October 1, 1958: The Creation of NASA

Press Releases | Sep, 27 2013

L-R: Alan Shepard, John Glenn (behind Shepard), Gus Grisson, Sen. LBJ Library photo by Lyndon B. Johnson, Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Walter Schirra, Deke Slayton. Frank Muto #59-5-3.3

On Nov. 25, 1957 Senator Lyndon B. Johnson began hearings on American space and missile activities in the Preparedness Investigating Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee. This led on Feb. 6, 1958 to the establishment of a Senate Special Committee on Space and Aeronautics, with the goal of establishing a space agency, and Senator Johnson as its chairman.

NASA formally opened for business on Oct. 1, 1958.

Lbj On a fence Sepia

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