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
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
Latest about NASA
‘The Other Moonshot:’ New podcast centers on unsung black heroes of the space race (trailer)
An exclusive trailer for the new podcast series "L.A. Made: The Other Moonshot," which comes out Jan. 29.
Finland becomes 53rd country to join the Artemis Accords for moon exploration
Finland just became the Artemis Accords' 53rd member nation, bolstering NASA's efforts to establish peaceful and cooperative international space exploration.
Bill Nelson steps down as NASA chief as Trump begins 2nd term
Bill Nelson has stepped down as NASA administrator, ending a half-century of public service. Janet Petro is now the agency's interim chief.
'We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars.' President Trump wants astronauts to raise the American flag on Mars
"Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers. The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts," Trump says.
How President Trump could change NASA
The new Trump administration could upend NASA's priorities, reshaping the Artemis moon program, climate science funding and the role of commercial space players.
Our warming Earth: 2024 was hottest year on record, NASA says
2024 was the warmest year on record, according to NASA data. The global average temperature was 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit above the mid-20th-century baseline.
Trump's space policy won't catch Europe off guard, ESA chief says
The head of the European Space Agency says that ESA is ready for any changes in NASA's direction that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may make.
Space pictures! See our space image of the day
Space.com's image of the day rounds up the most awe-inspiring space photos right here, with a new image everyday.
