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 Observa-
tion 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 Ei-
senhower and Congress to create the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration (NASA), a civilian 
space agency, which applied technology from several mili-
tary 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 Hunts-
ville, Alabama; 
Whereas TIROS I images offered meteorologists the ability 
to examine large-scale weather patterns to improve 
weather forecasting and enable early warning of ap-
proaching storms, thus saving lives and property around 
the world;
•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, tele-
vision imaging, magnetic recording, semiconductor de-
vices, and solar cell applications, all of which resulted 
from both Government and private sector investments; 
Whereas Government investments in research and develop-
ment 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 meteoro-
logical satellites; 
Whereas NASA’s Nimbus Satellites and Advanced Commu-
nications Technology Satellite continued to enhance un-
derstanding and performance by further testing and de-
velopment of space power systems, sensor development, 
and other technologies;
•HRES 1231 EH 
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion (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 individ-
uals possessing strong mathematics, science, and engi-
neering skills and the educators who will train such indi-
viduals; and 
Whereas the United States space program enables the devel-
opment 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 Aero-
nautics and Space Administration and the Television In-
frared Observation Satellite (TIROS I) team who 
worked together to enable the successful launch and op-
eration of TIROS I by the United States to establish ap-
plications of space systems and technology for the ben-
efit 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;
•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 ben-
efit all mankind. 
Attest: 
Clerk.