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National Aeronautics and Space Administration - the successor of the earlier National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. Begun in 1958, largely in order to gain a moral victory in the Cold War by beating the USSR to the moon, their main purpose is to gain knowledge about outer space and neighboring celestial objects in order to increase humanity's knowledge of the cosmos. Initially well-funded and manned by some of the greatest scientists of the 20th century, the Administration's space programs helped to develop some of the most influential and often-used technology of the modern day (satellite technology, computers, electronic miniaturization, temperature resistant materials, etc.). Unfortunately, due to the multitude of early successes and prevailing opinion in Washington, NASA is often expected to do more with less money, as Congress often slashes budgets and expects better service. Not wanting to lose the tradition of innovation, NASA has recently tried to appease the government and an ever-increasing public ignorance of the benefits of scientific exploration, and as a result has tried to do more than they should, resulting in the 1986 Challenger explosion, and the heat shield failure of the Columbia in 2003, along with less deadly failures of Mars probes.
NASA fails because we allow it to; we expect that becuase "those NASA guys are geniuses" that they can do something with next to nothing. Space travel has always been, and will always be dangerous.
by G. M. Leuty March 08, 2004
Sep 16 Word of the Day
(noun) A successful type of theft which results in an acceptable, impressive and rewarding payday for the protagonist.
Last night, hit a good lick. I brought home three figures easy for about two hours worth of my time. Not too bad I don't think.
by Nikki Stixx January 18, 2021
2
Washington: Nasa, put stuff in space!
Nasa: But you only gave me 4 pennies and a used piece of gum.
Washington: Muahaha
Nasa: But you only gave me 4 pennies and a used piece of gum.
Washington: Muahaha
by Zarquon July 31, 2006
5
In the 60s it was just a group of scientists former Nazis charged with war crimes trying to get to to the moon now they are trying to get to mars
some guy: oh yeah i work at k-mart its really hard
brain surgeon: its not brain surgery, im a brain surgeon by the way
rocket scientist:any one can work on brains its not rocket science, i work at NASA by the way
brain surgeon: its not brain surgery, im a brain surgeon by the way
rocket scientist:any one can work on brains its not rocket science, i work at NASA by the way
by paperluigi12345 May 18, 2019
6
Dude that girl Megan went NASA on us, remember when she hooked up with me, you, and my sister at the same time.
by bofanD October 13, 2008