342. Editorial Note
On July 29, Presidential Press Secretary James C. Hagerty issued a statement from the White House as follows:
“On behalf of the President, I am now announcing that the President has approved plans by this country for going ahead with the launching of small unmanned earth-circling satellites as part of the United States participation in the International Geophysical Year which takes place between July 1957 and December 1958. This program will for the first time in history enable scientists throughout the world to make sustained observations in the regions beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
“The President expressed personal gratification that the American program will provide scientists of all nations this important and unique opportunity for the advancement of science.” (Department of State, S/S–NSC Files: Lot 63 D 351, NSC 5520; also printed in Department of State Bulletin, August 8, 1955, page 218)