Jan 6 1964
From The Space Library
Supersonic Transport Evaluation Group, formed under overall management of FAA, convened in Washington to begin its task of evaluating airframe and engine manufacturers' initial design proposals for SST. Its 210 members representing FAA, NASA, CAB, USAF, USN, and Dept. of Commerce, the group would complete evaluation of proposals by early March. Concurrently, 10 airlines would conduct independent evaluations of the proposals, and on March 25-26 joint Government-airline discussions would formally review the results of their respective evaluations. By May 1, FAA Administrator Najeeb E. Halaby would announce which direction the U.S. SST effort would take. (FAA Release 64-2)
Dr. Edward C. Welsh, Executive Secretary and Acting Chairman, National Aeronautics and Space Council, said in Space Business Daily interview that major U.S. space accomplishments during 1963 were: decision to develop Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL), progress of Saturn launch vehicle, orbiting of Syncom communications satellites, Leroy Gordon Cooper's 22-orbit Project Mercury flight, the successful Atlas-Centaur flight test, and the military achievements in space. Dr. Welsh pointed out that in 1963 "70% of all U.S. orbital shots" were made by the military. (SBD, 1/6/64,18-19)
NASA MSC announced Gemini test vehicle for training astronauts in recovery procedures had arrived at MSC, and water tests with the astronauts and recovery forces would be conducted in nearby Galveston Bay. (MSC Release 64-2)
Lt. Col. Peter Romo, staff meteorologist of AFMTC, said his office was using photographs from TIROS VIII in its weather predictions for missile launchings from Cape Kennedy. APT (Automatic Picture Transmission) ground-receiving station was installed in mobile trailer at AFMTC for receiving the TIROS VIII photographs. (M&R, 1/6/64, 16)
USAF F-104 squadron completed first nonstop tactical fighter deployment from U.S. West Coast to Europe, flying from George AFB, Calif., 6,150 mi. to Moron Air Base, Spain, in 10 hrs. 20 min. The 18 aircraft were refueled in flight six times. (DOD Release 11-64)
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