H. Res. 1231 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

May 4, 2010. 

Whereas, April 1, 2010, is the 50th anniversary of the launch 

by the United States of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS I), the first weather observation 

satellite, that was capable of taking television images on 

command and remotely at locations around the world, 

and either recording the pictures as television signals for 

subsequent playback or transmitting the images to 

ground stations in real time; 

Whereas TIROS resulted from the actions by President Eisenhower and Congress to create the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian 

space agency, which applied technology from several military programs that had been directed by the U.S. Army 

Signal Corps Development and Research Labs 

(USASCDRL) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and the 

United States Army Ballistic Missile Agency in Huntsville, Alabama; 

Whereas TIROS I images offered meteorologists the ability 

to examine large-scale weather patterns to improve 

weather forecasting and enable early warning of approaching storms, thus saving lives and property around 

the world; 
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•HRES 1231 EH 

Whereas the TIROS I images led to a better understanding 

of global patterns and supported transmission of detailed 

local weather information to national weather agencies 

around the world; 

Whereas the realization of TIROS I was made possible by 

years of development of computers, missile systems, television imaging, magnetic recording, semiconductor devices, and solar cell applications, all of which resulted 

from both Government and private sector investments; 

Whereas Government investments in research and development made possible the deployment of satellite tracking 

networks, worldwide WWV receiver time base systems, 

tracking data reduction for orbit element determination, 

and other facilities essential to the satellite applications; 

Whereas Government and contractor personnel collaborated 

to observe and analyze the motion of TIROS I in the 

Earth’s magnetic field, and developed satellite magnetic 

attitude controls for later TIROS and other spacecraft to 

utilize the Earth’s magnetic field to orient satellites in 

Earth orbit; 

Whereas the success of TIROS I was a significant Cold War 

event that restored the national pride and confidence in 

the space program; 

Whereas, since the launch of TIROS I, the United States has 

launched over 82 experimental and operational meteorological satellites; 

Whereas NASA’s Nimbus Satellites and Advanced Communications Technology Satellite continued to enhance understanding and performance by further testing and development of space power systems, sensor development, 

and other technologies; 
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•HRES 1231 EH 

Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages and operates fleets of satellites for 

the purposes of environmental and weather monitoring; 

Whereas similar TIROS missions employed launch vehicles, 

spacecraft, and imaging equipment that was developed by 

NASA, the United States Air Force and their contractors 

and has performed in an outstanding manner; 

Whereas the next 50 years of United States accomplishments 

in space, like other important fields, will rely on individuals possessing strong mathematics, science, and engineering skills and the educators who will train such individuals; and 

Whereas the United States space program enables the development of advanced technologies, skills, and capabilities 

that support the competitiveness and economic growth of 

the United States: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) celebrates the achievement of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS I) team who 

worked together to enable the successful launch and operation of TIROS I by the United States to establish applications of space systems and technology for the benefit of people worldwide; 

(2) supports science, technology, engineering, and 

mathematics education programs which are critical for 

preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists 

to lead future United States space endeavors; 
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•HRES 1231 EH 

(3) recognizes the role of the United States space 

program in strengthening the scientific and engineering 

foundation that contributes to United States innovation 

and economic growth; and 

(4) looks forward to the next 50 years of United 

States achievements in the peaceful use of space to benefit all mankind. 

Attest: 

Clerk.