Oct 16 1962
From The Space Library
Nike-Apache two-stage sounding rocket carried 65-lb. instrumented payload to 103-mi. altitude, in NASA launching from Wallops Island, Va. Primary objectives of the flight were to measure ionosphere electron density and temperature and to obtain data on the ion density and conductivity of the ionosphere.
AEC—DOD high-altitude nuclear test failed, the safety officer of Joint Task Force 8 destroying the Thor booster and nuclear payload within minutes after liftoff because of booster's malfunctioning. This was third failure of four attempted high-altitude tests in the current Pacific series.
Astronaut Walter M. Schirra, Jr., and his family were welcomed by President Kennedy in brief visit at the White House. Also in Washington, Cdr. Schirra appeared before NASA Headquarters employees, later at the Pentagon receiving USN astronaut wings from Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth.
NASA announced appointment of Dr. Fred L. Niemann as Assistant Director for Technical Programs in NASA North Eastern Office, Cambridge, Mass. Dr. Niemann would conduct technical liaison with contractors, research institutions, and other government agencies in New England.
NASA announced selection of International Business Machine Corp. to provide ground-based computer system for manned space flight Projects Gemini and Apollo. The computer complex will be part of the Integrated Mission Control Center (Iwo), at NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston.
George M. Low, NASA Director of Spacecraft and Flight Missions, predicted in Voice of America interview that final decision on manned lunar flight technique would be made soon. Of the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) method, he said: "We in NASA have already reached the firm conclusion that tins is the best, cheapest, most reliable and quickest way to reach the moon. The final decision has not been made, but in the meantime, we are proceeding with the lunar orbit rendezvous approach.
Secretary of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert, addressing National Rocket Club, asserted: "Developing the right kind of space program is a continuing job in the Department of Defense. . . . The difficulties encountered do not relate to problems of principle. The problems arc questions of specifics. There are tough decisions of choice to be made. We have to weigh effects on other activities, make careful estimates as to time, determine rates and select the projects to be pursued. . . . The current rate of investment in space by the Department of Defense reflects our best judgment as to which projects are dictated by specific requirements and those which should be carried on for general development purposes. As projects become more precisely defined and funding and time estimates can be firmed, and as requirements become clearer and more specific, then efforts are focused on those most pressing and most promising. . . ."
October 16-17: U.S.S.R. successfully fired new multistage rockets approximately 7,500 mi. to target area in the Pacific, according to Soviet news agency Tass.
October 16-22: International Rocket Week, with more than three dozen nations participating in intensive cooperative study program.
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