The National Aeronautics and Space Administration began operation in 1958.

The Congress hereby declares that it is the policy of the United States that activities in space should be devoted to peaceful purposes for the benefit of all mankind.

The Congress declares that the general welfare and security of the United States require that adequate provision be made for aeronautical and space activities.

The Congress further declares that such activities shall be the responsibility of, and shall be directed by, a civilian agency exercising control over aeronautical and space activities sponsored by the United States...

—from Section 102 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958

When Russia launched Sputnik, the first artifical satellite, in 1957 in the midst of the Cold War, Americans were alarmed about this gap in technological advancement. As a result, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created to further research into space technology. NASA began operations on this day in 1958 and began conducting space missions within a few months. Among the purposes for NASA, included in the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 that created the agency, are the following: "The expansion of human knowledge of the Earth and of phenomena in the atmosphere and space"; "The development and operation of vehicles capable of carrying instruments, equipment, supplies, and living organisms through space"; "The preservation of the role of the United States as a leader in aeronautical and space-science and technology and in the application thereof to the conduct of peaceful activities within and outside the atmosphere"; and "Cooperation by the United States with other nations and groups of nations in work done pursuant to this Act and in the peaceful application of the results thereof." Since its creation, NASA has made great advancements in aeronautics and technology, including manned spaceflights and moon landings, unmanned probes to all eight planets in the solar system and numerous advancements in research and technology, many of which have been adapted for use in everyday life. You can learn more about the History of NASA, as well as its current missions and research, at NASA's Web site.

Science NetLinks
Students assess and evaluate a winning design plan that was submitted to NASA as part of the Space Settlement Design Contest in the lesson Designing a Space Station (9–12).

The lesson Make a Mission (6–8) revolves around the MESSENGER spacecraft mission to Mercury (MESSENGER stands for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging). The corresponding interactive Make a Mission (6–8) helps students understand some of the factors involved when NASA designs a real mission to space. Students build a spacecraft in order to explore the planet Mercury—just as the NASA team did when they planned and built the real MESSENGER spacecraft.

The lesson An Introduction to Remote Sensing (6–8) combines several resources from NASA's Observatorium to teach about remote sensing.

The Science Update Faces in Space (6–12) discusses a proposed system to spot signs of burnout on marathon space flights. NASA is concerned that stress on long missions could affect the astronauts' performance.

The Science Update Space Food (6–12) discusses the challenges involved in providing nourishment to astronauts involved in long-term activity in space.

Exploring the Solar System (6–8) introduces students to Earth's moon and the other planets in our solar system. Gravity Launch (3–5).

Students explore how the Earth's and moon's gravity affect the path of a rocket launched into space in

Illuminations
In Modeling Orbital Debris Problems (9–12), students examine the problem of space pollution caused by human-made debris in orbit to develop an understanding of functions and modeling.

Students explore the concept of orbits, specifically the connection of Earth-orbiting satellites to the study of the environment, in Orbiting Satellites (6–8).

In Travel in the Solar System (6–8), students think about two aspects of the time required to complete space travel within the solar system. First, students consider the amount of time that space travelers must spend on the journey. Second, students think about what kinds of events might occur on Earth while the space travelers are on their journey.

In Water, Water (3–5), students compare the amount of water they use in daily life with the amount allotted to each person for each day on a Space Shuttle mission.

ReadWriteThink
In 3, 2, 1...Blast Off! Vocabulary Instruction Using a Virtual Trip to the Moon (K–2), students learn new vocabulary by taking a virtual field trip to the moon.

ARTSEDGE
In The Sun and Moon in Space and Art (K–4), students learn about properties of the sun and the moon. Then, they create their own drawings based on their knowledge.

In Planets in Balance (5–8), students conduct independent research on one of the planets in our solar system, specifically discovering the planet's composition, weather, atmosphere and satellites. They then create their own mobiles containing planets and satellites.

EDSITEment
The first moon landing is one of the historical events about which students can learn in Eyewitness to History (K–2). In the lesson, students talk with family members about landmark events they have witnessed in their lifetimes to learn how history touches our lives.

EconEdLink
In Destination Mars (3–5), students imagine living on another planet. They launch an expedition to Mars and imagine all the preparation required in order to have a safe and successful mission.

In Eureka! (K–2), students look at how inventions such as plastic have changed our lives and how they are changing the future of living in space.

Xpeditions
Mars Mobiles (K–2) introduces students to the basic features of the Mars landscape, using data reported by NASA's Pathfinder mission.

In Martian Real Estate: A Good Investment? (3–5), students compare the landscapes of Mars and Earth and explore why the two planets are so different. They conclude by writing letters convincing fictitious family friends that it is probably not a good idea to invest in Martian real estate.

In The Technology of Mars Exploration (9–12), students research the types of technology that are used to map and explore Mars.