Apr 3 1969
From The Space Library
Dr. Thomas O. Paine was sworn in by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, as NASA Administrator in ceremony in Vice President's office. Dr. Paine said: "I am particularly anxious to see that in the second decade of space we bring down to the people on earth more of the benefits that can be obtained from this wonderful new technology. . . Such areas as navigation, communications and particularly earth resources are things that are very much on our minds as we look out to the moon and beyond." (NASA Hq WB; Sehlstedt, B Sun, 4/4/69; AP, W Post, 4/4/69)
National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal for research, exploration, and discovery was presented by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew to Apollo 8 Astronauts Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr." and William A. Anders in Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C. Vice President Agnew said: "The possibilities of space exploration are so infinite they overwhelm the mind. The speed with which we have reached this new threshold of hope itself is awesome. Less than half a century has passed since the Hubbard Award was presented to Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh for his solo flight from New York to Paris. Less than a decade has passed since Colonel John H. Glenn was awarded the first Hubbard Medal for exploration in space." Award, one of Nation's highest honors, had been given only 24 times in 63 years, for outstanding achievement in geography and exploration. First medal had gone to Robert E. Peary in 1906 for Arctic explorations. Earlier in day at National Geographic headquarters, Apollo 8 astronauts had received General Thomas D. White Space Trophy for 1968, awarded to military or civilian USAF member making most outstanding contribution to U.S. progress in aerospace. (NGS Release)
MSFC announced two contract awards. Definitive $38,340,000 contract to North American Rockwell Corp. Rocketdyne Div. for J-2 engine operational and flight support Jan. 1, 1969, to June 30, 1970, replaced letter contract which earlier authorized $9 million. Contract modification of $15,253,945 was given to Chrysler Corp. Space Div. for extending delivery schedule of Saturn IB boosters and stage storage. (MSFC Releases 69-97, 69-96)
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