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
Watch SpaceX launch NASA's Pandora exoplanet-studying satellite on Jan. 11
Liftoff is scheduled for 8:19 a.m. ET on Sunday (Jan. 11).
Moon fever hits DC as Artemis 2 rocket 'candle' lights up Washington Monument just 1 month before launch (photos)
The Washington Monument lit up on New Year's Eve in celebration of the Artemis 2 moon mission as well as the 250th anniversary year of the Declaration of Independence.
NASA will evacuate SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts from International Space Station on Jan. 14
The first medical evacuation in the history of the International Space Station will take place on Jan. 14, when the four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission head home.
NASA to roll out rocket for Artemis 2 moon mission on Jan. 17
NASA plans to roll out its Artemis 2 moon rocket on Jan. 17, keeping the historic mission on track to launch as soon as Feb. 6.
Space skeleton crew: Just 3 astronauts will run the ISS after Crew-11's medical evacuation
NASA will bring four astronauts back to Earth early due to a health issue, leaving the International Space Station with just three crewmembers. But that's the way it used to be.
Jupiter ocean moon Europa likely lacks tectonic activity, reducing its chances for life
New models suggest that Europa has very little tectonic activity at its seafloor, which is potentially catastrophic news for the hopes of finding alien life within its ocean.
ISS astronaut evacuation shouldn't interfere with upcoming Artemis 2 moon mission, NASA chief says
The medical evacuation of SpaceX's Crew-11 astronauts from the International Space Station shouldn't interfere with Artemis 2's launch to the moon, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says.
NASA will return 4 astronauts home early in 1st-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station
NASA has decided to bring the four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission home from the International Space Station early due to a medical issue experienced by a crewmember in orbit.
