Jun 19 1962
From The Space Library
TIROS V launched into orbit by Thor-Delta booster from Cape Canaveral, faulty guidance system placing it into elliptical orbit (apogee: 604 mi.; perigee: 367 mi.; period: 100.5 min.) instead of 400-mi. circular orbit. Cloud-cover pictures transmitted to tracking station at Wallops Station on early orbits were of excellent quality. TIROS V was expected to chart the origin, formation, and movement of hurricanes, typhoons, and other storms during the August-September peak tropical storm period.
In speech to the National Rocket Club in Washington, George Low, NASA’s Director of Spacecraft and Flight Missions, outlined the three methods of manned lunar missions (direct, earth-orbit rendezvous, and lunar-orbit rendezvous) and indicated that a NASA decision would shortly be forthcoming as to which would be used in the Apollo Program.
Mercury Astronaut Virgil I. (Gus) Grissom was presented the General Thomas D. White Space Trophy by Secretary of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert, at the National Geographical Society in Washington.
In his presentation remarks, Secretary Zuckert said: ". . . The National Aeronautics and Space Administration carries responsibility for the development of space technology and, in company with like-minded peoples of the world, the utilization of space for the benefit of man. Captain Grissom and the other astronauts are playing a vital role in the national space effort. NASA’s program is of vital importance to the Air Force. We must build the nation's defense capability in space on the foundation which NASA lays . .
"The feat for which he [Capt. Grissom] is recognized," said Secretary Zuckert, "is one step, a very, very early step, toward mastery of space for constructive purposes. The American people have launched a tremendous program to acquire the capability to master the aerospace just as we have mastered the seas and the air, and kept them free . . ."
USAF brought down a research balloon after a record 19-day flight 9,300 miles from Bermuda to near Iwo Jima. Launched at Kindley AFB, Bermuda, on May 31, the balloon carried instruments measuring wind direction and velocity, humidity, pressure, and temperature. One of a series of high-altitude flights, the 34-ft.-diameter balloon flew at a constant altitude of 68,000 ft.
OSCAR II (Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio) re-entered earth's atmosphere and disintegrated, after 295 orbits since launch June 1.
AFSC announced development of "self-maneuvering unit" (SMU), a 160-lb. pack which converts a pressure-suited spaceman into a one-man space vehicle. Designed to position and stabilize an astronaut or crewman outside a spacecraft and to give him mobility in an orbiting assembly area, SMU contains its own stabilization, control, propulsion, and power systems.
Position of Special Assistant for Astronaut Affairs created by NASA under the Director, Manned Spacecraft Center. Temporarily filled by Ford Eastman, the position provides central coordination of commitments to extra-program activities of the astronauts.
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