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nasa

nasa_id stringlengths 6 27	caption stringlengths 208 1.27k	title stringlengths 3 396	orig_description stringlengths 80 5.36k	license stringclasses 1 value	center stringclasses 9 values	date_created stringdate 1958-01-01 00:00:00 1972-12-27 00:00:00	image_url stringlengths 59 101
0100057	Three men stand around a large architectural model of a rocket launch facility, examining the structure. The central figure, wearing a dark suit, points toward a white cylindrical tower labeled "U.S. AIR FORCE ORDNANCE CORPS" in vertical lettering. A lattice-work gantry crane structure sits atop the tower, with a small...	Origin of Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)	(From left to right) Karl L. Heimburg, Director of the Test Laboratory; Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director of the Development Operation Division; and Major General John B. Medaris with the model of S-1B Test Stand. Gen. Medaris was a Commander of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, durin...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…0100057~orig.jpg
GRC-1958-C-47803	A technician in jeans and a light shirt stands before the massive, bolted metal structure of the 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the NACA Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory. He reaches into a cluster of small, circular observation ports set into the wall of large cylindrical ducts. The facility, constructed un...	Preheater in the 10-by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel	The 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the NACA Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory was built under the Congressional Unitary Plan Act which coordinated wind tunnel construction at the NACA, Air Force, industry, and universities. The 10- by 10, which began operation in 1956, was the largest of the three NACA tunne...	PD	GRC	1958-04-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-47803~orig.jpg
GRC-1958-C-49377	A man in a tweed jacket and glasses sits at a table covered in technical drawings, examining a small component while a large, ribbed metal nozzle model stands on a block nearby. Several long, curved metal tubes lie on the blueprints, representing the narrow channels used in regeneratively cooled rocket engines. In this...	NASA Engineer Examines the Design of a Regeneratively-Cooled Rocket Engine	An engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center examines a drawing showing the assembly and details of a 20,000-pound thrust regeneratively cooled rocket engine. The engine was being designed for testing in Lewis’ new Rocket Engine Test Facility, which began operating in th...	PD	GRC	1958-12-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-49377~orig.jpg
9248170	The front page of The Huntsville Times features the bold headline "Jupiter-C Puts Up Moon" above a central photograph of a rocket launching vertically against a dark background. The masthead identifies the publication as a "Satellite Extra" edition, with smaller headlines announcing that Eisenhower officially announced...	Early Rockets	In January 1958, a modified Redstone rocket lifted the first American satellite into orbit just 3 months after the the von Braun team received the go-ahead. This modified Redstone rocket was known as a Jupiter-C. Its satellite payload was called Explorer I.	PD	MSFC	1958-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…9248170~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-01966	A metallic scale model of the initial X-15 design rests on a black display stand, mounted by a curved rod attached to the rear engine nozzle. The aircraft features a sharp, pointed nose, swept wings, and a vertical stabilizer, with distinctive side-tunnels running along the fuselage and extending far forward toward the...	X-15 Configurations	This scale-model of North American's initial X-15 design was tested in North American and NACA wind tunnels note the conventional tail and fuselage side-tunnels that extend far toward the aircraft nose. North American engineers would determine that the variable wedge-angle stabilizer created a weight issue, and aeron...	PD	LRC	1958-05-06T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01966/LRC-1958-B701_P-01966~orig.tif
0100075	A white rocket stands vertically against a dark night sky, its engines firing to produce a massive, glowing cloud of orange and yellow exhaust at the base. A slender, angled service arm extends from the left side toward the rocket's midsection. The vehicle features a pointed nose cone and a cylindrical body with visibl...	Early Rockets	Launch of Jupiter-C/Explorer 1 at Cape Canaveral, Florida on January 31, 1958. After the Russian Sputnik 1 was launched in October 1957, the launching of an American satellite assumed much greater importance. After the Vanguard rocket exploded on the pad in December 1957, the ability to orbit a satellite became a matte...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…0100075~orig.jpg
6414024	The Explorer 1 satellite stands vertically, its slender white body topped by a pointed aerodynamic nose cone. Below the nose cone, a section features vertical ribs, while thin wire antennas extend outward from the midsection. The base of the satellite rests on a wider support structure with four small white knobs visib...	Early Rockets	Explorer 1 satellite. This photo was taken during the installation of Explorer-1, the first United States' Earth-orbiting satellite, to its launch vehicle, Jupiter-C, in January 1958	PD	MSFC	1958-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…6414024~orig.jpg
E-3361	A pilot in a pressure suit and helmet stands beside the nose of a sleek, white experimental aircraft, pointing toward the fuselage markings. The aircraft features a pointed nose cone, a bubble canopy, and a tricycle landing gear configuration. Large black lettering on the side reads "X-1E" and "LITTLE JOE," while a gra...	Joe Walker in pressure suit with X-1E	Joe Walker in a pressure suit beside the X-1E at the NASA High-Speed Flight Station, Edwards,California. The dice and "Little Joe" are prominently displayed under the cockpit area. (Little Joe is a dice players slang term for two deuces.) Walker is shown in the photo wearing an early Air Force partial pressure suit. Th...	PD	AFRC	1958-01-27T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…/E-3361~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P_F001-02984	A cutaway view of an aircraft wing section reveals the internal structure and instrumentation used for aerodynamic testing. The metallic wing features a sharp leading edge and a trailing edge equipped with flaps. Numerous labels identify specific components, including "Bleed holes (1/8 - inch diam.)" and "Bleed holes (...	Mach number 6.9 Inlet	Mach number 6.9 Inlet. These negatives in jackets also: L-1958-2984.1 Figure 3b cone in NASA document L-1643 L-1958-2980.1 Figures 3a in document L-1643 declassified from Confidential	PD	LRC	1958-07-08T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P_F001-02984/LRC-1958-B701_P_F001-02984~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01150	A rocket engine test article sits mounted on a heavy steel truss stand against a plain white wall. The central cylindrical body features a segmented metallic band with a serrated or corrugated texture, flanked by dark, smooth sections. Two large, trapezoidal fins extend vertically from the midsection, one pointing upwa...	C-130 drop tests capsule #1	Photographed on: 12 09 58. -- Mercury capsule details, capsule in cargo bay of C-130 airplane prior to drop test, equipment in C130 for doing drop test.	PD	LRC	1958-12-09T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01150/LRC-1958-B701_P-01150~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-02951	A 1/10th scale model of the X-15 research plane is mounted horizontally on a support strut inside a large, concrete-walled testing facility. The white model features a pointed nose cone, swept wings, and vertical stabilizers, with visible panel lines and rivets along its fuselage. A man in a white t-shirt crouches bene...	1/10th Scale Model X-15	A 1/10th Scale Model of the X-15 research plane is prepared in Langley's 7 x 10 Foot Wind Tunnel for studies relating to spin characteristics. -- Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication (page 66), by James Schultz.	PD	LRC	1958-07-08T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-02951/LRC-1958-B701_P-02951~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01840	A white NACA research aircraft sits on a concrete tarmac, its sleek fuselage featuring a pointed nose cone and a single-seat cockpit canopy. The text "NACA" is stenciled in large black letters on the rear fuselage, while a U.S. military star insignia is painted on the forward section. The aircraft has a low-mounted win...	Grumman F9F-2 Panther	Grumman F9F-2 Panther: Originally built as a F9F-3, this Grumman F9F-2 Panther has a Pratt and Whitney J42 turbojet power plant, hence the designation change. This Panther underwent handling quality tests, serving long enough at Langley to witness the change from the NACA to NASA.	PD	LRC	1958-04-16T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01840/LRC-1958-B701_P-01840~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-03445	A white scale model of a Mercury capsule, designated as shape A, stands against a dark background. The spacecraft features a cylindrical upper section with horizontal bands and a conical tip, sitting atop a transparent, cone-shaped lower body. Inside the clear section, a small figure of an astronaut is visible in a rec...	Mercury Project	Scale model of Mercury capsule shape A, indicating the position of the astronaut.	PD	LRC	1958-08-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03445/LRC-1958-B701_P-03445~orig.tif
