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
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Watch SpaceX's 31st Dragon cargo capsule head back to Earth Dec. 12 after delay
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NASA delays Artemis 2 moon mission to 2026, Artemis 3 astronaut landing to mid-2027
NASA has delayed the planned launch of its Artemis 2 crewed moon mission to April 2026, allowing more time to prep its Orion capsule.
NASA's Artemis 2 mission: Everything you need to know
Reference Artemis 2 is the second scheduled flight of the Artemis program and the first crewed Artemis mission that will send four astronauts around the moon.
NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission: Live updates
NASA's Artemis 2 mission is returning astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. See live mission updates here.
Trump may cancel NASA's powerful SLS moon rocket – here's what that would mean for Elon Musk and the future of space travel
Since Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory, rumors and speculation have circulated that NASA's giant moon rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), could be under threat.
Trump picks billionaire private SpaceX astronaut Jared Isaacman to lead NASA
Donald Trump's choice for NASA chief is billionaire Jared Isaacman, a private astronaut who has funded and commanded two SpaceX missions.
