National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA was established on July 29, 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower following the Soviet Union’s successful launch of Sputnik 1 in October 1957. The new agency became operational on October 1, 1958 under its first administrator T. Keith Glennan who held office until 1961 when James E. Webb took over leadership duties at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC., USA..

NASA has been credited with many achievements since its inception including launching humans into Earth orbit through Project Mercury; sending astronauts to explore our solar system during Apollo missions; deploying a fleet of robotic probes such as Voyager I & II which explored Jupiter, Saturn and their moons; operating several satellites such as Hubble Space Telescope providing invaluable data about deep-space phenomenon like black holes; developing methods for propelling spacecrafts using ion thrusters among other advances made towards space exploration technology development . In addition to these accomplishments NASA also conducts extensive scientific research from its various facilities located around planet Earth aimed at advancing knowledge related to climate change observation , earth science studies etc..

Today NASA operates several launch sites across US mainland including Cape Canaveral Air Force Station located near Kennedy Space Center in Florida where most launches take place while Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia serves mainly suborbital experiments purpose ; however there are numerous international partners involved with operations that provide support or have developed joint projects involving both sides like International Space Station (ISS). This unique partnership between countries allows them to work together towards overcoming any challenges needed be undertaken while achieving common goals set out by both parties collaborating within this field setting example for future generations interested getting involved similar initiatives promoting technological advancement benefit humanity as whole ..