Before NASA, Before Silicon Valley: The 1939 Founding of Ames Aeronautical Laboratory

Before there was NASA. Before there was Silicon Valley. In 1939, the Ames Aeronautical Laboratory was founded, laying the groundwork for America’s leadership in aerospace innovation. This story dives into the origins of cutting-edge flight research in Northern California — long before tech giants and moon missions. Discover how Ames became a quiet powerhouse that helped shape the future of flight, space exploration, and even the digital revolution.