The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an Executive Branch agency of the United States government, responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and aeronautics 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 ever since, resulting in the Apollo missions to the Moon, 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 Observatories and associated programs. NASA shares data with various national and international organizations such as from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration adalah cabang eksekutif lembaga pemerintah Amerika Serikat, yang bertanggung jawab atas program luar angkasa sipil bangsa dan aeronautika dan penelitian ruang angkasa. Sejak Februari 2006, Pernyataan misi besar NASA adalah untuk "pelopor masa depan dalam eksplorasi ruang angkasa, penemuan ilmiah dan penelitian aeronautika."

NASA didirikan oleh National Aeronautics and Space Act pada tanggal 29 Juli 1958, menggantikan pendahulunya, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Badan ini menjadi operasional pada tanggal 1 Oktober 1958. NASA telah memimpin upaya AS untuk eksplorasi ruang angkasa sejak saat itu, sehingga misi Apollo ke Bulan, stasiun angkasa Skylab, dan kemudian Space Shuttle. Saat ini, NASA mendukung International Space Station dan telah mengembangkan pesawat ruang angkasa berawak Orion.

Ilmu NASA difokuskan di Bumi pemahaman yang lebih baik melalui Earth Observing System, memajukan heliophysics melalui upaya the Science Mission Directorate’s Heliophysics Research Program, menjelajahi tubuh seluruh tata surya dengan misi robot canggih seperti New Horizons, dan meneliti topik astrofisika, seperti Big Bang, melalui Observatorium Besar dan program yang terkait. Saham NASA didata dengan organisasi nasional dan internasional seperti dari Gas Rumah Kaca Mengamati satelit.