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
What will happen to VIPER? NASA shifts into reverse on canceled moon rover
NASA is no longer asking U.S. companies for proposals to get the ice-hunting VIPER rover to the moon but still hasn't given up on the mission.
Astronaut Scott Kelly joins 'Mission Dry,' stars in Goodnites campaign film
Astronauts are helping to destigmatize a childhood experience by pointing out the similarities between what some kids wear to bed and what explorers wear into space.
'Eventually, all life on Earth will be destroyed by the sun': Elon Musk explains his drive to colonize Mars
Elon Musk explained the rather depressing fate of life on Earth to Fox News host Jesse Waters, who had asked him why humanity should go to Mars.
Laurie Leshin stepping down as director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will prepare for new leadership, as current director Laurie Leshin has announced that she's stepping down from the role next month.
NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket gets 2nd stage even as Trump tries to scrap Space Launch System (photos)
NASA's next moon rocket is stacking higher at the Kennedy Space Center, as the interim cryogenic propulsion stage is added to the launch vehicle.
What time is it on the moon? US House space committee wants a standard lunar clock
Time moves faster on the moon, and now we're one step closer to getting a lunar time zone to keep track of it.
Reshaping our return to the moon: Trump's 2026 budget gives Artemis a major facelift
The White House's proposed 2026 budget would reshape NASA's Artemis moon program, canceling the Gateway space station and retiring the SLS rocket and Orion capsule after two more flights.
Trump administration proposes slashing NASA budget by 24%
The White House's proposed 2026 budget cuts $6 billion in NASA funding and cancels Mars sample return and the Gateway moon-orbiting space station, among other projects.
