Jan 27 1959

From The Space Library

After consultation and discussion with DOD, NASA formulated a national space vehicle program. The central idea of the program was that a single launch vehicle should be developed for use in each series of future space missions. The launch vehicle would thus achieve a high degree of reliability, while the guidance and payload could be varied according to purpose of the mission. Four general-purpose launch vehicles were described: Vega, Centaur, Saturn, and Nova. The Nova booster stage would be powered by a cluster of four F-1 engines, the second stage by a single F-1, and the third stage would be the size of an intercontinental ballistic missile but would use liquid hydrogen as a fuel. This launch vehicle would be the first in a series that could transport a man to the lunar surface and return him safely to earth in a direct ascent mission. Four additional stages would be required in such a mission.

"A National Space Vehicle Program," NASA report to the President, January 27, 1959.

H. Res. 139, introduced by Representative Brooks of Louisiana and referred to House Administration. Reported out January 29 (H. Rept. 23). Passed the House January 29, 1959. Provided $300,000 to the Committee on Science and Astronautics to pursue the investigations authorized by H. Res. 133.