NASA is the space agency run by the United States to oversee American space exploration, research and technology. NASA, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, was founded in 1958 as a civilian agency for U.S. space exploration. Prior to 1958, the agency's progenitor was known as the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. NASA develops, builds and launches missions to study the Earth, moon and sun, as well as the entire solar system and beyond. The agency has its headquarters in Washington D.C., with major centers in Florida (the Kennedy Space Center for launches) and Houston (the Johnson Space Center, home of the astronaut corps). Other centers are spread across the country for scientific research, test flights and spacecraft manufacturing. NASA's current chief is Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who is leading the agency's mission of returning astronauts to the moon and sending them on to Mars. See the latest NASA news.
Related Topics: Apollo Program, China Space Program, Incredible Space Tech, International Space Station, Interstellar Travel
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Latest about NASA
Watch SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts return to Earth today after nearly 5 months in space
SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts will return to Earth today (Aug. 9) after living on the International Space Station for nearly five months, and you can watch the action live.
SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts undock from ISS, head home to Earth (video)
SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts left the International Space Station on Friday afternoon (Aug. 8) ahead of a planned splashdown on Saturday (Aug. 9).
Jim Lovell, commander of NASA's Apollo 13 moon mission, dies at 97
NASA astronaut Jim Lovell — a veteran of four spaceflights, including Apollo 8 and the near-disastrous Apollo 13 — passed away on Aug. 7, 2025 at the age of 97.
Spacecraft headed to DART asteroid crash site images 2 faint space rocks to boost planetary defense tactics
The techniques used to target the asteroids could also be employed in tracking hazardous asteroids and interstellar objects.
A mysterious substance on Mars might be an undiscovered mineral
Scientists have spotted a mysterious mineral on Mars that may be new to science — and could help reveal some Red Planet mysteries.
Who's a good robot dog? Bert and Spot explore Mars-like surface with help from AI and astronaut in space
Four robots recently took to Mars-like terrain, including a cave system, during an epic experiment involving a NASA astronaut in space.
Astronaut Butch Wilmore retires from NASA after 25 years
Astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore is leaving NASA after a quarter-century of service. Wilmore spent a total of 464 days off Earth during his three spaceflights.
'We want to get there first and claim that for America': NASA chief explains push for nuclear reactor on the moon (video)
Interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy says his plan to put a nuclear reactor on the moon is part of his plain to "get there first and claim that for America."
