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
From a new flagship space telescope to lunar exploration, global cooperation – and competition – will make 2026 an exciting year for space
Coming from one of the world's largest astrophysical research institutes, I can tell you, the anticipation across the global space science community is electric.
NASA's Artemis 2 mission to the moon puts Crew-12 SpaceX launch in delicate dance
SpaceX launch date of Crew-12 astronauts to the International Space Station will depend on the outcome of the Artemis 2 wet dress rehearsal and launch attempts.
NASA delays critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test due to below-freezing temperatures, launch no earlier than Feb. 8
NASA has been forced to delay a critical fueling test for its Artemis 2 moon rocket due to unusually cold weather forecasted to hit the Space Coast this weekend.
Artemis 2 moon suits ready to make history | Space photo of the day for Jan. 30, 2026
Time to suit up!
Jupiter's moon Europa has an ice shell about 18 miles thick — and that could be bad news for alien life
Using data gathered by NASA's Juno Jupiter orbiter, scientists estimate that Europa's ice shell is about 18 miles thick — which could make it hard for nutrients to get down to its buried ocean.
On this day in space: Jan. 29, 1989: Phobos 2 enters orbit around Mars
On January 29, 1989, a Soviet space probe named Phobos 2 arrived in orbit around Mars.
Satellite sees river flow across the globe | Space photo of the day for Jan. 29, 2025
Along with this stunning image is the first-ever global estimate of river water discharge and overall sediment suspension.
NASA and SpaceX move up launch of Crew-12 astronauts to Feb. 11 as relief crew after ISS medical evacuation
NASA and SpaceX are proceeding ahead of schedule with their next astronaut launch to the International Space Station, which is currently operating with a skeleton crew.
