history.nasa.gov · nasa’s origins and the dawn of the space age document 8 title: “national...

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Document 8

Title: “National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958,” Public Law 85–568, 72 Stat. 426, signed by President Eisenhower on July 29, 1958.

Source: R e c o rd Group 255, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

After the launch of Sputnik and the publicity surrounding it, the Eisenhower administration movedquickly to create an American civilian space agency. The National Advisory Committee for Aero-nautics (NACA) was too small for the task, however, so the White House decided that a new agency,with the NACA as its core, but also including rocket and space engineers involved in variousdefense programs, was needed. On March 5, 1958, President Eisenhower approved a final memo-randum ordering the Bureau of Budget to draft a space bill immediately. It was ready three weekslater and was sent to Congress on April 2. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson had much influence on theform of the final bill, which was passed after lengthy congressional deliberations. In particular,Congress added to the administration bill a requirement for a National Aeronautics and SpaceCouncil as a presidential-level policy coordinating board.

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Monographs in Aerospace History #10

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Monographs in Aerospace History #10

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Monographs in Aerospace History #10

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Monographs in Aerospace History #10

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Monographs in Aerospace History #10

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Monographs in Aerospace History #10

NASA’s Origins and the Dawn of the Space Age

Monographs in Aerospace History #10