Mar 5 1958

From The Space Library

EXPLORER II launched by Army Jupiter-C failed to orbit due to failure of last stage to ignite, a joint JPL-ABMA project.

H. Res. 490, passed by the House of Representatives, established a Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration to investigate the problems of outer space and to submit recommendations for the control and development of astronautical resources.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the recommendations of his Advisory Committee on Government Organization that the "leadership of the civil space effort be lodged in a strengthened and redesignated National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics," and that legislation be enacted to "give NACA the authority and flexibility" to carry out its expanded responsibilities.

Robert L. Rosholt, An Administrative History of NASA, 1958-1963 (NASA SP-4101, 1966), p. 8.

H. Res. 496, introduced by Representative McCormack. Passed the House March 5, 1958. Created a Select Committee on Astronautics and Space Exploration.