May 14 1963

From The Space Library

Project Mercury flight MA-9 postponed at T-13 in launch countdown because of technical failure in computer converter at Bermuda tracking station. Earlier, at T-60, countdown was halted for 129 min. to repair faulty fuel pump in gantry's diesel engine, which had failed to start. Eight-min, recapitulation of prelaunch activities for Project Mercury flight MA-9, Cape Canaveral, was telecast to European viewers via RELAY I communications satellite shortly after flight was postponed. (NASA Release 63-104; NYT, 5/15/63)

Maj. Robert Rushworth (USAF) flew X-15 No. 3 to 95,600-ft. alti­tude and 3,600-mph speed (mach 5.20) in test to record tempera­ture increase rates with more than 600 sensors on X-15's skin. During the flight, Major Rushworth rolled aircraft into 90° bank to obtain the necessary data. Aircraft's exterior reached tempera­tures of 900° F. (FRC Release; UPI, Chicago Trib., 5/15/63)

First flight test of inflatable meteoroid probe (paraglider), using Aerobee 150 launch vehicle, was conducted from White Sands Missile Range. Objective of experiment was to develop technique for determining penetration rates in thin structural materials. Preliminary results indicated Aerobee 150 followed nominal flight trajectory, but paraglider did not accomplish flight because canister in which it was contained failed to eject. Experi­ment was joint project of NASA Langley Research Center (para­glider) and Goddard Space Flight enter (vehicle) under direc­tion of NASA Office of Advanced Research and Technology. (NASA Release 63-102; NASA OART/Levine)

William S. White, editorializing in the Washington Evening Star, May 14,1963, pointed out that "There are reformist politicians-who would never agree with the conservatives on anything else whatever-who don't want this money [for space exploration] sent simply because in their opin­ion not enough is being done or projects like `urban renewal.' Such men no doubt would have screechingly stopped development of the airplane a lifetime ago if, in the meantime, the street cars in New York were in any way inadequate and the slums in Chi­cago or Philadelphia had not been totally replaced by public housing." (Wash. Eve. Star, 5/14/63)

Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of U.N. Committee on The Peaceful Uses of Outer Space convened in Geneva. (NYT, 5/3/63)

May 15 1963