GRC-1958-C-47954	The fuselage of a Republic F-84 Thunderjet sits on a concrete tarmac, its tail section removed to accommodate a large, flat experimental nozzle attached to the rear engine exhaust. The nozzle extends backward as a long, rectangular structure composed of parallel metal slots, supported by vertical stands. This aircraft ...	Republic F-84 Thunderjet with Slotted Nozzle	A Republic F-84 Thunderjet dramatically modified at the NASA Lewis Research Center to investigate the use of slotted nozzles to reduce exhaust noise. The F-84 was a single-seat fighter-bomber powered by an Allison J35 turbojet. It was the Air Force’s first post-World War II tactical aircraft and was used extensively in...	PD	GRC	1958-05-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-47954~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-03342	A conical spacecraft capsule with alternating black and white horizontal bands rests on wooden blocks on a gravel surface, suspended by a crane hook attached to its apex. A man in a light-colored shirt, trousers, and cap leans into an open circular hatch on the side of the vehicle, while another man stands to the left ...	Mercury: impact studies	Photographed on: 08 05 1958. -- Impact test conducted by Langley's Hydrodynamics Division. The Division conducted a series of impact studies with full scale and model capsules of the original capsule shape A. Joseph Shortal wrote (Vol. 3, p. 16): The basic design of the capsule was made by M.A. Faget and his coworker...	PD	LRC	1958-09-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03342/LRC-1958-B701_P-03342~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01975	A metallic scale model of the initial North American X-15 design rests on a curved black stand attached to a rectangular base. The model features a pointed nose, a long fuselage with rows of rivets, delta wings, and a conventional tail assembly. A rectangular structure with holes is mounted near the tail, and fuselage ...	X-15 Configurations	This scale-model of North American's initial X-15 design was tested in North American and NACA wind tunnels note the conventional tail and fuselage side-tunnels that extend far toward the aircraft nose. North American engineers would determine that the variable wedge-angle stabilizer created a weight issue, and aeron...	PD	LRC	1958-05-06T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01975/LRC-1958-B701_P-01975~orig.tif
0100074	A tall, white multi-stage rocket ascends vertically against a dark night sky, its lower section enveloped in a bright, glowing cloud of exhaust and vapor. The vehicle features a slender upper stage with a conical nose cone and a visible black chevron marking on the side, above which the letters "UE" are printed. A mass...	Early Rockets	Launch of Jupiter-C/Explorer 1 at Cape Canaveral, Florida on January 31, 1958. After the Russian Sputnik 1 was launched in October 1957, the launching of an American satellite assumed much greater importance. After the Vanguard rocket exploded on the pad in December 1957, the ability to orbit a satellite became a matte...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…0100074~orig.jpg
5800669	A tall, white rocket stands vertically on a concrete launch pad, its slender body marked by a black band near the base and a checkered pattern around the nose cone. White vapor billows from the base of the vehicle where it connects to the launch mount, indicating active ground support operations. Several small figures ...	Early Rockets	Redstone missile No. 1002 on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 16, 1958. The Redstone ballistic missile was a high-accuracy, liquid-propelled, surface-to-surface missile developed by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, Redstone Arsenal, in Huntsville, Alabama, under the direction of Dr. von Braun. The Re...	PD	MSFC	1958-05-15T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5800669~orig.jpg
GRC-1958-C-48852	A large, white concrete sign stands behind a manicured hedge, displaying raised lettering that reads "UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT," "NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION," and "Lewis Research Center" in a stylized script. A uniformed security guard wearing a peaked cap stands at attention on the grass to the righ...	NASA Lewis Research Center replaces the NACA Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory	A security guard examines the new sign near the entrance to the Lewis Research Center one day after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was officially established. NASA came into being on October 1, 1958, and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory ...	PD	GRC	1958-10-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-48852~orig.jpg
9801800	The Juno I rocket stands vertically against a dark background, its white cylindrical body marked with a black chevron and the letters "UE" on the upper stage. A small plume of white vapor vents from a port near the base fins. This launch vehicle, a modified Jupiter-C developed by the team at Redstone Arsenal, features ...	Early Rockets	Juno I, a slightly modified Jupiter-C launch vehicle, shortly before the January 31, 1958 launch of America's first satellite, Explorer I. The Jupiter-C, developed by Dr. Wernher von Braun and the rocket team at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, consisted of a modified version of the Redstone rocket's first stag...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…9801800~orig.jpg
0200147	Titled "JUPITER - C EXPLORER I", the illustration displays the launch vehicle vertically on the left, with dimension lines indicating a height of 823.9 inches and a width of 70 inches. To the right, the Explorer I satellite is depicted in the foreground, angled diagonally against a backdrop of Earth, with a white orbit...	Early Rockets	This illustration shows the main characteristics of the Jupiter C launch vehicle and its payload, the Explorer I satellite. The Jupiter C, America's first successful space vehicle, launched the free world's first scientific satellite, Explorer 1, on January 31, 1958. The four-stage Jupiter C measured almost 69 feet in ...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…0200147~orig.jpg
A-24097	A Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is suspended in a steep, nose-up attitude on a metal support structure against a dark background. The single-engine, supersonic interceptor features a long, slender fuselage, a pointed nose cone, and a single-seat cockpit canopy. "U.S. AIR FORCE" is stenciled in large letters along the side...	Lockheed F-104 in Ames 40x80 Foot Wind Tunnel.	3/4 front view from below of Air Force F-104. The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, supersonic interceptor aircraft originally developed by Lockheed for the United States Air Force (USAF). One of the Century Series of fighter aircraft, it was operated by the air forces of more than a dozen nations from 195...	PD	ARC	1958-07-29T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-24097~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-01842	A North American F-100C fighter jet sits on a concrete tarmac, its silver fuselage marked with "U.S. AIR FORCE" lettering and the tail number 42024. The code "FW-024" is stenciled near the wing root next to a star insignia. A tow cable eyelet lies on the ground in the foreground. The aircraft, characterized by its bubb...	North American F-100 C	North American F-100 C airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, October 7, 1958. Photograph published in: A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672. -- Aircraft number: NACA 42024. Side view, 3/4 view from front, 3/4 view fr...	PD	LRC	1958-10-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01842/LRC-1958-B701_P-01842~orig.tif
ARC-1958-A-23928	Four men stand on a paved tarmac discussing the open rear fuselage of a silver research aircraft. The vertical stabilizer displays a winged logo with the text "NACA" and the word "AMES" printed below it. A man in a dark blazer and bow tie gestures toward the exposed internal structure of the aircraft's tail section, wh...	ARC-1958-A-23928	NACA Photographer Thrust reverser on F-94C-1 (AF50-956 NACA 156) Starfire (l to R) Air Force Major E. Sommerich; Ames Engineer Seth Anderson, Lt. Col. Tavasti; and Ames Chief test pilot George Cooper discussing phases of flight evaluation tests. Note: Used in publication in Flight Research at Ames; 57 Years of Devel...	PD	ARC	1958-05-21T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-23928~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-00947	A large scale model of a B-52 bomber is suspended in a wind tunnel, its wing supporting a smaller model of the North American X-15 rocket plane. A wide mesh net is rigged beneath the aircraft to catch the X-15 model as it simulates a release from the bomber's wing. To the right, a man in a light-colored suit stands ins...	North American X-15 model tested in 300MPH Low Speed 7x10 Tunnel	A one-twentieth scale model of the X-15 originally suspended beneath the wing of a B-52 is observed by a scientist of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as it leaves the bomber model in tests to determine the release characteristics and drop motion of the research airplane. Caption: The aerodyna...	PD	LRC	1958-09-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-00947/LRC-1958-B701_P-00947~orig.tif
