Jan 27 1964
From The Space Library
Soviet Academy of Sciences announced Soviet ground stations were tracking ECHO II passive communications satellite, in first joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. space experiment. Academician Anatoli A. Blagonravov said Soviet ground stations observed the 135-ft. balloon as it inflated in space and three observatories succeeded in photographing the satellite. Observation stations reported the satellite appeared very bright, varying from magnitude-1 to zero. "Observers in Arkhangelsk report that two additional objects are moving in front of and slightly faster than the satellite proper, and a third object is moving behind it. The results of the first observations are being forwarded to the U.S. The optical stations will continue tracking the ECHO II. The radio communications experiment is slated to begin somewhat later." (NYT, 1/27/64; N.Y. Her. Trib., 1/27/64; Izvestia, 1/28/64, 6, ATSS-T Trans.)
NASA Hq. received telegrams from Soviet Academy of Sciences containing first data from Soviet optical observations of ECHO II passive communications satellite. The data were obtained Jan. 25 from Soviet optical observation stations at Tashkent, Ashklabad, Erevan, Vologda, Archangel, Dushanbe, and Vorkuta, were being analyzed along with observations made at NASA stations around the World. Soviet Academy also indicated photographs of ECHO II were obtained at five stations. (NASA Release 64-21)
President Johnson transmitted to Congress his annual space report, United States Aeronautics and Space Activities, 1963 (H. Doc. 207). In his accompanying message the President said: "Our space program, in both its civilian and military aspects, is peaceful in purpose and practice. Moreover, it combines such objective With a policy of international cooperation based upon a mutuality of participation and benefits as well as the wide dissemination of knowledge. "Space progress is essential if this Nation is to lead in technology and in the furthering of world peace. Such progress requires the use of substantial resources, which must be employed efficiently and effectively in order that we obtain the maximum benefits with a minimum of waste. . . ." (Text, CR, 1/27/64, 1045)
Launching of Saturn I SA-5 rocket from AMR was postponed at T -100 min. because blind flange in liquid oxygen line to S-I stage had not been removed after recent pressurization check. Launch was rescheduled for Jan. 29. (Wash. Post, 1/28/64; Marshall Star, 1/29/64, 1)
Performance of its two nuclear-test detection satellites has been excellent in all respects, DOD announced. The two satellites, launched more than two months ago for ARPA by USAF, were performing almost perfectly, and their reliability has been excellent. DOD anticipated the satellites would provide data on background radiation and other measurements in space for useful lifetime of more than six months. Success of this initial detection effort "has moved the research program forward by more than one year," DOD said. (DOD Release 30-64)
Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara testified in military posture hearings before House Committee on Armed Services, emphasizing that U.S. missile and bomber force was neither too large nor too small for today's "damage limiting" military strategy. He pointed out that missiles are more reliable than bombers, being mechanically reliable, capable of surviving enemy attack, and able to penetrate enemy defenses in war-time, while the bombers are vulnerable to enemy attack and less likely to reach target enemy defenses. (Fryklund, Wash. Eve. Star, 1/28/64)
NASA and Rocketdyne announced Saturn IB launch vehicle would use cluster of eight uprated H-1 engines for manned earth-orbital missions, each engine developing 200,000 lbs. of thrust for total of 1,600,000 lbs. (M&R, 1/27/64, 9; Marshall Star, 1/29/64, 1)
FAA released summary statements on the supersonic transport by the six companies that submitted initial design proposals-three airframe companies (Boeing, Lockheed, and North American) and three engine manufacturing companies (Curtiss-Wright, General Electric, and Pratt & Whitney Div. of United Aircraft). Boeing's proposed SST was based on basic arrow-wing shape, designed to carry 150 passengers, and cruise at mach 2.7. Lockheed's proposed SST was based on advanced "double delta" wing shape, designed to carry 218 passengers, and cruise at mach 3. North American's proposed SST was based on modified delta shape wing, was designed to carry up to 187 passengers, cruise at mach 2.65. Curtiss-Wright's summary said its proposed turbojet engine would produce thrust about twice that of current transport jet engines. GE's proposal offered choice between advanced turbojet or turbofan engine types suitable for cruising speeds at mach 2.5 to mach 3. Pratt & Whitney offered two configurations of turbofan engine for aircraft flying up to mach 3. (FAA Release 64-8)
DOD announced $6,261,000 contract had been awarded by Army Corps of Engineers to Blount Construction Co. for construction of NASA Central Instrumentation Facility at Merritt Island, Fla. (DOD Release 84- 64)
Revival of George H. Darwin's 1879 theory that moon was formed by breaking off the earth, by two independent scientists, was reported in Newsweek. Geologist Donald U. Wise believes that when earth was molten mass, heavy material flowed into core, causing instability in its rotation and irregular elongation of its form. Then centrifugal forces pulled smaller knob away, sending it into orbit to become the moon. Fragments breaking away at same time fell on moon and caused pock-marked surface. Related theory offered by A. G. W. Cameron, Canadian physicist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, was that earth lost at least half its mass, "enough material for ten moons," in large chunks, some of which clumped together to form the moon while others shot out to become asteroids. (Newsweek, 1/27/64)
First flight tests of new 16-in. rocket motor in Project Harp (High-Altitude Research Project) were expected in May at Barbados Is., B.W.I., Missiles and Rockets reported. Static tests on the motor were now underway. The rocket motor would be used to boost gun-launched payloads in the McGill University-US. Army project. The May series would include some 30 firings of the rocket vehicle and new versions of the Martlet-series missile. Project sources indicated use of multiple staging with new rocket motor could make possible the orbiting of 50-70 lb. payloads into 60-100 mi. earth orbit. (M&R, 1/27/64, 22)
Article advising small business firms on obtaining space contracts and subcontracts, by former counsel to House Science and Astronautics Committee Spencer Beresford, introduced into Congressional Record by Rep. Joe L. Evins (D.-Tenn.) : "There are a few simple rules to follow. They can be listed quickly, but are often ignored. "An even bigger stumbling block is attitude. Paradoxically, many businessmen take a political rather than a businesslike view of the Government, even when doing business with it. What needs to be stressed is that they would do better to treat the Government like a prospective customer-and a demanding one, at that . . . ." (CR, 1/27/64, A304)
DOD announced appointment of new Chairman and four new members of Defense Science Board. New Chairman was Dr. Frederick Seitz, President of National Academy of Sciences, succeeding Dr. Clifford C. Furnas, President of New York State Univ. at Buffalo, whose term expired Dec. 31, 1963. (DOD Release 82-64)
Total face value of Titan III program increased only 1/3 of 1% during first 10 months of the program, according to Maj. Gen. Ben I. Funk (AFSSD) in Missiles and Rockets. When all present contracts are definitized, increase will amount to about 1.2% of original values. (M&R, 1/27/64, 9)
January 27-30: About 400 scientists and engineers representing 34 private industries and eight Government agencies met at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., for Symposium of Manned Interplanetary Missions Studies Performed by Industry for NASA in 1963/64. (Marshall Star, 2/5/64, 1)
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