In addition to the space program, it is also responsible for long-term civilian and military [[aerospace]] research. NASA Science is focused on better understanding Earth itself through the [[Earth Observing System]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nasascience.nasa.gov/earth-science |title=Earth - NASA Science| first=Ruth| last=Netting |date=June 30, 2009 |accessdate=July 15, 2009}}</ref> advancing [[heliophysics]] through the efforts of the Science Mission Directorate's [[Heliophysics Research Program]],<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://nasascience.nasa.gov/heliophysics| title=Heliophysics - NASA Science |first=Ruth |last=Netting |date=January 08, 2009 |accessdate=July 15, 2009}}</ref> exploring bodies throughout the [[Solar System]] with advanced robotic missions such as [[New Horizons]],<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://nasascience.nasa.gov/planetary-science| title=Planets - NASA Science| first=Ruth| last=Netting |date=January 08, 2009 |accessdate=July 15, 2009}}</ref> and researching [[astrophysics]] topics, such as the [[Big Bang]], through the [[Great Observatories program|Great Observatories]] and associated programs.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://nasascience.nasa.gov/astrophysics |title=Astrophysics - NASA Science |first=Ruth |last=Netting |date=July 13, 2009 |accessdate=July 15, 2009}}</ref> Since February 2006 NASA's self-described mission statement is to "pioneer the future in [[space exploration]], [[Science|scientific discovery]], and [[aeronautics]] research."<ref name="do1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/what_does_nasa_do.html |title=What Does NASA Do?| accessdate=August 29, 2007| dateformat=mdy| publisher=NASA| year=2005}}</ref>
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration shares data with various national and international organizations such as from the [[Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite]].
