The Early History of the United States Space Program (original) (raw)

2014, North Alabama Historical Review

The United States space program began as a response to Russia during the Cold War, but soon became an important part of American history. Advances in technology, medicine, and many other areas gave the program the validity the validity needed to continue to sustain itself. At the same time, Lyndon B. Johnson was a democratic senator who chaired the Senate Preparedness Investigation Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Concerned that the United States was falling behind the Soviets when it came to missile technology, Johnson called on Dr. Eilene Galloway, recent author of a paper published by the House of Representatives titled "Guided Missiles in Foreign Countries." Johnson used Dr. Galloway's assistance as he conducted meetings and investigations on how the United States could catch and surpass the Soviets in missile technology. 2 Many engineers and scientists testified, convincing Johnson and the committee that space should before advancing mankind in peaceful exploration, not as a place to conduct war. On July 28, 1958 President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating NASA. 3 It was determined that engineers, not military generals, would lead this particular government entity. Galloway also assisted in drafting the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, presented to the United Nations in November of 1958. This committee promoted the peaceful exploration and research of outer space in hopes that countries would collaborate instead of compete. On May 2, 1944, a German rocket scientist named Magnus Von Braun approached an Army private on a motorcycle telling him, "My name is Magnus von Braun. My brother invented the V-2. We wish to surrender". 4 His brother, Wernher von Braun, was on the top of