Oct 23 1963
From The Space Library
Dr. Walter C. Williams, Deputy Director for Mission Requirements and Flight Operations, MSC, was named NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Operations. He would supervise manned space flight operations at MSC, MSFC, and LOC. During manned space flight missions he would have full authority and responsibility for conduct of the flights. His appointment would become effective Nov. 1, 1963. (NASA Release 63-237)
NASA Administrator James E. Webb, speaking before the Michigan Industry-University Research Conference in Detroit, urged a steadily supported space program based on public understanding of the total purpose of the space effort: "If this debate is to serve the best interests of the country, it is essential that every citizen of influence, whether editor, businessman, scientist, professor, government official, or military man, study and analyze all the principal reasons for a well-balanced, fast-paced space effort. The scientist who thinks only of scientific results or the businessman who looks only for economic results or the writer who seeks only for the spectacular or controversial will not be making his most constructive contribution to the process of national decision making . . " (Text)
NASA Administrator James E. Webb, speaking at Iowa Bankers Association 77th Annual Convention in Des Moines, said "Let me list the principal reasons why our investment in manned space flight is sound "1. The current level of effort is vital if we are not to settle for second position in space . . . . "2. Almost all our advances in space technology will add directly or indirectly to our ability to deter aggression . . . . "3. The scientific capital we shall acquire in the lunar program will long serve the nation . . "4. The facilities we are building and the technology we are acquiring are tangible assets that will extend benefits to our children and grandchildren . . . . "5. The dollars that are putting us into space are being spent right here on earth . . . . "6. We are clearly demonstrating to the world the ability and determination of Our democratic society to organize whatever large-scale scientific and industrial effort is required to meet critical national and international needs in time of peace as well as war . "7. TO meet the stringent demands of the space environment . engineers are developing new materials . . . certain to pay Off dividends, many Of which we cannot foresee, some of which may be Of revolutionary nature . . . . "8. We are rapidly building up a large pool of highly trained and creative scientists, engineers, and technicians . . . . "9. We are currently devoting about one per cent Of the country's income to the civilian space effort. If the inducement to hard work and inspiration Of participating directly or indirectly in space exploration spurs Our people to increase production Of goods and services by Only One per cent, the space program will pay for itself. "10. Our swift progress has now brought us to the point where Our space power can be employed in peace-making as well as peace-keeping." (Text)
Ranger VI launch rescheduled by NASA from last quarter Of 1963 to first quarter Of 1964. JPL had discovered defects in some Of the diodes in the same shipment as 242 diodes used in the assembled lunar spacecraft. Gold used in the bonding process was found to be baking inside the diode capsules; under space conditions these minute flakes could cause malfunction. The launch was postponed so that the diodes could be replaced. (NASA Release 63-238)
Dr. Albert C. Hall, DOD's new chief of space development, cited the Saint and Midas plug as representative of large-scale R&D efforts that only proved "the state-of-the-art was not equal to the task," according to Space Business Daily. Midas, he said, was a system "that could not compete with contemporary systems On a cost effectiveness basis." (pace Bus. Daily, 10/24/63, 137)
New camera tracking theodolite telescope developed by the U.S. Army was undergoing final test evaluation at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Called GORID (Ground Optical Recorder for Intercept Determination), the telescope would track and film hypersonic, high-altitude missiles while simultaneously recording missile flight data, On magnetic tape in computer format. (DOD Release 1396-63)
Army Pershing missile exploded shortly after launch at Ft. Wingate, N.M. (AP, Wash.. Post, 10/24/63)
Second wing of 150 Minuteman ICBM's was activated and turned over to Strategic Air Command. This wing was at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. First Minuteman wing was activated at Malstrom AFB, Mont., in July 1963. (DOD Release 1413-63)
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