The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was formed in 1958 from the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA) and other agencies in the military and government that might benefit from a centralization of efforts in air and space research. Within a decade, NASA had three piloted and several unpiloted space projects either complete or in the works. In the next few years, NASA introduced digital computers to aeronautics.

During its first fifteen years, NASA experienced its greatest period of influence on computing, both in hardware and software. Since the mid-1970s, NASA has become more of a user than an originator of computing technology, though several research programs still exist. NASA's need for cost-effective and innovative solutions to problems of navigation, safety, and communication has significantly influenced the development of computer technology, particularly in the application of embedded real time systems, redundancy, networks, large...