ABSTRACT
The United States (US) did not have a dedicated military space programme until the Air Force was given permission to begin development of the WS-117L reconnaissance satellite in 1954. This chapter traces the development of the US space programme during this period in three parts: the events leading up to the decision to develop a reconnaissance satellite in 1954; its progress prior to Sputnik; and a more general description of the origins of the scientific space programme. The early US interest in the development of artificial satellites was inevitably linked to the potentialities of the rocket as a launch vehicle. Various factors had helped gain approval for the satellite reconnaissance programme. Foremost among them was the growing requirement for better strategic intelligence. As the development of a scientific satellite encroached on the existing US satellite and ballistic missile programmes, the National Security Council met in May 1955 to discuss guidelines for US participation in this effort.
