Sep 26 1962
From The Space Library
Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists reported that MARINER II Venus probe was disoriented on Sept. 8, by either a micrometeorite impact or a solar pressure wave, but that automatic devices onboard the craft had restored it to proper orientation.
NASA announced it had completed preliminary plans for development of $500 million Mississippi Test Facility. First phase of three-phase construction program would begin in 1962 and would include four test stands for static-firing Advanced Saturn S-IC and S-II stages; about 20 support and service buildings would be built in the first phase. Water transportation system had been selected, the system calling for improvement of about 15 mi. of river channel and construction of about 15 mi. of canals at the facility. In planning the facility, Sverdrup and Parcel Co. of St. Louis was preparing design criteria; Army Corps of Engineers was acquiring land for NASA in cooperation with Lands Div. of the Justice Dept. The 13,500-acre facility in southwestern Mississippi is 35 mi. from. NASA Michoud Operations, where Saturn stages are fabricated.
Liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen engine RL-10A3 completed its preliminary flight rating test, MSFC announced. RL-10A3 was advanced version of RL-10A1, first U.S. engine using liquid hydrogen. Six A3 engines will be clustered in Saturn S-IV stage and will be used in advanced Centaur vehicle, The five-day ma included 20 static firings for an accumulated 2,820 sec. of firing time, plus humidity, vibration, and other tests.
Federal District Judge Joseph Lieb signed injunction against International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 267, ordering the union to stop allegedly unfair labor practices—refusing to operate cranes unloading heavy equipment at Cape Canaveral missile launch complex.
President Kennedy signed legislation to authorize production of electricity at Hanford, Wash., atomic plant by using byproduct steam from a plutonium reactor. He commented that such production would give the U.S. a clear margin of superiority in the peaceful use of atomic energy.
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