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
Who's a good robot dog? Bert and Spot explore Mars-like surface with help from AI and astronaut in space
Four robots recently took to Mars-like terrain, including a cave system, during an epic experiment involving a NASA astronaut in space.
On this day in space! Aug. 7, 1980: Viking 1 Orbiter shuts down
Viking 1 was the first spacecraft to successfully land on Mars.
Watch SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts head home to Earth Aug. 8
SpaceX's Crew-10 astronauts will leave the International Space Station and head home to Earth on Friday (Aug. 8), and you can watch the action live.
Astronaut Butch Wilmore retires from NASA after 25 years
Astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore is leaving NASA after a quarter-century of service. Wilmore spent a total of 464 days off Earth during his three spaceflights.
'We want to get there first and claim that for America': NASA chief explains push for nuclear reactor on the moon (video)
Interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy says his plan to put a nuclear reactor on the moon is part of his plain to "get there first and claim that for America."
Curiosity rover celebrates 13 years on Mars with well-deserved naps and Red Planet 'coral'
Thirteen years into its mission, NASA's Curiosity rover is still uncovering Martian mysteries while learning to do more with less.
NASA aiming to build nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030
NASA is accelerating its plans for a nuclear reactor on the moon, aiming to establish such a power outpost by 2030, according to Politico.
You can design the wheels for NASA's next moon vehicle with the 'Rock and Roll Challenge
NASA is calling on the public to help shape the future of lunar exploration by designing the next generation of wheels capable of navigating the moon's harsh terrain.
