Sep 1 1964
From The Space Library
NASA Electronics Research Center was formally activated in Cambridge, Mass., and Dr. Winston E. Kock took the oath of office as Director. Electronics Research Task Group from NASA Hq. and NASA North Eastern Office in Cambridge were absorbed in the new Center to form initial nucleus of 80 personnel. Design and construction of the facility would begin late this year and be completed in four or five years. (NASA Release 64-219; NASA Announcement 64-189; NASA Circulars 320, 321)
USAF launched Titan III-A space booster from Cape Kennedy, and the first two stages burned perfectly; however, because transtage engines shut down prematurely, the Titan III-A fell slightly short of orbiting its 3,750-lb. dummy lead payload. AFSC's Brig Gen. Joseph Bleymaier said preliminary investigation showed malfunction of onboard helium pressure valve was to blame for the shortened burn time from programmed 406 sec. to about 391 sec. He also said the test was 95% successful-all primary objectives and most secondary objectives had been met. (DOD Release 625-64; M&R, 9/7/64, 11; Av. Wk., 9/7/64, 32)
Aerobee 150A sounding rocket launched from Wallops Island, Va., reached 96.5-mi. altitude in successful flight to measure brightness of stars in the ultraviolet. Experiment instrumentation for the NASA rocket was provided by Space Astronomy Laboratory of the Univ. of Wisconsin (NASA Rpt. SRL)
General William F. McKee (USAF, Ret.) was sworn in as Assistant Administrator for Management Development, NASA. In this position, General McKee would be responsible for review and development of recommendations concerning major management matters and would report directly to NASA Administrator James E. Webb. (NASA Release 64 216; NASA Announcement 64-190)
MSFC Michoud Operations began mass movement of about 5,000 contractor personnel and supplies and equipment from temporary quarters in the New Orleans area to the Michoud facility. About 4,400 employees would move into the new Engineer and Office Building, and about 600 would move into existing administration and engineering buildings. Being performed after normal working hours, the move was to be completed by Nov. 1. (Marshall Star, 9/2/64, 1, 12)
In honor of RANGER VII, the International Astronomical Union meeting in Hamburg, Germany, designated the region where the lunar probe impacted on the moon as "Mare Cognitum." (Sullivan, NYT, 9/2/64, 14)
USAF Captains Albert R. Crews and Richard E. Lawyer emerged from two-week stay in simulated-space cabin at GE Space Technology Center, Valley Forge, Pa. Officials said test showed that man can perform more tasks in extended space flight than previously supposed. (Wash. Post, 9/2/64)
One-year pilot test for engineering data-retrieval system for use by defense contractors and DOD components began. Test was being conducted to determine feasibility, cost, and user acceptance of mechanized system for interchange of engineering and technical data. It utilized present data-retrieval engineering system file of Army Missile Command and additional specially assembled file to be placed at about 25 defense contractor activities engaged in R&D and production engineering. (Don Release 636-64)
USSR disclosed it had succeeded in producing first nuclear-reactor system to convert atomic energy directly into electric power, small enough to fit aboard a spacecraft Report was made to Third International Atoms-for-Peace Conference in Geneva. (LA. Times-Wash. Post Serv., Louisville Courier-Journal, 9/2/64)
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