National Aeronautics and Space Administration

An in-depth look at the people and policies behind the government agency known as NASA, from its founding in 1958 to the controversies and challenges it faces today.

Part of the Agents of Government series

Whether they are countering cyber attacks, regulating pollution, or investigating plane crashes, Agents of Government affect the lives of all Americans. In this new series, travel around the U.S. to see how these government organizations got their start and how their work continues to influence people all over the world. Each title examines the agency's mission, command structure, and key policies, along with important incidents or controversies. Critical opinions and agency-insider biographies assist in offering a fully contextualized report that poses the question: has this federal agency accomplished what it set out to do?