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
Scientists get 1st good look at a 'vampire star' feeding on its victim
"If you were able to stand somewhat close to the white dwarf's pole, you would see a column of gas stretching 2,000 miles into the sky, and then fanning outward."
'Like a mermaid swimming through a sea of auroras': ISS astronauts photograph 2 comets dancing above the northern lights
"That moment feels as enjoyable as heading out on a date."
Lawmakers call on NASA inspector general to investigate Goddard Space Flight Center as agency defends campus closures: Exclusive
"If this is how the agency handles one of its most high-profile flagship missions, how many other missions are in imminent danger of being irrevocably lost?"
NASA astronaut shows how to 'weigh' yourself in space | On the ISS this week Nov. 17-21, 2025
It is "rocket science," even when it comes down to high school-level physics. This week's lesson: Force equals mass times acceleration.
NASA’s Artemis 2 moon rocket comes together | Space photo of the day for Nov. 21, 2025
The Orion crew module gets stacked onto the Space Launch System in preparation for the upcoming Artemis 2 mission in early 2026.
James Webb Space Telescope spots rapidly feeding supermassive black hole in the infant universe: 'This discovery is truly remarkable.'
"This challenges our understanding of black hole and galaxy formation in the early universe."
NASA reveals new images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from across the solar system: 'It looks and behaves like a comet'
NASA has pointed its fleet of spacecraft at comet 3I/ATLAS to collect new footage of the interstellar invader. The agency has also said "all evidence points to it being a comet."
Senate to hold hearing for billionaire Jared Isaacman's re-nomination as NASA chief on Dec. 3
The U.S. Senate will hold a hearing on Dec. 3 to consider the re-nomination of billionaire tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman as NASA chief.
