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
We chat to legendary space shuttle commander Eileen Collins about her new documentary, 'Spacewoman' (interview)
A brand new feature-length documentary showcases the inspirational accomplishments of pioneering astronaut Eileen Collins.
Artemis Accords nations grapple with how to handle emergencies and 'harmful interference' on the moon
As moon missions accelerate, countries are working to define how to respond to emergencies and avoid interference between competing operations.
Artemis 2 moon rocket rolls back to launch pad | Space photo of the day for March 20, 2026
NASA's Space Launch System rocket was back on the move overnight ahead of its second mission to the moon, which will be the first time the vehicle carries a crew.
NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket arrives back at the launch pad
NASA's SLS rocket is back at the launch pad as the space agency gears up to launch Artemis 2 astronauts on a mission around the moon next month.
NASA won't give up hope on silent MAVEN Mars probe: 'We're still looking for it'
NASA has not reestablished contact with its MAVEN Mars orbiter since a planned communications blackout ended Jan. 16.
Watch NASA roll out Artemis 2 moon rocket tonight ahead of April 1 launch
NASA will roll its Artemis 2 moon rocket out to the launch pad on Thursday (March 19) ahead of a planned April 1 liftoff, and you can watch the action live.
NASA will roll Artemis 2 moon rocket out to the launch pad on March 19
NASA plans to roll its Artemis 2 moon rocket to the pad on Thursday (March 19) and is still targeting April 1 for the launch of its first crewed mission to the moon in more than half a century.
X-59 gets ready for 2nd test flight | Space photo of the day for March 18, 2026
NASA's X-59 jet looks ready to fly into the sunset in this new image taken before its second test flight.
