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On October 4, 1957 Sputnik became the first satellite ever launched into Earth's orbit and in turn began the U.S.-Soviet space race. In response to the U.S.S.R.’s launch of Sputnik I, the United States officially established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on July 29, 1958 with the hopes of beating the Russians to space.

NASA's first successful launch was the Explorer I. This satellite was designed to test the capabilities of the Jupiter-C launch vehicle and what would happen to the computer systems while in Earth orbit. To encourage the peaceful exploration and development of space science, President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose to form NASA as a civilian agency rather than a military-run organization.

All personnel working with the government's 43-year-old National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics were absorbed into the newly formed agency and immediately focused on a manned space mission. During this time, scientists, engineers and administrators worked together to develop a better understanding of the Earth, its atmosphere, and new technologies. 1958's Vanguard satellite was the first ever powered by solar cells and the experiments didn't stop there.

NASA continues to conduct groundbreaking research. Just this past year, a team on the International Space Station successfully grew red romaine lettuce...IN SPACE! This is a huge step towards the creation of a sustainable food source for astronauts embarking on long-term missions. Next stop? Mars!

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