Space Station Info :: About NASA

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

About Nasa


A Little History




After Apollo, NASA focused on creating a reusable ship to provide regular access to space: the space shuttle. First launched in 1981, the space shuttle has had 120 successful flights. In 2000, the United States and Russia established permanent human presence in space aboard the International Space Station, a multinational project representing the work of 16 nations.

NASA also has continued its scientific research. In 1997, Mars Pathfinder became the first in a fleet of spacecraft that will explore Mars in the next decade, as we try to determine if life ever existed there. The Terra and Aqua satellites are flagships of a different fleet, this one in Earth orbit, designed to help us understand how our home world is changing. NASA's aeronautics teams are focused on improved aircraft travel that is safer and cleaner.



NASA Headquarters, in Washington, provides overall guidance and direction to the agency, under the leadership of Administrator Michael Griffin. Ten field centers and a variety of installations conduct the day-to-day work, in laboratories, on air fields, in wind tunnels and in control rooms.

Nasa Today



*Exploration Systems: Creates new capabilities and spacecraft for affordable, sustainable human and robotic exploration.

*Science: Explores the Earth, moon, Mars and beyond; charts the best route of discovery; and reaps the benefits of Earth and space exploration for society.

*Space Operations: Provides critical enabling technologies for much of the rest of NASA through the space shuttle, the International Space Station and flight support.

In the early 21st century, NASA's reach spans the universe. Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Exploration Rovers, are still studying Mars after more than three years. Cassini is in orbit around Saturn. The Hubble Space Telescope continues to explore the deepest reaches of the cosmos.

Closer to home, the latest crew of the International Space Station is extending the permanent human presence in space. Earth Science satellites are sending back unprecedented data on Earth's oceans, climate and other features. NASA's aeronautics team is working with other government organizations, universities, and industry to fundamentally improve the air transportation experience and retain our nation's leadership in global aviation.

The Future

In the next 20 years, NASA will be laying the groundwork for sending humans not only beyond Earth's orbit, but further into to space than they've ever been. The next key steps are:

* Complete the International Space Station and retire the Space Shuttle by 2010

* Begin robotic missions to the moon by 2008 and return people there by 2020

* Continue robotic exploration of Mars and the Solar System

* Develop a crew exploration vehicle and other technologies required to send people beyond low Earth orbit.