Sep 11 1963

From The Space Library

Aerobee 150A launched from NASA Wallops Station carried instrumented payload to approximately 102-mi. altitude in experiment to study behavior of liquid hydrogen in conditions of radiant heating and zero gravity. Radiant heat measurements were as predicted, and there were 4 min. of zero-g time. Experi­ment was conducted for NASA Lewis Research Center, responsible for NASA development of liquid-hydrogen-propelled rocket en­gines. (Wallops Release 63-83; NASA Rpt. of Sounding Rkt. Launching)

At luncheon meeting with NASA Deputy Administrator Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, Soviet Academician Dr. Anatoli A. Blagonravov re­ported to have suggested that it might be desirable to discuss possibility of U.S.-U.S.S.R. cooperation in manned lunar expedition. (Bartlett, Wash. Eve Star, 9/17/63; Simons, Wash,. Post, 9/18/63; Finney, NYT, 9/18/63,11)

House passed (336-0) H. Res. 504 to create select com­mittee to investigate expenditures for research programs con­ducted by or sponsored by Government departments and agencies. Committee would submit its final report by Dec. 1,1964. Speaker of the House appointed nine Representatives as members of the. Committee, with Rep. Carl Elliott (D.-Ala.) as Chairman. Rep. Elliott, principal sponsor of the resolution, pointed out that 90 Eve cent of Government research is conducted by or sponsored by five agencies: DOD, NASA, HEW, AEC, and National Science Founda­tion; ". . . more than 75 per cent of these research and develop­ment dollars are sent on projects conducted by private research organizations, institutions and universities under Federal grants and contracts." (NASA Leg. Act. Rpt. II/143; CR, 9/11/63, 15867ff )

Speaking at Symposium on Space Rendezvous, Rescue and Recovery at Edwards AFB, NASC Executive Secretary Dr. Edward C. Welsh said ". . . It is worth keeping in mind that irrefutable facts and events demonstrate that the Soviets are conducting a vigorous space effort, and the evidence is strong that this program includes a manned lunar trip. "Let me emphasize that we should be making a vigorous effort to go to the moon and that we should continue to do so even if the Russians delete such an objective from their space program." Dr. Welsh listed some major reasons for manned lunar project: "(1) There is no other place so near in space where we can test the equipment and the men for future space travel. "(2) Such a clear objective as that of the lunar project gives impetus, order, and efficiency to the program . . . ." the outstanding reasons he listed were national prestige, economic spin-off, defense spin-off, and scientific advancement. (Text)

NASA Manned Spacecraft Center announced construction of permanent Center facilities at Clear Lake was 75 per cent complete. First large personnel move was scheduled for October. (MSC Release 63-150)

In ninth month of strike against Florida East Coast Railroad, members of Order of Railroad Telegraphers picketed NASA con­struction site at Merritt Island. Union alleged NASA was accept­ing building materials delivered by railroad line. 865 construc­tion workers from 14 craft unions refused to cross picket lines; next day, 1,500 workers were absent. (Av. Wk., 9/16/63, 38)

USAF announced routine launching of Atlas ICBM from Vandenberg AFB. (UPI, Wash. Post, 9/12/63)

USAF announced plans to test fuel cell in space by sending new type of electrical power system into orbit in a satellite within next few months. Working model of the fuel cell, developed by Allis­ Chalmers Manufacturing Co., was displayed at AFA convention in Washington. (Finney, NYT, 9/12/63,14)

In formal statement of policy, Air Force Association declared Senate ratification of nuclear test ban treaty would entail "unac­ceptable" risks to security of U.S. and Free World. Statement also said "One area of military technological potential in which this nation obviously is making less than a maximum effort is military space . . . . We must exploit military space to extend and preserve our deterrent strength, to control and inhibit those who would use their power aggressively to dominate life on earth. All of our national space efforts, including purely scientific explora­tory programs, must be measured first against this yardstick. The national interest must be the prime purpose of every national program . . . ." (AFA Statement)

A $3.5-million spaceship simulator to train crews for space flight, space intercepts, and orbital rendezvous at AFFTC, Edwards AFB, has been ordered by AFSC, the command revealed at the Air Force Association meeting, Washington, D.C. (AFSC Operational Highlights,13)

• September

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