What Does NASA Stand For?

Most people are familiar with NASA and understand that part of NASA's job is to send people into space.  However, ask the random person what the acronym NASA stands for and you'll get a variety of answers.  Most people get the 'N' right by saying 'National' and most people get the 'S' right by saying 'Space'.  It's the two 'A's' that stump most people.

Here are a few common responses to the "what does NASA stand for" question.

National Astronomy & Space Association

National Astronomy & Space Agency

National Astronomy & Space of America

National American Space Agency

National American Space Association

National American Space Administration

National Aeronautical Space Agency

National Aeronautical Space Administration

National Aeronautical Space of Association

National Astronauts in Space Association

All, of course, are wrong.  It makes sense that people would associate the first 'A' with astronomy since space is associated with astronomy and astronauts go into space.  Some people do say aeronautical for the first 'A', which is very close, but not quite there.  The first 'A' stands for 'aeronautics''. 

The second 'A' in NASA is more commonly stated correctly, but the words 'Association', 'Agency', and 'America' are more commonly stated than the correct term 'Administration'.

Officially, NASA stands for National Aeronautics & Space Administration.  Now you are informed and can correctly answer this question when your kids ask.  :-)