IV 

111TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 1231 

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Television Infrared 

Observation Satellite, the world’s first meteorological satellite, launched 

by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on April 1, 1960, 

and fulfilling the promise of President Eisenhower to all nations of 

the world to promote the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all 

mankind. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MARCH 25, 2010 

Mr. HOLT submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Science and Technology 

RESOLUTION 

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United States Television Infrared Observation Satellite, the world’s first 

meteorological satellite, launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on April 1, 1960, and 

fulfilling the promise of President Eisenhower to all nations of the world to promote the peaceful use of space 

for the benefit of all mankind. 

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 


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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; 

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; 


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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; 

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 


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that support the competitiveness and economic growth of 

the United States: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) celebrates the achievement of the National 

3 Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Tele4 vision Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS I) 

5 team who worked together to enable the successful 

6 launch and operation of TIROS I by the United 

7 States to establish applications of space systems and 

8 technology for the benefit of people worldwide; 

9 (2) supports science, technology, engineering, 

10 and mathematics education programs which are crit11 ical for preparing the next generation of engineers 

12 and scientists to lead future United States space en13 deavors; 

14 (3) recognizes the role of the United States 

15 space program in strengthening the scientific and 

16 engineering foundation that contributes to United 

17 States innovation and economic growth; and 

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

19 United States achievements in the peaceful use of 

20 space to benefit all mankind. 

Æ 


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