Apr 16 1964
From The Space Library
NASA launched Nike-Apache sounding rocket with ionosphere experiment payload from Wallops Island, Va., to peak altitude of 105 mi. The payload carried instrumentation to measure electron and ion density and solar radiation in the D and E regions of the ionosphere; it impacted 114 mi. downrange in the Atlantic Ocean. Provided by Univ. of Illinois and the Geophysics Corp. of America, the experiment was an investigation of the International Year of the Quiet Sun (1964-65) (IQSY) (Wallops Release 64-37)
Japan's first television transmission to Europe by communications satellite was received in Pleumeur-Bodou, France, and fed into France's television network for European viewing. Reception was excellent. The relay was made by TELSTAR II communications satellite. (AP, Balt. Sun, 4/17/64)
NASA-AEC Space Nuclear Propulsion Office announced successful completion of cold-flow experiments on a Nerva (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application) experimental reactor, designated the NRX-A1, by the Aerojet-General and Westinghouse Electric Corporations. The experiments were designed to check the structural stability and flow dynamics of the NRX-A reactor under nonpower conditions. All test objectives were met. (SNPO)
Asked for his opinion about developing a new manned bomber, President Johnson said at White House news conference that SAF Chief of Staff General LeMay had requested funds be reprogrammed to study plans for a new bomber: "I told him I would give consideration to his proposal. I understand that proposal has been formulated and is now going through channels, and will shortly come to the President. When it gets to me, I will study it as best I can and make the decision that I think is in the national interest." (Transcript, Wash. Post, 4/17/64, A18)
New three-year labor stabilization agreement, including no-strike clause, was signed in Washington by representatives of AFL-CIO and Patrick AFB Contractors" Association. Agreement covered MILA and Cape Kennedy as well as Patrick, was retroactive to April 1 when previous two-year agreement had expired. (AP, NYT, 4/17/64)
D. Brainerd Holmes, vice president of Raytheon Corp. and former director of NASA manned space flight program, was interviewed in the Boston Globe. Asked if he still thought the 1970 manned lunar landing goal was realistic, he replied, "The timetable now is tougher than it was, but still possible." (White, Boston Globe, 4/16/64, CR, 4/21/64, A2002-03)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30