Sep 18 1964
From The Space Library
Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara issued statement amplifying the President's Sept 17 announcement of U.S. systems for intercepting and destroying armed satellites Secretary McNamara said one of the systems was operated by the Army and used Nike-Zeus missile; other system was operated by USAF and used Thor missile. In tests both systems had "intercepted satellites in space, their missiles passing so close as to be within the destruction radius of the warheads." Army system became operational Aug. I, 1963, and USAF system May 29, 1964. (DOD Release 673-64)
Dr. Edward C. Welsh, NASC Executive Secretary, said in address at Commercial Museum, Philadelphia: "It takes a certain type of ability to manufacture plausible-sounding myths, and unfortunately such ability has been working overtime regarding the space program. . . ." He examined "several of these confusing rumors": national security-"The critic who belittles what is being done in space to strengthen the nation's defense is either ignorant, irresponsible, or both. . . . Progress of a substantial nature is being made in strengthening our national security through space competence"; crash program-"Crash programs have unlimited funds, unlimited overtime, and parallel approaches to the end objective. None of these aspects applies to the space program or even to the lunar project .. ."; either/or philosophy-"Actually investments stimulate other investments; they do not deter them. . . . What is more, decreased spending in education, for example, does not automatically increase the funds available for space exploration, or vice versa . ."; and slowdown-"such an approach would be of great benefit to the Soviets as it would make it easier for them to increase their lead in some aspects of space and attain the lead in others. Do not think for a moment that they are not trying hard to do just that. So far this year, the USSR has put more than twice as many spacecraft into orbit as they had put into orbit by this time last year. In a sense, they are doubling their space effort. . . To slow down a carefully planned project, such as Apollo, would be to increase its cost and reduce its likelihood of timely success.. . Those who propose the stretchout or slowdown in the space program are in fact arguing for inefficiency and higher costs as well as delayed accomplishments." (Text)
Appointment of Charles W. Harper, authority on simulation and aircraft flight research at NASA Ames Research Center, as Director of Aeronautical Research, NASA Hq. Office of Advanced Research and Technology, was announced by Dr. Raymond L. Bisplinghoff, NASA Associate Administrator for Advanced Research and Technology. (NASA Release 64-239)
Dr. Alan T. Waterman, physicist and former director of National Science Foundation, was sworn in as consultant to NASA Administrator James E. Webb. He is also a member of the NASA Historical Advisory Committee. (NASA Release 64 240)
NASA MSC's Director, Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, announced Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter (Lt. Cdr, USN) would serve as his executive assistant. Dr. Gilruth called this a "convalescent assignment," because Astronaut Carpenter still had minor injuries from a motorbike accident several months ago. Also announced was selection of Carpenter for promotion from Lt. Cdr. to Commander. (Wash. Eve. Star, 9/18/64)
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