6414025	The Jupiter-C launch vehicle stands vertically within a complex framework of white metal platforms and railings, its cylindrical white fuselage illuminated by numerous spotlights. The rocket features a pointed nose cone housing the Explorer 1 payload, a slender upper section, and a wider lower stage. The surrounding ga...	Early Rockets	Explorer 1 atop a Jupiter-C in gantry. Jupiter-C carrying the first American satellite, Explorer 1, was successfully launched on January 31, 1958. The Jupiter-C launch vehicle consisted of a modified version of the Redstone rocket's first stage and two upper stages of clustered Baby Sergeant rockets developed by the Je...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…6414025~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-03603	Two men peer through a triangular opening in a large, dark, translucent plastic sheet that dominates the frame. The material is crinkled and reflective, with light catching the folds and seams, creating a web of bright highlights against the dark background. One man, wearing glasses, stands slightly behind the other, w...	Inflation Tests of the Echo 1 Satellite in Weeksville, N.C.	Inflation Tests of the Echo 1 Satellite in Weeksville, N.C. 1958-L-03603 Image Langley engineers Edwin Kilgore (center), Norman Crabill (right) and an unidentified man take a peek inside the vast balloon during inflation tests. Page. 183 Space Flight Revolution NASA Langley Research Center From Sputnik to Apollo. NAS...	PD	LRC	1958-08-13T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03603/LRC-1958-B701_P-03603~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01845	A North American F-100C airplane sits on a concrete tarmac, viewed from directly behind with its vertical stabilizer and rear engine intake centered in the frame. The aircraft's landing gear is deployed, and its wings extend horizontally across the foreground. A line of bare deciduous trees and evergreens stands in the...	North American F-100 C	North American F-100 C airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, October 7, 1958. Photograph published in: A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672. -- Aircraft number: NACA 42024. Side view, 3/4 view from front, 3/4 view fr...	PD	LRC	1958-10-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01845/LRC-1958-B701_P-01845~orig.tif
ARC-1958-A-23753	A dark, hemispherical model with a flat rear face and a small rectangular fin protruding from its center moves through the frame, generating a distinct aerodynamic flow field. A large, curved bow shock wave stands off in front of the blunt nose, while a turbulent, textured wake filled with density fluctuations trails b...	ARC-1958-A-23753	Shadowgraph of Finned Hemispherical model in free-flight show shock waves produced by blunt bodies (H. Julian Allen blunt nose theory) (Used in NASA/AMES publication 'Adventures in Research' A history of Ames Research Center 1940 - 1965 by Edwin P. Hartman - SP-4302)	PD	ARC	1958-01-30T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-23753~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-01844	A North American F-100C fighter jet sits on a concrete tarmac, its rear fuselage and vertical stabilizer angled toward the viewer. The aircraft displays "U.S. AIR FORCE" lettering on the forward fuselage and the tail number "42024" on the rudder. A distinct NASA logo is visible near the top of the tail fin, marking the...	North American F-100 C	North American F-100 C airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, October 7, 1958. Photograph published in: A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672. -- Aircraft number: NACA 42024. Side view, 3/4 view from front, 3/4 view fr...	PD	LRC	1958-10-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01844/LRC-1958-B701_P-01844~orig.tif
0102332	A tall white rocket stands vertically on a launch pad, its slender body marked with "NASA" in large black letters running down the side. To the left, a complex metal service structure rises alongside the vehicle, featuring multiple levels of platforms, ladders, and enclosed service arms. A group of people wearing hard ...	Early Rockets	The modified Jupiter C (sometimes called Juno I), used to launch Explorer I, had minimum payload lifting capabilities. Explorer I weighed slightly less than 31 pounds. Juno II was part of America's effort to increase payload lifting capabilities. Among other achievements, the vehicle successfully launched a Pioneer IV ...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…0102332~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-01847	A North American F-100C jet aircraft sits on a paved surface, facing directly forward with its tricycle landing gear deployed. The aircraft features a large, circular air intake at the nose, a pointed radome, and a bubble canopy visible above the intake. The wings extend outward, and the main landing gear wheels are po...	North American F-100 C	North American F-100 C airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, October 7, 1958. Photograph published in: A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672. -- Aircraft number: NACA 42024. Side view, 3/4 view from front, 3/4 view fr...	PD	LRC	1958-10-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01847/LRC-1958-B701_P-01847~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01140	A U.S. Air Force C-130 transport aircraft sits on a concrete tarmac with its rear cargo ramp lowered. The fuselage displays "TROOP CARRIER" above "U.S. AIR FORCE" lettering and the number "486" in large black numerals. A ground support vehicle is positioned near the nose landing gear. The aircraft is prepared for a dro...	C-130 drop tests capsule #1	Photographed on: 12 09 58. -- Mercury capsule details, capsule in cargo bay of C-130 airplane prior to drop test, equipment in C130 for doing drop test.	PD	LRC	1958-12-09T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01140/LRC-1958-B701_P-01140~orig.tif
5700940	The Jupiter-C Missile No. 27 rests horizontally on a wheeled transport dolly inside a large industrial assembly hall, its long, metallic fuselage extending from the left foreground toward the center. The rocket's rear section features a prominent nozzle assembly with a large central exhaust port surrounded by a ring of...	Early Rockets	Jupiter-C Missile No. 27 assembly at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA), Redstone Arsenal, in Huntsville, Aalabama. The Jupiter-C was a modification of the Redstone Missile, and originally developed as a nose cone re-entry test vehicle for the Jupiter Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM). Jupiter-C success...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5700940~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-03600	A massive, teardrop-shaped structure dominates the interior of a high-bay facility, its surface composed of thousands of vertical, metallic strands that shimmer under overhead lights. The object tapers to a sharp point at the top and flares outward at the base, where a bright, glowing vertical slit separates the two ha...	Inflation Tests of the Echo 1 Satellite in Weeksville, N.C.	Inflation Tests of the Echo 1 Satellite in Weeksville, N.C. 1958-L-03603 Image Langley engineers Edwin Kilgore (center), Norman Crabill (right) and an unidentified man take a peek inside the vast balloon during inflation tests. Page. 183 Space Flight Revolution NASA Langley Research Center From Sputnik to Apollo. NAS...	PD	LRC	1958-08-13T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03600/LRC-1958-B701_P-03600~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-00948	A one-twentieth scale model of the North American X-15 rocket plane is suspended beneath the wing of a large B-52 bomber model inside a wind tunnel. The smaller X-15 model hangs by wires, angled downward to simulate a release from the carrier aircraft, while a large net is stretched below to catch the models. A man in ...	North American X-15 model tested in 300MPH Low Speed 7x10 Tunnel	A one-twentieth scale model of the X-15 originally suspended beneath the wing of a B-52 is observed by a scientist of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as it leaves the bomber model in tests to determine the release characteristics and drop motion of the research airplane. Caption: The aerodyna...	PD	LRC	1958-09-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-00948/LRC-1958-B701_P-00948~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01833	An engineer stands in front of a massive, inflated satelloon, adjusting a long, cylindrical payload that rests on a small table. The balloon's highly reflective, crinkled surface dominates the background, displaying the text "NACA" near the center. The payload features a pointed upper section, a middle segment with vis...	Twelve Foot Subsatellite	Engineer and 12 foot Beacon showing NACA emblem on inflated satelloon . For related information see, Spaceflight Revolution, NASA from Sputnik to Apollo, by James R. Hansen. NASA SP-4308, 1995. p. 173.	PD	LRC	1958-04-25T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01833/LRC-1958-B701_P-01833~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01843	A North American F-100C fighter jet sits on a concrete tarmac, its nose pointed slightly to the left. The aircraft features a large, circular air intake at the front and long, swept wings. "U.S. AIR FORCE" is painted in bold black letters along the fuselage, accompanied by the code "FW-024" near the tail and the serial...	