NASA
About NASA

Structure, purpose, and responsibilities of NASA.

Mission

NASA's core mission.

NASA Science seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on Earth and in space. The agency's science missions circle the Earth, the Sun, the Moon, Mars, and many other destinations within our solar system, including spacecraft that look out even further into our universe.

Vision

NASA's long-term vision.

To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind

Responsibilities

  • Lead U.S. civil space exploration.
  • Conduct aeronautics research.
  • Study Earth and the cosmos.
  • Develop new technologies.
  • Operate space missions.

Government Structure

NASA's place in the U.S. government.

NASA is a federal agency that is responsible for the U.S. space program. It is under the Executive branch of the United States government. NASA is funded by Congress, while it's administrator is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. NASA is also a civilian agency, meaning it is not part of the military. Through that, NASA contributes to national policy and national security by conducting space research and exploration.

Evolving mandate

A timeline of how NASA's role has shifted over time.

1958

Creation and the Early Focus

NASA was created in July, 1958 in response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik. The role was to compete in the space race and work on scientific satellites.

1970s

Space Shuttle and Space Exploration

NASA switched its focus to creating resuable vehicles and exploring space. Along with that they aimed to reduce the cost of space exploration and putting humans in space.

Early 2000s

Mars, ISS, and more

NASA focus switched to long term human spaceflight, planetary exploration and space flight. They also started researching Mars and a permanent human residence there.

2020s

Current Era

NASA is still focused on long term human spaceflight. However, their focus has also returned to the moon. In addition to this, NASA has been a key figure in climate monitoring and the innovation of new technologies.