History+of+NASA+Ames

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The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) founded NASA Ames Research Center, located at Moffett Field, California on December 20, 1939, as an aircraft research laboratory and in 1958 it became part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Ames Research Center, one of 10 NASA field installations, is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley at the core of the research cluster of high-tech companies, universities and laboratories that define the region’s character. With over $3.0 billion in capital equipment, 4,000 research personnel, and a $775 million annual budget, Ames’ economic impact is significant. Ames plays a critical role in virtually all NASA missions in support of America’s space and aeronautics programs.

As a leader in information technology research with a focus on super computing, networking, and intelligent systems, Ames conducts the critical R&D and develops the enabling technologies that make NASA missions possible.

Ames also is a leader in nanotechnology, fundamental space biology, biotechnology, aerospace and thermal protection systems, and human factors research. Ames research in astrobiology focuses on the effects of gravity on living things, and the nature and distribution of stars, planets and life in the universe.

In addition, Ames works collaboratively with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), conducting research in air traffic management to make safer, cheaper and more efficient air travel a reality. Ames engages in information and education outreach, forms collaborative partnerships, and fosters commercial application of NASA technologies. Ames is developing the NASA Research Park, an integrated, dynamic research and education community created to cultivate diverse partnerships with academia, industry and non-profit organizations in support of NASA’s mission.