NASA Mission
To pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautic research.

NASA Vision and Goals

• Extend a human presence throughout the solar system by advancing US scientific, security, and economic interests through a robust space exploration program
• Fly Shuttle as safely as possible until its retirement, no later than 2010
• Complete International Space Station (ISS) fulfilling NASA's international partner commitments and needs of human exploration
• Develop overall program balancing science, exploration, and aeronautics consistent with redirection of human spaceflight program to focus on exploration
• Bring new Crew Exploration Vehicle into service ASAP after Shuttle retirement
• Encourage pursuit of appropriate partnerships with emerging commercial space sector
• Establish lunar return program maximizing possible utility for later missions to Mars and other destinations