September 1969
From The Space Library
Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Secretary of the Air Force, defended value of Safeguard ABM defense and also discussed use of space for strategic deterrence, writing in Air Force/Space Digest: "In terms of security, the space age presents dangers-but it also affords opportunities for increasing strategic stability." Dangers stemmed from weapons placed in orbit: "It might be possible to trigger such weapons with very little warning, thus increasing the risk of surprise attack." Outer Space Treaty of 1967 might help avoid this danger, "while providing us opportunities for other sorts of military systems that could strengthen deterrence rather than weaken it." Each generation of space vehicles would provide additional improvements in monitoring enemy activities. "We are now working on a satellite early-warning system that would detect missiles as they are launched from land or sea." Dispersed bomber force "would be able to take off from its bases before the impact of enemy weapons, even if the time of flight of the latter were greatly reduced." (AF/SD, 9/69, 61-4)
USAF magazine Airman published interview with Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., former NASA Deputy Administrator. NASA-USAF X-15 program had been highly successful in providing data for many disciplines and "very good test bed" for atmospheric probe instrumentation. XB-70 program, initiated as manned supersonic bombing system, was "very bold step" in speeds over mach 3. When technological difficulties and rising costs resulted in decision against XB-70 production, NASA with USAF had initiated experimental program. Dr. Seamans felt USAF was not using NASA expertise to fullest extent. USAF needed new manned bomber, new fighter, and modernization of air defense. He was not convinced USAF had yet established "best relationships with industry to get these things done." (Airman, 9/69, 7-9)
"There appears to be much more to be squeezed from Apollo than just the incalculable value of national prestige or scientific discovery," Michael Getler wrote in Space/Aeronautics. "The ability to mine these supporting talents, to judge their value outside manned space flight and disseminate and apply them may well prove the most telling and measurable argument in the debate which is bound to continue over Apollo's real value." Apollo had combined "much of what we have with what we do best. Though complex, it was manageable. It had clear goals, was well funded, enjoyed fairly widespread public support, and dangled the element of competition in front of our involuntary reflex. Most importantly, it tapped an industrial base and an enthusiasm for gadgetry that are unmatched anywhere. . . . Because many of today's challenges confront human nature and not technology, Apollo can be made to seem irrelevant. In fact, however, we are not left alone with our behavioral troubles. There is still an economy to keep sound, industry and commerce to be kept competitive, and a government to be made more efficient. Failure to take this extraordinary project apart, piece by piece, and examine its usefulness in these areas would indeed be wasteful." (S/A, 9/69, 42-53)
Dr. Mose L. Harvey in Science and Public Affairs, bulletin of atomic scientists, discussed lunar landing and U.S.-Soviet equation: "The capability of the United States to continue in space, and otherwise keep pace with the scientific-technological revolution, depends entirely on continued public faith in the 'military-industrial complex, and the `scientific and technological elite,, if one wishes to keep using these unfortunate terms. It was only because we were able effectively to organize and use a genuine and mutually rewarding partnership between industry, universities and government that we were able to effect the moon landing and to do the other near-miraculous things we have done in space and in other fields involving advanced science and advanced technology. It is precisely on this partnership that the superiority of the American way over the Soviet way has So far rested." (Science and Public Affairs, 9/69, 28-35)
Atlas published translation of article in L'Espresso, Rome, by Italian novelist Alberto Moravia on implications of Apollo 11. "In Columbus's days, men were offered finite goals, like the discovery of America; or they were offered spiritual aims, like the search for goodness, truth and beauty. At that time, no one could have guessed that Columbus's discovery was only a beginning. That other discoveries would follow, a second America, a third, a fourth, and so on through millions of years and billions of kilometers. But today that is happening. Compared to our new set of goals, the aims of Marx and communism are pure imagination. For the first time the real and the rational are about to become one. We are now at the end of history-and post-history is just beginning." (Atlas, 9/69, 40-3)
Atlas said its "Talk of the World" section had "got a little hoarse" on subject of Apollo 11. It quoted "a few of the more unusual moon-thoughts" from international press. El Tiempo in Bogota had reported Colombian wool fabrics were used in Apollo 11 spacecraft upholstery. Canada's Kitchener Waterloo Record had said LM had touched down on moon with legs made in Canada by Montreal firm. Oiga, in Lima, Peru, had said when Sputnik went into orbit "it was noted that Pedro Paulet Mostajo had invented a jet-propelled rocket back in 1895." Atlas commented that "this could go on forever." (Atlas, 9/69, 10)
In Astrophysical Journal, Princeton Univ. astronomers Jeremiah P. Ostriker and Dr. James E. Gunn predicted few pulsars should be found with periods more than L5 secs, from results of their quarantine exploration of pulsar model. (Astro Journ, 9/69, 1395-1417)
USAF communications and navigation satellite programs were outlined by L/G John W. O'Neill, Vice Commander of AFSC, in TRW Space Log. AFSC was testing new UHF communication terminal in conjunction with Tacsat I tactical comsat and had tested UHF shipboard, jeep, van-mounted, and team-pack terminals as receivers for satellite communications. Second-generation defense comsats would have earth coverage antennas and also steerable narrow-beam antennas to direct energy to two "spotlighted" areas on earth's surface, permitting use of small terminals instead of large ground stations. Proposed navigation satellite system would consist of high-altitude satellites transmitting navigation signals with worldwide coverage, ground stations to track and command satellites, and user receiving equipment. Navsat would provide all four armed services with common grid for mobile operations and could be used by aircraft, ships, submarines, and foot soldiers. Potential for aircraft carrier operations was being studied. Computer revolution would provide new data processing equipment "with infinite potential for influencing satellite design and function" in future. "We are pressing hard for progress in laser technology, which appears to have excellent potential for communication applications. We are also pushing the development of new sources of power in space in which a breakaway from our heavy reliance upon the solar cell could make future satellite development a whole new game." (TRW Space Log, Summer/Fall 69, 3-17)
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