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 pauses work by key space science groups amid Trump executive orders
The space agency's planetary science analysis groups must pause while NASA checks if they comply with Trump's orders.
Trump administration removes Apollo moon rock from White House Oval Office
Whether President Donald Trump still supports returning astronauts to the lunar surface remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the moon no longer has a place in his White House.
A red moon: Will the next 'Sputnik Moment' be made in China?
The next Sputnik Moment will take place against the backdrop of great power competition, as it did in the 1950s. This time, the top contenders are the U.S. and China.
Trump wants the US to land astronauts on Mars soon. Could it happen by 2029?
There are many obstacles to overcome before humans can set foot on Mars, including problems surrounding launch mass and closed-loop systems and the hazards of space radiation.
Astronaut's mission 'back to Earth' lands on colorful spacesuit patch
Astronaut Nicole Stott, who has made it her mission to promote the healing power of art and the need to protect our planet, has inspired a new "Signature Edition" embroidered patch.
Private Blue Ghost moon lander sees gorgeous lunar eclipse from Earth orbit (video)
Firefly Aerospace's "little lander" has captured the littlest lunar eclipse in a breathtaking video captured from Earth orbit.
NASA's Juno spacecraft watches most powerful volcanic event ever seen on Jupiter's moon Io
NASA's Juno spacecraft has spotted the most powerful volcanic eruption ever seen on the solar system's most volcanic body, the Jovian moon Io.
NASA's new SPHEREx space telescope to launch in February — it can do what the JWST can't
SPHEREx is slated to launch Feb. 27 on a SpaceX rocket. It is meant to map the entire night sky in infrared — something even the JWST can't exactly do.
