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
Rocket Lab protests NASA's decision to award Blue Origin $700 million Mars orbiter contract
Rocket Lab has filed a protest against NASA's decision to award Blue Origin a $700 million Mars orbiter contract, saying it's inconsistent with the eligibility rules laid out by Congress.
25 years ago, a NASA astronaut witnessed the tragic 9/11 attacks from space. Here's what he saw.
NASA astronaut Frank Culbertson saw the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks from the International Space Station in 2001. His view and his reaction were captured on video.
What comes after the moon? Artemis II commander and pilot shift to 'emeritus' status at NASA
Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen are planning new journeys after their April 2026 moon mission.
China on track to launch Mars sample-return mission in 2028: 'If accurate, this represents a Sputnik moment'
China is making progress on its Tianwen 3 Mars sample-return mission, which aims to launch in 2028 and return a collection of Red Planet dirt and rock to Earth in 2031.
On this day in space! Sept. 7, 1995: NASA launches its 100th astronaut flight on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-69 mission
On Sept. 7, 1995, the space shuttle Endeavour launched on mission STS-69, NASA's 100th astronaut flight. Here's why it mattered.
Two astronauts complete camera and docking aid replacements on spacewalk outside space station
Like their compatriots here on Earth, the three NASA astronauts living aboard the International Space Station will get a well-deserved rest on Labor Day.
Roman Space Telescope live updates: NASA begins spacecraft commissioning process
Follow NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope as it begins its mission to explore the universe.
Rocket issues delay 1st-ever private mission to Venus: 'We are awaiting Neutron readiness'
The first-ever private mission to Venus is still groundbound due to delays with its launch vehicle, Rocket Lab's Neutron. But team members remain bullish on the groundbreaking mission.
