Heliophysics Strategic Technology Office (HESTO)

In response to the Decadal Survey and the 2019 Congressional mandate, the NASA Heliophysics Division (HDP) established a new Technology Program. In order to manage this new program, HPD has created the Heliophysics Strategic Technology Office (HESTO) whose goal is to enable novel and transformative new capabilities and mission concepts in Heliophysics by expanding the limits of what is measurable, observable, and achievable. HESTO partners with researchers and scientists to help solve technological challenges inherent in space-based observations to better understand our heliosphere and the dynamic, interrelated systems contained within it. Through an open and competitive solicitation process, the HPD Technology program provide grants to universities, corporations, NASA Centers, and other institutions to explore new instrument designs and technologies. HESTO’s purpose is to (1) oversee and support the Heliophysics technology portfolio from early development, maturation, and eventual infusion, (2) engage with and expand the Heliophysics technology community, (3) identify technology gaps and trends to guide future investments and, (3) support the HPD in implementing the Technology Program. This presentation will introduce HESTO to the community and what it can do for you.