{
  "id": 3553799,
  "title": "Planetary Exploration Science Technology Office (PESTO)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/planetary-exploration-science-technology-office-pesto",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-26T17:27:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "NASA Science",
    "slug": "nasa-science",
    "url": "https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-science/programs/pesto/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Planetary Exploration Science Technology Office (PESTO) is a NASA entity established by the Planetary Science Division. Its primary objective is to advocate for non-mission-specific, non-nuclear investments in planetary technology. PESTO also manages these investments, coordinates technology investments across the agency related to planetary science, and aims to maximize technology infusion into specific missions.\n\nPESTO provides news and announcements related to its activities. It offers information for funded projects, a compilation of details concerning funded projects such as report guidelines, grant policy and compliance, and opportunities for individuals to volunteer as reviewers. The office emphasizes the importance of robotic technology in planetary exploration.\n\nNASA's utilization of robotic technology has been instrumental in sending orbiters, landers, and rovers ahead of human explorers to study other planets. On the International Space Station, NASA has collaborated with partners to extensively employ robotic technology, contributing significantly to various scientific investigations.",
  "summary": "NASA’s Planetary Exploration Science Technology Office (PESTO) was created by the Planetary Science Division to recommend non-mission specific, non-nuclear investments in planetary technology; to manage those investments; to coordinate planetary-relevant technology investments across the agency; and to maximize technology infusion into specific missions. The post Planetary Exploration Science…",
  "key_points": [
    "PESTO advocates for non-mission-specific, non-nuclear investments in planetary technology.",
    "PESTO manages technology investments across NASA related to planetary science.",
    "Robotic technology crucial for studying other planets ahead of human explorers."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}