America in orbit 1957-1961

• Early program run by military and CIA:

  • US Army (ABMA/Huntsville): Explorer, Pioneer (with JPL)
  • US Navy (NRL/Washington): Vanguard
  • US Navy (NOTS/China Lake): “NOTSNIK”
  • US Air Force (WDD/Los Angeles): Able, Samos, Midas
  • CIA (Langley): CORONA (Discoverer)

• NASA formed 1958 for civilian space programs

• NRO formed 1961 for reconnaissance programs