Jun 14 1962
From The Space Library
In regular press conference, President Kennedy was asked for his assessment of the U.S. space effort and "whether you plan any major realignments, such as a military role?" In answer, he said: ". . . the military have an important and significant role, though the prime responsibility is held by NASA and is primarily peace, and I think that that proportion of that mix should continue. I think the American people have supported the effort in space, realizing its significance, and also that it involves a great many possibilities in the future which are still almost unknown to us and just coming over the horizon.
"As far as where we are, I don't think that the United States is first yet in space, but I think a major effort is being made, which will produce important results in the coming months and years." In Paris, delegates from 10 nations—France, Britain, West Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, and Sweden—signed a convention creating the European Space Research Organization (ESRO). Denmark and Norway have indicated their intention of joining later. Prof. Pierre V. Auger of France was named Director-General of the new organization. With an eight-year budget of $300 million, ESRO plans to carry out some 500 space experiments beginning with 10 sounding rockets in 1963, and the first European satellites in 1967. Launching vehicles will be supplied by another organization, the European Council for the Construction of Spatial Vehicles, which was created last March.
TIROS IV weather satellite was no longer transmitting pictures usable for global weather forecasting, although TIROS IV was still taking "direct" pictures on command which were suitable for limited U.S. weather analysis. Infrared instrumentation was still providing information on the earth's heat balance. Launched on February 8, 1962, TIROS IV had exceeded its designed performance and clarity of pictures from the new (Tegea) lens was outstanding. It had transmitted some 30,000 pictures to date.
Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., was awarded the Aero Club's Godfrey L. Cabot Award in Boston, as America's first man in space.
Astronaut Gus Grissom was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Space Science degree by the Brevard Engineering College, Melbourne, Florida.
House Committee on Science and Astronautics reportedly ordered an investigation of alleged government discrimination against women, naming in executive session Congressman Victor L. Anfuso as chairman of a special nine-man, two-woman investigation subcommittee.
Army Pershing test missile destroyed itself shortly after second-stage ignition following launch at AMR.
Army announced the activation of the first Pershing missile battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
June 14–September 15: GSFC Test and Evaluation Division conducted "simulation" summer workshop to promote exchange of technical information between scientists and the GSFC staff. Selected subjects on space environment simulation will be presented by GSFC scientists before professor–graduate-student teams.
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
