Sep 27 1963

From The Space Library

NASA EXPLORER XIV satellite progress report indicated no usable scientific data had been obtained from the scientific sat­ellite since mid-August. In its ten months of operation since launch into highly elliptical orbit Oct. 2; 1962, EXPLORER XIV sent back more than 6,500 hours of data from the six onboard scien­tific experiments to chart boundaries of earth's magnetosphere, measure particle population and energies of electrons and pro­tons, and determine how magnetic fields influence these particles. 3,700 hours of data had been processed through computers and scientific analysis was continuing. (NASA Explorer XIV Prog. Rpt. No. 6)

Press briefing on contracting procedures for Lunar Orbiter space­craft held at NASA Hq. Contract for five Lunar Orbiters would be first major NASA contract on basis of incentives, with contractor sharing cost savings and/or penalties. Objectives of incentive contracting were to assure greater reliability of products and meeting of scheduled deadlines. (Press Briefing Transcript)

USAF launched Scout vehicle from Vandenberg AFB with undisclosed payload. (UPI, Chic. Trib., 9/28/63)

USAF announced awarding $3,000,000 original definitive contract to Lockheed Propulsion Co. for research and development of solid propellant motors for the large solid booster program. (DOD Re­lease 1304-63)

September 27-October 10: NASA displayed models of manned and un­manned spacecraft in lobby of NASA Hq. building, part of fifth anniversary observance. (NASA Release 63-214)

• September

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