On Nov. 5, 1958, NASA, newly established to lead America’s civilian space program, formally established the Space Task Group (STG) at NASA’s Langley Research
at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, to implement one of the nation’s top priorities – to develop a spacecraft capable of sending humans into space and returning them safely to Earth. In January 1959, the STG selected a contractor to build the spacecraft for Project Mercury and began the process of choosing who would fly the spacecraft. President Dwight D. Eisenhower directed NASA to choose its first astronauts from among the ranks of military pilots.
President Eisenhower decided that military test pilots would make the most suitable astronauts. Choosing from among armed forces personnel would expedite the selection process since the government had access to their records and all had received prior security clearances and medical screening. On Jan.
On April 9, 1959, NASA formally introduced the men to the nation and the world. The event took place in the ballroom of the Dolley Madison House on Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., the new space agency’s first headquarters.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
45 Years Ago: Space Shuttle Columbia Arrives at NASA’s Kennedy Space CenterOn March 24, 1979, space shuttle Columbia arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for the very first time. Following Presidential direction to build the
Read more »
David Clyde, 18-Year-Old Texas Rangers Savior, Sacrificed 50 Years AgoThe first draft pick from 1973 had lots of promise, but his youth and talent were severely mishandled in Texas.
Read more »
X-Men '97 Fixes An Annoying Problem The Animated Series Created 27 Years AgoX-Men ’97 fixed an old X-Men: TAS tease.
Read more »
Rays were more diverse 150 million years ago than previously thoughtScientists have explored the puzzling world of rays that lived 150 million years ago and discovered a previously hidden diversity -- including a new ray species. This study significantly expands the understanding of these ancient cartilaginous fish and provides further insights into a past marine ecosystem.
Read more »
Iron Man's MCU Phase 6 Villain Upgrade Was Teased 14 Years AgoThe Iron Man villain upgrade everyone wants.
Read more »
Santorini volcano: Freak eruption 1,300 years ago was as violent as 2022 Tonga eruptionSascha is a U.K.-based trainee staff writer at Live Science. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Southampton in England and a master’s degree in science communication from Imperial College London. Her work has appeared in The Guardian and the health website Zoe.
Read more »