January 1960
From The Space Library
SPACETRACK (National Space Surveillance Control Center) at Bedford, Mass., began operations.
Initial experimental investigation of the plug-nozzle rocket engine was completed by General Electric, a NASA contractor.
The Chance Vought Corporation completed a company-funded, independent, classified study on manned lunar landing and return (MALLAR), under the supervision of Thomas E. Dolan. Booster limitations indicated that earth orbit rendezvous would be necessary. A variety of lunar missions were described, including a two-man, 14-day lunar landing and return. This mission called for an entry vehicle of 6,600 pounds, a mission module of 9,000 pounds, and a lunar landing module of 27,000 pounds. It incorporated the idea of lunar orbit rendezvous though not specifically by name.
Interview with John D. Bird, Langley Research Center, June 20, 1966.
At a luncheon in Washington, Abe Silverstein, Director of the Office of Space Flight Programs, suggested the name "Apollo" for the manned space flight program that was to follow Mercury. Others at the luncheon were Don R. Ostrander from NASA Headquarters and Robert R. Gilruth, Maxime A. Faget, and Charles J. Donlan from STG.
Interview with Charles J. Donlan, Langley Research Center, June 20, 1966.
- 1960
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