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
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.
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Space.com's image of the day rounds up the most awe-inspiring space photos right here, with a new image everyday.
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.
'We're on the moon!' Private Blue Ghost moon lander aces historic lunar landing for NASA
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost spacecraft made history today (March 2), becoming just the second private vehicle ever to soft-land on the moon.
From interstellar dust to life beyond Earth: Why scientists can't wait for NASA's new SPHEREx space telescope
A modest NASA space telescope with grand ambitions will soon launch into an orbit around Earth. Here's why scientists are excited about it.
NASA must 'consider alternatives' to put Artemis astronauts on the moon, experts tell US Congress
Space policy experts told U.S. Congress that NASA must consider alternatives to its current plan to return astronauts to the moon with the Artemis program.
Private Blue Ghost lander sees far side of the moon in breathtaking detail ahead of lunar landing (video)
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander has beamed home stunning views of the moon from an altitude of just 62 miles (100 kilometers).
