NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an Executive Branch agency of the United States government, responsible for the nation's civilian space program andaeronautics and aerospace research. Since February 2006, NASA's self-described mission statement is to "pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research."

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. 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, advancing heliophysics through the efforts of the Science Mission Directorate's Heliophysics Research Program, exploring bodies throughout the Solar System with advanced robotic missions such as New Horizons, and researching astrophysics topics, such as the Big Bang, through the Great Observatoriesand associated programs. NASA shares data with various national and international organizations such as from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite.

Section heading

Write the first section of your article here. Remember to include links to other pages on the wiki.

Section heading

Write the second section of your article here. Don't forget to add a category, to help people find the article.