Nov 20 1968
From The Space Library
NASA successfully launched two Nike-Cajun sounding rockets to 74.6-mi (120-km) and 70.6-mi (113.6-km) altitudes to obtain data on variation of temperature, pressure, and wind profile by detonating grenades at prescribed times and recording sound arrivals on ground. Rockets and instruments performed satisfactorily; sound arrivals were recorded from 19 grenades on each rocket. Data would be compared with data from launches from NASA Wallops Station and Point Barrow, Alaska. (NASA Rpts SRL)
NASA Acting Administrator Dr. Thomas 0. Paine in speech before AIA Fall Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., said, "Today the United States stand at the crossroads." In FY 1969 NASA was operating close to "breakpoint" level. Below $4-billion budget level, NASA could no longer "hold together our hard-won capabilities and utilize them effectively in critical programs; some of them would have to be dropped entirely." Budget above $4 billion would "not only allow us to . . . carry forward major programs, but might permit . . . modest investments aimed at reducing costs of future space activities." Pointing to "long-term results of the tremendous technological effort . . . mounted during World War II" and "still being exploited today," Dr. Paine urged that as "we tackle grave social ills, we've got to continue to forge ahead in other areas.' We must worry about how we create new wealth as much as we do about how we better distribute today's wealth. It would be an international tragedy if America were to turn back now from its forward thrust in space at the end of an astonishingly productive first decade." James M. Beggs, NASA Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology, discussed three major aerospace needs: increased aeronautical research, low-cost boosters, and use of nuclear energy in space. In aircraft technology, NASA was "increasing . . . effort by increases in old and new aeronautical disciplines in V/STOL technol- ogy, and in noise reduction." Pressing need for boosters as reliable as existing boosters but far more economical, "means a fresh approach to the entire concept of boosters and a critical examination of each step .. from the drawing board to the end of the boost operation." NASA was recommending that NERVA engine development be continued with engine and stage ready for a mission as early as 1977. (Texts)
In BBC TV interview Jodrell Bank Experimental Station Director, Sir Bernard Lovell, said U.S. Apollo 8 plan for manned lunar orbit was, "On a scientific basis . . . wasteful and silly. . . . We've reached the stage with automatic landings when it's not necessary to risk human life to get information about the moon. Within a few years this information could be obtained by automatic, unmanned instruments." Sir Bernard said he was full of admiration for project but added, there was "a dangerous element of deadline beating in it." NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, Dr. George E. Mueller, commented, "The purpose is not scientific but to take an important step in developing the capability of landing men on the moon." In telephone interview from Huntsville, Ala., he said, "We are taking no undue risks." Apollo 8 crewman. William A. Anders told news conference at KSC, "We are flying primarily an operational mission and we strongly feel that a manned platform in lunar orbit with the operational equipment we have can add significant bits and pieces to scientific knowledge. . . . We think it will be a real boon for future Apollo flights to have the photographic, navigation, tracking, mapping, and other knowledge we'll bring back." (AP, B Sun, 11/21/68, 1; NYT, 11/21/68, 19; O'Toole, W Post, 11/21/68, A3)
Survey by AIA predicted decline in aerospace industry employment from 1,431 million in March to 1,400 million by December because of continuing decline in space program and leveling off of employment requirements in aircraft production and R&D programs. Employment was expected to remain at December level through March 1969. Aircraft production and R&D employees were expected to decline from 854,000 to 833,000, or by 2.5%. Missiles and space employment was expected to drop from 517,000 to 507,000, or 1.9%. Scientists and engineers would continue to form 16% of aerospace employment, with technicians making up 6% of aerospace industry employment. (AIA Release 68-56)
Soviet trade union newspaper Trud said mass production of powerful intercontinental rockets had started at U.S.S.R.'s "Rocket City" because "the conquest of space is expanding." Device made at the unidentified city "will help our scientists discover new mysteries of the universe for the good of man." (UPI, NYT, 11/22/68, 22)
GSFC awarded $3,127,001 one-year extension of cost-plus-award-fee contract to Fairchild-Hiller Corp. for scientific and engineering support services at GSFC. (GSFC Release G-53-68)
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