May 03

Space Rocket History #438 – Explorer 50, Westar 1, & NOAA 4

NASA’s Explorer 50, also known as Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-8 or IMP-8, stands as a testament to humanity’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration beyond the confines of Earth.

Explorer 50

Westar 1

NOAA 4

 



Apr 19

Space Rocket History #437 – Mariner 10 – Venus & Mercury

Scientists had long been intrigued by Mercury, the innermost planet of our solar system. Despite its proximity to the Sun, Mercury remained largely unexplored, with many questions remaining about its surface features, geological composition, and magnetic field. The scientific community recognized the need for a dedicated mission to study Mercury up close and unlock its secrets.

Mariner 10 with Instruments Labeled

Mariner 10's view of Venus

Mariner 10’s view of Venus

Mariner 10’s Second Flyby of Mercury Showing Equator to South Pole

 



Apr 05

Space Rocket History #436 – Pioneer 11

Pioneer 11 detected Saturn’s bow shock on Aug. 31, 1979, about 932,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) out from the planet, thus providing the first conclusive evidence of the existence of Saturn’s magnetic field.

Pioneer 11 Launch

Pioneer 11 Beginning Gravity Slingshot Maneuver

Pioneer 11 Saturn Photo Taken 08/28/1979



Sep 13

An Encore Presentation of Space Rocket History #26 – Why the Moon?

“We have been plunged into a race for the conquest of outer space. As a reason for this undertaking some look to the new and exciting scientific discoveries which are certain to be made. Others feel the challenge to transport man beyond frontiers he scarcely dared dream about until now. But at present the most impelling reason for our effort has been the international political situation which demands that we demonstrate our technological capabilities if we are to maintain our position of leadership. For all of these reasons we have embarked on a complex and costly adventure. It is the purpose of this report to clarify the goals, the missions and the costs of this effort in the foreseeable future, particularly with regard to the man-in-space program.” From 1960 Ad Hoc Panel on Man-In-Space.

JFK Houston

JFK at NASA Houston

413px-John_F._Kennedy_speaks_at_Rice_University

JFK Rice University

1962

JFK Congress Address