<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is a governmental agency of the United States that conducts research and testing of aeronautics and space-related technology. The agency was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in response to the launch of the Soviet Union's first artificial satellite. It was preceded by the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics which had been responsible for researching flight technology for over 40 years.

Under President John F. Kennedy, the agency focused on placing American astronauts on the moon in the 1960s. It accomplished that goal in 1969 and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first of twelve men to walk on the moon. The last mission to the moon was the near-disastrous Apollo mission. Since then, NASA has been working on finding better and more efficient ways to improve access to Space.

In 1997, NASA's Mars Pathfinder became the first spacecraft to explore Mars.

Organization

NASA Headquarters are located in Washington, D.C.

Current Administration

• Administrator Michael Griffin

• Deputy Administrator Shana Dale

Goals

NASA is dedicated to fulfilling four primary mission directorates:

• Aeronautics – create and advance flight technology which enable exploration of space which also have practical applications on Earth.

• Exploration Systems – Advance current capabilities and create new and affordable means of human and robotic exploration of space.

• Science – Explore the planetary bodies within the solar system including Earth and beyond with the aim of discovery and easing further space exploration.

• Space Operations – innovate technologies for the use of NASA and provide support for the international space station and other operations.

In 2005, President George W. Bush set several goals for Nasa's future:

• To return the space shuttle to active duty
• Complete the international Space Station and retire the Space Shuttle by 2010
• Begin robotic missions to the moon by 2008 and human mission by 2020.
• Continue the exploration of Mars and other bodies in the Solar System
• Develop a Crew Exploration Vehicle and other technology necessary to send people into orbit.

External Links

Official site