Mar 20 1969
From The Space Library
Senate confirmed nomination of Dr. Thomas O. Paine as NASA Administrator. (CR, 3/20/69, S2949)
In first test of NERVA inflight configuration at Jackass Flats, Nev., engine was held to 1/10 maximum power development of 1,100 mw or 55,000 lbs thrust, during three 25-sec warmups. Full power tests would be held in April by Aerojet-General Corp. and Westinghouse Astronuclear Laboratory, when NERVA was expected to produce electrical energy equal to one fourth that developed by Hoover Dam. Test-to 110 mw and 5,500 lbs thrust to duplicate engine startup procedures in space and verify system performance with liquid hydrogen fuel-marked first test of rocket with nozzle down and thrust blasting into water-cooled firing pit. Engine had produced sufficient energy to boil ton of water every two seconds. (AEC /NASA Release M-54; LA Times, 3/23/69)
Appointment of NASA Associate Administrator for Organization and Management Harold B. Finger as first Assistant Secretary for Urban Research and Technology was announced by Housing and Urban Development Secretary George W. Romney. From 1960 until 1967, Finger had been manager for AEC -NASA Space Nuclear Propulsion Office and, since 1961, director of nuclear system for OART. (NYT, 3/16/68, 39; AP, W Post, 3/21/69, A17)
MSFC announced it had signed $4,095,000 contract with Radio Corp. of America for engineering and logistics support for ground computer systems and other equipment in Saturn V program. (MSFC Release 69-84)
NASA announced completion of negotiations for one-year $513,293,000 ex- tension, through 1969, of cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with Philco-Ford Corp. Education and Technical Services Div. for engineering support and related services at Wallops Station. (NASA Release 69-8)
The crew of Apollo 9 are debriefed on this day.
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