR satellite, show the Earth 50 years after the famous "blue marble" photograph taken by the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The “blue marble” photo, the first true-color image of the fully-illuminated Earth captured from space, became an iconic symbol of our planet and the environmental movement. 586 is responsible for the science data processing for the EPIC instrument.
These images, captured by the EPIC instrument on the DSCOVR satellite, show the Earth 50 years after the famous “blue marble” photograph taken by the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. 586 is responsible for the science data processing for the EPIC instrument.

Science Data Systems Branch (586)

The Science Data Systems Branch is responsible for the specification, design, development, installation, validation, modification, and operation of data systems for the acquisition, production, and distribution of data products that support NASA’s science and Exploration missions. These systems may range in complexity from those that handle single, small instrument data streams with a limited user community to multi-mission data systems serving diverse multidisciplinary user communities. The Branch supports all aspects of the science data management life-cycle.

Contact Code 586 Key Personnel

Astronaut installs the MISSE-7 pallet onboard the ISS, which contains a 587 spacecube as part of the payload. The Materials International Space Station Experiment was a joint program between the DoD and NASA to investigate the suitability of different materials and technologies in space.
Astronaut installs the MISSE-7 pallet onboard the ISS, which contains a 587 spacecube as part of the payload. The Materials International Space Station Experiment was a joint program between the DoD and NASA to investigate the suitability of different materials and technologies in space.

Science Data Processing Branch (587)

The Science Data Processing Branch is responsible for the design, development, implementation and integration of science data processing applications and science data processing technology for flight, in-situ and ground based systems. The Branch supports all phases of instrument, spacecraft and mission development, from concept through post-mission analysis, for Earth Science, Space Science and Exploration Systems customers.  The Branch works in collaboration with other Divisions within the Engineering and Technology Directorate (500), Science and Exploration Directorate (600), Flight Projects Directorate (400), government, university and industry organizations to develop effective science data processing solutions that enable scientific investigation and meet customer needs.

Contact Code 587 Key Personnel

Rocket lifts off the launch pad at NASA's Wallops Island flight facility in Wallops Island, VA.
Rocket lifts off the launch pad at NASA’s Wallops Island flight facility in Wallops Island, VA.

Wallops Systems Software Engineering Branch (589)

The Wallops System Software Engineering Branch develops flight and ground data systems for sub-orbital and special orbital Earth and space science missions.  Branch personnel participate in teams with flight projects, principal investigators, other ETD Divisions and other organizations to develop integrated hardware and software systems for mission support.  The system functionality includes carrier, payload, and ground system monitoring and control, launch and tracking services, and data display and analysis. The Branch performs prototyping in collaboration with other NASA and Government organizations, universities, and commercial partners to advance the state-of-the-art in implementation of its functions and related technologies.  In addition, the Branch develops test-beds to prove concepts in operational and laboratory environments.  It assists in transferring and commercializing technology developments to industry, other government agencies and academia as appropriate.

Contact Code 589 Key Personnel