Legal Definitions - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a government agency that explores space and conducts research on space flight. NASA builds and operates spacecraft to study the universe and our planet Earth.

NASA was established in 1958 by the National Aeronautics and Space Act. Its mission is to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth.

• NASA sent the first humans to the moon in 1969.
• NASA's Mars rover, Perseverance, landed on Mars in February 2021 to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples for return to Earth.
• NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured stunning images of galaxies, stars, and planets in our universe.

These examples illustrate how NASA explores space and conducts research to expand our understanding of the universe and our place in it. NASA's missions have led to groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements that benefit society and inspire future generations.