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
Latest about NASA
Cyberthieves hit European Space Agency, stealing hundreds of gigabytes of data
A recent string of cyberattacks against the European Space Agency is just the tip of the iceberg, a researcher said, claiming that email credentials of ESA employees are regularly leaked online.
On this day in space: Jan. 15, 2006: Stardust spacecraft returns samples of comet dust
On January 15, 2006, NASA's Stardust spacecraft returned to Earth to drop off a capsule that contained the first samples of a comet and interstellar dust.
SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts return to Earth after 1st-ever medical evacuation of ISS
The four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission splashed down safely today (Jan. 15) after the first-ever medical evacuation of the International Space Station.
Crew-11 astronauts undock in 1st-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station (video)
SpaceX's Crew-11 astronauts will leave the International Space Station today (Jan. 14) in the first-ever medical evacuation from the orbiting lab, and you can watch it live.
NASA X-ray instrument finds black holes act like 'cosmic seesaws' shaping the universe
"We're seeing what could be described as an energetic tug-of-war inside the black hole's accretion flow."
The US really wants a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030. 'Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power,' NASA chief says
NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy have firmed up their commitment to develop a nuclear reactor for use on the surface of the moon by 2030.
What time is SpaceX Crew-11's medical evacuation from the ISS on Jan. 14?
The four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission will leave the International Space Station on Jan. 14, in the first-ever medical evacuation from the orbital lab. Here are the details.
Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly sues Pentagon, Pete Hegseth over censure campaign
Former NASA astronaut and current U.S. Senator Mark Kelly is fighting back, suing the Pentagon for its plan to censure him over comments he made in a video late last year.
