National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958
Signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower
July 29, 1958
We go into space because whatever mankind must undertake, free men must fully share. I believe that this Nation should commit itself to achieving the goal before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more exciting, or more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.
President John F. Kennedy
May 25, 1961
We expect to explore the moon, not just visit it or photograph it. We plan to explore and chart planets as well. We shall expand our earth laboratories into space laboratories and extend our national strength into the space dimension. The purpose of the American people expressed in the earliest days of the Space Age remains unchanged and unwavering. We are determined that space shall be an avenue toward peace and we both invite and welcome all men to join with us in this great opportunity
President Lyndon B. Johnson
January 27, 1965
Our current exploration of space makes the point vividly: Here is testimony to man's vision and to man's courage. The journey of the astronauts is more than a technological achievement; it is a reaching-out of the human spirit. It lifts our sights; it demonstrates that magnificent conceptions can be made real. They inspire us and at the same time they teach us true humility. What could bring home to us more the limitations of the human scale than the hauntingly beautiful picture of our earth seen from the moon?
On this unique occasion when man traverses outer space to set foot on Earth's nearest neighbor, Moon, I send my greetings and good wishes to the brave