As the sun sets on the first 100 years of SAE, we reflect on a proud and rich tradition of contribution to the transportation industry. Engineering accomplishments in the last century have been the enabler of progress, expanding our personal horizons on land, in the sky, and beyond. At the start of the century, four U.S. farmers could feed about 10 people. By the end, with the help of engineering innovation, a single farmer could feed more than 100. In the early 1900s, the average American traveled about 1200 mi (1900 km) in their lifetime, mostly on foot, and mostly within their own town. One hundred years later, the typical American adult travels more than 12,000 mi (19,000 km) by automobile alone in just one year. From early test rockets to sophisticated satellites, human exploration into space is perhaps the most amazing engineering feat of the 20th century. The development of spacecraft has thrilled the world, expanded our knowledge base, and improved our capabilities.
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