NASA is celebrating the 100th birthday of the United States' original aeronautics program today with photos showing what the dream of flight looked like a century ago.

Founded on March 3, 1915, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, called NACA, focused on innovation in aeronautics including the creation of the retractable landing gear, jet engine compressors and turbines, among other technologies.

The mission, according to NASA administrator Charles Bolden was to "supervise and direct the scientific study of the problems of flight with a view to their practical solution."

Starting with a small budget and no payroll, the committee grew into a powerhouse around World War II, developing cutting edge aeronautics technology that helped lead American troops to victory overseas.

NASA

PHOTO: This photo of a NACA hangar taken in 1953 shows the YF-84A (NACA 134/Air Force 45-59490) used for vortex generator research in the foreground.

It wasn't until the 1950s that the reality of space travel came into the picture. All 7,500 NACA employees became part of the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or what we commonly call NASA.

NASA

PHOTO: The first meeting of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in the Office of The Secretary of War, April 23, 1915

The influence of NACA can be seen today in "streamlined aircraft bodies, quieter jet engines, techniques for preventing icing, drag-reducing winglets and lightweight composite structures are an everyday part of flying thanks to research concepts and tools that trace their origins to the NACA," Bolden said in a statement celebrating the milestone anniversary.

Link:

NASA Celebrates 100th Birthday of America's First Flight Program