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
You can design the wheels for NASA's next moon vehicle with the 'Rock and Roll Challenge
NASA is calling on the public to help shape the future of lunar exploration by designing the next generation of wheels capable of navigating the moon's harsh terrain.
NASA's Europa Clipper radar passes key test during Mars flyby
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft successfully tested its ice-penetrating radar system during a close flyby of Mars earlier this year.
Moonquakes could pose threat to future lunar bases, scientists say
New research suggests moonquakes rooted in ancient fault systems could threaten modern moon missions.
Sunrise hits SpaceX's Crew-11 rocket on the pad | Space photo of the day for August 4, 2025
The day seemed particularly promising on July 31, 2025.
SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the ISS: Live updates
Read the latest news about SpaceX's Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station.
Astronaut savors the moment and shares a stunning aurora shot | On the International Space Station July 28-Aug. 1, 2025
The four Expedition 73 members on SpaceX's Crew-10 mission prepared to come home, while also got the International Space Station ready for its next residents.
Powerful NISAR Earth-observing satellite loaded up for launch in India | Space photo of the day for July 30, 2025
The satellite will scan the Earth twice every 12 days.
What time is SpaceX's Crew-11 astronaut launch to the ISS on July 31?
Here's how to watch the July 31 launch of SpaceX's Crew‑11 mission, which will send NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov to the ISS.
Scientists behind controversial 2010 arsenic-based life study clap back as paper gets pulled: 'We do not support this retraction'
A retraction intends to bring to an end the acrimonious debate about the validity of the 15-year old findings that threatened to upend what we thought we know about life.
