Jan 30 1963
From The Space Library
In wake of rumors that NASA was planning three-day manned space flight for August, NASA affirmed its announced plan to end Project Mercury with MA-9 flight in April unless unforeseen problems arise in that flight.(Wash. Eve. Star, 1/30/63)
NASA Administrator James E. Webb told National Transportation Institute meeting in Chicago “. . . our national defense - perhaps even our national survival - demands that we act to insure that no hostile force will be permitted to use space as an unchallenged avenue of aggression against us.” (Chicago Trib., 1/31/63)
In report to House Armed Services Committee, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara said USAF was conducting basic research on an “advanced hypersonic manned aircraft,” follow-on Project to X-20 (Dyna Soar) manned orbital space glider. McNamara described the aircraft as “an ‘extremely advanced concept which envisages an aircraft that can take off from a conventional airstrip and fly directly into orbit and return.” (AP, Wash. Eve. Star, 1/31/63)
Unnamed spokesman for US. State Dept. confirmed reports that four unannounced objects had been launched into space between Sept. 1 and Jan. 7. “They are not our vehicles - that's all I can say,” spokesman said. Presumably of Soviet origin objects were launched between Sept. 1 and 17 ; Oct. 20 and 26; Nov. 1 and 5 ; and Jan. 1 and 7. Their existence was suspected when U.S. report to U.N. Space Registry skipped the four Greek alphabetical designations in the international system of recording objects in orbit. (Birmingham Post-Herald, 1/31/63, 1 ; UPI, Wash. Post. 2/1/63 A6)
Gen. B. A. Schriever, Cdr. of AFSC, told IRE Winter Conference on Military Electronics in Los Angeles : “. . . Considering these three factors the basic Soviet hostility, their emphasis on technology,and their achievements in space - it would be a mistake to relax our efforts in any area of technology. Space is certainly one area that calls for our best thinking and our best efforts . . . . “In recent years, we have been surprised more than once by Soviet technical achievements. We must not underestimate the capabilities of our opponent. It is equally important that we do not underestimate our own capabilities. We have vast natural resources, a broad and diversified industrial base, and an immense pool of scientific talent and experience. In all of these we are more than a match for the Soviets. It is essential that we utilize all these resources wisely. . . .” (Text)
Soviet newspaper Izvestia reported that a Warsaw polytechnical institute had developed technique for soldering aluminum with aid of ultrasonics. Place to be soldered is first coated with a thin layer of tin, which "breaks into” the aluminum under effect of ultrasonic vibrations being produced by a generator. (Zzvestk, 1/30/63,2)
In detailed explanation of decision to cancel Skybolt missile development, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara told Congress that Skybolt would have been overly costly, “unsuited” to the deterrent roles proposed for it, and the poorest of U.S. missiles. (Wash. Post, 1/31/63, A5)
National Aeronautic Association announced First International Aeronautical Film Festival would be held in Nice, Sept. 16-22, under auspices of FAI and sponsored by City of Nice. (NAA Release)
Two-day strike by AFL-CIO against NRDS, Nev., nuclear test site ended ; union and Reynolds Electrical and Engineering Co. agreed to continue negotiations under Federal mediation. (AP, Wash. Post, 1/30/63, A7)
National Aeronautic Association and International Air Pageant, Inc., jointly announced plans for Olympics of the Air international air show, Labor Day weekend in 1964, in Southern California. ( NAA Release)
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