Feb 21 1963
From The Space Library
Secretary of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert testified to the House Armed Services Committee: "In recognition of the increased impact of space programs on our national resources and their direct effect on our future national security, Air Force space activities are closely coordinated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. One example is the recent agreement between the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on the Gemini program. The intent is to insure that the scientific and operational experiments undertaken as a part of the Gemini program will be directed towards satisfying both military and NASA requirements and objectives . . . "Our forward space development program integrates the R&D work of many years into a cohesive space program. Funding for all facets of the program is not included in the FY 1964 budget, but the program will provide for Air Force space activities for the near future. "The Air Force has developed a solid foundation of space on which military capabilities can be built. These efforts have brought us to a point where significant military space possibilities are dearly apparent. Utilizing the technological base so far established, the Air Force must translate these technical capabilities into actual defense systems. The time required to move from a development state to operational systems is measured in years. Yet, it is the ready military capability, not the technological base, that accomplishes deterrence. Accordingly, the Air Force proposes to begin some of these conversions at once. "The forward program aims at two basic objectives "FIRST, to enhance the general military posture of the United States by building a defense capability in space. Space is not only a new area of vulnerability to attack, but also affords important means of supporting the terrestrial forces of the U.S. in relation to a military threat posed by a hostile power. "SECOND, to provide a capability within the space region for the purpose of denying to a hostile power the uninhibited military exploitation of space, and to provide a system of protection for U.S. scientific activities in space . . . ." (Text; A-N-AF Journal and Register, 3/2/6,17,37)
In testimony before, the House Armed Services Committee, General Curtis E. LeMay testified: "The Soviets could be proceeding actively to develop space systems for military application. We believe that the Soviets will produce and deploy those military space systems Which the find feasible and advantageous in comparison with other type of weapons and military equipment "U.S. military achievements in space will be expensive. Our objectives will be difficult to accomplish and the risks . . . large." "However, as in all previous military progress, risks will diminish with experience and can be minimized in early stages by thoroughly planned decision points. "We must not risk the danger of waiting for the enemy to demonstrate a capability before we undertake the development of our own. The visible threat to our National security requires a vigorous military space program." (Text; A-N-AF Journal and Register, 3/2/63,16)
General Bernard A. Schriever (AFSC), addressing Waco Chamber of Commerce, referred generally to aerospace activities in Texas and specifically referred to NASA Manned Spacecraft Center at Houston: "Although the buildings are not yet completed, the Center has been operating for some time. Many NASA personnel are temporarily working in facilities at Ellington Air Force Base, and an air base group has been established to provide support for personnel at the Center. This is just one illustration of the fact that Air Force and NASA efforts in space are cooperative, not conflicting. They are complementary not competitive . . . . (Text, AFSC Release 32-R-19)
Washington (D.C.) Academy of Sciences presented its 1962 scientific achievement awards to: the Rev. Francis J. Heyden, Professor of Astronomy and Director of the S. J. Observatory, Georgetown Univ., winner for science teaching because "by combining teaching and research, he leads others to join his adventures in science"; Dr. Marshall Nirenberg, National Institutes of Health, winner in biological sciences; Lindell E. Steele, Naval Research Laboratory, winner in engineering sciences; Dr. Bruce L. Reinhart, Univ. of Maryland and Research Institute for Advanced Study, Baltimore, winner in mathematics; and Dr. Edward A. Mason, Univ. of Maryland, winner in physical sciences. (Wash. Sun. Star, 2/17/63)
USAF OAR announced it would offer summer employment to six of the Youth Science Fair participants who are selected to receive USAF recognition at the 14th Youth Science Fair, International, which will take place in early May in Albuquerque, N.M. The six selected by OAR will have the opportunity to work as laboratory aides to USAF scientists engaged in basic research in OAR'S in-house facilities in Ohio, Massachusetts, Colorado, and New Mexico. (OAR RREI-F-1)
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