Jun 11 1964
From The Space Library
NASA announced plans to let contracts for improving thrust of Delta launch vehicles. Boosted energy was to have been achieved by enlarging 2nd-stage fuel tanks. Some Deltas to be modified would use three solid-propellant motors strapped to the Thor main stage, being called Thrust Augmented Deltas (TAD). With larger tanks, TADS could place 1,200 lbs. into earth orbit or 225 lbs. into escape velocity, as compared to 100 lbs. for standard Delta. (NASA Release 64-133)
Goodyear Aerospace Corp. developed solar collector for USAF. The 4-story-high mirror, to be used in tests of electricity sources for manned space station, was capable of setting fire to buildings or blinding people with a single flash of sunlight. (Wash. Eve. Star, 6/11/64)
1.5 million-lb.-thrust S-I-8 Saturn booster was successfully fired in a full-duration static test at MSFC. Built by Chrysler Corp. at Michoud Operations plant near New Orleans, the booster was the first to be produced by private industry. (AP, 6/12/64)
Cook Electric Co., Chicago, unveiled a $2 million observatory to be included in NASA's first Oao. Cook built the equipment for NASA under contract to Univ. of Wisconsin, where astronomers were planning observations in the far ultraviolet region of the spectrum (Houston Post, 6/12/64)
In an address to Plans for Progress Seminar, NASA Administrator James E. Webb said American success in space technology represented several accomplishments and potentialities: we can make benefits available to other nations; space achievements are vital in maintaining technological balance of world power; and it gives opportunity for utilizing all our human resources in carrying out the broad-gauge programs necessary for making significant inputs into space knowledge, regardless of race, creed, or color. (Text)
A Federal court ban on picketing of railroad workers at Cape Kennedy that was issued June 10 went into effect, and construction of the Saturn and Titan III launch facilities resumed. 3,824 members of building trades union effected the work stoppage. The District Judge who handed down the temporary injunction also scheduled a hearing with NLRB. (AP, 6/11/64; UPI, Houston Chron., 6/11/64)
NASA MSC officials announced first Gemini spacecraft for a manned space-flight (GT-3) had passed design and engineering inspections; project manager Charles W. Mathews declared it would perform its mission in satisfactory fashion. (Houston Chron., 6/11/64; MSC Roundup, 6/24/64, 8)
House Appropriations Committee cut off developmental funds for the AEC"S Pluto low-flying, nuclear-powered missile, proposing the missile be mothballed until DOD decided whether it needed the weapon. Having gone through nearly 10 years of development costing $196 million, Pluto was nearing the flight stage. The committee provided $1 million to mothball it. AEC had requested $8 million additional funds to get the missile to operating stage. (Finney, NYT, 6/12/64, 1, 23)
NASA announced appointment of two directors in Advanced Manned Missions Program, Office of Manned Space Flight. M. J. Raffensperger assumed duties last week as Director of Manned Earth Orbital Missions Studies. F. P. Dixon would become Director of Manned Planetary Mission Studies on June 15. (NASA Release 64-137)
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