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The Search for Life in the Universe
Not long after NASA was established, it began a broad-based effort to learn how to look for the presence of life beyond Earth.
Symbols of NASA
Get to know the meatball, the worm, the seal, and other logos and insignia used by NASA.
Project Gemini
From 1964 to 1966, NASA launched 10 crewed missions to test the equipment and procedures for future Apollo missions.
Animals in Space
Learn about the early history of animals in space flight.
Hidden Figures
Meet the women who worked as human computers in NASA's early days.
Earth from Afar
See perspectives of our planet as seen by historic spacecraft in Earth's orbit and far beyond.
Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
NASA will never forget the tragic loss of the Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia crews.
Celebrating 50 Years on Mars!
The first successful lander on Mars — NASA's Viking 1 — touched down on July 20, 1976, and gave humanity our first ground-level view of the Red Planet. Revisit the history of the groundbreaking Viking mission and discover its lasting legacy as NASA continues our exploration of the Martian surface.
Journey Through Viking's Legacy about Celebrating 50 Years on Mars!
News and Events
Read the Latest NASA History Newsletter
Take a trip back to 1976 to see how NASA celebrated America's bicentennial, then join us for the next presentation in the NASA History Speaker Series.
Aeronautics and Space Report of the President: Fiscal Year 2025 Activities
The fiscal year 2025 edition of the Aeronautics and Space Report provides a summary of the U.S. Government’s aerospace activities from Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025.
Remembering the Columbia Accident and NASA's Path to Returning to Flight
In his book "Ascension: Life Lessons from the Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy for Engineers, Managers, and Leaders," author Steven Hirshorn shares his experience on the day Columbia and its crew were lost, and the sobering work NASA undertook in search of answers and to return to flight in the wake of the tragedy.
67 Years of Aerospace Exploration
Forged in response to early Soviet space achievements, NASA was built on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), as the locus of U.S. civil aerospace research and development. Since October 1, 1958, when NASA opened for business, it has accelerated work on human and robotic spaceflight, and is responsible for scientific and technological achievements that have had widespread impacts on our nation and the world.
Discover Our History about 67 Years of Aerospace Exploration
Dive Deeper
Explore interviews with aerospace legends, analyses of key events, aerospace chronologies, and more!
Since NASA’s founding, its History Office has developed history publications and conducted oral history interviews for the use of the general public. Connect with our resources to delve into your aerospace history research.
The NASA History Office
The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 not only created NASA but directed it “to provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning NASA activities and the results thereof.” The sharing of information, including our history, has always been, and continues to be, a priority.
Preserving Our History
And making it accessible to future generations
The NASA Archives works to preserve and provide access to historically and culturally significant records and material created by NASA, including our work in the fields of engineering and science, ensuring that they will be discoverable for generations to come.
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