An effort for this was the American Project Vanguard. In the early 1950s, there was challenge to launch an artificial satellite for the International Geophysical Year (1957–1958). 11.3 Partnership with the United States Space Forceīeginning in 1946, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) began experimenting with rocket planes such as the supersonic Bell X-1.4.2 Inner solar system (including Mars).4 Satellites, probes, rovers, launch vehicles.1.3.7 Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development Program (2021-Present).1.3.4 Commercial Crew Program (2011–present).1.3.2 International Space Station (1993–present).
NASA's science is focused on better understanding Earth through the Earth Observing System advancing heliophysics through the efforts of the Science Mission Directorate's Heliophysics Research Program exploring bodies throughout the Solar System with advanced robotic spacecraft such as New Horizons and researching astrophysics topics, such as the Big Bang, through the Great Observatories and associated programs. The agency is also responsible for the Launch Services Program, which provides oversight of launch operations and countdown management for uncrewed NASA launches. NASA is supporting the International Space Station and is overseeing the development of the Orion spacecraft, the Space Launch System, Commercial Crew vehicles, and the planned Lunar Gateway space station. Since its establishment, most US space exploration efforts have been led by NASA, including the Apollo Moon landing missions, the Skylab space station, and later the Space Shuttle. The new agency was to have a distinctly civilian orientation, encouraging peaceful applications in space science. NASA was established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA / ˈ n æ s ə/) is an independent agency of the U.S.