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
Astronomers trace massive cosmic explosion back 12 billion years. 'This is the most distant event where we can directly see light escaping from around stars'
Astronomers used the Einstein Probe to track a powerful blast of X-rays back to its source in the early universe.
Curiosity rover images 3 intersecting Mars ridges | Space photo of the day for Aug. 21, 2025
As part of its exploration of Mars's boxwork landscape, Curiosity found itself in a fork-in-the-road
Artemis 2 astronauts suit up for nighttime moon launch dress rehearsal (photos, video)
If there's one thing astronauts know, it's "practice, practice, practice."
Test your true terrestrial trivia with our Earth quiz!
This quiz will explore the science behind the scenery, the facts behind the familiar, and the wonders that make Earth a living planet.
Acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy says the agency will 'move aside' from climate sciences to focus on exploring moon and Mars
The United States space agency has pioneered planetary science technologies as the world's leader in climate research for more than 40 years, but that may be about to change.
Semiconductor wafer on ISS goes under the microscope | Space photo of the day for Aug. 20, 2025
This is part of a NASA-supported project hoping to fabricate "device-ready" wafers from space-grown crystals.
NASA's Artemis Program: Live updates
NASA's Artemis 2 mission is returning astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. See live mission updates here.
'NASA is science': How real space exploration inspired Moleskine's new NASA-themed notebook collection (interview)
We chatted to Moleskine President Ward Simmons about their new NASA-inspired notebook collection.
