Aug 17 1963
From The Space Library
NASA Ames Research Center announced laboratory synthesis of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) molecule, universal medium of energy exchange in earth's life-forms. ATP was most complex molecule yet produced in a laboratory, according to Dr. Cyril Ponnamperuma of Ames Exobiology Div., who performed the experiment by shining ultraviolet light on nine combinations of chemical mixtures. Dr. Ponnamperuma said the nine different mixtures may have resembled composition of earth's oceans at the dawn of life four billion years ago. "Such experiments are lending significant support to the theory that biological molecules, which are the prerequisites of life, could have appeared by the interaction of forces and materials which existed on the earth before life did." Collaborating in the ATP synthesis were Dr. Carl Sagan of Smithsonian Astrophysical Laboratory, on the theoretical level, and Ruth Mariner of Ames. (AP, `'Dash. Sun. Star, 9/18/63)
Centaur stage was fired for first time with both RL-10 engines equipped with flight-type propellant supply systems. Conducted at General Dynamics/Astronautics, San Diego, test ran for planned 30 sec. in steam-diffusion chamber to simulate space vacuum. (H&R, 8/26/63,12)
NASA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Technology Utilization and Policy Planning, Julian Scheer, said Lt. Col. John A. Powers, former Public Affairs Officer at NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, would become technical consultant to NASA's exhibits program at Hq., effective Sept. 1. Colonel Powers would supervise construction of spacecraft models used in NASA exhibits. (AP, Wash. Sun. Star, 8/18/63)
NASA-DOD agreement on Manned Orbital Research and Development System (MORDS) was signed, which required AACB to coordinate all study contracts. (Joint NASA-DOD Release)
AFSC announced the cooperative, tri-service program conducted to build a new family of VTOL. The three services were sharing equally in funding, support, and evaluation of the X-19, XC142A, and the X-22A experimental aircraft. (AFSC Operational Highlights, 12)
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