Orders of Magnitude; A History of NACA and NASA, 1915-1980. The NASA History Series, NASA SP-4403
Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Scientific and Technical Information Branch, 1981. Second Edition [stated]. Presumed first printing thus. Trade paperback. ix, [1], 106, [4] pages. Wraps. Illustrations. Map. Bibliography. Index. NASA maintains an internal history program for two principal reasons: (1) Sponsorship of research in NASA-related history is one way in which NASA responds to the provision of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 that requires NASA to "provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results thereof." (2) Thoughtful study of NASA history can help agency managers accomplish the missions assigned to the agency. Understanding NASA's past aids in understanding its present situation and illuminates possible future directions. More