Mar 15 1963
From The Space Library
Dr. James A. Van Allen said that artificial radiation belt caused by U.S. high altitude nuclear test last July may last for ten years. At NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Scientific Satellite Symposium, held by NASA in Washington, D.C., Dr. Van Allen said data from INJUN III and EXPLORER XIV satellites showed intensity at center of artificial belt had decreased only by a factor of two. As recently as last December, Dr. Van Allen had reiterated his View that the bulk of artificial radiation would disappear by summer 1963. However, based on newly available data, Dr. Van Allen said artificial radiation would decrease in intensity by factor of three or four until period of increased solar activity (around 1967) when decay rate should increase. He also said electrons in artificial belt have higher energies (up to a few mev) than natural space electrons, making them easier for scientists to study. (Av. Wk. 3/25/63, 27; Wash,. Post, 3/16/63; AP, Balt. Sun, 3/16/63)
Aerobee sounding rocket launched 248-lb. instrumented payload to 123-mi. altitude in experiment to map night sky sources which emit photons (radiant energy) in specific wavelength interval. Impact occurred 62-mi. downrange from launch site at wallops Station. Flight was joint project of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Lockheed Missile and Space Co. (Wallops Release 63-28)
Researchers at the NASA Lewis Research Center ran a giant cryomagnet producing a field of 50,000 gauss over a one-foot-diameter test section. Although this was probably the largest magnetic field ever produced over such a Volume, the cryomagnet would be enlarged from two to twelve coils with an ultimate design goal of 200,000 gauss. (Lewis Chronology, 2)
Data from EXPLORER XII confirmed existence of low-energy proton current ringing earth in east-to-west direction, perpendicular to perpetual north-south spiraling motion along geomagnetic field lines. (Av. Wk., 3/25/63, 26)
Final parcel of giant 6,000-acre Plum Brook site near Sandusky, Ohio, was transferred from Army to NASA jurisdiction NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, operates the Plum Brook Station. (Lewis Chronology, 2)
Gov. Frank Clement of Tennessee signed bill authorizing construction of $2 million Tennessee Space Research Institute on site donated by USAF near Arnold Engineering Development Center, Tullahoma. Institute would be operated by Univ. of Tennessee. Mission of institute would be "to offer graduate level courses in aerospace science and engineering while carrying on research in these fields for both Government and industry." (Nashville Tennessean, 3/16/63; Nashville Banner, in CR, 3/18/63, A1479)
International aerospace fair opened in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with U.S. exhibition of full-scale X-15 mockup, SIGMA 7 Mercury spacecraft, and other displays. (Wash. Sun. Star, 3/17/63)
