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
Over 1,000 NASA employees saved from dismissal as Trump downsizes federal workforce
After the space community braced for a brutal shake-up at NASA this week, a last-minute decision on Tuesday (Feb. 18) spared over 1,000 agency employees on probationary status from being dismissed.
The next giant leap? How jumping could help astronauts train for trips to the moon and Mars
Scientists suggest adding jumping exercises to astronauts' training regimens, to minimize the health effects of long space missions, such as moon and Mars trips.
Blue Ghost moon lander lowers its orbit to fly closer to the lunar surface (video)
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander lowered its orbit around the moon Tuesday (Feb. 18), sending back gorgeous footage from just over the lunar surface.
The best Moon gifts 2025: Lego, projectors, models and more
Our round-up of the best Moon gifts covers everything from toys to scientific models, all perfect for the lunar lover in your life.
Best preteen space books 2025
Feed and inspire a kid's thirst for space with these best book picks.
Boeing Starliner astronauts on the ISS set the story straight: 'We don't feel stranded'
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore say they aren't stranded aboard the space station. They'll be happy to come home but sad when their spaceflight journey comes to an end.
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.
Welcome to the moon! Firefly's Blue Ghost lander reaches lunar orbit (video, photos)
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost moon lander reached lunar orbit on Thursday (Feb. 13) and snapped some photos to commemorate the milestone.
