Jan 31 1964
From The Space Library
Midcourse maneuver for RANGER VI lunar spacecraft was executed from NASA-JPL Tracking Station, Goldstone, Calif., 16 hrs. after the spacecraft was launched from AMR. The radio signal activated an onboard motor which fired for 69 sec., aiming the spacecraft on collision course with the moon. Target for the lunar spacecraft: Sea of Tranquility. (Witkin, NYT, 2/2/64, 1; Houston Chron., 1/31/64)
Sixth birthday of EXPLORER I, first U.S. satellite, which was launched into orbit with a Jupiter C vehicle by JPL-ABMA team. EXPLORER I has traveled around the earth 26,315 times covering some 775 million miles. With initial orbit of 1,573-mi. apogee, 224-mi. perigee, and 114.8-min. period, EXPLORER I now orbits at 1,011.6-mi. apogee, 212.5-mi. perigee, and 104.6-min. period. It was originally expected to re-enter atmosphere and disintegrate after five years, was now expected to last until 1966. Its smaller transmitter relayed information for 105 days; the larger transmitter, 31 days. Onboard instrumentation discovered radiation belt around the earth, named after Dr. James A. Van Allen who provided the experiment. (Marshall Star, 1/29/64, 4; "NASA Chronicle of Earth Sat. & Space Probes, 1957-60")
In letter to Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate, NASA Administrator James E. Webb indicated NASA electronics research center should be located in the Greater Boston area. "It is our carefully considered opinion that to meet the specific requirements of the NASA program in respect to time and in respect to existing resources, the center should be located in the Greater Boston area." In accordance with P.L. 88-113, NASA had reviewed some 50 locations as possible sites for the center. (NASA LAR III/18; UPI, Houston Chron., 2/1/64)
Successful testing of design of radar antenna 100 times more sensitive than world's largest radiotelescope (Arecibo, P.R.) was announced by USAF Office of Aerospace Research. The multiple antenna was designed by Dr. Allan Schell of OAR Cambridge Research Laboratories, as space surveillance and tracking radar system and for use as a radiotelescope. One-year evaluation of test section verified predicted performance characteristics of full-size antenna. The 'multiple antenna would consist of some 5,000 flat metal plates each 20-ft.-by-20-ft. arranged in four elliptical areas around 1,000-ft. tower. Studies were continuing to determine optimum size from standpoint of economy and performance, tower stability, and antenna control system. (OAR Release 1-64-2)
Sen. Warren G. Magnuson (D.-Wash.) was quoted as saying: "In view of the tremendous success of the Saturn flight, perhaps further savings in the cost of the space program might be possible between now and the first Saturn V flight by leap-frogging some of the intermediate steps." (SBD, 1/31/64, 169)
Rep. J. Edward Roush (D.-Ind.) said in the House: "On Wednesday we saw the successful launching of the Saturn rocket carrying into orbit around the earth 18 tons. This included the largest payload ever placed in orbit by man and exceeds the largest Russian payload by 11 tons. For several years now this Nation has been plagued with the uncomfortable knowledge that the Russians were ahead of us in the space effort. This has been based primarily on the fact that they had a greater lift capability. The United States is now ahead in lift capability and in every other phase of the space program. . . ." (CR, 1/31/64, 1443)
RELAY I communications satellite continued operating normally and the one-year onboard timer had not cut off as of this date. (GSFC Historian)
Communications Satellite Corp. submitted its annual report to the President and the Congress on its activities February 1-December 31, 1963. ComSatCorp reported it had made plans for development and establishment of commercial communications satellite system with global capability, calling for launching of one or more synchronous-orbit satellites over the Atlantic Ocean in 1965 on an experimental-operational basis and initial launching of satellite for the comsat system in 1966. (ComSatCorp Rpt., 1/31/64)
DOD announced award of $7,112,913 contract to Franchi Construction Co. for construction of NASA launch operations center headquarters building at Merritt Island, Fla. Contract was awarded by Army Corps of Engineers. (DOD Release 96-64)
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