NASA’s vision: To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.
To do that, thousands of people have been working around the world – and off of it – for 50 years, trying to answer some basic questions. What’s out there in space? How do we get there? What will we find? What can we learn there, or learn just by trying to get there, that will make life better here on Earth?
NASA conducts its work in three principal organisations, called mission directorates:
Aeronautics: pioneers and proves new flight technologies that improve our ability to explore and which have practical applications on Earth.
Human Exploration and Operations: focuses on International Space Station operations and human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
Science: explores the Earth, solar system and universe beyond; charts the best route of discovery; and reaps the benefits of Earth and space exploration for society.
Ben Poulter, NASA and David Frank, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)
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