Powering Apollo

Description

When President Kennedy issued his well-known challenge to reach the moon and return safely before the end of the 1960s, the immediate responsibility for undertaking the task fell to the 54-year-old director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, James E. Webb. Eight years later, when the Apollo II spacecraft splashed down safely in the Pacific and the screens in NASA's Mission Control at Houston flashed the words "Task Accomplished," it was Webb who deserved much of the credit. In Powering Apollo, W. Henry Lambright explores Webb's leadership role in NASA's spectacular success - success that is rare in ambitious government policies and programs.

First Sentence

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy addressed Congress and, in a now classic national challenge, declared his belief that the United States "should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."

Excerpt

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy addressed Congress and, in a now classic national challenge, declared his belief that the United States "should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."

Subjects

Series Statement

• New series in NASA history