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
Latvia will become 60th nation to sign Artemis Accords for peaceful space exploration
The list of nations signing the Artemis Accords is growing, continuing NASA's efforts to establish internationally cooperative space exploration.
Space exploration in the backyard, on a budget – how NASA simulates conditions in space without blasting off
You may have heard about the extensive testing facilities for spacecraft and equipment, but how do scientists prepare for the human aspect of space exploration?
NASA is sinking its flagship science center during the government shutdown — and may be breaking the law in the process, critics say
"There is just a general acknowledgement that a lot of what is happening is illegal…"
What's happening on the International Space Station while the government is shut down?
NASA's astronauts living in space are still going to work during the government shutdown.
Meet Point Nemo, where the International Space Station will die in 2030
The International Space Station just notched a major milestone, but its days are numbered: The ISS will crash to Earth over Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean in late 2030.
New laser drill could help scientists explore ice-covered worlds like Jupiter's ocean moon Europa
Scientists have developed a laser-based ice drill concept that could enable deeper, low-power exploration of ice on moons and planets in our solar system.
SpaceX looking into 'simplified' Starship Artemis 3 mission to get astronauts to the moon faster
On Oct. 30, SpaceX posted an update about its Starship moon-landing plans, which includes a reference to a possible "simplified mission architecture and concept of operations" for NASA's Artemis 3.
NASA's X-59 'quiet' supersonic jet makes historic 1st flight (photos)
NASA's X-59 "quiet" supersonic jet took off on its first-ever flight on Oct. 28, flying from Palmdale, California to its new home at Edwards Air Force Base.