North American F-100 C	North American F-100 C airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, October 7, 1958. Photograph published in: A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672. -- Aircraft number: NACA 42024. Side view, 3/4 view from front, 3/4 view fr...	PD	LRC	1958-10-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01843/LRC-1958-B701_P-01843~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-03339	A white, conical spacecraft structure emerges vertically from a body of water, generating a massive, turbulent splash of white foam and spray that obscures its base. The object features a smooth, light-colored central body flanked by dark, angled fins or stabilizers. Several thin, dark cables or wires drape across the ...	Mercury: impact studies	Photographed on: 08 05 1958. -- Impact test conducted by Langley's Hydrodynamics Division. The Division conducted a series of impact studies with full scale and model capsules of the original capsule shape A. Joseph Shortal wrote (Vol. 3, p. 16): The basic design of the capsule was made by M.A. Faget and his coworker...	PD	LRC	1958-08-05T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03339/LRC-1958-B701_P-03339~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-03440	A white, cone-shaped scale model of the Mercury capsule shape A stands against a dark background. The model features a pointed nose cone atop a transparent midsection that reveals the interior layout. Inside the clear casing, a figure representing an astronaut lies in a supine position, demonstrating the crew accommoda...	Mercury Project	Scale model of Mercury capsule shape A, indicating the position of the astronaut.	PD	LRC	1958-08-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03440/LRC-1958-B701_P-03440~orig.tif
E-4123	A large, silver U.S. Air Force aircraft sits on a flat, light-colored dry lakebed under a bright sky. The plane features a long, slender nose with a forward probe, a swept-wing design, and four jet engines mounted beneath the wings. "U.S. AIR FORCE" is printed in bold black letters along the fuselage, and the tail numb...	E-4123	The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, besides being used extensively in its primary role as an inflight aircraft refueler, has assisted in several projects at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. In 1957 and 1958, Dryden was asked by what was then the Civil Aeronautics Administration (later absorbed i...	PD	AFRC	1958-06-05T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…/E-4123~orig.jpg
5663627	Three men in dark suits and ties stand behind a table, holding a large, cylindrical metallic missile horizontally above their heads. The projectile features a pointed nose cone, a mid-body section with visible panel lines, and a rear section with fins. The man on the left smiles at the camera, while the two men on the ...	Wernher von Braun	Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Dr. William Pickering, Dr. James van Allen of the State University of Iowa, and Army Ballistic missionile Agency Technical Director Dr. Wernher von Braun triumphantly display a model of the Explorer I, America's first satellite, shortly after the satellite's launch on January 31, 1958...	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5663627~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-02861	A large, rectangular panel featuring a white grid pattern stands vertically in a dark, reflective pool of water within a high-bay industrial facility. The panel is splattered with dark droplets and streaks, and a white cone-shaped object rests on its lower surface, leaning against the grid. A long, slender metal arm or...	Mercury Project	Testing of Mercury Capsule Shape A by the Hydrodynamics Division of Langley. Joseph Shortal wrote (vol. 3, p. 19): The Hydrodynamics Division provided assistance in determining landing loads. In this connection, after PARD engineers had unofficially approached that division to make some water impact tests with the boi...	PD	LRC	1958-06-24T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-02861/LRC-1958-B701_P-02861~orig.tif
5801293	A group of men gathers around a large, angled control console filled with rows of toggle switches, dials, and illuminated indicator lights. On the left, a man in a short-sleeved shirt stands wearing a headset with a coiled microphone cord, while another man sits at the console with his back to the viewer, also wearing ...	Wernher von Braun	Dr. von Braun inside the blockhouse during the launch of the Jupiter C/Explorer III in March 1958.	PD	MSFC	1958-03-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5801293~orig.jpg
5800245	Men in suits and plaid shirts stand and sit around a large, angled control console filled with rows of switches, dials, and meters inside a blockhouse. Several individuals wear headsets with attached microphones, while one man in the foreground reaches forward to operate a switch on the panel. A man on the far left spe...	Early Rockets	Activities in a blockhouse during the launch of Jupiter-C/Explorer 1 on January 31, 1958	PD	MSFC	1958-01-31T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5800245~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-03598	A massive, white fabric structure hangs vertically from the high, truss-supported ceiling of a large hangar, tapering toward the floor where it connects to a horizontal duct. In the foreground, two men stand with their backs to the camera, observing the apparatus; one is shirtless while the other wears a white t-shirt,...	Inflation Tests of the Echo 1 Satellite in Weeksville, N.C.	Inflation Tests of the Echo 1 Satellite in Weeksville, N.C. 1958-L-03603 Image Langley engineers Edwin Kilgore (center), Norman Crabill (right) and an unidentified man take a peek inside the vast balloon during inflation tests. Page. 183 Space Flight Revolution NASA Langley Research Center From Sputnik to Apollo. NAS...	PD	LRC	1958-08-13T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03598/LRC-1958-B701_P-03598~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01846	A North American F-100 C jet aircraft sits on a paved surface, facing directly toward the camera with its large, dark nose intake and bubble canopy prominent. The plane rests on tricycle landing gear, casting a sharp shadow on the concrete below. Bare deciduous trees and evergreen pines line the horizon in the backgrou...	North American F-100 C	North American F-100 C airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, October 7, 1958. Photograph published in: A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672. -- Aircraft number: NACA 42024. Side view, 3/4 view from front, 3/4 view fr...	PD	LRC	1958-10-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01846/LRC-1958-B701_P-01846~orig.tif
A-24035	A man in a patterned short-sleeved shirt and glasses stands inside a wind tunnel facility, inspecting a long, slender arrow wing hypersonic model. The chambered and twisted wing-body features a sharp, swept-back design with visible longitudinal seams running along its metallic surface. Behind him, a large curved wall c...	Arrow Wing Model in the 6x6 Foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames.	A chambered and twisted wing-body. Arrow wing hypersonic model tested in the 6x6 foot wind tunnel at the NASA Ames Research Center.	PD	ARC	1958-07-03T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-24035~orig.jpg
6975366	A group of men in white shirts and ties stand in a large industrial facility, gathered around the white, metallic structure of a spacecraft component visible in the left foreground. One man in the center holds a rolled document or blueprint while addressing the group, who listen attentively. The background features a c...	Wernher von Braun	Five of the seven original astronauts are seen with Dr. von Braun inspecting the Mercury-Redstone hardware in the Fabrication Laboratory of Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in 1959. Left to right: Astronauts Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, and Dr. von Braun.	PD	MSFC	1959-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…6975366~orig.jpg
LRC-1958-B701_P-01832	A massive, twelve-foot-diameter metallic sphere, known as a satelloon, dominates the interior of a large facility, its crinkled, reflective surface catching overhead lights. The letters "NACA" are stenciled in small black text near the center of the balloon. In the foreground, a slender, multi-stage rocket model stands...	Twelve Foot Subsatellite	Engineer and 12 foot Beacon showing NACA emblem on inflated satelloon . For related information see, Spaceflight Revolution, NASA from Sputnik to Apollo, by James R. Hansen. NASA SP-4308, 1995. p. 173.	PD	LRC	1958-04-25T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01832/LRC-1958-B701_P-01832~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-03446	A white scale model of the Mercury capsule, identified as shape A, rests on a light-colored surface. The conical spacecraft features a pointed upper section with horizontal ridges and three thin antennas extending outward. A large cutaway section on the side reveals the interior, where a mannequin representing an astro...	Mercury Project	Scale model of Mercury capsule shape A, indicating the position of the astronaut.	PD	LRC	1958-08-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-03446/LRC-1958-B701_P-03446~orig.tif
