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
Trump wants US to pursue 'manifest destiny' in space. What could that mean?
President Donald Trump recently invoked "manifest destiny" to outline a bold vision for America's space program. But what does this historic and controversial term mean when applied to outer space?
Mysterious Mars mounds may bolster case for ancient Red Planet ocean
Buttes and mesas in Mars' Chryse Planitia contain clay minerals made from liquid water interacting with the rock nearly 4 billion years ago.
NASA wants to launch rockets into northern lights to study 'black auroras'
NASA plans to fly two rockets through active auroras and study the unique ribbons of light that dance across the Alaskan night sky.
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.
NASA honors fallen astronauts with 'Day of Remembrance' ceremony
NASA honored its fallen space explorers during ceremonies at multiple sites on Thursday (Jan. 23).
Trump orders interim NASA chief to end DEI initiatives
NASA employees received a memo from acting agency administrator Janet Petro, Wednesday, mandating the closure of all diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives and contracts.
‘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.
