NASA History

20 years ago today, following its July 4 launch, Space Shuttle Discovery performed an R-bar pitch maneuver (a backflip) before docking with the International Space Station.

This maneuver, instituted after the Columbia disaster, allowed the ISS crew to inspect the shuttle's heat shield for damage.

The STS-121 mission delivered supplies and equipment to the station, as well as a third Expedition 13 crew member: ESA - European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter.

Happy 50th birthday, National Air and Space Museum! 🎉

Since the moment 50 years ago today when NASA's Viking 1 orbiter beamed a signal from Mars for the museum's interplanetary ribbon-cutting, millions have been inspired on a journey through our nation's history in the air and in space! Here's to many more wonderful years ahead!!

Happy 100th birthday, Mel Brooks! 🌟 May the Schwartz be with you today and every day!

“Every generation has the obligation to free men’s minds for a look at new worlds...to look out from a higher plateau than the last generation.”

We remember NASA astronaut Ellison Onizuka, born in Hawaii 80 years ago today. Onizuka became the first Asian American in space in January 1985. He was one of seven astronauts who tragically died in the Challenger accident one year later.