Fifty years ago today (1 Oct 1958), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration opened for business. Born of the Space Race with Russia, there were many triumphs, trials,  and tragedies over the decades. Through it all, NASA continues to educate and inspire. 

Now, the U.S. space program is at a crossroads, with the Shuttle era coming to a close, and no clear path to the next steps. What will the next 50 years bring? Do we have the political will to return to the Moon? Other countries are rapidly building the technology and infrastructure to beat us there. Who will be first to set foot on Mars?

Anyway... Happy Birthday, NASA! From their website:

NASA's 50th Anniversary

Inspiration, Innovation, Discovery
We celebrate the past and look forward to a new era of exploration.

› NASA's 50th Anniversary Web Site
› Lecture Series | › Future Forums
› eClips Educational Videos
› Discovery Education: NASA at 50?

Video here.