WebsiteCompass 3 NASA is a U.S. government agency responsible for spaceflight capabilities and research in space. It was started in 1958 by President Eisenhower. What Does NASA Actually Do? The agency supports five primary divisions, called directorates, as follows: Aeronautics The aeronautics directorate works to develop technology to improve efficiency and maintain safety for planes and control equipment. Because this work touches every U.S. commercial aircraft and control tower, the group proclaims, “NASA is with you when you fly!” Exploration Systems The exploration systems directorate develops systems needed for exploration programs, including those involving the Moon and Mars. These activities include both human and scientific aspects of the Artemis II crewed mission to the Moon, planned for 2025. Science The science directorate oversees research programs. It uses a unique approach in which “discoveries in one scientific discipline have a direct route to other areas of study,” according to NASA’s website. This group relies on both internal agency personnel and the wider scientific community to suggest and prioritize matters to pursue. Space Operations The space operations directorate manages operations including commercial launch services to the International Space Station (ISS). The group operates exploration and space transportation systems and performs scientific research. It also oversees communication and navigation services for the agency. Space Technology The space technology directorate tests and develops technologies on the Moon that will eventually contribute to missions on Mars. To get the best possible results, it collaborates with governmental, commercial, and international partners. The group makes the resulting technology available to commercial companies which, in turn, develop products that help humanity. To learn more about NASA’s work and see fascinating mission information and photos, visit the agency’s website at nasa.gov. Here’s Why Space Exploration is Worthwhile With themany problems facing humanity right here on Earth, you may wonder why we choose to spend resources on exploring space. There are several reasons: • NASA’s programs have a positive impact on the economy. They create jobs, technological advancements, and business opportunities for contractors and others that support the work. • Studying how things work on other planets provides important information that can be used on Earth. • Learning about the harsher environments on other planets makes us appreciate life on Earth more. • Studying asteroids and comets can help us defend ourselves if one of these objects becomes a threat to life on Earth. • The vastness of space and themysteries of the systems and bodies within it are inspiring and stir the imagination. Finally, space exploration isn’t as expensive as you might think. According to The Planetary Society, “NASA’s budget only represents about 0.5% of the total federal budget.” Source: planetary.org/space-policy/nasa-budget QUICK TIP: Virtually visit the ISS at nasa.gov/internationalspace-station/suni-iss-tour.
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