Jun 30 1962
From The Space Library
University of California's sixty-inch cyclotron, basic research tool that led to construction of the first atomic and hydrogen bombs in the U.S., was closed down and dismantled to make room for more modern equipment. Invented and first operated by Ernest O. Lawrence in 1939, this cyclotron was instrumental in the discovery of neptunium, plutonium, astatine, curium, berklium, californium, and mend eleevium. In addition to these seven transuranium elements, the machine also contributed to the discovery of carbon-14 and produced radioisotopes for a variety of medical experiments.
U.S.S.R. announced launching of Cosmos VI into earth orbit (apogee: 250 mi.; perigee: 126 mi. ; period: 90.6 min. ; inclination: 49°). As with other unmanned satellites in the Cosmos series which began on March 16, 1962, COSMOS VI was stated to he a scientific satellite instrumented to explore radiation and other hazards to manned space flight.
AEC and Columbia University announced the discovery of the existence in nature of two different type of neutrinos (the smallest atomic particle), one connected with mu-mesons, the other with electrons. Neutrinos were first proposed to explain a loss of energy not otherwise accounted for.
By this date, 57 nations had joined the U.S. to support the development of peaceful uses of outer space, uniting with NASA in joint flight-support, or training programs.
An estimated 23,000 visitors toured Marshall Space Flight Center during the "Family Day" observance of MSFC's second birthday.
Article in Soviet periodical Ekonomicheskaya Gazeta stated U.S.S.R. had 84 All-Union and centralized professional organs, 94 central offices of technical information at the Councils of the National Economy, more than 4,000 offices of technical information, 3,000 "homes" and "rooms" of technology at industrial enterprises, and more than 16,000 scientific and technical libraries. More than 60,000 people were employed in this network.
During Fiscal Year 1962, ending this (late, North American Aviation, Inc., received highest dollar-value con tracts from NASA-$199.1 million worth of contract awards. Other top contractors were McDonnell Aircraft Corp., with $68.4 million; Douglas Aircraft Co., $68.3 million; and Aerojet-General Corp., $66.3 million.
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