July 29 in American History

July 29, 1958 — NASA is created

President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, standing up NASA in direct response to the Soviet Union's Sputnik launch. A civilian space agency, rather than a purely military one, was a deliberate choice about what kind of country America wanted to be in space.

Common Questions About July 29

What happened on July 29 in American history?

In 1958: NASA is created. President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, standing up NASA in direct response to the Soviet Union's Sputnik launch.

Why is July 29 significant?

President Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, standing up NASA in direct response to the Soviet Union's Sputnik launch. A civilian space agency, rather than a purely military one, was a deliberate choice about what kind of country America wanted to be in space.

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