Answer:

The correct answer is option 'A' - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Explanation:

The Lucy Mission, which was recently seen in the news, was launched by NASA. Here is a detailed explanation of the answer:

Lucy Mission:
The Lucy Mission is a NASA-led space exploration mission that aims to study the Trojan asteroids, which are a group of asteroids that share the same orbit as Jupiter. These asteroids are believed to be remnants from the early formation of the solar system and can provide valuable insights into the history and evolution of our solar system.

NASA:
NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA was established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). The new agency was to have a distinctly civilian orientation, encouraging peaceful applications in space science.

Role of NASA:
NASA plays a crucial role in space exploration and scientific research. It develops and launches missions to study various celestial bodies, including planets, asteroids, comets, and other objects in the solar system and beyond. NASA also conducts research on Earth's atmosphere, climate, and other related fields. The agency collaborates with international space organizations and other countries to carry out space missions.

Lucy Mission - NASA's Involvement:
The Lucy Mission is a part of NASA's Discovery Program, which aims to explore the solar system through relatively low-cost missions with highly focused scientific goals. The mission was selected by NASA in January 2017 as one of the two finalists for the Discovery Program, and it was officially approved for development in August 2019.

Objective of the Lucy Mission:
The primary objective of the Lucy Mission is to study the Trojan asteroids, which are located in two swarms that share Jupiter's orbit around the Sun. These asteroids are believed to be remnants from the early formation of the solar system and have remained relatively unchanged over billions of years. By studying these asteroids, scientists hope to gain insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Lucy Mission, which aims to study the Trojan asteroids, was launched by NASA. NASA, as the United States' space agency, plays a significant role in space exploration and scientific research. Through missions like Lucy, NASA contributes to our understanding of the solar system and the universe.