Dec 19 1962
From The Space Library
NASA announced Ranger 6 lunar spacecraft would not be launched but would, instead, be subjected to "an exhaustive test program . . . intended to achieve the high reliability required for Ranger lunar missions." Improvements resulting from test program would be incorporated in Rangers 7-9, launching of which would be delayed "several months." Revised schedule was based on recommendations by Board of Inquiry headed by Cdr. Albert J. Kelley (USN), Director of Electronics and Control in NASA Office of Advanced Research and Technology. After intensive one-month study of Ranger system Board concluded that "certain improvements could be made in Ranger spacecraft design, construction, systems test and checkout which could contribute to increased flight reliability." Kelley board, appointed by NASA Space Sciences Director Dr. Homer E. Newell after RANGER V flight, consisted of officials from NASA Hq., five NASA field installations, and Bellcom.
U.S. Weather Bureau announced development of infrared spectrometer, to be flight-tested in new balloons during next six months. The 100-lb. "flying thermometer" was planned for use in Nimbus weather satellites.
NASA Flight Research Center announced it had received A-5A (A3J) aircraft from USN for use in its supersonic transport research. The "Vigilante" would be used primarily in study of problems in terminal area of air-traffic control operations. Working closely with FAA officials, FRC engineers would plan and conduct supersonic flights of Vigilante on assigned Federal airways and into high-air-traffic-density areas; the flights would provide basis for formulation of control plans necessary for safe operation of future commercial supersonic aircraft.
Titan II ICBM fired from Cape Canaveral in successful 5,000-mi. flight down AMR, DOD announced. R&D flight was "designed to further test the missile's propulsion and guidance system in flight," announcement said.
Polaris A-2 missile, modified to carry guidance system for advanced A-3 model, was launched on successful 1,500-mi. test flight from Cape Canaveral.
All three stages of Army's Nike-Zeus antimissile missile fired successfully in test from Point Mugu, Calif., last of Nike-Zeus flight series from that site.
Final USAF Atlas ICBM squadron declared operational at Plattsburgh AFB, N.Y., bringing total operational Atlas force to 123. Additional composite squadron of Atlases was being maintained at Vandenberg AFB, partly for R&D and partly for training use.
December 19-21: President Kennedy and Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, meeting in Nassau, reached defense agreement designating Polaris missile to replace the Skybolt air-launched missiles as Britain's primary nuclear deterrent weapon. Under terms also to be offered to France, Britain and France would receive Polaris missiles from U.S. and eventually these would form the backbone of a NATO nuclear force.
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