[1] It was preceded by the Special Committee on Space and Astronautics, which operated from February 6, 1958, to March 11, 1959.
[2][3] The Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences was established July 24, 1958, when the Senate adopted S. Res.
The resolution also extended the term of the Special Committee on Space and Astronautics until March 11, 1959, so it could complete its final report.
However, matters concerning the development of weapons systems or military operations were reserved for the Senate Armed Services Committee.
However, the Space Committee was permitted to survey, review, and report on both military and civilian space activities of the United States.