Nov 28 1962
From The Space Library
Presidential Science Adviser Jerome Wiesner, speaking before American Society of Mechanical Engineers in New York, said special panel to study scientific manpower had concluded that "impending shortages of talented, highly trained scientists and engineers threaten successful fulfillment of vital national commitments." As first step to overcome shortage, Wiesner urged that 8,000 additional college students enroll in autumn 1963 as full-time graduate students in engineering., mathematics, and physics. Panel set goal of 7,500 Ph. D. graduates by 1970 (3,000 Ph. D. degrees were awarded in 1960).
NASA Manned Spacecraft Center released sketch of Project Apollo suit to be worn by astronauts making four-hour expeditions on lunar surface. Suit contains portable life support system to supply oxygen and pressurization, control temperature and humidity, and protect against solar radiation.
AEC announced first U.S. "breeder-reactor" had achieved self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Producing more fuel than it burns, plutonium-fueled reactor was expected to become valuable and economical power source.
Dr. Edward Teller, Associate Director of Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, told American Nuclear Society in Washington that peaceful use of atomic explosives had "the potentiality of becoming the first really important and thoroughly economic use of atomic energy." Feasibility of such use was demonstrated last summer with 100-kiloton thermonuclear explosion at 635-ft. depth in Nevada., the explosion removing about 7,500,000 cu. yds. of earth and leaving crater 1,200 ft. in diameter and 320 ft. deep. Dr. Teller said radioactivity can be controlled so that excavated area can be entered a few weeks after the explosion with no more exposure than in an atomic laboratory. He predicted nuclear explosions on the moon could be used to extract water from chemical compounds in lunar rock.
International Association of Machinists (IAM) workers struck at Lockheed Aircraft Corp. in California, Florida, and Hawaii. President Kennedy, invoking Taft-Hartley Act, created three-man board of inquiry to investigate the dispute; board's recommendations, due Dec. 3, would contribute to President's decision whether to request Federal court order barring strike for 80-day period. Included in Lockheed production items are Agena second-stage rocket, used by USAF and in NASA Ranger and Mariner programs.
USAF Skybolt missile failed fifth flight-lest, dropping into Atlantic Ocean minutes after launch from high-flying airplane.
Nike-Zeus antimissile was shot outside earth's atmosphere and successfully maneuvered. with controlled blasts of rocket exhaust, in test Over the PMR.
Rodney D. Steward was named RL-10 rocket engine program manager at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Steward replaced William D. Brown, who resumed full-time duties as deputy chief, Engine Management Office, MSFC.
Project stabilization agreement—set of standard pay and benefit practices for both union and non-union workers—was adopted at Cape Canaveral, it was reported. Agreement was product of more than a year's negotiation by contractors and unions working at Cape Canaveral, undertaken at suggestion of President's Missile Sites Labor Commission.
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