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
Maryland lawmakers demand answers for NASA changes at Goddard Space Flight Center
Lawmakers are demanding answers from NASA about unexplained building closures and workforce losses at the Goddard Space Flight Center during the government shutdown.
Next stop, not Mars: Why NASA's twin ESCAPADE probes are taking the long way to the Red Planet after Blue Origin launch
NASA's twin ESCAPADE Mars probes are on their way to the Red Planet — but it's a circuitous route with a year-long layover.
5 reasons why Blue Origin's New Glenn Mars launch was a big deal
The Nov. 13 launch of two Mars probes atop Blue Origin's powerful New Glenn rocket was a big deal for a variety of reasons. Here's a brief rundown.
ESA ships Artemis 4 Orion service module to NASA after Trump tried to cancel it
The European Space Agency has completed the Orion service module for NASA's Artemis 4 mission to the moon, which was saved from cancellation earlier this year by the U.S. Congress
Scientists find a surprising twist in Earth's magnetic field
Parts of Earth's magnetic field work in reverse compared to what long-standing models predict, new research suggests.
'This all must end now.' NASA lab closures at Goddard Space Flight Center under Congressional scrutiny
A congressional letter is putting NASA on blast.
Giving Gemini its due: 'Apollo 13' author Jeffrey Kluger honors 'forgotten' NASA program with new book (exclusive interview)
"I felt like it was time to give the Gemini program its due. It was an opportunity not to be missed."
Could this film become the 1st western movie to send a filmmaker into space?
An Italian producer has announced plans for the first western film to launch a filmmaker into low-Earth orbit to shoot key scenes.
