July 29

Birthday of my twin and I

National Aeronautics and Space Act

The National Aeronautics and Space Act is the legislation that created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It was signed into law on July 29, 1958, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Background

The National Aeronautics and Space Act was passed in response to the Soviet Union's launch of the first manmade satellite, Sputnik, in 1957. This event heightened Cold War tensions and led to increased efforts by the United States to advance its space exploration capabilities.

Objectives of NASA

1. Expand the human knowledge of phenomena in the atmosphere and space

2. Improve the usefulness performanse speed safety and efficens of air and space vehicles

3. Development and operation of vehicles cable of carrying instruments equipment, supplies and living organisms through space

4. The establishment of long-range studies of the potential benefits to be gained from, the opportunities for, and the problems involved in the utilization of aeronautical and space activities for peaceful and scientific purposes.

5. The preservation of the role of the United States as a leader in aeronautical and space science and technology and in the application thereof to the conduct of peaceful activities within and outside the atmosphere.

6. The making available to agencies directly concerned with national defenses of discoveries that have military value or significance, and the furnishing by such agencies, to the civilian agency established to direct and control nonmilitary aeronautical and space activities, of information as to discoveries which have value or significance to that agency.

7. Cooperation by the United States with other nations and groups of nations in work done pursuant to this Act and in the peaceful application of the results, thereof.

8. The most effective utilization of the scientific and engineering resources of the United States, with close cooperation among all interested agencies of the United States in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort, facilities, and equipment.

Legacy

The National Aeronautics and Space Act laid the foundation for NASA's role in space exploration and scientific discovery. Over the years, NASA has achieved numerous milestones, including the Apollo moon landings, the Space Shuttle program, and the exploration of Mars and beyond.