Mar 29 1963

From The Space Library

In an address to the Press and Union League Club of San Francisco, NASA Administrator James E. Webb said that the two basic policy questions repeatedly raised concerning the U.S. space program were (1) "Is exploration of the moon an objective of sufficient value to our drive for space leadership to warrant a total investment of as much as $20 billion in this decade, and in the next fiscal year at a rate that requires two-thirds of our [NASA] space budget?" (2) "Is the pace at which we are proceeding and the rate of expenditure which is required to explore the moon by 1970, necessary to insure eventual pre-eminence in space, and reasonable in the light of our other pressing national needs?" In speaking to these questions, Mr. Webb traced the evolution of the U.S. space program and the determination of the national objectives in space after the strategic surprise of SPUTNIK I. He ` discussed the central considerations of world leadership in science and technology, and the role of space exploration and exploitation in national affairs. He reviewed progress to date and the urgent requirement for full public understanding of the meaning and purpose of space exploration. (Text)

British Minister of Aviation Julian Amery announced U.K. had ordered a design study to determine suitable communi­cations satellite system, the satellites to be placed in orbit by ELDO vehicle (European Launcher Development Organization). To be undertaken by Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough and Signals Research Development Establishment at Christ­church, studies would consider: network of medium-altitude-orbit satellites, probably at least 12; system of stationary-orbit satel­lites, calling for much smaller number of satellites; use of Woomera rocket range, Australia, for launchings. U.K. was hopeful that such a system could be established in cooperation with European countries but independent of U.S. "No one coun­try should have a monopoly of space," Amery said. He also an­nounced that. contracts to industry for a third Ariel satellite, to be launched by U.S. rockets but, to be built entirely by U.K., would be awarded soon. (Wash,. Post, 3/30/63; Av. Wk., 4/8/63, 38)

DOD announced study of emergency re-entry from manned space flight was being conducted by Armour Research Foundation under direction of AFSC Flight Dynamics Laboratory. Armour study would be based on theoretical re-entry vehicle with crew of three or less, performing in low earth orbits, re-entries, and short duration missions. Armour would provide AFSC Flight Dynamics Laboratory with design criteria and drawings for con­trollable emergency escape systems enabling the vehicle to land in relatively small area. (DOD Release 441-63)

Congressman Charles A. Halleck (R.-Ind.) publicly released letter from former President Eisenhower urging that "the new spend­ing programs in the pending budget . . . be drastically reduced . . . . ,,The space program, in my opinion, is downright spongy. This is an area where we particularly need to demonstrate some common sense. Specifically, I have never believed that a spectacular dash to the moon, vastly deepening our debt, is worth the added tax burden it will eventually impose upon our citizens. This result should be achieved as a natural outgrowth of demon­strably valuable space operations. But having made this into a crash program, we are unavoidably wasting enormous sums. I suggest that our enthusiasm here be tempered in the interest of fiscal soundness . . . ." (CR, 4/2/63, 5172)

Mar 30 1963