NASA, the latest news from the US space agency

Famous NASA Logo
NASA's famous emblem. (Image credit: NASA)

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

two white spacecraft are seen docked at different orientations on a space station, floating above Earth.

NASA moves up return date for Boeing Starliner astronauts after swapping SpaceX Dragon spacecraft

By Josh Dinner published

NASA will return Starliner astronauts to Earth early along with their Crew-9 companions, after deciding to swap Crew-10 spacecraft to launch the SpaceX mission sooner.

Space Exploration
An artist’s concept of the Pandora mission, seen here without the thermal blanketing that will protect the spacecraft, observing a star and its transiting exoplanet.

NASA picks SpaceX to launch Pandora exoplanet mission

By Mike Wall published

NASA's Pandora exoplanet-studying probe will launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket no earlier than this fall.

Exoplanets
A white conical vessel with round window near the top stands surrounded by white scaffolding under a dark blue evning sky. Above, a giant, jelly-fish like plume trails a rocket launching through the sky.

Space pictures! See our space image of the day

By Space.com Staff last updated

Space.com's image of the day rounds up the most awe-inspiring space photos right here, with a new image everyday.

Astrophotography
a white nasa flag waves in front of a rainbow pride flag

NASA HQ verbally orders employees to purge workspaces of LGBTQI+ symbols

By Josh Dinner published

Employees at NASA's Washington D.C. headquarters have reportedly been barred from displaying Pride symbols in their personal work areas.

Space Exploration
in the dark of night, a rocket blasts fire from its engines, sending plumes of smoke jetting out as it climbs the launch tower out of frame. A SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket launches from LC-39A, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, in Floriday, carrying members of SpaceX's Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station, April 27, 2022.

There was nearly 1 rocket launch attempt every 34 hours in 2024 — this year will be even busier

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

2024 set spaceflight records for the fourth consecutive year with 259 launches worldwide and one launch attempt roughly every 34 hours, according to a recent analysis of the global space economy.

Missions
a massive silver-and-white rocket lands on the grey, dusty surface of the moon

Risks with current Artemis 3 moon landing plan 'may be too high,' NASA safety group says

By Leonard David published

An annual safety report to NASA has both praise and also underscores a number of cautionary woes, including the space agency's Artemis undertaking to return astronauts to the moon.

Missions
a blue-and-white planet on a black background

Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander leaves Earth orbit to head for the moon

By Andrew Jones published

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander is now headed for the moon after firing its engines to send it out of Earth orbit.

Launches & Spacecraft
a man with rosy cheeks and a black ball cap with a nasa logo wears a tan polo shirt in a windowed room, with Earth floating above.

How to watch NASA's 1st Twitch stream from the ISS this week

By Julian Dossett published

NASA's first-ever Twitch stream premieres at 11:45 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 12 on NASA's Twitch channel.

International Space Station
A woman with light hair is wearing a red shirt, blue hat and sunglasses, facing right, speaking into a microphone.

Who is Janet Petro, Trump's pick for acting NASA administrator?

By Andrew Jones published

Janet Petro became the first woman to lead NASA on Jan. 20. Here's what we know about U.S. President Donald Trump's pick for head of the space agency.

Missions
a silver cylindrical spacecraft with two wing-like solar arrays above a reddish-orange planet

NASA and General Atomics test nuclear fuel for future moon and Mars missions

By Julian Dossett published

General Atomics and NASA achieved an important milestone on the road to using nuclear-powered rockets by testing a new fuel and finding it can withstand extreme conditions.

Tech
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