The Convair division of General Dynamics Corporation initially was tasked with the development of the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile, which later became the vehicle to transport vehicles and men into space. In 1955 and 1956, measures were taken create a separate division of Convair in order to work on the Atlas Model 7 Project. The new division was known as Astronautics. General Dynamics directors voted to acquire land and to build an Astronautics plant in San Diego. A similar amount was provided by the Air Force for equipment. Another milestone in 1956 was the beginning of construction of the Atlas plant in Kearny Mesa, San Diego. The following year, Astronautics formally became an operating division of Convair. An Atlas component test facility was constructed at Point Loma, San Diego. Other missile test facilities were established at Edwards Rocket Site north of Los Angeles and at Sycamore Canyon near San Diego. In June 1961, the official name of Convair-Astronautics changed to General Dynamics Astronautics.