Apr 17 1964
From The Space Library
NASA launched three Nike-Cajun sounding rockets from Ft. Churchill, Canada, and Wallops Island, Va., two with grenade payloads to investigate winds, temperature, density, and pressure in the upper atmosphere. The first, a Nike-Cajun was launched from Wallops; it sent payload to about 57-mi. altitude, where aluminum-coated mylar plastic sphere was ejected and inflated to 26-in. diameter. The sphere continued up to about 78.4-mi. altitude before floating down to earth. Radar tracking of ascent, descent, and drift provided data for calculating densities at various altitudes. Less than two hours later the Ft. Churchill rocket was launched, sending 82-lb. payload which ejected grenades detonating at intervals in region of 23 to 58 mi. 20 min. later the final rocket-the second carrying grenades-was launched from Wallops Island, with grenades exploding in about the same altitude range. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center conducted the flights to observe characteristics of the upper atmosphere and to measure variations occurring through the period of increased heating. The grenade experiments were an extension of series conducted from Jan. 23 to Mar. 6 involving 13 Nike-Cajun flights which "yielded excellent data on the characteristics in the upper atmosphere during winter conditions," according to project scientist Wendell S. Smith. Follow-up experiments were planned for late summer when solar heating would be near maximum, for comparative data. (Wallops Release 64-38)
Sidney J. Dagle, 29, Ball Brothers technician, died of injuries caused by ignition of X-248 rocket motor three days earlier at Cape Kennedy. This was the first death among the 11 injured personnel. Next day, John W. Fassett, 30, succumbed to burns sustained in the accident. An engineer in GSFC Field Projects Branch, Fassett was the only NASA employee among the 11; the others were employees of Douglas (booster contractor) and Ball Brothers (OSO satellite contractor). One other man remained in critical condition. (AP, NYT, 4/18/64, 12; UPI, NYT, 4/19/64, 80; Goddard News, 4/20/64, 3; GSFC PIO, 5/13/64)
House Appropriations Committee reported $46,785,867,000 military appropriations- bill for FY 1965. Report said: "The committee explored in detail the question of missile dependability. . . . [The committee] is inclined to conclude with the Secretary [of Defense] that the missile force we have programmed can be depended upon to carry out its military mission under all of the conditions we can foresee." The committee also proposed appropriation of $47 million for initiating development of a new manned bomber. (Raymond, NYT, 4/18/64, 1)
USIA communications exhibition to be shown in U.S.S.R. this sum-mer was previewed by Government, industry, and press representatives in New York. Exhibition covered U.S. communications in space satellites, TV and radio, telephone, and business and industry. The space portion featured models of nine satellites and live TV images of visitors bounced off working model of Telstar satellite. (Shanley, NYT, 4/19/64, 47)
NASA Lewis Research Center announced seven researchers had won awards for four inventions, the awards totaling $1,400 under provisions of the Government Employees Incentive Awards Act. Winners were: S. Stephen Papell, $500 for low viscosity magnetic fluid obtained by collodial suspension of magnetic particles; Paul D. Reader and Harold R. Kaufman $500 for electrostatic ion engine with permanent magnetic circuit; Robert J. Branstetter and Allen J. Metzler, $300 for black-body furnace; John R. Jack and Paul F. Brinich, $100 for improved heat exchangers for electrothermal rockets. (LRC Release 64-38)
Geraldine Mock, Columbus, Oh, housewife, became the first woman to fly around the world when she landed at Port Columbus Airport, Oh. Mrs. Mock completed her 23,103-mi. solo flight in 29 days, 11 hours, 59 min. The flight was monitored by National Aeronautic Association. (NAA Release)
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