Dec 7 1962
From The Space Library
Analysis of data from MARINER II interplanetary probe revealed there are 10,000 times as many small dust particles near the earth as there are in interplanetary space, reported W. M. Alexander of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. This was revision of earlier estimate of 1,000 times as many dust particles near earth as in interplanetary space. Other observations from MARINER II included in the report, which was published in Science: solar plasma experiment showed constant presence of solar plasma (or "solar wind"), generally ranging from 550,000 mph to 1,550,000 mph; magnetometer experiment found "convincing evidence" that magnetic fields of at least a few gamma are nearly always present, except perhaps for occasional, transient lulls.
MARINER II temperatures continued rising, JPL reported, but all systems aboard the Venus probe were functioning normally. MARINER II temperatures, planned for maximum 140° F, had reached 160° F.
X-14A VTOL aircraft was being used in research for lunar-landing maneuvers at NASA Allies Research Center, it was reported. X-14A pilot Fred J. Drinkwater, III, said that a "great similarity exists between the flight control system of our [plane] and that proposed for a lunar craft. This makes the X-14A a logical vehicle to investigate problem areas connected with the let-down and landing phases of the lunar mission." USAF Minuteman missile was successfully test-fired 3,500 mi. down the AMR, in test "to evaluate the performance of an operational missile." British low-yield nuclear explosion made in Nevada, in cooperation with U.S., Britain's Atomic Energy Authority announced. Test was 23rd British nuclear explosion.
The American Rocket Society officially merged with the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences to become the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
December 7-8: President. Kennedy visited SAC bases and U.S. nuclear facilities at Los Alamos, N.M., and Jackass Flats, Nev., where he reviewed progress of AEC-NASA Rover nuclear rocket program.
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