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
Watch 2 NASA astronauts perform the 5th-ever all-female spacewalk today
NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain will head outside the ISS at around 8 a.m. ET today (May 1) on history's fifth all-female spacewalk, and you can watch it live.
NASA has used the US military for astronaut rescue for decades. So why ask private companies for help now?
NASA is asking private industry and academia for ideas for new rescue services for its astronauts on Earth in the event of emergencies.
Senate committee advances Trump's nomination of Jared Isaacman for NASA Chief forward
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation voted to forward Jared Isaacman's confirmation as the new NASA administrator.
Trump administration cancels lease for NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies lab in New York City
The Trump administration has canceled the New York City lease of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, a leading NASA climate-studying organization.
NASA's Dragonfly nuclear-powered helicopter clears key hurdle ahead of 2028 launch toward huge Saturn moon Titan
NASA's pioneering Dragonfly mission has passed its critical design review, keeping it on track for a 2028 launch to the potentially life-hosting Saturn moon Titan.
Senators press Jared Isaacman, Trump's pick for NASA chief, on his ties to Elon Musk
Multiple Democratic senators have expressed concern about the business relationship between Jared Isaacman, President Trump's pick for NASA administrator, and SpaceX chief Elon Musk.
James Webb Space Telescope finds a wild black hole growth spurt in galaxies at 'cosmic noon'
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have peered into galaxies that existed at cosmic noon to hunt ravenously feeding black holes and bursts of starbirth.
Happy Earth Day 2025! Write your name in NASA satellite images and celebrate our planet (video)
Check out this fun way to embrace Earth Day and NASA's 60 years of planetary observation.
