NASA History
Since its founding in 1958, NASA has pushed the boundaries of scientific and technical limits to explore the unknown for all the citizens of our planet. Discover the history of our human spaceflight, science, technology, and aeronautics programs.
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Project Gemini
From 1964 to 1966, NASA launched 10 crewed missions to test the equipment and procedures for future Apollo missions.
Hidden Figures
Meet the women who worked as human computers in NASA's early days.
Symbols of NASA
Get to know the meatball, the worm, the seal, and other logos and insignia used by NASA.
Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
NASA will never forget the tragic loss of the Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia crews.
Animals in Space
Learn about the early history of animals in space flight.
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
News and Events
SOFIA History Now Online
In this first history of the SOFIA mission, historian Lois Rosson narrates the observatory’s development, operations, and legacy and situates the mission within a broader history of airborne observation at NASA.
Aeronautics and Space Report of the President: Fiscal Year 2024 Activities
The fiscal year 2024 edition of the Aeronautics and Space Report provides a summary of the U.S. Government’s aerospace activities from Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024.
New Book Remembers the Columbia Accident and NASA's Path to Returning to Flight
In his new 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.
Wind Tunnels of the NACA and NASA
Get a detailed look at every wind tunnel ever designed and operated by NASA and its predecessor, the NACA. This comprehensive reference work describes the history and the significance of these essential facilities for aeronautical research.
Read the Latest NASA History Newsletter
In the newest edition of News and Notes, the NASA History Office reflects on the theme of leadership and decision-making. How has NASA navigated tough choices in its past? How have leaders at the agency sculpted a path forward?
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.
These people and this equipment supported the flight of the NACA D-558-2 Skyrocket at the High-Speed Flight Station at South Base, Edwards AFB. Note the two Sabre chase planes, the P2B-1S launch aircraft, and the profusion of ground support equipment, including communications, tracking, maintenance, and rescue vehicles. Research pilot A. Scott Crossfield stands in front of the Skyrocket. Photo date: January 17, 1954
NACA
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.
Documents from the Goddard Space Flight Center archival collection.
NASA
SOFIA
Historian Lois R. Rosson provides the first retrospective look at the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) in this NASA History Office Report. Compiled from archival records and oral histories with astronomers, project managers, flight crew, and international partners, this report narrates the observatory’s development, operations, and legacy and situates the mission within a broader history of airborne observation at NASA.
Get the E-Book about SOFIA
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Ascension
In his new 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 on February 1, 2003, and the sobering work NASA undertook in search of answers and to return to flight in the wake of the tragedy. With technical expertise and personal insight, Hirshorn offers life lessons valuable to those working to advance human spaceflight today.
Download the e-Book about Ascension
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