A-25698	The Collins Aerodyne VTOL model is suspended on a framework of metal struts inside the massive, dark interior of the 40x80 foot wind tunnel at Ames Research Center. Designed by Alexander Lippisch, the aircraft features a large, circular ducted fan housing a propeller at its nose, a sleek metallic fuselage, and small wi...	Collins Aerodyne VTOL model.	Collins Aerodyne VTOL Vertical take off and landing model in the 40x80 foot wind tunnel at NASA's Ames Research Center. Designed by Alexander Lippisch.	PD	ARC	1958-09-21T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-25698~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-04426	Seven white, upright molds shaped like reclining human figures stand in a row against a wall of large, grid-paned windows. Each mold features a name printed in black capital letters on the upper back, reading from left to right: DANIEL, PETERSON, KLINGER, VAIL, GUTHRIE, ALFORD, and NORTH. These forms served as molds fo...	Molds for Couches for Test Pilots	Molds for couches for test pilots, line the NASA Langley Research Centers model shop wall. The names of the test subjects (Langley employees) are written on the back. The couches are similar to those made for each astronaut and fitted into the Mercury capsules for manned spaceflight.	PD	LARC	1959-07-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-04426/LRC-1959-B701_P-04426~orig.tif
LRC-1958-B701_P-01082	A slender, white rocket with a long, pointed nose cone is mounted vertically on a dark, curved cradle attached to a heavy steel gantry. The launch structure is stabilized by multiple tension cables anchored to the ground, and a secondary A-frame support structure stands to the left. The equipment sits on a flat, paved ...	Release of Boilerplate Mercury Capsule Sequence	Photographed on: 12 16 58. -- L58-1083a caption: Sequenced pictures showing events from release of boilerplate Mercury capsule from C-130 airplane to opening of recovery parachute, December 1958. Photograph published in A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NA...	PD	LRC	1958-12-16T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1958-B701_P-01082/LRC-1958-B701_P-01082~orig.tif
LRC-1959-B701_P-04945	A conical spacecraft capsule bearing the words "UNITED STATES" in bold black lettering hangs suspended from an overhead crane within a large industrial assembly hall. The capsule features a ribbed metallic heat shield on its lower section and a lattice truss structure extending upward to the hoisting mechanism. A worke...	Project Mercury; Little Joe	Assembling the Little Joe capsules. The capsules were manufactured in-house by Langley technicians. Three capsules are shown here in various stages of assembly. The escape tower and rocket motors shown on the completed capsule would be removed before shipping and finally assembly for launching at Wallops Island. Jos...	PD	LARC	1959-07-30T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-04945/LRC-1959-B701_P-04945~orig.tif
5900027	Three men in suits stand in a control room filled with large electronic equipment and overhead cable trays. The man on the right, wearing a dark tie and a lapel pin, holds a pen and looks down at his hands, while the man in the center, wearing a patterned shirt under a light jacket, looks toward the left. A third man i...	Wernher von Braun	In this photo, (left to right) Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) Missile Firing Laboratory Chief Dr. Kurt Debus, Director of the ABMA Development Operations Division, Dr. von Braun and an unidentified individual in blockhouse during the CM-21 (Jupiter) firing. The Jupiter missile CM-21 became the first Chrysler prod...	PD	MSFC	1959-01-21T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5900027~orig.jpg
0301418	A man in a military uniform with shoulder boards and ribbon bars stands beside a large, white, cylindrical object wrapped in protective material, resting his hand on its top rim. A black shield-shaped label on the object reads "J.B. MEDARIS" in white capital letters. To the right, a man in a suit and tie with a name ba...	Wernher von Braun	Marshall Space Flight Center Director Wernher von Braun presents General J.B. Medaris with a new golf bag. General Medaris, (left) was a Commander of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama during 1955 to 1958.	PD	MSFC	1959-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…0301418~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-04323	A man wearing glasses and a striped short-sleeved shirt stands at a table, holding a vertical metal measuring device next to a large metallic model of a rocket. The rocket model features a conical nose cone, a cylindrical body, and four triangular fins at the base, with a tall lattice mast extending from the top. The m...	Little Joe Model Mercury Project	Publicity photograph of a technician measuring a wind tunnel model of the Little Joe test vehicle. Joseph Shortal noted that (vol. 3, p. 29): The largest project at Wallops in support of Mercury was the Little Joe project, designed to qualify the abort-escape system under flight conditions. James Hansen (p. 47) write...	PD	LARC	1959-06-26T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-04323/LRC-1959-B701_P-04323~orig.tif
9139357	The Vanguard III satellite hangs suspended by a thin wire against a deep blue sky with wispy clouds. The spacecraft features a central metallic sphere with a dark, conical section extending downward, and long, thin antennas projecting horizontally from the body. Designed by NASA to study the Earth's magnetic field and ...	Early Rockets	The Vangard III satellite to study the magnetic field and radiation belt in orbit. NASA successfully launched Vanguard III (SLV-7) from Cape Canaveral, Florida on September 18, 1959.	PD	MSFC	1959-09-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…9139357~orig.jpg
6517787	A row of men stands behind a large, wall-mounted control console filled with analog instrumentation. On the left, a man in a military uniform with a peaked cap and shoulder boards looks forward, while a man in a white shirt stands beside him. To their right, a man in a dark suit leans his arms on the console, looking t...	Wernher von Braun	This photograph shows Dr. von Braun, second from the left, in the blockhouse at the Florida launch facilities on March 3, 1959. He and others gathered for the launch of the Pioneer IV satellite. On the left of Dr. von Braun is Kurt Debus, who managed the Florida launch facilities. To the right of Dr. von Braun is Army ...	PD	MSFC	1959-03-03T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…6517787~orig.jpg
5900120	The Juno II rocket (AM-14) stands vertically on a launch pad against a black night sky, illuminated by floodlights and a bright full moon in the upper right. The white, multi-stage vehicle features "NASA" printed vertically on its upper section, with a black symbol above the text. The lower portion of the rocket is shr...	Early Rockets	Juno II (AM-14) on the launch pad just prior to launch, March 3, 1959. The payload of AM-14 was Pioneer IV, America's first successful lunar mission. The Juno II was a modification of Jupiter ballistic missile	PD	MSFC	1959-03-03T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5900120~orig.jpg
6413212	Seven astronauts in silver, metallic pressure suits stand in two rows for a group portrait. The crew members wear white helmets with clear visors that are flipped up to reveal their faces, and their suits feature complex harnesses, chest-mounted control panels, and circular patches on the upper left shoulders. The fron...	Mercury Project	The group portrait of the original seven astronauts for the Mercury Project. NASA selected its first seven astronauts on April 27, 1959. Left to right at front: Walter M. Wally Schirra, Donald K. Deke Slayton, John H. Glenn, Jr., and Scott Carpenter. Left to right at rear: Alan B. Shepard, Virgil I. Gus Grissom, and L....	PD	MSFC	1959-04-27T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…6413212~orig.jpg
GRC-1959-C-50990	A large, cylindrical metallic spacecraft component, featuring a ribbed exterior and a circular opening at one end, rests on a wheeled metal dolly. The structure is constructed of riveted metal panels with a series of holes along the curved rim. To the left, a man in a light-colored shirt and dark trousers leans over a ...	NASA Photographer Prepares to Film a Mercury Capsule	National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) photographer Arthur Laufman sets up a camera to film a Mercury capsule that was constructed by the Lewis Research Center staff. Lewis engineers and mechanics built two of the capsules for the upcoming Big Joe launches in September 1959. Big Joe was an attempt early i...	PD	GRC	1959-06-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-50990~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-04946	Three metallic, conical spacecraft capsules sit on wheeled dollies inside a large industrial hangar with a high, truss-supported ceiling. The capsule on the right is suspended by a crane rig and features the words "UNITED STATES" stenciled in black capital letters on its white lower section. Two technicians kneel on th...	Project Mercury; Little Joe	Assembling the Little Joe capsules. The capsules were manufactured in-house by Langley technicians. Three capsules are shown here in various stages of assembly. The escape tower and rocket motors shown on the completed capsule would be removed before shipping and finally assembly for launching at Wallops Island. Jos...	PD	LARC	1959-07-30T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-04946/LRC-1959-B701_P-04946~orig.tif
