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
NASA astronaut who gave up seat for Starliner crew takes command of SpaceX Crew-11 flight to ISS
Zena Cardman, who was removed from an ISS launch to facilitate the return to Earth of Starliner's first crew, will command SpaceX's upcoming Crew-11 mission to the station.
Boeing's next Starliner launch for NASA could slip to early 2026 after fixes
NASA and Boeing are still working on the thruster issues that Starliner experienced on its first crewed flight last year, so the capsule's next liftoff is a ways off yet.
NASA completes SLS core stage stacking for Artemis 2 moon mission (photos)
NASA's next moon rocket is coming together at the agency's Kennedy Space Center, as the SLS core stage gets its solid rocket boosters.
NASA says removal of 'first woman, person of color' language from Artemis websites 'does not indicate' moon mission crew change
NASA websites no longer state that the Artemis 3 mission will aim to land the first person of color and the first woman on the moon, but the agency says this does not reflect a change in crew.
SpaceX Crew-9 and Crew-10: Live updates
Read the latest news about SpaceX's Crew-9 and Crew-10 missions to the International Space Station for NASA.
'Star Trek' icon lives on with new Nichelle Nichols Space Camp to inspire young women to aim for the stars
"Together, we can inspire a spirit of discovery to change lives and change the world for the better through a passion for exploration."
NASA still mulling options for Boeing's troubled Starliner astronaut capsule
NASA and Boeing are still working on the problems that cropped up during Starliner's first crewed flight, which launched more than nine months ago.
Best preteen space books 2025
Feed and inspire a kid's thirst for space with these best book picks.
