Nasa

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NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
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NASA seal |
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NASA insignia
Motto: For the Benefit of All[1] |
Agency overview |
Formed | July 29, 1958 (52 years ago) |
Preceding agency | NACA |
Jurisdiction | United States government |
Headquarters | Washington, D.C.
38°52′59″N 77°0′59″W |
Employees | 17,900[2] |
Annual budget | US$17.6 billion (FY 2009)[3] |
Agency executives | Charles Bolden, administrator
Lori Garver, deputy administrator |
Website |
www.nasa.gov |
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA, pronounced /ˈnæsə/) is anExecutive Branch agency of the United States government, responsible for the nation's civilianspace program and aeronautics and aerospace research. Since February 2006, NASA's self-described mission statement is to "pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discoveryand aeronautics research."[4]
NASA was established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act on July 29, 1958, replacing its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). The agency became operational on October 1, 1958.[5][6] NASA has led U.S. efforts for space exploration since, including the Apollo moon-landing missions, the Skylab space station, and later the Space Shuttle. Currently, NASA is supporting the International Space Station and has been developing the manned Orion spacecraft.
NASA science is focused on better understanding Earth through the Earth Observing System,[7]advancing heliophysics through the efforts of the Science Mission Directorate's Heliophysics Research Program,[8] exploring bodies throughout the Solar System with advanced robotic missions such as New Horizons,[9] and researching astrophysics topics, such as the Big Bang, through the Great Observatories and associated programs.[10] NASA shares data with various national and international organizations such as from the Greenhouse Gases Observing... [continues]

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