The Science Cloud is a new Managed Cloud Environment that unifies SMD-funded accounts from the SMCE, EarthData Cloud, and Mission Cloud Platform (science tenants only) into a modernized cloud infrastructure. It offers centralized governance, automated compliance, and single sign-on access across multiple cloud providers—currently AWS and Azure, with GCP and others planned for the future.
The Science Cloud delivers faster resource provisioning, enhanced security controls, and streamlined user management with PIV and federated authentication support. Building on lessons learned from the SMCE, the new infrastructure provides multi-cloud flexibility and improved operational efficiency while simplifying the user experience. These enhancements enable projects to access cloud resources across multiple providers more securely and efficiently.
The Science Cloud is currently available for FISMA Low projects, with FISMA Moderate capability coming in 2026. The full Science Cloud Minimal Viable Product (MVP), as defined by the project plan, will be attained by the end of Fiscal Year 2027. For more details about current MVP capabilities or to get started, please contact the Science Cloud team.
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Getting Started in the Science Cloud
Requesting a Science Cloud Account
Accessing Your Science Cloud Accounts
Science Cloud Regions: Available and Restricted
Financial Services
Funding Requirements and Procedures
Cost Monitoring and Management: Observable Measures and Analysis
Managing Multiple Cloud Accounts and Fund Allocations
Cost Controls and Preventive Measures
FinOps Tools: Present and Future State
Request FinOps Features or Report Issues
Accounts and Security
Access for External Collaborators Without PIV Cards
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) App Requirements
Console Access for NASA Credentialed Users
Support for International Collaboration
Maintenance and Flaw Remediation Plan
Shared Services
Shared Services on the Science Cloud
The Science and Technology Authorization Realm (STAR)
Advanced Topics
The Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Getting Started in Science Cloud
What is Science Cloud, and how does it differ from SMCE?
Why is SMD making this change from individual to consolidated cloud infrastructure?
When will the Science Cloud be ready for use?
What can I expect during migration to the Science Cloud?
Migration Impact
Migration from SMCE to Science Cloud
What is going to happen to my reserved instances when I migrate from SMCE to Science Cloud?
Will my service accounts be affected during the migration?
What happens to IAM users or groups associated with custom IAM roles in my project during migration?
Do we still get to choose any AMIs we like in Science Cloud?
How does the SMCE to Science Cloud migration process work?
Accounts and Security
Are Account Numbers going to change with the transition from SMCE to Science Cloud?
Where do I go to log into my Science Cloud accounts?
How does login work for external collaborators who do not have PIV cards?
Will using the console require being on the VPN?
Is there also any barrier to international participation?
Science Cloud Shared Services
What is the Research Platform?
What is the plan for onboarding New SAAS providers (e.g., Coiled)?
Science Cloud Financial Services
Who is eligible to use Science Cloud, and what are the funding requirements?
Can Science Cloud help me develop a budget for working in the cloud?
How does the Science Cloud billing process work?
What cost monitoring and management tools currently exist?
What cost monitoring and management tools are in development?
Need more help?
- Email a ticket: support@sciencecloud.nasa.gov
- Visit the Science Cloud Support Portal
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