Aug 9 1965
From The Space Library
The first flight-model S-IVB second stage for the Saturn IB booster was test-fired at Douglas Aircraft Co.'s Sacramento Test Center to demonstrate its flight readiness before formal acquisition by NASA. The stage's 200,000-lb,-thrust J-2 engine was fired for 452 sec. (7½ min.) without mishap. Test was computer-controlled throughout, marking "the first time a fully automatic system has been used to perform a complete checkout, propellant loading, and static firing test on a space vehicle." (NASA Release 65-267; MSFC Release 65-202; Marshall Star, 8/11/65, 1, 10)
A six-and-one half-minute captive test firing of Saturn V booster's second (S-II) stage was conducted at the Santa Susana, Calif., static test laboratory of North American Aviation, Inc., NASA announced. The test-first full-duration firing-continued until the stage's propellants were depleted, slightly longer than normal flight duration. (MSFC Release 65-203; Marshall Star, 8/11/65, 1, 7)
A small number of Redstone missiles formerly deployed with the U.S. Seventh Army in Europe would be recalled to duty in connection with an Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) classified program, Missiles and Rockets reported. DOD officials had reportedly indicated that the total number of Redstones that could be refurbished and made ready for firing was less than 30. (M&R, 8/9/65, 11)
In an address to employees at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Dr. Wernher von Braun expressed his appreciation for their efforts in the highly successful Saturn I program: "What you have done reflects the ability of our nation to move forward quickly. The Saturn I proved that we were correct in our heavy duty launch vehicle theories, One of the most important products of our Saturn I program is that we have built up confidence-both self confidence and the trust of the American people who are depending upon us for American progress in space exploration." (Text)
An explosion triggered a flash fire in a 170-ft.-deep Titan II missile silo, killing 53 men. The silo was part of Complex 4 near Searcy, Ark., about 50 mi. from Little Rock AFB. Two construction workers survived the explosion. (Wash. Post, 8/10/65, Al)
August 9-30: NASA Wallops Station was host for the joint NASA-Univ. of Virginia Bio-Space Technology Training Program to provide on-site experience for 32 professional biologists in the operational and engineering aspects of the national space program. The biologists attended seminars, training, and laboratory exercises emphasizing biotechnical aspects of spaceflight and spacecraft design. Four sounding rockets were launched with white rat biological payloads to provide biospace experiments. (NASA Release 65-44)
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