September 1964
From The Space Library
After DOD installed small ground station in Saigon, military communications experiments using SYNCOM II communications satellite began between Saigon and Hawaii. Limited experiments also were made with SYNCOM III, which was in a position to relay messages from Saigon to Camp Roberts, Calif. SYNCOM II was being used on a virtually 24-hour basis. DOD had been experimenting with SYNCOM II for months-before installation of Saigon station, when SYNCOM II relayed messages between Manila and points in the U.S., and even earlier, when the satellite relayed military communications over the Atlantic Ocean. (Bus. Wk., 9/12/64; Finney, NYT, 9/29/64, 4)
Dr. Raymond L. Bisplinghoff, NASA Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology, described use of nuclear energy in space propulsion and electric-power generation: "We have observed repeatedly how a given technology has been advanced by the military requirements and how this technology is later borrowed for consumer products. However, these underlying technologies may be catalyzed with equal effectiveness by significant peace-time objectives set by the President, as exemplified by the Nation's space program. "Therefore, the nation must support activities during peacetime which have as their purpose large-scale technological goals separated from commercial and military needs. The application of nuclear energy to space exploitation offers such a goal-one which can provide enormous subsidiary benefits in addition to opening the gateway to deep space." (GE Forum, 7/9/64, 15-17)
USAF Missile Development Center reported seven-ft. monorail sled reached record ground speed of 4,200 mph in test at Holloman AFB. (M&R, 9/21/64, 9)
U.S.S.R. had developed nuclear reactor for space applications, according to technical supplement of Pravda. Nicknamed "Romashka" ("Daisy"), it used enriched U-235 and had output of 500 watts, 88 amps, through direct control of reactor heat with beryllium reflectors. It weighed about 500 lbs., was comparable to U.S. 950-lb. Snap-10A power source in its power levels. Soviets claimed to have run it continuously 400 hrs. without failure. (M&R, 12/14/64, 21)
Aerospace industry sales for second quarter of 1964 rose to $4.006 billion from $3.808 billion in preceding quarter, Securities and Exchange Com-mission-Federal Trade Commission reported. (Av. Wk., 9/21/64, 34)
U.S.S.R. began series of long-range missile tests from Siberian launch site to impact point in the Pacific Ocean near Christmas Island. The missiles had range of more than 7,000 mi. This series would last until Nov. 1, and a second series would extend the tests to Dec. 30, to target area near Howland Island. (Hughes, Miami Herald, 9/14/64)
Interview with General John P. McConnell (USAF) , Vice Chief of Staff, USAF, in The Airman. General McConnell gave his opinion of USAF's future role in space: "First, to augment the existing defense capabilities of the U.S. land, sea, and air forces by using space systems for such things as better communications, weather reporting, and navigation. Second, to develop a military capability for protection of U.S. interests in space. "I think the Air Force, by virtue of its overall mission and experience, as well as its DOD-assigned responsibilities for space developments and boosters, must seek to obtain space capabilities for our defense as quickly as they become economical and practical. "Our role to support the national goals of both the scientific exploration and the high-priority defense projects should continue. "I also visualize that in the long run, future manned vehicles will play an increasingly vital role. It is essential that the Air Force vigorously pursue space research and development as well as operations." (Air- man, 9/64, 12-15)
Writing in U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, Capt. Robert C. Truax (USN, Ret.) described early naval rocket development work at Engineering Experiment Station, Annapolis. Captain Truax was in charge of all rocket propulsion work for USN Bureau of Aeronautics from 1946 to 1949. (U.S- Naval Inst. Proc., 9/64, 82-108)
Frederick R. Kappel, chairman of the board of AT&T, was named recipient of the 1965 John Fritz Medal by United Engineering Trustees, Inc., for "leadership in the pioneering of space communications . . ." (Av. Wk., 9/14/64, 23)
William J. Schulte, Assistant Administrator for General Aviation, FAA, was named 1964 winner of National Business Aircraft Association Award for meritorious service to aviation. (Av. Wk-, 9/14/64, 23)
General Accounting Office told Congress that DOD was making only "negligible" progress in its program to standardize electronic parts. GAO blamed the Services' failure "to take appropriate and timely action to complete item-reduction projects initiated under the Defense standardization program" as well as lack of DOD "authoritative direction and control." (Av. Daily, 9/24/64)
- September
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