Mar 6 1962
From The Space Library
Each of the series of weather satellites, Tiros, Nimbus, and Aeros, would not only provide an advance in capability but would extend observations into vital new areas, Morton J. Stoller, NASA’s Director of Applications, testified before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics. Speaking of Nimbus and Aeros, he said : "With one Nimbus in orbit, about half a day passes before we again see the same area. This will be a reasonably satisfactory time for the observation of such systems as cyclonic storms and hurricanes whose normal life is considerably greater than 12 hours. But, if we attempt to observe thunderstorm cells or tornadoes, systems whose life is appreciably less than 12 hours and often less than 6 hours will usually form, move and die without ever being detected. It is for this reason that the Aeros satellite with its capability for focusing on small short-lived storm systems and tracking them continuously, is considered to be an integral component of the eventual operational system." Secretary of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert, speaking before the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, cited Dr. Hugh L. Dryden's summation of the purposes of the national space program—"(1) insurance of the nation against scientific obsolescence in a time of explosive advances in science and technology; and (2) insurance against the hazards of military surprise in space." The Secretary added: "He defined in these two purposes the peacetime role of NASA in the national space program, and the defense role of the Air Force. The two must advance in harness, and they do. They are interdependent. One cannot move without the other. Furthermore, the nation cannot stand for any diversion of the efforts of either toward jurisdictional conflicts which can rob us of the most precious ingredient—time." Dr. Arthur E. Raymond was appointed a special consultant to the NASA Administrator. He would be concerned with organization and management of research and development programs, especially those involving advanced research and over-all systems planning. Dr. Raymond retired in 1960 as senior vice president of engineering for Douglas Aircraft Co., having spent 35 years with the company. He served as a member of NACA from 19461956.
AEC selected the Martin-Marietta Corp. as contractor to design, build, and ground test Snap 11, the thermoelectric nuclear generator for use on NASA’s Surveyor spacecraft. Snap 11 would weigh about 30 lbs., including shielding, and would provide a minimum of 18.6 watts of power continuously for 90-day lunar missions.
Army fired a Nike-Zeus antimissile missile from Kwajalein Island and successfully intercepted an electronically simulated ICBM warhead.
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