LRC-1959-B701_P-05956	A vertical Little Joe booster, surrounded by scaffolding and a work platform, stands on a concrete pad near a sandy beach. To the right, a large mobile crane lowers the Mercury capsule and escape tower assembly toward the booster, guided by several technicians on the ground. The ocean stretches to the horizon in the ba...	Mercury: Little Joe launcher	Technicians attach the escape tower to the Mercury capsule prior to assembly with Little Joe launcher, August 20, 1959. Joseph Shortal describe this as follows (vol. 3., p. 33): The escape tower and rocket motors were taken from the Mercury capsule production. The tower is shown being attached to the capsule.... The...	PD	LARC	1959-08-14T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-05956/LRC-1959-B701_P-05956~orig.tif
LRC-1959-B701_P-04950	A large, metallic, bell-shaped rocket nozzle with vertical corrugations and a ring of circular exhaust ports at its base sits on a wooden workbench in a manufacturing facility. To the right, a man wearing glasses and a short-sleeved shirt operates a pneumatic tool on a smaller, cylindrical metal component that features...	Project Mercury; Little Joe	Assembling the Little Joe capsules. The capsules were manufactured in-house by Langley technicians. Three capsules are shown here in various stages of assembly. The escape tower and rocket motors shown on the completed capsule would be removed before shipping and finally assembly for launching at Wallops Island. Jos...	PD	LARC	1959-07-30T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-04950/LRC-1959-B701_P-04950~orig.tif
LRC-1959-B701_P-05798	A Mercury capsule with "UNITED STATES" printed on its side sits on a support stand in a large workshop, its ribbed upper section facing upward. A large cylindrical escape tower assembly hangs above the capsule's apex as a technician on scaffolding reaches up to secure it. In the foreground, a man operates a camera moun...	Mercury: Little Joe launcher	Technicians adjust the rocket motor during the attachment of the escape tower to the Mercury capsule prior to assembly with Little Joe launcher, August 20, 1959. Joseph Shortal wrote (vol. 3., p. 33): The escape tower and rocket motors were taken from the Mercury capsule production. The tower is shown being attached t...	PD	LARC	1959-08-18T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-05798/LRC-1959-B701_P-05798~orig.tif
LRC-1959-B701_P-05803	A technician in a short-sleeved, patterned shirt and wristwatch stands beside a large, metallic spacecraft capsule, carefully adjusting a rectangular instrument module mounted on an external tray. The capsule features a ribbed aluminum exterior with rows of rivets, a dark square window, and a vertical panel of circular...	Mercury: Little Joe launcher	Technicians adjust the rocket motor during the attachment of the escape tower to the Mercury capsule prior to assembly with Little Joe launcher, August 20, 1959. Joseph Shortal wrote (vol. 3., p. 33): The escape tower and rocket motors were taken from the Mercury capsule production. The tower is shown being attached t...	PD	LARC	1959-08-18T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-05803/LRC-1959-B701_P-05803~orig.tif
5909761	The Jupiter AM-18 rocket stands vertically against a dark night sky, illuminated by bright floodlights. The white fuselage features a black-and-white checkered band near the nose cone and the text "AM PD" printed near the lower section. A plume of white vapor vents from the side near the base, while a metal launch gant...	Early Rockets	Jupiter (AM-18), suborbital primate flight with Able and Baker as its payload, being ready for launch, May 28, 1959	PD	MSFC	1959-05-28T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5909761~orig.jpg
9801801	A tall, white rocket stands vertically on a launch mount against a cloudy sky, held in place by several thin guy wires extending from its midsection to the ground. The words "UNITED STATES" are printed vertically in large black letters along the side of the upper stage, just below the pointed nose cone. A service tower...	Early Rockets	The Juno II launch vehicle, shown here, was a modified Jupiter Intermediate-Range Ballistic missionile, developed by Dr. Wernher von Braun and the rocket team at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Between December 1958 and April 1961, the Juno II launched space probes Pioneer III and IV, as well as Explorer satel...	PD	MSFC	1959-08-14T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…9801801~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-00007	Six women in business attire are seated and standing around a large, polished wooden conference table. Five of the women are seated in a row along one side of the table, while one woman stands behind the center of the group. Papers, notebooks, and pens are spread across the table surface, alongside a metal cone-shaped ...	Women Scientists	Women Scientists: Lucille Coltrane, Jean Clark Keating, Katherine Cullie Speegle, Doris 'Dot' Lee, Ruth Whitman, and Emily Stephens Mueller,Lucille Coltrane is at the far left. She was a computer and worked for Norm Crabill who provided positive identification. Lucille authored a NACA Research Memorandum, Investigation...	PD	LRC	1959-01-05T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-00007/LRC-1959-B701_P-00007~orig.tif
LRC-1959-B701_P-00008	A group of six women stands in a line facing a large, cylindrical rocket model mounted on a vertical metal stand. The model features a white conical nose cone, a dark band near the tip, and a lighter body with visible panel lines. The woman on the far right gestures toward the rocket while speaking to the others, who l...	Women Scientists	Women Scientists: Lucille Coltrane, Jean Clark Keating, Katherine Cullie Speegle, Doris "Dot" Lee, Ruth Whitman, and Emily Stephens Mueller,Lucille Coltrane is at the far left. She was a computer and worked for Norm Crabill who provided positive identification. Lucille authored a NACA Research Memorandum, Investigation...	PD	LRC	1959-01-05T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-00008/LRC-1959-B701_P-00008~orig.tif
8005458	A small primate, likely a squirrel monkey, is secured in a white, box-like restraint apparatus while being attended to by several people. The animal's head and upper torso are visible, with its face turned upward and eyes open. Multiple hands surround the subject; one hand gently holds the monkey's head, while another ...	Early Rockets	On May 28, 1959, a Jupiter Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile provided by a U.S. Army team in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, launched a nose cone carrying Baker, A South American squirrel monkey and Able, An American-born rhesus monkey. This photograph shows Able after recovery of the nose cone of the Jupiter rocket by U...	PD	MSFC	1959-05-28T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…8005458~orig.jpg
0301417	A man in a military uniform stands behind a large wooden table, lifting the lid of a white ballot box labeled "J.B. MEDARIS" in black lettering on a shield-shaped emblem. To his right, a man in a dark suit and tie stands with his hands at his sides, looking toward the ballot box. The table in the foreground holds sever...	Wernher von Braun	Marshall Space Flight Center Director Wernher von Braun presents General J.B. Medaris with a new golf bag. General Medaris, (left) was a Commander of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama during 1955 to 1958.	PD	MSFC	1959-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…0301417~orig.jpg
GRC-1959-C-51943	A person wearing a white helmet with a headset sits in a reclined position inside a spacecraft simulator, looking toward a large circular window. Through the window, a model of Earth floats against a black, star-filled background, showing the continents of North and South America. The simulator interior features a comp...	Artistic View of Mercury Astronaut Training	This composite image includes a photograph of pilot Joe Algranti testing the Multi-Axis Space Test Inertia Facility (MASTIF) inside Altitude Wind Tunnel at NASA’s Lewis Research Center with other images designed to simulate the interior of a Mercury space capsule. As part of the space agency’s preparations for Project ...	PD	GRC	1959-10-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-51943~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-07746	A large white rocket stage stands vertically within a multi-level metal scaffolding structure, surrounded by a flat, grassy field under a clear sky. The cylindrical body of the rocket features the word "TEST" printed vertically in large black letters, with "UNITED STATES" visible on the conical upper section. A tall la...	Mercury: Little Joe booster	The Mercury capsule and escape tower are being lowered onto the Little Joe booster for launch on August 21, 1959. Joseph Shortal described this as follows (vol. 3, p. 33): The Little Joe booster was assembled at Wallops on its special launcher in a vertical attitude. It is shown in the on the left with the work plat...	PD	LARC	1959-10-15T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-07746/LRC-1959-B701_P-07746~orig.tif
