Iconic NASA Pictures

Fifty-four years ago today, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began operations as a pioneering force in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research. Although the agency's space shuttle program was officially shut down in 2011 after 30 years of human spaceflight, NASA continues to send spacecraft into orbit and develop technology for future human exploration of the solar system. We'd like to celebrate NASA's robust history of adventure and innovation with 54 of its most iconic space images.