Apr 30 1962
From The Space Library
X-15 No. 1 flown to an altitude of approximately 246,700 ft. (46.7 mi.) with NASA’s Joseph A. Walker at the controls. The record altitude was achieved in a climbing attitude of about 38°; top speed attained was 3,443 mph. Previous altitude record was 217,000 ft., achieved on October 11, 1961, by Major Robert M. White (USAF). The speed record of 4,093 mph was set on November 9, 1961, by Major Robert M. White.
In Voice of American broadcast series on Space Science, Dr. Edward R. Dyer, Jr., of the Space Science Board Secretariat, stated that the history of astronomy is an alternation between major technological and theoretical advances. "The stage is set," he said, "for the next two big steps." The first will be t he space-age technology enabling observation of the slurs, nebulosities and galaxies using new devices capturing practically all octaves in the scale of radiation ranging from the very high-frequency gamma rays to the slow undulations of the longest radio waves. The second of the anticipated major advances will be a theoretical revolution, the nature of which will depend on results of improved observation techniques. These new findings "will either explain the universe on classical evolutionary grounds or demand a revision of fundamental physical theory at least as far reaching as the Theory of Relativity or the Quantum Theory."
In address to IAS meeting in St. Louis, [[George M. Low]], NASA Director of Spacecraft and Flight Missions, concluded with a statement of basic organizational concepts: "We believe that we must obtain the very best efforts of the very best people we can find, both in Government and industry, if we are to achieve our National goal. We believe that our organizational concepts and management techniques must be no less excellent than our technical efforts. We believe that with constant attention to these concepts, and with the hard work and dedication of the people involved, we will be able to carry out our responsibility to our Country to be second to none in man's conquest of space." Report released by White House of study committee examining nonprofit research groups. Report stated that Government must continue to rely heavily on private institutions, including nonprofit research groups, to carry out Federal research programs. At the same time, the committee recommended that steps be taken to improve the competence of the Government's own scientific staffs and laboratories to direct research programs.
Late April: FAA awarded first seven contracts, totaling $2.66 million, for commercial supersonic transport aircraft. FAA Administrator N. E. Halaby said the action was "the first step leading to the development of a safe, practical, economical airplane to carry the traveling public beyond the speed of sound."
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