Established by the United States Air Force in 1950 as the Joint Long Range Proving Ground, this area supported the initial development of America’s space program. The Space Age for the U.S. began on this site with the launch of America’s first satellite, Explorer I, in 1958, followed soon after by the launch of America’s first astronaut, Alan Shepard, in 1961. Known today as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the base has hosted more than three thousand launches, including manned missions, robotic voyages exploring our solar system, and military missions designed to protect the American way of life.