GRC-1959-C-52235	The Multi-Axis Space Test Inertia Facility (MASTIF) hangs suspended inside a large, cylindrical test chamber, its yellow triangular truss frame supporting a central pilot's couch. A pilot wearing a red flight suit and helmet is strapped into the seat, gripping control handles near the instrument panel. Three large, sph...	The Multi-Axis Space Test Inertia Facility in the Altitude Wind Tunnel	National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) pilot Joe Algranti tests the Multi-Axis Space Test Inertia Facility (MASTIF) inside the Altitude Wind Tunnel while researcher Robert Miller looks on. The MASTIF was a three-axis rig with a pilot’s chair mounted in the center to train Project Mercury pilots to bring a...	PD	GRC	1959-12-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-52235~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-00057	A bald man in a dark suit jacket, white collared shirt, and patterned tie looks directly at the camera with a serious expression. His arms are crossed in front of him, and a white pocket square is visible in his jacket breast pocket. The subject is set against a plain, neutral gray background.	Portrait of Robert R. Gilruth	Portrait of Robert R. Gilruth. More than anyone else at Langley, began to push the idea that manned spaceflight was the next great challenge for aeronautic engineers. As head of NASA s Space Task Group, he was responsible for planning and carrying out Project Mercury, the country's first manned spaceflight program. Pho...	PD	LARC	1959-01-14T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-00057/LRC-1959-B701_P-00057~orig.tif
as11-37-5458	The gray, textured lunar surface stretches across the frame, scattered with small rocks and pebbles of varying sizes. Sharp shadows cast by the uneven terrain indicate a low-angle light source, while the horizon line cuts sharply across the middle of the view. Above the horizon, the sky is a uniform, featureless black,...	View form Lunar Module of surface of the moon near where LM touched down	AS11-37-5458 (20 July 1969) --- This excellent view from the right-hand window of the Apollo 11 Lunar Module (LM) shows the surface of the moon in the vicinity of where the LM touched down. Numerous small rocks and craters can be seen between the LM and the lunar horizon. Astronaut Michael Collins, command module pilot...	PD	JSC	1959-07-20T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…37-5458~orig.jpg
5914021	A massive, segmented cylindrical tank, identified as a Saturn fuel container, rests on a long, heavy-duty rail system inside a large industrial hall. At the left end, a large, dark, boxy welding machine is mounted on the track, with a shaft extending into the open end of the cylinder. Large, spoked metal wheels support...	Saturn Apollo Program	The first circumferential welding being applied on a Saturn fuel container in the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) fabrication laboratory, Building 4707, in May 1959.	PD	MSFC	1959-05-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5914021~orig.jpg
A-25998	A four-propeller tilt-wing aircraft model is mounted on a tall, wooden support structure inside a large, dark wind tunnel. The model features a smooth, cylindrical fuselage and a wide wing with four engine nacelles, each equipped with a three-bladed propeller. A person stands on the wooden floor near the base of the su...	Tilt-Wing/Propeller Model With Blowing Flaps Tested in the 40x80 foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames.	4 propeller Tilt Wing. Pictured with Tommy Wills wind tunnel mechanic in the 40x80 foot wind tunnel.	PD	ARC	1959-11-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-25998~orig.jpg
5900261	The Pioneer IV payload, a gold-colored conical nose cone with a sharp tip, is mounted atop the white cylindrical fourth stage of a Juno II rocket. The assembly features visible metallic bands and exposed internal components at the junction between the cone and the stage. This lunar and planetary exploration satellite w...	Early Rockets	Installing Pioneer IV, payload for AM-14 (Juno II) onto the fourth stage on the cluster before a spin test, February 16, 1959. The Pioneer IV, lunar and planetary exploration satellite, was the first U.S. satellite to orbit the Sun.	PD	MSFC	1959-02-16T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5900261~orig.jpg
GRC-1959-C-52091	A researcher wearing thick-rimmed glasses and a plaid shirt leans over a workbench, using a fine-tipped tool to adjust a small white strain gauge target. Beside the target stands a metallic cartridge casing, and several small, spherical pellets are scattered on the dark surface. To the right, shiny metal plates with vi...	Researcher Examines Pellets for Micrometeorite Impact Studies	A researcher at the NASA Lewis Research Center manipulates cartridge pellets and a strain gauge target as part of a study on the impact of micrometeorites striking space vehicles. Early in the space program NASA researchers were concerned that small micrometeorites would penetrate spacecraft, injure engines, or damage ...	PD	GRC	1959-11-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-52091~orig.jpg
9806944	Four men stand in a circle inside a technical facility, engaged in conversation. Three of the men wear business suits with ties, while the man on the right wears a military uniform adorned with shoulder boards, ribbons, and a name tag. Behind the group, large gray equipment racks are visible, featuring rows of analog d...	Wernher von Braun	In this 1959 photo, taken at Cape Canaveral, Florida, Dr. von Braun (2nd from left) Director of the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, is shown conferring with Air Force Major General Donald R. Ostrander (left), on assignment at NASA as launch vehicle director; Dr. Eberhard Ree...	PD	MSFC	1959-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…9806944~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-04427	Seven white, body-shaped molds for pilot couches are lined up against a wall with large grid windows at the Langley Research Center model shop. Each mold, mounted on a wooden frame, features a name printed on the upper back, reading from left to right: INNIS, GRAY, RUSHWORTH, COLLINS, CHAMBERS, ARMSTRONG, and BUTCHART....	Molds for Couches for Test Pilots	Molds for couches for test pilots, line the NASA Langley Research Centers model shop wall. The names of the test subjects (Langley employees) are written on the back. The couches are similar to those made for each astronaut and fitted into the Mercury capsules for manned spaceflight.	PD	LARC	1959-07-07T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-04427/LRC-1959-B701_P-04427~orig.tif
5900292	Five men stand in a room with a ladder visible in the background, gathered around two large mechanical components held by the central figures. The man in the middle, wearing glasses and a dark shirt, holds a complex cylindrical assembly of mercury batteries designed to power the radio transmitter and cosmic radiation c...	Wernher von Braun	In this photo, Director of the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, Dr. Wernher von Braun, and Director of Missile Firing Division, Dr. Kurt Debus, are shown with unidentified individuals, discussing two components that would make up the Pioneer IV Lunar Probe. The mercury batter...	PD	MSFC	1959-03-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5900292~orig.jpg
5907194	The Explorer VII satellite, featuring a geometric, diamond-like structure with arrays of dark solar cells covering its upper and lower faceted sections, is mounted atop a cylindrical, metallic Juno II booster stage. A central band with small windows or sensors separates the solar panel arrays, and a thin whip antenna e...	Early Rockets	Juno II was a part of America's effort to increase its capability to lift heavier satellites into orbit. One payload was Explorer VII. This photograph depicts workers installing the Explorer VII satellite on Juno II (AM-19A) booster. The Explorer VII investigated energetic particles and obtained data on radiation and m...	PD	MSFC	1959-10-13T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5907194~orig.jpg
6517783	A group of approximately fifteen men stands behind a large, dark wooden conference table in a formal meeting room. Most of the men wear dark business suits with ties, while one individual in the center-right foreground wears a military dress uniform with visible insignia and medals. Several large, white documents or pl...	Wernher von Braun	This photograph of Dr. von Braun, shown here to the left of General Bruce Medaris, was taken in the fall of 1959, immediately prior to Medaris' retirement from the Army. At the time, von Braun and his associates worked for the Army Ballistics Missile Agency in Huntsville, Alabama. Those in the photograph have been iden...	PD	MSFC	1959-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…6517783~orig.jpg
