While this new federal agency would conduct all non-military space activity, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) was created in February 1958 to develop space technology for military application.
NACA is capable, by rapid extension and expansion of its effort, of providing leadership in space technology. It is accordingly proposed that the scientific research be the responsibility of a national civilian agency. It is of great urgency and importance to our country both from consideration of our prestige as a nation as well as military necessity that this challenge be met by an energetic program of research and development for the conquest of space.
On January 14, 1958, NACA Director Hugh Dryden published "A National Research Program for Space Technology," stating, On January 12, 1958, NACA organized a "Special Committee on Space Technology," headed by Guyford Stever. The result was a consensus that the White House forged among key interest groups, including scientists committed to basic research the Pentagon which had to match the Soviet military achievement corporate America looking for new business and a strong new trend in public opinion looking up to space exploration. Eisenhower counseled more deliberate measures. Congress, alarmed by the perceived threat to national security and technological leadership (known as the " Sputnik crisis"), urged immediate and swift action President Dwight D. After the Soviet space program's launch of the world's first artificial satellite ( Sputnik 1) on October 4, 1957, the attention of the United States turned toward its own fledgling space efforts. An effort for this was the American Project Vanguard. In the early 1950s, there was challenge to launch an artificial satellite for the International Geophysical Year (1957–1958). 11.3 Partnership with the United States Space Forceīeginning in 1946, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) began experimenting with rocket planes such as the supersonic Bell X-1.4.2 Inner solar system (including Mars).4 Satellites, probes, rovers, launch vehicles.1.3.7 Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development program (2021–present).