NASA Full Form: What is the Mission of NASA?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the NASA full form. NASA has a big list of crew and robotics programs. Read this blog, to know about the history of NASA, visions of NASA, and many projects by NASA. Do you want to study abroad? If yes then you have to take the GRE exams and there are many benefits of GRE exam such as it provides scholarship opportunities to students who want to study abroad.

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What is the full form of NASA? 

NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is a government agency of the United States which is responsible for the civilian space program of the nations. NASA is also responsible for conducting research and study in the field of aerospace. NASA was established in 1958, the main goals of NASA are to advance space exploration, scientific research, and technological developments in the fields of space and aviation.

What is the history of NASA?

• On October 1, 1958, NASA started operations, a few times after Russia accomplished the remarkable achievement of launching the first satellite. To oversee American aeronautics and space exploration research that is why this organization was created. 
• The Americans mostly did this out of fear. They observed the launch of Sputnik, a 183-pound, basketball-sized satellite that orbited the entire world in 98 minutes. This took the Americans off guard and led to worries that the Soviets might be able to send missiles carrying nuclear bombs from Europe to America.

What are the Visions of NASA?

Visions of NASA are:

1. Scientific Discovery: 

From Earth’s ecosystems to the furthest reaches of space, NASA aims to deepen our understanding of the natural world. NASA’s objective is to discover the mysteries of the universe, investigate other celestial bodies, and examine the dynamic systems of our own planet through space missions, telescopes, satellites, and research initiatives.

2. Technological Progress: 

NASA works to create state-of-the-art technologies that make space exploration easy and have larger social effects. Innovations in fields including spacecraft design, power systems, robotics, materials science, and sustainable energy sources are made possible by the agency’s research and development activities.

3. Exploration for Humans: 

NASA imagines sending humans to travel and explore space and pushing them beyond their limits to know more about celestial bodies and space. This vision includes missions to Mars, the moon and more. NASA has a goal of extending the number of humans in the solar system. 

4. Global Cooperation:  

NASA understands the value of international cooperation in exploring space. In order to share knowledge, resources, and skills, the agency actively seeks cooperation with other countries, space agencies, and international organisations. Through these partnerships, NASA hopes to take advantage of the world’s resources and motivates group efforts to expand the boundaries of science and technology.

5. Inspiring and educating:  

Inspiring and educating the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers is a goal of NASA. NASA wants to pique curiosity, boost STEM education, and foster a feeling of wonder and excitement about the cosmos by sharing the wonders of space exploration, scientific discoveries, and technical developments.

List of NASA’s Crew Programs:

1. Project Mercury: 1958 to 1963

2. Project Gemini: 1961 to 1966 

3. Apollo Soyuz: 1971 to 1975 

4. Shuttle Mir-Program: 1993 to 1998 

5. Skylab: 1964 to 1974 

List of NASA’s Robotic Programs:

1. Explorer 1, First U.S Uncrewed satellite (1958)

2. Pioneer 10, First spacecraft to visit Jupiter(1973).

3. Pioneer 11, First spacecraft to visit Saturn (1979)

4. Voyager 2, First spacecraft to visit Uranus in 1986 and Neptune in 1989

What are the major projects of NASA?

Throughout its history, NASA has conducted a large number of projects, each of which has advanced space exploration, scientific inquiry, and technological innovation. Here are a few NASA projects:

1. Project Mercury: 

NASA’s initial effort to send people into space had as its goal placing Americans in Earth orbit. It featured the important space missions of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, and Alan Shepard, the first American in space.

2. Apollo Program: 

NASA’s most well-known responsibility, the Apollo Program, the aim was to send people to the moon. With the Apollo 11 mission, which marked the major solar landing of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969, the Apollo program successfully accomplished this goal.

3. Skylab: 

Skylab, which was launched in 1973, was the country’s first space station. Three human trips were carried out while Skylab was in service, and it served as a platform for microgravity testing and research.

4. Space Shuttle Program: 

Spacecraft that can be used again was created to carry satellites, astronauts and types of equipment into space. From 1981 to 2011 space shuttle program was operated and played an important role in the arrangement of satellites, the construction of the International Space Station (ISS), and space missions like the Hubble Space Telescope servicing.

5. Hubble Space Telescope: 

The Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990 and has transformed the understanding of the universe. Hubble Space Telescope has taken many images that are beyond the imagination and organized our observations which have advanced our understanding in the areas of astronomy, cosmology and in many other fields. 

6. Mars Exploration:

Many missions have been taken by NASA for Mars which includes the Mars rovers, such as Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity and Patience which provide valuable information on the Martian surface, geology, and potential for past or present life.

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