The Discovery and New Frontiers Program Office has programmatic management responsibility for the detailed design, development, launch, on-orbit checkout, mission operations, and data analysis of the Discovery and New Frontiers missions. The Program Office is responsible for ensuring that the missions adhere to committed cost, schedule, performance, reliability, safety, and education and public outreach requirements. This is done consistent with top-level policies, strategies, requirements, and funding established by NASA Headquarters Science Mission Directorate.

The Program Office works to assure mission success by providing technical expertise, conducting technical assessments, and convening reviews if necessary. Assessing risks and mitigation plans is an important part of the program office effort.