Aug 7 1964
From The Space Library
NASA launched Nike-Cajun sounding rocket from Ft. Churchill with grenade payload to obtain atmospheric temperature, wind, density, and pressure data. The rocket attained 86.5-nu. altitude and all but the first of the 12 grenades detonated. (NASA Rpt. SRL)
First manned free-flight test of Gemini paraglider landing system was unsuccessful at Edwards AFB, Calif. The paraglider, with pilot E. P. Hetzel of North American Aviation in mockup spacecraft slung beneath it, was towed to 13,000 ft by helicopter, then was cut loose. Pilot Hetzel lost control and at 3,000 ft. was forced to bail out. The paraglider crashed. (Wash. Eve. Star, 8/7/64)
NASA and Netherlands Organization for the Advancement of Pure Research announced agreement for joint scientific sounding rocket project. Under the agreement, four Nike-Apache sounding rockets carrying sodium vapor payloads would be launched from Coronie, Surinam, near the equator next autumn. Netherlands would provide scientific payloads and launch site, as well as other support facilities in Surinam. NASA would provide the rockets and launching device and train Dutch launching personnel. (NASA Release 64-197)
USAF Titan III solid-fuel rocket motor was fired in static test at United Technology Center's Coyote, Calif, test facilities. A joint in the nozzle skirt failed during last 10 sec. of the 112-sec. test, causing a fire that did only minor damage to the test stand, but all test objectives were met. AFSC Space Systems Div. Deputy Chief of Staff for Manned Spaceflight Brig. Gen. Joseph Bleymaier termed the test an absolute success. (AP, Wash. Eve. Star, 8/7/64; M&R, 8/16/64, 8)
Research in use of laser radar to map air turbulence in the skies was described by Drs. Ronald T. H. Collis and Myron G. H. Ligida of Aerophysics Laboratory at Stanford Research Institute. The laser equipment would be installed in aircraft. Dr. Collis and Dr. Ligida reported their research in Nature. (NYT, 8/7/64, 8)
Discussing US. space costs in terms of the gross national product, Sen. Stuart Symington (D.-Mo.) said the GNP was nearly $2 billion a day, "and I guess we can afford a couple of days of that to get to the moon." (AP, Louisville, Ky., Courier Journal, 8/7/64)
AFSC announced fabrication of ultrahigh strength, lightweight steel cases for solid-propellant rockets. Solid-rocket case constructed of 18% nickel maraging steel was as strong as similar-size conventional steel case but was 25% lighten The steel was developed under contract by Curtiss-Wright Corp. (AFSC Release 44-129-94)
Michael V. Lighthill, director of British laboratory involved in developing Anglo-French supersonic airliner Concorde and reputable expert on sonic booms, spoke optimistically in interview about outcome of recent U.S. sonic boom experiments. Lighthill said that although there was not yet enough information from the Oklahoma City studies, preliminary reports were "very encouraging." Damage from sonic booms was apparently less than many experts had feared. (Simons, Wash. Post, 8/8/64)
USN successfully launched Polaris A-3 from submarine submerged 30 mi. east of Cape Kennedy. (M&R, 8/17/64, 9)
Common stock of Communications Satellite Corp. had risen as high as $35 since it was put on sale to the public at $20 last June 2, surprising many Wall Street experts. (Vartan, NYT, 8/7/64, 33)
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