The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created on October 1, 1958, to perform civilian research related to space flight and aeronautics. President Eisenhower commissioned Dr. T. Keith Glennan, right, as the first administrator for NASA and Dr. Hugh L. Dryden as deputy administrator.

Representing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters and the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), these officials performed the major work in the formation of MSFC. (Left to right) Delmar M. Morris, Deputy Director for Administration, MSFC; Eberhard Rees, Deputy Director for Research and Development, MSFC; Dr. Wernher von Braun, Director, MSFC; Dr. T. Keith Glernan, NASA Administrator; and Maj. Gen. Don R. Ostrander, Director, Office of Launch Vehicle Program, NASA