NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

October 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of NASA. Part of the sequence of events that led to the creation of NASA included launching Explorer 1. In January 1958, a modified Redstone rocket lifted the first American satellite into orbit three months after the von Braun team received the go-ahead. This modified rocket was known as a Jupiter-C. Its satellite payload was called Explorer 1. (NASA/MSFC)
In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy envisioned an American on the moon by the end of the decade, NASA turned to Marshall Space Flight Center to create the incredibly powerful rocket needed to turn this presidential vision into reality. Today, NASA is working on America’s new space vision -- return to the moon and stay. Once again, NASA has turned to the experts at Marshall for an even more powerful rocket that will fulfill the new vision -- establishing a lunar outpost -- and will succeed the space shuttle as America's only way to deliver people into Earth orbit and into space.

Since its beginning in 1960, Marshall has provided the agency with mission-critical design, development and integration of the launch and space systems required for space operations, exploration, and scientific missions. Marshall's legacy in rocket science includes providing the rockets that powered Americans to the moon, developing the space shuttle propulsion system, and managing the development of Skylab, Spacelab, space station nodes, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and many scientific instruments.

Marshall's unique interdisciplinary approach to problem solving brings scientific and engineering expertise together, providing answers that improve life on Earth, inspire a new generation, and stimulate innovation for the future of space exploration.

The Marshall Space Flight Center History Office provides a wealth of information about the history of the center. Visit the history office online, and you will find information about the early years of rocket power from the Redstone Rocket to the Saturn V, 20 years of space shuttle operations, and exciting scientific discoveries.

Explore how Dr. Wernher von Braun and the team of German rocket scientists helped shape Marshall and the city of Huntsville. Browse through historical articles and learn about Marshall’s contributions to the U.S. space program.