In the Spirit of Ronald E. McNair Astronaut: An American Hero

Born and reared in a small town in rural segregated South Carolina, he did not let poverty or the color of his skin stand between him and his goal of becoming an astronaut. Ronald McNair, Ph.D., was the first civilian African-American astronaut, and one of seven courageous astronauts who gave their lives while serving our country aboard the ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986.

Operational Survival Plan

In 1959, confronted with the fact that a dangerous potential enemy of the United States had the capability of launching powerful weapons that would cause unprecedented destruction and devastation in South Carolina, the S.C. Civil Defense Agency wrote this survival plan for all South Carolinians. This guide provides a fascinating account of fears and threats faced by South Carolina’s government, people, and property during the Cold War.

The NASA Mission: Present and Future

The NASA Mission: Present and Future” lecture, given by NASA administrator James M. Beggs on April 28, 1985, gives us a glimpse into the vision and hope for space exploration at that time. Hosted by the Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson University, Beggs not only discussed the achievements of NASA up to that point, but he also mapped out a plan for NASA’s future. By the mid-1990s, Beggs said the United States would have a permanently manned space station orbiting the earth, now a reality as the International Space Station.

South Carolina, The Economic Impact of Aviation

A strong relationship exists between South Carolina’s economy and aviation. In today’s global market place, the state’s system of commercial service and general aviation airports is essential. South Carolina’s diversified system of airports helps to both lead and sustain growth and economic diversification. Residents, businesses, and the estate’s visitors also rely on the airport system for health, welfare, and safety needs. Further, South Carolina’s military airfields are important to our national security.

Carolina Stories: Space Heroes

This film is a celebration of the three astronauts in the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Charles Duke, Jr., who attended Lancaster High School, was the lunar module pilot for Apollo 16, and in 1972, became the youngest person to walk on the Moon. Dr. Ronald McNair, who was born in Lake City, died in the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986 at age 35. Charles Bolden, Jr., born in Columbia, is a veteran of four space flights, and was the Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017.

S.C.A.N.G: The First 25 Years, 1946-1971

Out of the fury of World War II came the revelation that air power was the wave of the future for the nation’s defense. To help meet this awesome challenge of defending the world’s most powerful nation, South Carolina’s first Air National Guard units were organized at Congaree Air Base near Eastover on December 9, 1946. The book recounts 25 years of history of SCANG and reflects on a heritage left by citizen-soldiers in service throughout the world – a heritage which merits the esteem of all South Carolinians and Americans.