NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, has long been a cornerstone of American ingenuity and exploration. Established in 1958, NASA’s mission extends beyond the bounds of space; it significantly contributes to the American economy through job creation, technological innovation, and the stimulation of various industries. While some American taxpayers claim NASA is a “waste of money” and that the funds allocated to NASA “would be better used elsewhere,” when measured, it does not take one very long at all to realize that NASA largely pays for itself and that it holds a vital role in the American — and global — economy.