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The Early Space Program Being Conducted By The US Army
Source: US Army
| The United States Army has a rich history in exploration
of the space frontier. In fact, America's space program was initiated
following the Second World War by the U. S. Army. It's initial success
was the development of America's first working modern rocket -- the Redstone
rocket. This was immediately followed by the Army's launch of Explorer
I, America's first satellite. Other early efforts included the development
of the Jupiter Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, the world's first
active communications satellite and some of the moon probes. These programs
highlighted the contribution of Army pioneers in the use of space systems
for communication, navigation, mapping, and surveillance.
Since these early efforts, the Army's contribution to the American space program has evolved and diversified. Part of this evolution and diversification was the establishment of the United States Army Space Command. The U. S. Army Space Command (USARSPACE) began in September 1984 as an Army Staff Field Element. The Field Element acted as liaison to U. S. Air Force Space Command and initiated planning for Army participation in the unified U. S. Space Command. In September 1985, the Staff Element was re designated as the Army Space Planning Group and became the Army element of the newly formed U. S. Space Command. In August 1986, the group was again re designated as the Army Space Agency. The Agency was the Army component to the U. S. Space Command and a Field Operating Agency of Headquarters, Department of the Army. On 7 April, 1988, the U. S. Army Space Command was activated and organized to support the field Army. It absorbed the planning and support functions of the Army Space Agency and assumed operational space missions. In August 1992, the U. S. Army Space Command became an element of the newly formed U. S. Army Space and Strategic Defense Command. Since 1992, USARSPACE has made invaluable contributions in support of Army Warfighter in both contingency operations and on major exercises. The USARSPACE leadership and staff are truly leading the way for the Force Projection Army as it enters the 21st Century. Here are some videos showing the early space research by the US Army. |
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MS Media Movie, Size 2.9 Megs. A color video produced in 1958 right after launch of Explorer. |
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MS Media Movie, Size 4.66 Megs. The US Army in Space and at Sea. This
28-minute film produced in 1971 (part of the Army's "Big Picture"
series) spotlights the Army's contribution to the space program and its
underwater salvage operations. Of interest to this installation is archival
footage of early space missions, footage of Dr. Von Braun and MG Medaris. |
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MS Media Movie, Size 1.59 Megs. Army in Space - co-produced by our own Michael E. Baker, Command Historian, an historical look at the Army's role in space |
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MS Media Movie, Size .97 Megs. Army-NASA Transfer Ceremony - 3-minute silent footage of the transfer between the Army and NASA, 1 July 1960 |
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MS Media Movie, Size 7.7 Megs. Big Picture - 30-minute film produced in 1958 about the behind-the-scenes activities surrounding the launch of EXPLORER I |
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MS Media Movie, Size 586 KB. EXPLORER I - 3-minute film produced in 1978 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the EXPLORER I launch. Excellent archival footage (sound, B/W, length 3:32) |
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MS Media Movie, Size 8.49 Megs. Follow Me - produced in 1960 just before the transfer of some 4000 people from ABMA to NASA, it's a great summary of the Army's history in rocket and missile development. Footage of Private A, V-2 shots, Corporal... it's all here. Terrific Cold War |
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MS Media Movie, Size 553 KB. Nose cone recovery - a short, 2-minute briefing tape on the historic recovery of a nose cone from a JUPITER-C missile |
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MS Media Movie, Size 6.67 Megs. Price of a Goof - Produced by the Army Ordnance Missile Command (1961-62 timeframe), film was designed to motivate employees to be more conscientious in their work. |