The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is an agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. Founded in 1958, DARPA has a staff of approximately 630 people and is headquartered in the United States. The agency's mission is to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military by funding and managing research and development projects that have the potential to create breakthrough technologies. DARPA has been responsible for the development of numerous technologies that have had a significant impact on the military and civilian sectors, including the internet, GPS, and stealth technology.