Oct 11 1961
From The Space Library
X-15 flown more than 40 miles into space-217,000 feet—and reached a speed of 3,647 miles per hour, Maj. Robert White, U.S. Air Force, as pilot. This was above 99.9 percent of Earth's atmosphere; pilot's heartbeat and respiration rose to twice above normal; and outside skin temperature of the X-15 rose to 900° F. on reentry.
NASA Administrator Webb, speaking to the American Rocket Society, said NASA scientists "are going to consider the rendezvous technique with great care before going ahead with Nova." Decision on whether to give priority to the rendezvous technique would probably be made by the end of 1961, he said.
Final report of House Committee on Science and Astronautics relating to their hearings on "Commercial Applications of Space Communications Systems" released, having among its conclusions: (1) Because of worldwide interest and potential usefulness of a space communications system, the U.S. Government must "retain maximum flexibility regarding the central question of ownership and operation of the system." (2) NASA will not only evaluate the various commercial proposals but will "conduct all space launches and retain direct control over all launching equipment, facilities, and personnel." (3) Research and development of military space communications systems should continue to be conducted by DOD but all research and development in space communications "should be conducted under the general supervision of NASA in accordance with its statutory mandate to 'plan, direct, and conduct aeronautical and space activities' " as well as evaluate the technical merits of proposed systems.
In a luncheon address to the American Rocket Society, Gen. Bernard A. Schriever said: "I have been, am being, and, if the situation is not changed, will continue to be inhibited if our space efforts continue to be carried out under an unnecessary, self-imposed national restriction; namely, the artificial division between space for peaceful purposes and space for military purposes." Asserting USAF management experience in space systems, General Schriever added: "There is no short cut to the creation of a team of dedicated and experienced men with a tradition of accomplishment." Jacqueline Cochran set woman's altitude record of 56,071.3 feet, in Northrop T-38 jet trainer at Edwards Air Force Base.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
