The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, commonly known as NASA, was started in 1958, partly in response to the Soviet Union’s aeronautic achievements (NASA, 2014). Since then, NASA has worked to achieve advancements in aerospace travel, technology, and scientific research. In 1969, NASA facilitated the first space mission to the moon. NASA first launched its reusable space shuttle in 1981, and the shuttle went on 130 successful exploration and scientific missions until it was retired in 2011. In 2000, Russia and the United States established a permanent space station that is used by 15 different nations (NASA, 2014). Continue reading...