The abbreviation "NASA" stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Established in 1958, this United States government agency is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA plays a significant role in space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. The agency has been involved in numerous historic missions, including the Apollo moon-landing missions, the Space Shuttle program, and the Mars rover explorations. NASA continues to expand our understanding of the universe and contributes to advancements in technology, benefiting various fields beyond space exploration.