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.
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
Logging in with NASA Credentials (No NAMS Required)
Access for External Collaborators Without PIV Cards
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) App Requirements
Console Access for NASA Credentialed Users
Support for International Collaboration
Shared Services
Support for Additional Low-Level Service Providers
Process for Adopting New SaaS Provider Tools
Advanced Topics
Permitted WebApp Types in the Science Cloud
Self-Registration Requirements
Auto-Remediation Recommendations for WebApps with Self-Registration
The Model Context Protocol (MCP)
What Is the Model Context Protocol?
Getting Started with the MCP in the Science Cloud
Building Your First MCP Server
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
Need more help?
- Email a ticket: support@sciencecloud.nasa.gov
- Visit the Science Cloud Support Portal