Apr 8 1963

From The Space Library

Attempt to launch two-stage Astrobee 1500 sounding rocket from NASA Wallops Station failed with first stage of the vehicle failing to perform properly. This was NASA's first attempt to launch the Astrobee, and purpose of test was to evaluate the rocket's performance as a NASA test vehicle. (Wallops Release 63-36)

NASA announced selection of Avco Corp., Research and Advanced Development Div., and General Electric Co., Missile and Space Div., for negotiation of conceptual design study contracts of Voyager spacecraft. The two six-month, $100,000 contracts were to supplement in-house NASA feasibility studies to determine scien­tific merit and technical possibility of initial Voyager planetary flights before 1970. (NASA Release 63-70)

Boilerplate model of Apollo spacecraft arrived at NASA Marshall Space Flight, Center for dynamic and compatibility tests with the Saturn I. Boilerplate model included command and service modules and mockup of launch escape system. (Huntsville Times 4/9/63; NAA S&ID Skywriter, 4/19/63,1)

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, in Associated Press interview, was asked: "Mr. Vice President, as chairman of the Space Ad­visory Council [i.e., National Aeronautics and Space Council], you were intimately concerned in drafting the 5.7-billion-dollar space budget. Former President Eisenhower says the budget is spongy, and there is no hurry about getting to the moon. In view of this recent Russian shot [LUNIK IV], what is your reaction?" The Vice President replied: "The Administration has sub­mitted to the Congress what we believe is a sane and responsible proposal to insure the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of our space program. I know of no reckless desire in any responsible quarter to get to the moon at all costs and without regard to the consequences to other vital aspects of our national policy. "The objective of reaching the moon is one aspect of our national space program which will be of great benefit to our country, and I think to all mankind. It may be possible by appropriating more money to speed up slightly the attainment of that goal and, of course, we all know it would be mighty easy to slow that goal down. But I don't think that either alternative would be helping our country. Gaining a short period of time would almost cer­tainly be at the expense of other crucial programs. Slowing down might bring us some one of these days face to face with the shocking knowledge that we had permanently assigned ourselves to second place. "So, all in all, I think the Administration has submitted a pro­gram which we can all embrace and both parties can fully sup­port." (AP, Wash. Post, 4/8/63)

European space organization, Eurospace, issued report recommend­ing program of communications satellites, time-keeping and navigational satellite, and rocket development. Report said Europe's first operational communications satellite could be launched by 1968 and suggested a network of 12 communications satellites Or, as alternative, two stationary satellites, in equatorial orbit; a light satellite Orbiting at about 625-mi. altitude as time-keeping and navigational aid; development of launch Vehicles based on exist­ing models of European nations and ELDO (European Launcher Development Organization) ; and studies On equatorial launching site. Eurospace is private association of 125 members represent­ing industries, professional bodies, and industrial associations from nine countries Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and West Germany. (Reuters, Wash,. Post, 4/9/63; NYT, 4/9/63)

Milton B. Ames, Jr., NASA Director of Space Vehicles in Office of Advanced Research and Technology, testified before House Committee On Science and Astronautics Subcommittee On Space Sciences and Advanced Research and Technology: "The Objective of the Space Vehicle Systems Advanced Research and Technology Program is to identify and solve critical technical problems bearing on present-generation space vehicles, as well as to advance the frontiers of knowledge that will enable the develop­ment of more advanced space vehicles for future space missions. The increased complexities of the advanced space vehicle systems that will be required to accomplish Our national space Objectives for the next two decades attest to the need for a broad, yet thorough and timely research program to establish the technology required to insure the continued superiority of our country's space flight capability . . . ." He then reviewed the areas of activity covered in the space vehicle research and technology program ­advanced space vehicle concepts, space vehicle aerothermo­dynamics, environmental factors and technology, space vehicle structure design is criteria, and vehicle technology flight. experi­ments. (Testimony)

John H. Rubel, DOD Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engi­neering, told House Committee On Science and Astronautics' Sub­committee On Applications and Tracking and Data Acquisition that DOD planned to initiate a communications satellite program definition study in May Or June, the program based On goal of putting 24-30 operational satellites into Orbit by end of 1965. `Approximately six satellites will be launched per booster, using the . . . Atlas-Agena D. The six satellites will be, ejected at slightly different velocities into an approximately 6,000-mi. altitude circular polar Orbit, where they will gradually spread Out. The successive clusters will be injected into orbital planes spaced 45 deg. apart:' System would be developed jointly by USAF and Army, USAF being responsible for space-related activities and Army for ground stations. (Av. Wk., 4/15/63,27)

Design for 216-ft. nuclear-powered space station had been awarded patent by U.S. Patent Office, Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. announced. Invented by S. B. Kramer and E. H. Visscher of Lockheed, prefabricated station would be assembled in Orbit from cylindrical and spherical subsections. Lockheed said it would be useful as a manned space station and observation platform. (NYT, 4/9/63, 10)

Polaris A-3 missile successfully flown 1,800 mi. down Atlan­tic Missile Range, third successful test in 11 firings. Navy re­ported the missile achieved all test objectives. (AP, Wash. Post, 4/9/63)

District Judge David Zenoff issued temporary restraining order against 16 unions striking at Nevada atomic test site since April 4 and an injunction ordering management to "restore the status quo." Unions were protesting AEC order to contractors at the site eliminating travel pay and other fringe benefits in their contracts. Judge Zenoff scheduled a hearing for April 15. (UPI, NYT, 4/9/63,53)

Apr 9 1963