Oct 28 1968

From The Space Library

NASA outlined six steps which would lead to final decision dur­ing week of Nov. 11 on next Apollo manned mission. Apollo 8, sched­uled for December, was planned as manned earth-orbital mission on Saturn V vehicle. Because of Apollo 7 success, NASA was considering alternative mission possibilities: earth-orbital mission deeper into space, circumlunar flyby, and lunar orbit. Steps-laid out by Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, Dr. George E. Mueller, and Apollo Program Director, L/G Sam­uel C. Phillips-were: detailed analysis and review of Apollo 7 results to determine any necessary spacecraft changes; final certification of so­lutions to Apollo 6 problems; certification of strengthened Saturn V 2nd and 3rd stage fuel lines and elimination of pogo in 1st stage; com­pletion of ground tests before Apollo 8 command and service module (CSM) certification for lunar flight; completion of flight computer pro­grams for deep space and lunar missions; rehearsal of CSM operations tests with mathematical models and delivery of Apollo 8 CM computer program; and completion of design certification reviews of launch ve­hicle and spacecraft subsystems. Dr. Thomas 0. Paine, NASA Acting Administrator, said, "The final decision on whether to send Apollo 8 around the Moon will be made after a thorough assessment of the total risks involved and the total gains to be realized in this next step toward a manned lunar landing. We will fly the most advanced mission for which we are fully prepared that does not unduly risk the safety of the crew." (NASA Release 68-190; UPI, NYT, 10/29/68, 14)

Washington Evening Star editorial: "The Russians are going to the moon just as fast as their technology will carry them. . . . It is, of course, impossible to judge what lies ahead or guess what problems ei­ther nation may encounter before the lunar landings are carried out. But if all goes well it looks as though both nations might be ready to go in about a year. We would have no objection at all if a way could be found to 'fix the race, and an agreement reached to make the land­ings literally simultaneous. It would be one way of assuring that nei­ther nation would pursue the goal of national prestige to the point of tragedy." (W Star, 10/25/68, A10)

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