Timeline
On Feb. 7, 1958, Neil McElroy, the Department of Defense Secretary, issued DoD Directive 5105.15 establishing the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), later renamed the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
The Agency’s first three primary research thrusts focused on space technology, ballistic missile defense, and solid propellants
Redefining Possible
Since 1958, DARPA has been an engine of innovation serving national defense and the U.S. warfighter.