GRC-1959-C-52343	A NASA research aircraft sits on a snow-covered airfield with its cockpit canopy raised and a boarding ladder extended. The fuselage bears the text "NASA 203" in large black lettering, and the vertical stabilizer displays a NASA logo. Two men in winter coats stand at the base of the ladder near the open cockpit, while ...	Lockheed F-94B Starfire at the NASA Lewis Research Center	A Lockheed F-94B Starfire on the hangar apron at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Air Force contracted Lockheed in November 1948 to create the new F-94s fighters. The first test flight occurred only months later in April 1949. This quick turnaround w...	PD	GRC	1959-12-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-52343~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-07747	A cylindrical rocket stage stands vertically within a tall, multi-level metal scaffolding structure against a black night sky. The white rocket body features vertical lettering reading "UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS" along its side. A complex antenna array with a white cylindrical element and smaller dishes extends from the top ...	Mercury: Little Joe booster	The Mercury capsule and escape tower are being lowered onto the Little Joe booster for launch on August 21, 1959. Joseph Shortal described this as follows (vol. 3, p. 33): The Little Joe booster was assembled at Wallops on its special launcher in a vertical attitude. It is shown in the on the left with the work plat...	PD	LARC	1959-10-15T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-07747/LRC-1959-B701_P-07747~orig.tif
GRC-1959-C-51919	A researcher inside the glass-walled test section of the 1-by-1-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at Lewis Research Center holds a small-scale model of the Project Mercury capsule and escape tower. Outside the heavy, bolted metal frame, a second man in a dark jacket gestures with his hands while observing the setup. The mode...	Mercury Capsule Model in the 1- by 1-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel	National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) researchers install a small-scale model of the capsule for Project Mercury in the 1- by 1-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at the Lewis Research Center. NASA Lewis conducted a variety of tests for Project Mercury, including retrorocket calibration, escape tower engine per...	PD	GRC	1959-10-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-51919~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-04948	Two technicians work on large, metallic aerospace components inside a high-ceilinged industrial facility with rows of clerestory windows. In the foreground, a man wearing glasses stands atop a large, bell-shaped nozzle structure, using a handheld power tool on the upper rim of the assembly. The nozzle features a ribbed...	Project Mercury; Little Joe	Assembling the Little Joe capsules. The capsules were manufactured in-house by Langley technicians. Three capsules are shown here in various stages of assembly. The escape tower and rocket motors shown on the completed capsule would be removed before shipping and finally assembly for launching at Wallops Island. Jos...	PD	LARC	1959-07-30T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-04948/LRC-1959-B701_P-04948~orig.tif
A-25140	A large ducted fan assembly stands mounted on a cylindrical pedestal inside a massive, dark wind tunnel. The white fan nacelle features a multi-bladed propeller visible through the open front, with handwritten technical data inscribed on the side of the cowling. The fan is supported by a tall, rectangular pylon structu...	Investigation of Ducted Fan in Ames 40x80 Foot Wind Tunnel.	Wind Tunnel investigation of ducted fan though 180 deg angle of attack. 3/4 front view of Doak ducted fan, semi-span model with tufts.	PD	ARC	1959-05-11T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-25140~orig.jpg
5900123	A tall, white multi-stage rocket stands vertically on a launch pad against a dark night sky, its engines ignited in a brilliant burst of yellow and white light at the base. The word "NASA" is printed vertically in black capital letters on the upper stage of the vehicle. A service tower structure is attached to the side...	Early Rockets	Wernher von Braun and his team were responsible for the Jupiter-C hardware. The family of launch vehicles developed by the team also came to include the Juno II, which was used to launch the Pioneer IV satellite on March 3, 1959. Pioneer IV passed within 37,000 miles of the Moon before going into solar orbit.	PD	MSFC	1959-03-03T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…5900123~orig.jpg
as11-37-5437	The gray, cratered surface of the Moon stretches toward a curved horizon against a pitch-black sky, revealing the approach to Apollo Landing Site 2 in the southwestern Sea of Tranquility. A dark, out-of-focus structure, likely part of the spacecraft interior, obscures the bottom left corner. The landscape is textured w...	View of approach to Apollo Landing Site 2 in southwestern Sea of Tranquility	AS11-37-5437 (20 July 1969) --- The approach to Apollo Landing Site 2 in southwestern Sea of Tranquility is seen in this photograph taken from the Apollo 11 Lunar Module (LM) in lunar orbit. When this picture was made, the LM was still docked to the Command and Service Modules (CSM). Site 2 is located just right of cen...	PD	JSC	1959-07-20T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…37-5437~orig.jpg
9806947	A white Mercedes 220SE automobile sits parked in front of a large building with a grid of windows. The car features a prominent grille with horizontal slats, round headlights, and a license plate reading "47-7300". A man in a dark jacket and light trousers stands beside the open driver's side door. A sign above the bui...	Wernher von Braun	In this picture, Dr. Wernher von Braun, who was serving as Director of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, is shown posed with his Mercedes 220SE automobile in front of Redstone Building 4488, which houses the ABMA.	PD	MSFC	1959-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…9806947~orig.jpg
ARC-1959-A-24953	A silver U.S. Air Force jet sits on a concrete tarmac under a bright sky, its long, pointed nose cone and swept wings defining its aerodynamic profile. The text "U.S. AIR FORCE" is stenciled in black capital letters along the side of the fuselage, positioned just forward of a large circular air intake. The aircraft res...	ARC-1959-A-24953	Lockheed JF-104A (AF56-745A Tail No. 60745) Starfighter airplane piloted by Fred Drinkwater conducted flight testing that demonstrated steep approaches that were ultimately used by the space shuttle. Steep descent testing, including power-off landing approaches and demonstration of minimum lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) la...	PD	ARC	1959-03-19T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…A-24953~orig.jpg
LRC-1959-B701_P-05810	A rocket motor assembly, labeled "UNITED STATES" near its conical base, is suspended by a crane hook while resting on a wheeled dolly. Technicians work around the assembly, with one man standing on a platform at the top of the motor and another near the base. This is the escape tower and rocket motor for a Mercury caps...	Mercury: Little Joe launcher	Technicians adjust the rocket motor during the attachment of the escape tower to the Mercury capsule prior to assembly with Little Joe launcher, August 20, 1959. Joseph Shortal wrote (vol. 3., p. 33): The escape tower and rocket motors were taken from the Mercury capsule production. The tower is shown being attached t...	PD	LARC	1959-08-18T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/LRC-1959-B701_P-05810/LRC-1959-B701_P-05810~orig.tif
6817190	The Pioneer III satellite, designed for lunar and planetary exploration, is suspended by cables from a crane hook, secured within a metal support frame. The spacecraft features a ribbed, conical nose cone atop a white cylindrical body, which sits above a dark, flared base with a circular opening. Technicians in white h...	Early Rockets	In this photograph, the lunar and planetary exploration satellite, Pioneer III, is being prepared for installation to Juno II (AM-11) launch vehicle. AM-11 was launched on December 5, 1959, but the mission was unsuccessful.	PD	MSFC	1959-01-01T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…6817190~orig.jpg
GRC-1959-C-51324	A large, metallic spacecraft heat shield sits on a wheeled support stand inside a facility with chain-link fencing and structural beams in the background. The conical object features a ribbed upper section with vertical panels and a smooth, curved lower section marked by a ring of circular holes near the junction. A ma...	Mercury Capsule Construction at the NASA Lewis Research Center	A NASA mechanic secures the afterbody to a Mercury capsule in the hangar at the Lewis Research Center. The capsule was one of two built at Lewis for the “Big Joe” launches scheduled for September 1959. The initial phase of Project Mercury consisted of a series of unmanned launches using the Air Force’s Redstone and Atl...	PD	GRC	1959-08-23T00:00:00Z	https://images-assets.na…C-51324~orig.jpg

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NASA Image Library (Recaptioned)

A public-domain subset of the NASA Image and Video Library, filtered and captioned with a Qwen vision-language model. Prepared by the Swiss AI Initiative vision team.

The set contains 36,997 images, all public domain, covering spaceflight, astronomy, planetary science, Earth observation and aeronautics, from NASA centers including JPL, KSC, MSFC, JSC and GSFC.

How it was made

Images were sourced directly from NASA's public API (images-api.nasa.gov), filtered to public-domain and information-dense items, then recaptioned with Qwen3.6-27B. The caption field is generated and grounded in the image and surrounding text. See the full pipeline and scripts.

License

Every item is NASA public domain. Non-public-domain material (ESA joint content, third-party credits) was filtered out. See NASA's Media Usage Guidelines. This is an independent release by the Swiss AI Initiative, not an official NASA product.

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