Jan 19 1962
From The Space Library
At NASA press conference, scientists described preliminary scientific results obtained by EXPLORER XII: based on study of 10 per cent of the data, it now appears that instead of the two radiation belts (previously called the inner and outer Van Allen belts) there is one magnetosphere extending roughly from 400 miles above the earth to 30,000 to 40,000 miles out. In this magnetosphere there is only a handful of matter but a very wide range of charged particles trapped by the earth's magnetic field. Density of electrons is now considered to be 10 8/cm2/sec as opposed to the 10 11 derived from previous satellites. Radiation levels of protons in the lower portion of the magnetosphere were found to be the same as reported by previous satellites, so that the magnetosphere still poses a formidable radiation problem to extended manned flight. At about 10 earth radii the magnetosphere ends abruptly. Above it is an extended area, about 20,000 km. across, of electromagnetic turbulence and featuring very low energy particles on the order of 1 to 20 kilovolts. Beyond this is thought to be true interplanetary space.
Ranger III lunar shot postponed because of technical difficulties with Atlas booster rocket.
Dr. John P. Meehan of the University of Southern California reported that "Enos," 37-lb chimpanzee who orbited the earth in MA-5 on November 29, 1961, developed temporary hypertension during flight due to frustration and confusion caused by equipment malfunction.
In speech before the Builders and Contractors Exchange, Thomas F. Dixon, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator, pointed out that one fourth of the total NASA appropriation for FY 1963 was for construction of facilities. This construction does not include that to be undertaken by other Government agencies or by the thousands of private industries, educational institutions, and others with a role in the space effort.
NASA received patent (3,016,693) for electrothermal rocket invented by John R. Jack and Wolfgang E. Moeckel of Lewis Research Center.
Department of Defense authorized USAF to proceed with development of a mobile mid-range ballistic missile (MMRBM).
Unnamed Soviet scientist, called "chief designer of Soviet spaceships," reported by Toss as saying that U.S.S.R. planned to establish an "industrial undertaking" on the moon.
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