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
Mystery solved! Odd X-ray signal was 'death knell' of planet destroyed by zombie star (video)
An X-ray signal that has puzzled scientists for 45 years was the "death knell" of a planet ripped apart by a white dwarf star, data from NASA's Chandra observatory has revealed.
NASA delays launch of SPHEREx and PUNCH missions to March 7
NASA is now launching its SPHEREx and PUNCH space missions on March 6 at 10:09 p.m. ET.
'Stuck' NASA astronauts on ISS grilled on Earthly politics as long 9-month mission nears end. 'From my standpoint, politics is not playing into this at all.'
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth this month after an unexpectedly long stay aboard the International Space Station — one that has become politically charged here on Earth.
Space pictures! See our space image of the day
Space.com's image of the day rounds up the most awe-inspiring space photos right here, with a new image everyday.
India's Aditya-L1 solar probe watches powerful flare erupt from the sun
India's Aditya-L1 spacecraft captured detailed observations of a powerful solar flare last year, helping scientists better understand our star's eruptions.
Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises'
A new collaboration has Lego getting ready to "blast off" with the help of Lunar Outpost, a company with a mission now heading for the moon.
Pearl Young, the first woman to work in a technical role at NASA, overcame barriers and ‘raised hell’ − her legacy continues today
Despite the hostile culture for women, Young successfully navigated multiple technical roles at the NACA, the precursor to NASA.
'America First' on the moon? US must 'dominate' in space, acting NASA chief says during lunar landing
Acting NASA administrator made the comments just before Firefly Aerospace's private Blue Ghost 1 landed on the moon for the agency.
