Since its inception in 1958, physician NASA has accomplished many great scientific and technological feats in air and space.
NASA technology also has been adapted for many nonaerospace uses by the private sector.
NASA remains a leading force in scientific research and in stimulating public interest in aerospace exploration, buy as well as science and technology in general. Perhaps more importantly, our exploration of space has taught us to view Earth, ourselves, and the universe in a new way.
While the tremendous technical and scientific accomplishments of NASA demonstrate vividly that humans can achieve previously inconceivable feats, we also are humbled by the realization that Earth is just a tiny “blue marble” in the cosmos. Check out our “Thinking About NASA History” folder online as an introduction to how history can help you.
On February 24th 2011, NASA launched the first human-like robot to space to become a permanent resident of the International Space Station. Robonaut 2, or R2, was developed jointly by NASA and General Motors under a cooperative agreement to develop a robotic assistant that can work alongside humans, whether they are astronauts.
The 300-pound R2 consists of a head and a torso with two arms and two hands. R2 will launch on space shuttle Discovery as part of the STS-133 mission planned for February 24th. Once aboard the station, engineers will monitor how the robot operates in weightlessness.
Throughout its first decade in orbit, the space station has served as a test bed for human and robotic teamwork for construction, maintenance and science.
R2 will be confined to operations in the station’s Destiny laboratory. However, future enhancements and modifications may allow it to move more freely around the station’s interior or outside the complex.
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