Understanding the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

What is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration – more commonly referred to as ‘NASA’ - is an Independent and Executive Federal Agency responsible for the planning, management, and oversight of endeavors undertaken by the United States of America regarding space travel and exploration.

Upon the creation of NASA at the close of the 1950s, the international ‘Space Race’ had reached a critical mass; this colloquialism was created by the media during what was described as an unofficial ‘race’ taking place on an international basis relating to the development and successful undertaking of space travel – although the Soviet Union were the first nation to send a human being into space, the United States – through NASA technology – were the first nation to send a human to the moon:

NASA Quick Facts

The following details outline the structuring of the NASA:

NASA was founded on July 25th, 1958 in accordance to the passing of the National Aeronautics and Space Act passed by former-President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower; the legislation expressed within this act established space exploration as falling under the jurisdiction of Military activity

The headquarters of the NASA are located in Washington, D.C.

NASA is administered by Charles Bolden, who serves as the administrator of NASA; Lori Garver serves as the Deputy Administrator – however, in conjunction the executive administration, a board of chairpersons assists the decision-making and voting procedures

NASA: Independent Government Agency vs. Executive Government Agency

Independent Government Agencies are specific organizations and bureaus under the over arching jurisdiction of the Federal Government of the United States; however, these independent agencies are typically without a specified Department responsible for their respective oversight and administration:

However, while non-independent government agencies are classified as existing under the jurisdiction of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, the NASA – as well as the bulk of independent government agencies – are under varying degrees of the Executive branch’s jurisdiction Independent Federal Agencies are typically without a single director or executive; in contrast, independent government agencies – such as the NASA - are overseen by an executive directorial board

Due to this fact, the Executive Branch retains less managerial oversight of the NASA than its agency counterparts; although the President of the United States retains administrative jurisdiction over the NASA, the presence of a committee of directors allows for a decreased executive authority over hiring, staffing, and administration

NASA: Legal Information and Further Assistance

The operation and administration of the NASA resides under the jurisdiction of the legal field classified as Administrative Law; this genre of law is primarily associated with events and circumstances in which the Federal Government of the United States engages its citizens, including the administration of government programs, the administration and operation of government agencies, and the establishment of a legal, regulatory federal standard – you can find both the primary address and telephones number of the NASA below:

NASA Headquarters

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