Jun 13 1962
From The Space Library
United Nations' scientific and technical subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space agreed on a world-wide technical program in Geneva. Program prepared by 28-nation meeting provided for the exchange of scientific data, encouraged a series of international space research projects (world-wide survey of earth's magnetic field, polar cap experiments, cooperation in fields of space communications and weather satellites, and the IQSY program), and established international launching ranges for sounding rockets near the equator.
In testimony before the Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences, NASA Administrator James E. Webb indicated that decision on the number of orbits, three or six, planned for the next Mercury flight had not been decided and that the selected pilot-astronaut would also be announced soon. On the relationship between civilian and military space activities: "President's [space] policy has been, in accordance with the law, to develop the space program as a civilian peaceful effort to the fullest extent possible, but always pressing with the kind of technology that would permit us to move rapidly in the military field if we were required to do so. It is a little bit like 'keep your powder dry' with respect to the military side . . ." Deputy Secretary of Defense Roswell L. Gilpatric stated to the Committee that DOD "was interested in developing the technology" but we [DOD] have as yet no approved program for the development of a manned orbital system." Gilpatric said that DOD was "very conscious of the need to take out technological insurance" so that the U.S. could be "prepared and not surprised" in the event that the U.S.S.R. attempted to make "hostile use of space."
NASA Manned Spacecraft Center awarded $1 million contract to North American Aviation, Inc., for a paraglider development program.
Reported that Neil A. Armstrong, NASA X-15 test pilot, was studying approaches and abort maneuvers for Dyna-Soar project by flights in an F5D aircraft.
Full-scale model of Mercury spacecraft dropped into Trinity Bay in parachute system design test.
Capt. Richard H. Coan (USAF) established a new world's record for a helicopter distance flight over a closed course, flying an H-43B Huskie 656.258 miles on a 25-mile course near Mono Lake., Calif. Previous record of 625.464 miles had been held by a Russian military helicopter Mi-1 (June 1960).
Army Transportation Command awarded a contract to Ryan Aeronautical Company of San Diego for the design of a flexible wing cargo glider capable of carrying heavy payloads when being towed by a helicopter.
James V. Bernardo, Director of NASA’s Educational Programs Division (AFE), was awarded the Frank G. Brewer Trophy for 1961 by the National Aeronautic Association, for the development of a plan for national spacemobile demonstration units to supplement high school science programs and for organizing 32 aviation education workshops in 21 U.S. colleges prior to his joining NASA.
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