Dec 10 1962
From The Space Library
NASA launched 186-lb. payload of scientific instruments for Commonwealth of Australia from NASA Wallops Station, but Aerobee 150A vehicle malfunctioned 42 sec. after liftoff and payload did not reach intended altitude. Payload instrumentation, designed to measure VLF radio waves in the ionosphere, functioned successfully throughout the flight.
Senator Estes Kefauver (D–Tenn.) announced NASA proposed patent regulations would "flout the clear legislative intent underlying the NASA Act of 1958." Urging NASA not to adopt the regulations he contended they would impede the space program, increase monopoly "in an already concentrated industry," and give private industry the fruits of research financed publicly.
Franz Olson, of Aerospace Industries Association, said at the NASA hearing that proposed patent waiver regulations would lead to an increase in inventions through "the proven incentives of the patent system." Senator Russell B. Long (D–La.) charged the patent proposals would give "patent monopolies" to the industry on developments resulting from publicly financed research. Senator Long said Monopoly Subcommittee of the Senate Small Business Committee would conduct hearings on the proposed regulations in January.
Incorporators of communications satellite corp., authorized by the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, decided temporary Headquarters for the new company would he established in Washington, D.C. Also at the meeting held in N.Y.C., the incorporators discussed name for the corp.; considered names of 50 persons for its management; and discussed budgetary requirements. Next meeting of group was set for Dee. 21, in N.Y.C.
National Science Foundation announced it would grant $2.5 million for 74 institutes of college teachers next summer. Consisting of about 30 teachers each, the institutes would cover subject matter ranging from history and philosophy of science and mathematics to various aspects of engineering.
Aviation Week and Space Technology reported NASA was considering substituting piggyback satellite for Agena D target in Project Gemini rendezvous maneuvers. Dr. Joseph F. Shea, NASA Deputy Director of Manned Space Flight Systems, was quoted as saying NASA could save both time and money by such substitution. USAF plans for Blue Gemini project were not yet firm, pending NASA’s decision. USAF hoped to buy four of NASA’s 12 two-man Gemini capsules for use in its own manned Space flight training using Agena D as rendezvous target for two-man Gemini crew. DOD had not yet approved any Blue Gemini funds for FY 1964.
USAF Minuteman ICBM exploded within seconds after launch attempt from Vandenberg A FB, Calif.
U.S. Army Pershing missile met all test objectives in flight from Cape Canaveral with pre-programed zig-zag maneuvers designed to test missile guidance system's ability to keep the Pershing on course.
NA SA Flight Research Center announced modifications to X-15 (No. 1) had been completed, the modifications providing window and camera in fuselage for Follow-On Program of high-altitude research. Camera with window would be used to study optical degradation resulting from observations through hypersonic boundary layers and shock waves. This project would begin in early 1963 and would include first five flights of the 35 flights planned in X-15 Follow-On-Program, a two-year program sponsored by NASA and USAF.
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