May 17 1963
From The Space Library
NASA Director of Space Sciences Dr. Homer E. Newell told Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of U.N. Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in Geneva that orbiting of USAF Project West Ford copper filaments would "create no significant interference with any other scientific activity." Dr. Newell said criticism of project by radioastronomers seemed to have been based on assumption that experiment, if successful, would be followed by similar one on much larger scale. He assured subcommittee that no further launchings would be planned until scientific findings of first experiment had been "analyzed and evaluated" and "adequate safeguards against harmful interference with any branch of scientific endeavor" had been developed. (NYT, 5/18/63,9)
Tass published Soviet Government statement declaring that U.S. was "flouting all rules of international law" and "unfolding preparations for a nuclear war" with its Project West Ford experiment. (NYT, 5/18/63,9)
Mercury Flight Operations Director Christopher C. Kraft, of NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, told reporters at Cape Canaveral that "there's a lot to be gained from flying another [Mercury] mission. We have a 92-orbit capability. But we will have to analyze the data from this flight [MA-9] to determine whether another is justified." (CTPS, Chicago Trib, 5/18/63)
Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara sent telegram of congratulations to Maj. Leroy Gordon Cooper (USAF)
"Your Air Force leaders, Secretary Zuckert and General LeMay, and the entire Defense Department, join me in congratulating you on your record breaking achievement in behalf of our national space effort. "The scientific data that you have obtained will add tremendously to our store of knowledge about space. "You have earned the highest esteem of all Americans for your historic exploit." (DOD Release 71M3)
Former President Eisenhower in Rochester, N.Y., hailed Astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper's 22-orbit space flight as "a great step forward in the United States' space program." (AP, NYT, 5/18/63, 9)
Life editorial said: "Now the United States can be foremost in another and greater adventure [than Columbus']-or abdicate its own national greatness by not doing enough. Unfortunately the argument about whether space is worth it has been muddied by an increasing popular tendency to talk only about the race to the moon. "The issue is much bigger than a moon race, although of course we plan to land on the moon. The U.S. commitment to space seems a natural undertaking for the American people, who are a venturesome lot. Indeed it makes sense for military, technology, and prestige reasons. . . ." (Life, 5/17/63, CR, 5/20/63, A3160)
USAF launched Blue Scout, Jr., probe from Pt. Arguello with undisclosed mission. (NYT, 5/18/63; M&R, 5/27/63, 10)
USAF OAR announced three USAF Cambridge Research Laboratories meteorological research groups were participating with Weather Bureau and military services' support in 1963 National Severe Storms Project to learn more about structure, development, and possible forecasting of severe storms. (OAR Release 5-63-4)
USN test-fired Polaris A-3 missile from Cape Canaveral in successful 1,600-mi. flight. (UPI, NYT, 5/18/63, 8)
“Cooper: Man For 22 Orbits” article in Life Magazine
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