Sep 16 1962
From The Space Library
NASA announced the advanced version of liquid hydrogen/liquid-oxygen rocket engine had completed its preliminary flight rating tests. In the test program, the 15,000-lb.thrust engine underwent 20 static-firings for a total of 2,820 sec. of firing; it also passed humidity and vibration tests.
Dr. Albert Kelley, NASA Director of Electronics and Control (OART), told Electronics Industry Association that between 90 and 95% of U.S. space failures could be traced to failures in electronic components. "We are trying to build a reliable spacecraft with unreliable components." He added that NASA had begun an electronic components' reliability program separate from that of non—a program providing a "great challenge" with prospects for rewarding technological payoffs.
NASA announced contract award for research in communications between man and dolphins, results of which could apply if man encounters other species on distant planets. The $80,800, one-year contract was awarded to Communication Institute of St. Thomas, V.I., directed by Dr. John C. Lilly. Dr. Lilly's research had already determined that dolphins communicate with each other and that they could be taught to mimic human speech.
NASA announced new policy under which astronauts would be permitted to negotiate individually for the sale of their stories, the policy being "aimed at assuring equal access by all news media to the Astronauts' stories of their flight missions." Notable provisions of new policy were: (1) requirement for a second postflight news conference in which representatives of news media could question the astronaut "in depth" about his flight; and (2) prohibiting of any publication's advertising "exclusive" stories purchased from astronauts, with requirement that the contracting publication provide a method to avoid this inference and with all such agreements subject to approval of the NASA Administrator. Inherent in the policy was that "all information reported by the Astronauts in the course of their official duties, which is not classified to protect the national security, will be promptly made available to the public." New guidelines applied to all NASA astronauts, civilian and military.
U.S.S.R. exploded second nuclear device of "several megatons" in two days. AEC announced the atmospheric test had been conducted in vicinity of the island Novaya Zemlya.
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