National Aerospace Exploration and Research Agency

National Aerospace Exploration and Research Agency

Agency overview
Abbreviation	NAERA
Formed	15th July 1989
Preceding agency	Legionite Aerospace Research Organization (1957-1989)
Type	Space Agency, Aeronautics Research Agency
Jurisdiction	National Government of the Kingdom of Legionas
Headquarters	Aunistria
Motto	Ad astra, per aspera
Administrator	Ursula Beverley
Primary spaceport	Harrison Space Center
Owner	Ministry of Defense
Employees	13,647
Annual budget	LE₳ 37.25 billion (2023)
Website	www.naera.com

The National Aerospace Exploration and Research Agency (NAERA), is a Legionite government agency responsible for and mandated with the conduction of the nation's space program, the launching of satellites and probes into orbit, research and development of technologies as well as aeronautics and space research. NAERA succeeded the Legionite Aerospace Research Organization (LARO) in 1989 following reforms conducted by the Legionite government in a bid to reorganize government agencies. It is an independent agency administered under the Ministry of Defense in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Research as well as the Ministry of in Research and Development. NAERA, and Legionite space-based operations in general are considered, by the Legionite government, a matter of national security. NAERA collaborates regularly with a plethora of domestic and international partners including government agencies, research institutions, as well as relevant private sector entities in its operations, as outlined in the NAERA Act (1988).

It operates from its primary spaceport, the Harrison Space Center, and its primary administrative headquarters is in Aunistria within the Ministry of Defense. The current NAERA Director is Ursula Beverley, appointed in 2021 by Nicholas Moretti.

History

On the 15th of July, 1989, NAERA, with the signing of the National Space Policy Act (1988), was formed as a successor agency of the Legionite Aerospace Research Organization, in order to take Legionite space exploration efforts to a higher level, as interest in space exploration and exploitation intensified within the nation, with LARO being limited in its capacity to undertake such responsibility, having only been focused on aeronautical research in support of the Legionite AirForce, and the Legionite aviation industry, by extension. NAERA was formed to consolidate and streamline Legionite efforts in space exploration, with smaller agencies such as the Institute of Legionite Space Studies, National Institute of Astrophysical Studies and Royal Aeronautical Laboratories also being absorbed into the agency. Prior to absorption, the Institute of Legionite Space Studies was responsible for space and planetary research, as well as how life-forms on Earth would exist and/or survive in various planetary and space conditions, the National Institute of Astrophysical Studies was responsible for the advancement of astrophysical concepts such as astrobiology, cosmology, research on planetary systems, stellar astrophysics etc. and the Royal Aeronautical Laboratories was responsible for the development of experimental rockets and satellites, furthering rocket propulsion technology as well as furthering Legionite launch capabilities and furthering research into mass-driver launch systems.

NAERA's primary spaceport, and operational headquarters are based at the Harrison Space Center, with the area formerly being utilized by the Royal Aeronautical Laboratories, as the Axtres Island Aeronautical Research Facility, as a launching site for experimental rockets and planes, with the space center located at a very advantageous position, close to the equator, and with the expansive Aegir Sea bordering it to the East, making launches considerably less expensive and dangerous. Its administrative headquarters is located within the Ministry of Defense in Aunistria, with the Agency being one of the first to be located at the capital before its promulgation in 1995.