Building scientific networks

The formative years

On 1 April 1960 the USA launched its first meteorological satellite, TIROS 1. It was a remarkable experience for people to be able to view the earth and its atmosphere from the outside. The bluish colour of our planet fascinated observers and a number of well-known features of the circulation of the atmosphere became visible through the cloud formations that they create. Most of what one could see was familiar to the meteorologists. It appeared so consistent with the knowledge that had been taught in basic courses for years. Nevertheless, another dimension had been added. A very effective new tool for observing the weather had become available. The weather services were soon engaged in trying to find out how this new information could best be exploited. Scientists sensed that a new era in meteorology and climatology had begun.

The event was also of profound political importance. A satellite had been launched that might be used internationally for peaceful purposes. Had a new opportunity thereby been opened in the race between the USA and the USSR to be in the lead in space? Would this indeed be the beginning of peaceful global cooperation? President J. F. Kennedy seized the opportunity. In an address to the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in 1961 he called on the countries of the world to exploit this new tool jointly.