May 28 1966
From The Space Library
Second-stage ground test model of three-stage Saturn V booster exploded while being removed from test stand at MTF, injuring five persons-none seriously. Stage, which had five hydrogen-oxygen J-2 engines capable of generating 1 million lbs. thrust, had been tested May 25 in ground firing which had been terminated after 195 sec. when hydrogen line leak caused automatic cutoff. At time of explosion, technicians were trying to determine cause of hydrogen leak. No hydrogen was in tank when explosion occurred; cause of explosion had not been determined. (UPI, Wash. Post, 5/28/66, A18; Wilford, NYT, 5/30/66, 22)
GEMINI IX-A was officially cleared for launching June 1 on three-day mission that would include rendezvous, docking, and extravehicular activity. After hearing reports from the astronauts, launching pad crews, and the worldwide tracking network, William C. Schneider, mission director, declared GEMINI IX-A “ready to go.” (NYT, 5/29/66, 58; UPI, Wash. Post, 5/28/66, A1)
NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight Dr. George E. Mueller, speaking at meeting of Texas Radiation Advisory Board and Texas Atomic Energy Commission in Freeport, Texas, cited reasons that it was vital the US. be pre-eminent in space: “First, consider the nations1 security, or peace-keeping, aspects. “Although our space program is a peaceful endeavor, it cannot help but have a profound effect on our future military position. Although there is no military space force in being in any nation’s arsenal, it would be disastrous for the United States to lack the basic understanding, the basic technology, and the basic engineering which would be required if an aggressor should choose to make space a battlefield.. . . “In the international arena, our space program-and Manned Space Flight in particular-may be considered as a measure of our ability to compete with a formidable rival, and as a criterion of our ability to maintain technological eminence. “The influence of our scientific and technological progress and prowess is and has been one of the deciding factors in keeping the Cold War peace over the past 20 years. . . . Should we fall behind in the area of space technology, we would jeopardize our national interests, on earth as well as in space.” (Text)
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