Mar 12 1964
From The Space Library
Scientific results from the EXPLORER XVIII satellite-Interplanetary Monitoring Platform (IMP)-was topic of discussion at GSFC symposium. The NASA satellite was orbited in November 1963, with onboard instrumentation including two magnetometers, three plasma probes, and five sets of low and medium energy particle detectors. IMP data revealed a shock wave existed 53,600 mi. above earth's sunlit surface, formed by interaction of interplanetary magnetic field and high-speed constant wind of particles from the sun. Between shock wave and upper edge of Van Allen belts, a region ranging in depth from 12,000 to 20,000 mi., there is great turbulence; moderately energetic particles constantly flow into the region and drain away. (Simons, Wash. Post, 3/13/64; NYT, 3/13/64; Goddard News, 3/23/64, 1-2)
NASA announced establishment of new research program with Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. to develop advanced technology for large nuclear and chemical rockets. The program would continue certain research begun under Project Rift (Reactor-In-Flight Test), principally insulation development, cryogenic testing, structural development, application of Rift technology to Saturn stages, and documentation of pertinent technology for future use. NASA had committed an initial $500,000 letter contract to the program; cost of seven-month period was expected to be about $1.5 million. (NASA Release 64-57)
House Committee on Science and Astronautics approved $764 million for advanced research and technology in NASA'S FY 1965 budget authorization, a cut of nearly $30 million from NASA'S request. The Committee restored $10 million for initiating construction of electronics research center, which the Advanced Research and Tracking Subcommittee had cut. (Wash. Post, 3/13/64)
NASA and Australian Ministry for Supply announced agreement for establishment of space tracking and data acquisition station in the Orroral Valley near Canberra, Australia, for ground support of NASA'S Orbiting Observatory satellites. The facility would be a sister facility to NASA stations near Fairbanks, Alaska, and Rosman,. N.C., which monitor, control, and command the Orbiting Observatories, as well as receive, record and forward to the control center information transmitted from the satellite to the ground. (NASA Release 64-55)
Army Missile Command's new R&D center at Redstone Arsenal was dedicated. The facility was named for Maj. Gen. Francis J. McMorrow, AMC commander at the time of his death last year. (M&R, 3/9/64, 9)
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