About NASA
NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.
NASA Today
NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery. For more than 65 years, NASA has made the seemingly impossible, possible. At its 20 centers and facilities across the country and with U.S. commercial companies and international partners, NASA leads studying Earth science, including climate, our Sun, solar system, and the larger universe. We conduct cutting-edge research to advance technology and aeronautics. We operate the world’s leading space laboratory, the International Space Station, and will establish a sustainable and strong exploration presence on the Moon this decade through the Artemis campaign.
NASA Centers and Facilities
Looking Forward
NASA’s future will continue to be a story of human exploration, technology, and science. We will go back to the Moon to learn more about what it will take to support human exploration to Mars and beyond. We will continue to nurture the development of a vibrant low-Earth orbit economy that builds on the work done to date by the International Space Station. NASA engineers will develop new technologies to improve air transport at home and meet the challenges of advanced space exploration. Our scientists will work to increase an understanding of our planet and our place in the universe.
NASA Missions
A History of Innovation
When NASA opened for business on October 1, 1958, it accelerated the work already started on human and robotic spaceflight, and over the last 65 years it has continued to push the boundaries of aeronautics and space exploration. Now NASA is preparing to take humankind farther than ever before, as it helps to foster a robust commercial space economy near Earth, and pioneers further human and robotic exploration as we venture into deep space.
NASA History
NASA Leadership
Acting Administrator James Free
Jim Free is NASA’s acting administrator. In this role, Free is responsible for directing the agency, including budget and programs, until a new administrator is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Acting Associate Administrator Catherine Koerner
Catherine Koerner is currently serving as the acting NASA associate administrator and senior advisor to Acting Administrator Jim Free. In this capacity, Koerner leads the agency’s 10 center directors and the mission directorate associate administrators at NASA Headquarters in Washington. As NASA’s chief operating officer, she manages more than 18,000 employees and an annual budget of exceeding $25 billion.
Deputy Associate Administrator Casey Swails
Casey Swails is NASA’s deputy associate administrator, serving as the agency’s deputy chief operating officer for more than 18,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $25 billion. She is the deputy and principal advisor to the associate administrator for overall day-to-day operations and long-term strategic direction across NASA’s 10 field centers, mission directorates, and staff organizations.
Careers at NASA
Align your talents with your passion and find out why NASA consistently is named a best place to work in the federal government. At NASA, you'll have an opportunity to work on unique and challenging projects that truly make an impact on humanity.
Explore Career Opportunities about Careers at NASA
Faces of NASA
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