The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research. NASA was established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
NASA’s science focuses 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 spacecraft 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. NASA’s early interest was in using satellite technology to create accurate military maps. The military still uses NASA technology to navigate air vessels, detect landmines, and develop more effective ammunition.
