Whether NASA is using social networks to allow students to interact directly with astronauts or creating a Cloud Computing Platform to give unprecedented access to scientific data, NASA has embraced Open Government.

NASA‘s founding legislation, the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, addresses the role NASA should play in ensuring the general welfare of the United States, with language directly applicable to the principles of Open Government:
Sec. 203. (a) The Administration, in order to carry out the purpose of this Act, shall— (1) plan, direct, and conduct aeronautical and space activities; (2) arrange for participation by the scientific community in planning scientific measurements and observations to be made through use of aeronautical and space vehicles, and conduct or arrange for the conduct of such measurements and observations;
(3) provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results thereof; (4) seek and encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space; and (5) encourage and provide for Federal Government use of commercially provided space services and hardware, consistent with the requirements of the Federal Government.
— NASA Space Act (as Amended), Section 203 [emphasis added]

NASA is a community of scientists, engineers, and other professionals who explore the Earth and space for the benefit of humankind. As we uncover increasing knowledge about the universe and solve difficult engineering challenges, we are continuously experimenting in labs, workshops, and offices. We gather and analyze information about our universe, requiring perseverance and creativity to solve unique challenges. Unlocking the complex systems of the cosmos does not come with an operating manual. Instead, we create hypotheses, conduct experiments, and refine our mental models and conceptual frameworks based on evidence and experience.

NASA has developed the following five principles to guide its efforts to integrate Open Government into the Agency:

• Increase Agency transparency and accountability to external stakeholders.
• Enable citizen participation in NASA‘s mission.
• Improve internal NASA collaboration and innovation.
• Encourage partnerships than can create economic opportunity.
• Institutionalize Open Government philosophies and practices at NASA.

No one is an expert in Open Government. We are taking an experimental and scientific approach to Open Government. We recognize the long-term nature of this movement. Finally, we believe that the three flagship projects we have chosen are catalysts for change. They will transform NASA into a more transparent, participatory, and collaborative Agency and ease our transition into a twenty-first-century space program.

NASA-Open Government Plan