Aug 13 1969
From The Space Library
NERVA experimental engine (XE) was successfully run through two bootstrap startups in open-loop control and three autostart experiments in Jackass Flats, Nev. Objective was to obtain additional data about engine in startup phase. Engine and test facility operated normally and all test objectives were achieved. (NASA Proj Off; SBD, 9/2/69, 4)
Nike-Apache sounding rocket launched by NASA from WSMR carried GSFC -Dudley Observatory payload to collect micrometeoroids during Perseid meteor shower and to Study electric field. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily and data were expected from all experiments. Data would be compared with data from Nike-Apache mission to be launched Aug. 22. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, their families, and NASA Administrator, Dr. Thomas O. Paine, flew in presidential jet from Houston to New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles during day of cross-country celebrations. Three-hour New York visit included greeting at City Hall by Mayor John V. Lindsay, motorcade to U.N. for greeting by U.N. Secretary General U Thant, and ticker-tape procession to John F. Kennedy International Airport for departure to Chicago. New York Public Events Commissioner John S. Palmer estimated crowds at 4 million; other observers said there were fewer and blamed ahead-of-schedule appearance and TV coverage. In Chicago, welcoming crowd was estimated at 3.5 million. Mayor Richard J. Daley greeted party at Civic Center and presented medals Symbolic of honorary citizenship to astronauts and Dr. Paine. Illinois Gov. Richard B. Ogilvie said, "To these first citizens of the new epoch, the people of Chicago and Illinois offer their profound admiration and respect." Astronauts spoke to 15,000 young people in Grant Park before returning by helicopter to O'Hare International Airport for flight to Los Angeles. Mayor Samuel W. Yorty met party at Los Angeles International Airport. After brief ceremony, party sped to Century Plaza Hotel for reception preceding state dinner. (Lelyveld, NYT, 8/14/69, 1; Oberdorfer, W Post, 8/14/69, Al; NASA PAO)
Climaxing day of cross-country celebrations, President and Mrs. Nixon hosted formal state dinner at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles to honor Apollo 11 astronauts, their wives, and "historic achievement of the first manned landing on the moon." Guests included other astronauts and wives; widows of Astronauts Virgil I. Grissom and Edward H. White II; Mrs. Esther Goddard, widow of rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard ; NASA and other space program , officials- U.S. and inter- national aviation pioneers; Cabinet members; Chief Justice and Mrs. Warren E. Burger; governors of 44 states; members of Joint Chiefs of Staff; Diplomatic Corps members representing 83 nations; Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, widow of former President; former Vice President and Mrs. Hubert H. Humphrey; and Congressional leaders. President asked NASA Administrator, Dr. Thomas O. Paine, to read citation of posthumous awards: "The National Aeronautics and Space Administration awards posthumously to Virgil I. Grissom, Edward H. White, and Roger B. Chaffee the NASA Distinguished Service Medals for professional skill, courage, and dedication to duty in Project Apollo. They gave their lives in their country's historic undertaking to realize the goal of landing men on the moon and returning them safely to earth." President also asked Dr. Paine to read citation of NASA Group Achievement Award to Apollo 11 Mission Operations Team "for exceptional service in planning and exemplary execution of mission operational responsibilities for . . . first manned lunar landing emission." Award was presented to Apollo Flight Control Engineer Stephen G. Bales, who had made decision to proceed with lunar landing when computers failed just before Eagle's landing on Sea of Tranquility, on behalf of 400,000 persons who had contributed to Apollo Program success. Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, as NASC chairman, presented Medal of Freedom, nation's highest civilian honor, to Apollo 11 astronauts for participation in "a unique and profoundly important adventure. The accumulated scientific knowledge and technological ability of mankind made man's first step on the moon practicable; the courage and skill of men like these made it possible. Their contributions to this undertaking will be remembered so long as men wonder and dream and search for truth on this planet and among the stars." Replying to honors, Astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr." said: "What Apollo has begun we hope will spread out in many directions, not just in space, but underneath the seas and in the cities, to tell us unforgettably that we can do what we will and must and want to do." During evening orderly crowd of peace and antipoverty protesters gathered outside hotel. (PD, 8/18/69, 1141-2, 1148-51; Roberts, NYT, 8/15/69, 14; B Sun, 8/14/69, Al)
MSFC announced award of three 10-mo contracts totaling $1,370,000 to McDonnell Douglas Corp., North American Rockwell Corp., and Lockheed Aircraft Corp. to study design concepts and development requirements for nuclear rocket stage that could replace Saturn V 3rd stage (S-IVB ) for advanced missions beginning in late 1970s and serve as workhorse for earth orbital and planetary applications. McDonnell Douglas received $570,828 to develop and evaluate two alternative stage concepts-one with modified Saturn V hardware, other with new stage design and advanced design techniques. NAR received $511,734 to study modified Saturn V hardware concept only and Lockheed received $287,000 to study advanced design concept only. (MSFC Release 69-180)
New York Times editorial on Aug. 12 Apollo 11 news conference in Houston: "What came through most clearly in yesterday's enthralling first-hand report by the Apollo astronauts was the infinitesimal margin by which Eagle escaped either catastrophe or a decision to abort the moon landing. Either of the two major problems that emerged in those nerve-wracking moments before touchdown-the overburdened computer and the near-exhaustion of their fuel supply before Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin found a suitable landing spot-might have forced a very different ending to the historic mission. That all turned out perfectly is a tribute to the astronauts, skill, courage and poise as well as to the ability of the back-up personnel at Mission Control in Houston." (NYT, 8/13/69, 40)
Apollo 11 commander Neil A. Armstrong stood to inherit 100,000-franc fortune of Mme. Anna E Guzman, widow of French industrialist, which had been held in trust by Academy of Science of Institute of France since her 1891 death, according to article Rep. James G. Fulton (R-Pa.) inserted in Congressional Record. Legacy-once worth $20,000 but currently decreased in value to $290 exclusive of interest-was to be awarded to first scientist to make personal contact with heavenly body other than Mars. (CR, 8/13/69, E7023)
In Senate, Sen. William Proxmire (D-Wis.) called for at least temporary halt in USAF plans to purchase Lockheed C-5A cargo aircraft while U.S. Comptroller General studied aircraft's costs and value to be gained from further purchases. (CR, 8/13/69, S9972-8)
Rep. J. Herbert Burke (R-Fla.) introduced joint resolution calling for redesignation of Cape Kennedy as Cape Canaveral. (CR, 8/13/69, H7387)
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