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
SpaceX’s 31st Dragon cargo capsule returns to Earth with splashdown off Florida coast
SpaceX's 31st robotic Dragon cargo capsule splashed down off the Florida coast today (Dec. 17), a day after undocking from the International Space Station.
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A new trailer for "Edge of Space," a short film about a daring X-15 pilot flying the rocket-powered experimental plane higher than any other piloted winged vehicle other than the space shuttle.
Space pictures! See our space image of the day
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NASA astronaut Suni Williams poses with adorable tentacle-armed Astrobee robot on ISS (photo)
An Astrobee robotic free-flyer with tentacle-like arms was tested in a demonstration experiment aboard the space station.
Who is Jared Isaacman, Trump's pick for NASA chief?
Donald Trump has nominated billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. What do we know about the potential next administrator of America’s space agency?
NASA's Mars exploration plans need 'paradigm shifts' to succeed, report finds
NASA has released a new document that highlights planned programmatic paradigm shifts in Mars exploration over the next 20 years.
Galaxy-size jet from monster black hole blasts mystery object in deep space (video)
Using NASA's Chandra X-ray telescope, astronomers witnessed a massive black hole jet slam into an unknown object in space.
Panama, Austria sign Artemis Accords, bringing tally to 50 nations
A total of 50 nations have now joined NASA's efforts to establish peaceful and cooperative international space exploration.
