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NASA Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Oct. 1 marks the 50th Anniversary of NASA, as it was on this date in 1958 that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began operations. Over the past 50 years, the employees of America's space program have been at the forefront of many incredible accomplishments. Kennedy Space Center has a rich history in the space program, having been named an independent NASA installation in 1962. From the historic launch pads in Florida, we have launched missions of discovery.
› Continue reading Director's Note
by Kennedy Space Center Director William Parsons
Additional Features:
› 50th Anniversary Photo Gallery
› Read the Spaceport News Print Edition (PDF)
50th Anniversary Features
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NACA's Dreams Turned into NASA Reality
Before NASA was formed, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, or NACA, conducted the nation's aeronautical research.
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Debus a Forefather of NASA, Kennedy Space Center
Dr. Kurt H. Debus was Kennedy Space Center's first director.
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In the Beginning: Project Mercury
Just six days after NASA formally organized, America’s first manned space program was born.
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Project Gemini: Apollo's Training Ground
The Gemini missions provided knowledge and experience that paved the way to the moon.
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Moon Likely a Hub for Mars, Beyond
Just five months shy of the end of the 1960s, NASA rose to President Kennedy's lunar challenge. In the next decade, NASA will go to the moon again.
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Shuttle Ushered in New Space Exploration
The shuttle fleet has become a picture of versatility and stunning longevity during 27 years of service to America's space agency.
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ELV Launches Remain Kennedy's Backbone
NASA has relied on the Space Coast and a fleet of expendable launch vehicles to carry the agency’s multitude of scientific, Earth-observing and interplanetary missions into space.
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Bumper Project Led to Birth of a Moonport
Brevard County’s introduction to the Space Age came in October 1949.
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Emergence of a Marsport the Next Logical Step
Planning gets under way at Kennedy to support NASA's new Constellation Program.
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Great Observatories Show the Light
NASA launched four telescopes that have unlocked some of the most profound mysteries of space.
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Kennedy Celebrates NASA's 50th
Kennedy Space Center has hosted visitors and honorary guests from its inception.
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Diverse Work Force Brings Success to KSC
Achievements at Kennedy Space Center happen because of a superior work force characterized by its diversity.