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
Artemis 2 captures historic 'Earthset' photo | Space photo of the day for April 7, 2026
Artemis 2 astronauts saw Earth slip from view during their lunar flyby on Flight Day 6.
Moon music: Here's a Spotify playlist of the Artemis 2 crew's wakeup songs
Artemis 2 wake-up songs are mission control's way of starting the crew's day off with positivity. Here's the Spotify playlist.
The Artemis 2 astronauts just flew by the moon. Lunar scientists can't wait for what's next
"Apollo happened before I was born, and the idea that we will see humans on the moon within our lifetimes, with decades of advances in science and technology behind them, is remarkable."
Deja vu: Trump proposes cutting NASA science funding by 47% again
NASA faces the possibility of steep cuts again as the FY 2027 budget request proposes a 23% reduction in overall funding and a 47% cut to science programs.
Artemis 2 astronauts are now headed to the moon. Why has it taken humanity so long to go back?
The Artemis 2 astronauts are the first people to journey toward the moon since 1972. Why has it taken us more than half a century to go back?
Artemis 2 astronauts see Earth in the rear-view mirror | Space photo of the day for April 3, 2026
The Artemis 2 astronauts snapped a gorgeous photo of their home planet recently as they sped away from it and toward the moon.
Artemis 2 astronauts head for the moon after make-or-break engine burn (video)
Artemis 2's Orion capsule aced a critical engine burn this evening (April 2) that sent it from Earth orbit outward toward the moon.
How to track the Artemis 2 astronauts on their journey around the moon
You can follow the Artemis 2 astronaut mission around the moon in real time, thanks to a NASA website.
