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
NASA leadership shakeup continues as agency settles into Trump's 2nd term
Among other changes, Vanessa Wyche, who previously led Johnson Space Center, has been named NASA's acting associate administrator.
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How to watch Intuitive Machines shoot for the moon with daring lunar lander launch for NASA tonight
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Private Blue Ghost moon lander captures amazing footage of Earth behind and lunar surface below (video)
Firefly Aerospace is primed for a lunar landing attempt on Sunday (March 2) following a series of successful maneuvers in lunar orbit.
NASA picks SpaceX rocket to launch asteroid threat hunter NEO Surveyor in 2027
NASA has selected SpaceX to launch its NEO Surveyor spacecraft, which will hunt for asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth.
NASA's 'SPHEREx' infrared space telescope is launching this week. Here's why it's a big deal
Scientists aim to answer some of the most fundamental questions about the universe using NASA's newest space telescope, SPHEREx, which is set to launch Feb. 28.
Paralympian John McFall could become 1st astronaut with a disability on ISS
European Space Agency astronaut John McFall is cleared to be the first person with a physical disability to fly to the space station.
NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free announces retirement after 30-year career at the space agency
NASA has announced the retirement of Associate Administrator Jim Free, the agency's chief operating officer for more than 18,000 employees across the United States.
