Introduction to Space Exploration - Flying Takes Off

When World War I began in Europe in 1914, the power of aerial warfare became apparent immediately. The United States realized that it was behind its European counterparts in aviation expertise, and in an effort to correct the situation the U.S. government formed the Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (ACA) in 1915. Later the word "National" was tacked on, and the agency became known as the NACA. The NACA began an ambitious campaign of research and development into aircraft design and flight theory.

By the end of the war in 1918 the United States had made great progress in the field of aviation, including the development of commercial airlines and postal air services. In addition, public attitudes about flying were beginning to change. The daring feats of such World War I pilots as the American ace Eddie Rickenbacker (1890–1973) and the German legend Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron; 1882–1918), had brought an air of excitement to flying.

In 1919 New York City hotel owner Raymond Orteig offered a $25,000 prize to the first aviator that could fly nonstop from New York to Paris or from Paris to New York. The Orteig Prize inspired one of the greatest flying feats of the century. A young man named Charles A. Lindbergh (1902–74) convinced businessmen in St. Louis, Missouri, to finance his attempt to win the prize. "Lucky Lindy" had earned his flying reputation as a successful airmail pilot and barnstormer (one who performs flying stunts at air shows). On the morning of May 20, 1927, he took off from Long Island, New York, in his monoplane the Spirit of St. Louis. Thirty-three and a half hours later he landed on a Paris airstrip amid throngs of cheering spectators. Lindbergh was an instant hero, and flying was suddenly of vital interest to Americans, who thrilled to the adventures of such pilots as Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, Howard Hughes, and Douglas (Wrong-Way) Corrigan.

Meanwhile the NACA continued its work in aviation science. Orville Wright joined the organization and remained a member until his death in 1948. During these decades the NACA drove many developments within the field of aeronautics, except for one—rockets.