NASA

NASA seal

Agency overview

Formed July 29, 1958

Preceding Agency NACA

Jurisdiction United States government

Headquarters Washington, D.C.

Annual Budget $17.3 billion (FY 2008)[2]

Agency Executives Christopher Scolese, Acting Administrator

 

Not appointed yet, Deputy Administrator

Website

  nasa.gov

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA, pronounced /ˈnæsə/) is an agency of the United States government, responsible for the nation's public space program. NASA was established on July 29, 1958, by the National Aeronautics and Space Act.[3]

In addition to the space program, it is also responsible for long-term civilian and military aerospace research. Since February 2006 NASA's self-described mission statement is to "pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research."[4]

NASA's motto is: "For the benefit of all".[1] The motto of NASA's Office of Education is: Shaping the Future: Launching New Endeavors to Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers.[5]