Jan 31 1962
From The Space Library
President Kennedy submitted the 1961 "U.S. Aeronautics and Space Activities" to the Congress. In the preface, he said: "During 1961, major attention was devoted to establishing our policy objective of space leadership and to accelerating our efforts toward achieving that objective." Reported by Irene Fischer of the Army Map Service that three experimental methods measured the mean distance from earth to the moon as 238,866 miles, a figure accurate within about a mile. A fourth method gives a figure accurate within about 834 miles. The 238,866-mile distance is 9 miles more than previously accepted figure used for decades and based on direct observation of the parallax of the moon at its mean distance from the earth.
USAF contracted with Boeing Co. and General Dynamics Corp. to undertake final studies on a new tactical fighter aircraft known as TFX, one suitable for both Tactical Air Command and Navy carrier operations.
Nike-Zeus with three solid-fuel stages successfully flight-tested at White Sands Missile Range.
EXPLORER I completed its fourth year in orbit with a life expectancy of several more years.
First J-2 engine of Block I R&D series of Saturn C-1 was successfully test-fired by Rocketdyne Div., North American Aviation.
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