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About NASA

NASA explores the unknown in air and space, innovates for the benefit of humanity, and inspires the world through discovery.

Astronaut Woody Hoburg rides the Canadarm2 robotic arm while maneuvering a roll-out solar array during a spacewalk.

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
Technicians inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center install and test antennas on a solar array on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, for the agency’s Europa Clipper spacecraft which will study Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, to determine if the planet can support life.
NASA/Isaac Watson

NASA Leadership

James Free, Associate Administrator for Exploration Space Development

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. 

Cathy Koerner, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA's Headquarters in Washington.

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.

Casey Swails, NASA's deputy associate administrator for business operations, poses for a portrait, April 19, 2021 at Kennedy Space Center Headquarters in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

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
NASA astronaut representative Megan Behnken, left, fist bumps NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren after having splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft.

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