Oct 23 1964
From The Space Library
NASA launched Javelin (Argo D-4) sounding rocket from Wal-lops Island, Va., with 90-lb. payload containing instrumentation to measure low-level cosmic radio noise. The experiment was timed to coincide with passage of EXPLORER XX (fixed frequency topside sounder satellite), which also was being used to investigate cosmic noise source at wavelengths which do not penetrate to earth because of shielding effect of ionosphere. The Javelin was sent up through the region of the satellite about 15 min. after EXPLORER XX had passed through the area at about 650-mi. altitude. During the flight 18 min. of scientific data were telemetered from rocket payload, which reached 660-mi. altitude before impacting in the ocean 650 mi. from launch site. Preliminary analysis indicated flight results were good. (Wallops Release 64-77)
Gemini Titan GT-2 spacecraft was mated with the Titan II launch vehicle at Launch Complex 19, Cape Kennedy, preparatory to unmanned ballistic flight later this year. (MSC Roundup, 10/28/64,3)
USAF Atlas-Agena D satellite booster combination was launched from Van-denberg AFB, Calif., with unidentified payload. It was later disclosed that three satellites were orbited. (AP, NYT, 10/24/64; HHN-4 8 )
Test of parasail spacecraft recovery system for manned space flight was conducted by NASA Manned Spacecraft Center over Trinity Bay, Tex. Unmanned boilerplate Gemini spacecraft carrying parasail system in stowed position was dropped from C-119 aircraft at 11,000-ft. altitude. Parasail deployed properly and landing rockets reduced impact to 10 fps, but because of rigging error in parachute installation the spacecraft descended straight down instead of making programmed turn. MSC's John Kiker said everything functioned in proper sequence and the test was considered successful. (Av. Wk., 12/14/64, 61)
Dr. Eugene B. Konecci, Director of Biotechnology and Human Research Div. in NASA Office of Advanced Research and Technology since July 1962, resigned from NASA to join staff of the National Aeronautics and Space Council. Dr. Walton L. Jones, Jr., head of Human Research Branch, was assigned as Acting Director of the Biotechnology and Human Research Div., effective Oct. 26. Dr. Jones joined the division May 5, previously had been Director of Aviation Medicine Technical Div. of USN Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. (NASA. Release 64 268)
NASA Administrator James E. Webb said in Tyler, Tex., that the US., "in the short space of three years, has more than tripled its industrial, scientific, engineering, and governmental space capability. This was accomplished through the close cooperation of what might be called the `triad' of government, industry, and the university community, in carry-ing out the largest peacetime research and development effort in all history. Management techniques developed in coordinating this complex endeavor are beginning to find their way into business and indus-trial executive processes. Experience has been gained that may prove useful in solving other difficult national and international problems... ." (Text)
NASA announced preliminary negotiations had begun to lease Convair 990 jet transport, with option to buy, from Convair Div. of General Dy-namics Corp. The aircraft would be based at NASA Ames Research Center. Stripped of passenger accommodations, the aircraft would be used as a flying laboratory for research in aeronautical technology and the space sciences. (NASA Release 64-269)
Rep. Hale Boggs (D.-La.) asserted that top management personnel would be moved from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., to Michoud Operations, Louisiana, quoting NASA Administrator James E. Webb as saying that NASA was analyzing the situation. Mr. Webb told Huntsville Times of difficulties in hiring and keeping top executives for the Alabama installation, added: "There's nothing in this situation that can't be corrected, but it has to be worked out." (AP, Wash. Sun. Star, 10/25/64; Hines, Wash. Eve. Star, 10/26/64)
French. National Assembly approved 1965 funds for U.K.-France Concorde supersonic transport. (NYT, 10/24/64)
Dr. Bruno Bettelheim, professor of educational psychology at Univ. of Chicago, said in address before symposium on American Women in Science, at MIT, that women's "specific genius for nurturing, humanizing, and preserving" should be made use of in all spheres of living, in science, engineering, architecture, medicine, and all other professions. (Leland, Boston Globe, 10/23/64)
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