The Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate is located at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA and supports the future of aeronautics, exploration, space operations, and science.
Our Branches
Aeronautics Systems
Analysis Branch
Inspiring new paths for NASA and the nation by providing products in advanced aerospace concept creation
Space Mission
Analysis Branch
Enabling its customers to make analysis based decisions in support of human and robotic space missions and architectures
Vehicle Analysis
Branch
Applying multidisciplinary expertise of flight and space transportation systems for innovative solutions
SACD Recognition
NASA Langley’s capability in Systems Analysis, Systems Engineering and Systems Architecture is essential in NASA’s journey to Mars.
Greg Williams
Deputy Associate Administrator for Human Exploration
and Operations Mission Directorate
Robert Lightfoot
Former Acting NASA Administrator
We solve problems associated with aeronautics, exploration, and science by analyzing advanced aerospace system concepts for NASA decision makers and programs.
We design future concepts and analyze them in an operational context to determine systems level outcomes.
What We Do
Mission, Concept, and Trade
Analysis
Studying and designing how the project’s mission should function and be carried out
Life Cycle Analysis and
Uncertainty Analysis
Evaluating the impacts that design decisions have on a system and how it affects the system’s life cycle
Technology Assessment and Portfolio Analysis
Studying and designing how a project’s mission should function and be carried out with regards to technology
We do this by performing system analysis and working with other NASA centers, along with industry, academia, Department of Defense and other government agencies.
Together, we’re able to collaborate on programs and projects like On-Demand Mobility, Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission, and the Space Launch System.
The Advanced Concepts Lab (ACL) is situated under the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate.
ACL is a digital innovation studio that gives form to NASA spacecraft, missions, and technologies through conceptual design and visualization.
Many SACD projects are supported by the ACL, including HAVOC, PEGASUS, and Space Launch System.