Part II : 1950 -1957

Significance

[93] Although NACA started late in rocket research, kept its effort relatively small, and was but one of many organizations investigating high-energy propellants, its technology contributions were significant to later vehicle developments. NACA was the only government laboratory conducting in-house experiments on high-energy propellants, and NACA data were quickly available to and influenced the work of all other groups. The strong NACA-Lewis preference for liquid hydrogen, which began in 1950 and persisted in spite of delays in securing a supply, was instrumental in keeping others interested in hydrogen. Abe Silverstein, the Lewis associate director, strongly supported liquid hydrogen, and he later occupied a key position in the nation's space program. The NACA rocket subcommittee, a unique body of rocket experts from government, industry, and universities, exchanged information between all interested groups and assisted in national planning of rocket research and development.