Nov 16 1961
From The Space Library
Gold-plated capsule of Discoverer XXXV recovered after 18 orbits in midair over Fern Island by C-130 aircraft, Capt. James F. McCullough, U.S. Air Force, as pilot. It was the 10th recovery from orbit in the Discoverer series and the 1st recovery observed from the ground.
In speech on "Scientists and Engineers in the Space Program," Albert F. Siepert, NASA Director of Administration, outlined NASA's basic policies on personnel. He pointed out that of NASA's some 20,000 employees, only 4,000 had come to NASA through individual appointments, the remainder on transfer of organizations intact to NASA. NASA's personnel utilization practices, Siepert said, were as follows: (1) Don't use a scientist or engineer when another skill will do as well; (2) classify a man's skills by what he actually does, rather than how he was formally trained; (3) provide professional entrance into the Federal civil service through an examination which is work centered rather than academically oriented; (4) take on-the-job training and education seriously; (5) encourage professional recognition outside the agency; and (6) recognize that job satisfaction depends upon the man's continued interest in his work as well as his take-home pay." William J. O'Sullivan, Jr., of Langley Research Center awarded the Second NASA Invention and Contribution Award for conception and development of the inflatable space vehicle. Proposed in January 1956 to the U.S. IGY Committee, O'Sullivan's invention led to two successful NASA experiments, [Echo I]] and Explorer IX, and U.S. Patent No. 2,996,212, entitled "Self-Supporting Space Vehicle " issued to the NASA Administrator in behalf of the United States on August 15, 1961.
Army Nike-Zeus antimissile rocket with active second stage successfully fired at Point Mugu, Calif.
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