Dec 8 1966
From The Space Library
President Johnson announced US. and U.S.S.R. had reached agreement on space law treaty under consideration by U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space since May 7. Calling agreement "the most important arms control development since the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963," the President said he would seek fast Senate approval so US. would be first nation to ratify it. Primary provisions: (1) moon and other celestial bodies should be free for exploration, use, and scientific research to all countries and international organizations exclusively for peaceful purposes; (2) no country should be permitted a claim of sovereignty or appropriation; (3) no country should be permitted to place weapons of mass destruction, establish military bases, or conduct military activities on moon and celestial bodies; (4) all outer space activities would be subject to international law and should be reported to U.N. Secretary General; (5) cooperative efforts should be made to avoid harmful contamination, conduct scientific research, and assist all astronauts in need of aid; and (6) all stations, installations, and space vehicles on moon and other celestial bodies should be open to other countries on reciprocity basis. Use of ICBM's, reconnaissance satellites, and USAF's Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) were not affected. Treaty would be considered by U.N. General Assembly Dec. 19. (Frankel, NYT, 12/9/66,1,18C; Gwertzman, Wash. Eve. Star, 12/9/66, Al; Pres. Doc., 12/12/66, 1781-2; Roberts, Wash. Post, 12/9/66, A1, A8, A10; NYT, 12/20/66, 6)
December 8: LUNAR ORBITER II executed plane change-possibly the first ever accomplished by satellite in lunar orbit-to obtain information about moon's gravity field and gain experience in flight operations at high inclinations. (NASA Proj. Off.; NASA Release 66-316)
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