the presidents that paved the way for space exploration

1945 to 1953

harry S. truman

Oversaw Operation Paperclip, which imported German rocket scientists to the United States.

Initiated the first US attempts to build an intercontinental ballistic missile, but cancelled them as early as 1947 in favour of ‘cruise’ missiles that remain in Earth’s atmosphere throughout

their flight.

Several studies of the potential for satellite launches occurred in his administration, but none

led to action. Generally dismissive of even limited space exploration, describing the idea as “hooey”.

Dwight D. eisenhower

1953 to 1961

Advocated the civilian use of space and fought

against its militarisation. Backed the Naval Research Laboratory’s Vanguard satellite launcher over the Army’s ‘Project Orbiter’. Announced plans to launch a satellite during the IGY

of 1957 to 1958. Led the US response following the unexpected

launch of Sputnik 1. Approved the resumption of Project Orbiter, leading

to the successful launch of Explorer 1. Oversaw the formation of NASA, but in retirement

came to doubt the value of manned spaceflight.

John f. Kennedy

1961 to 1963

Exploited the supposed ‘missile gap’ with Russia in

order to win the presidency. Initially argued for international cooperation in space, only to have the offer rejected by Soviet

Premier Khrushchev. Responded to the Soviet launch of Yuri Gagarin,

becoming determined that the US should win the Space Race for reasons of both security

and prestige. Oversaw the Mercury program that put the first US

astronauts in orbit. Committed the US to a manned lunar landing in the

1960s in a May 1961 speech to Congress.