what does NASA do?
NASA's vision: To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.
To do that, thousands of people have been working around the world -- and off of it -- for 50 years, trying to answer some basic questions. What's out there in space? How do we get there? What will we find? What can we learn there, or learn just by trying to get there, that will make life better here on Earth?
A Little History
President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1958, partially in response to the Soviet Union's launch of the first artificial satellite the previous year. NASA grew out of the
National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), which had been researching flight technology for more than 40 years.
President John F. Kennedy focused NASA and the nation on sending astronauts to the moon by the end of the 1960s. Through the Mercury and Gemini projects, NASA developed the technology and skills it needed for the journey. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first of 12 men to walk on the moon, meeting Kennedy's challenge.
Meanwhile, NASA was continuing the aeronautics research pioneered by NACA. It also conducted purely scientific research and worked on developing applications for space technology, combining both pursuits in developing the first
weather and
communications satellites.
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 flew more than 130 successful flights before retiring in 2011. 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.
Throughout its history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous
improvements to life here on Earth.
Organization
NASA Headquarters, in Washington, provides overall guidance and direction to the agency, under the leadership of the
Administrator. 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
NASA conducts its work in three principal organizations, called mission directorates:
- Aeronautics: pioneers and proves new flight technologies that improve our ability to explore and which have practical applications on Earth.
- Human Exploration and Operations: focuses on International Space Station operations and human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
- Science: explores the Earth, solar system and universe beyond; charts the best route of discovery; and reaps the benefits of Earth and space exploration for society.
In the early 21st century, NASA's reach spans the universe. The
Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity is still studying Mars after arriving with its twin Spirit in 2004.
Cassini is in orbit around Saturn, as
Juno makes its way to Jupiter. The restored
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
The end of the space shuttle program does not mean the end of NASA, or even of NASA sending humans into space. NASA has a robust program of exploration, technology development and scientific research that will last for years to come. Here is
what's next for NASA:
- NASA is designing and building the capabilities to send humans to explore the solar system, working toward a goal of landing humans on Mars.
- The International Space Station is fully staffed with a crew of six, and American astronauts will continue to live and work there in space 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Part of the U.S. portion of the station has been designated as a national laboratory, and NASA is committed to using this unique resource for scientific research.
- Commercial companies are well on their way to providing cargo and crew flights to the ISS, allowing NASA to focus its attention on the next steps into our solar system.
- NASA is researching ways to design and build aircraft that are safer, more fuel-efficient, quieter, and environmentally responsible. NASA is also part of the government team that is working to develop the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, to be in place by the year 2025.
- NASA is conducting an unprecedented array of science missions that will seek new knowledge and understanding of Earth, the solar system and the universe.
NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, IT specialists, human resources specialists, accountants, writers, technicians and many, many other kinds of people. At the
NASAJobs Web site, you can learn more about NASA employment opportunities and programs.
At NASAJobs students can find opportunities for
internships, cooperative programs and summer employment.
For all the diversity of NASA's workforce, the question, "How can I become an astronaut?" is very common. The answer depends on where you are now and where you want to go.
If you
haven't finished high school yet, former astronaut
Dr. Sally K. Ride has these suggestions for you:
"The most important steps that I followed were studying math and science in school. I was always interested in physics and astronomy and chemistry, and I continued to study those subjects through high school and college on into graduate school. That's what prepared me for being an astronaut; it actually gave me the qualifications to be selected to be an astronaut. I think the advice that I would give to any kids who want to be astronauts is to make sure that they realize that NASA is looking for people with a whole variety of backgrounds: they are looking for medical doctors, microbiologists, geologists, physicists, electrical engineers. So find something that you really like and then pursue it as far as you can and NASA is apt to be interested in that profession."
If you've
graduated from college or are
in the military, and you're ready to apply,
here's how.
just for fun!
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html