Feb 14 1962
From The Space Library
MA-6 launch postponed because of bad weather in recovery areas. At regular press conference, President Kennedy was asked about the eighth postponement of "Col. Glenn's flight." He replied as follows: "Well, it is unfortunate. I know it strains Colonel Glenn. It has delayed our program. It puts burdens on all those who must take these decisions as to whether the mission should go or not.
"I think it's been very unfortunate. But, I have taken the position that their—the judgment of those on the spot should be final in regard to this mission and I'll continue to take that judgment.
"I think they would be reluctant to have it cancelled for another three or four months because it would slow our whole space program down at a time when we're making a concentrated effort in space.
"But I'm quite aware of the strain it caused everyone and it's been a source of regret to everyone and—but I think we ought to stick with the present group who are making the judgment and they are hopeful still of having this flight take place in the next few days.
"And I'm going to follow their judgment in the matter even though we've had bad luck."
25-ft. space environmental simulator used for the first time at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in beginning of 3-week test of Mariner spacecraft designed for a Venus probe.
Twenty specialists of Weather Bureau's Research Flight Facility, who make prolonged and repeated flights into hazardous weather for data for use in atmospheric research, were awarded the Department of Commerce Gold Medal.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
