Civics 101 NASA
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May 15, 2018 Space is vast, and so is NASA's political landscape. The agency, often thought of as purely scientific, is deeply intertwined with government dynamics and funding battles. Discover how historical ties to military agencies shape its evolution and how public perceptions shift with political tides. Leadership changes signal a new focus on lunar exploration over Mars. Learn about proposals aimed at stabilizing its future while enhancing collaboration with educators and the public.
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Founded In Response To Sputnik
- Hannah McCarthy says NASA formed to unify US rocket and aeronautics work after Sputnik.
- President Eisenhower created NASA in 1958 to centralize disparate programs.
Administrator Appointed By President
- Hannah McCarthy explains the NASA administrator is appointed by the president.
- That leader sets agency priorities when the president signals a direction.
Centers Handle Distinct Roles
- Hannah McCarthy describes Kennedy, Johnson, JPL, Goddard and others as specialized centers.
- Each center handles launches, human missions, robotic missions, or Earth science respectively.
