Space exploration has always been a highly challenging and interesting subject. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent government agency, which focuses on studying the Earth, space, Solar system, and astrophysics (“What is NASA,” 2020). NASA was initially created as a response to the ever-growing Soviet Union’s advancement in the arms race. However, currently, it is an organization that is at the forefront of space exploration and satellite creation.
NASA was historically significant due to the influence of the Cold War with the USSR, which was first at sending a person into space. The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 was passed by Congress in order to establish the organization. It specifically outlines that NASA’s purpose is to be devoted to peaceful objectives that benefit all humanity (“National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958,” n.d.). During the first moon exploration, J. F. Kennedy stated: “We choose to go to the moon” (“John F. Kennedy moon speech,” n.d.).
Another key point of the legislation is to make the United States a leader in space science and technology. NASA’s headquarters are located in Washington, D.C., and it has many facilities, such as Johnson Space Center in Galveston/Houston in the state of Texas. The organization has conducted a number of space explorations through advanced robotics and satellite transmissions. It also possesses advanced observatories, which enable deep space studies.
Currently, NASA is working on a wide range of projects, among which the Europe Clipper mission is the most ambitious one. Europe is Jupiter’s moon, which might be able to sustain life due to the fact that it is covered with ice. The organization plans to send a spacecraft that will orbit Europe for more analysis. It is estimated that Europe Clipper will be launched in the mid-2020s.
In conclusion, NASA has a long history of continuous growth regarding space exploration. It was initiated by Congress’s legislation as a response to the Soviet Union’s advancements. NASA was established in order to serve peaceful purposes, and the organization grew by building its facilities across the nation. Nowadays, NASA remains highly ambitious, as the organization wants to explore Jupiter’s moon.
References
John F. Kennedy moon speech. (n.d.). Web.
National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. (n.d.).
What is NASA? (2020).