Jun 7 1964

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Speaking at the commencement of the Univ. of Vermont in Burlington, James E. Webb, Administrator of NASA, said that "historians and psychologists see a universal interest and participation in space efforts as providing mankind with a moral and creative substitute for war" He remarked that the U.S. was ahead of the U.S.S.R. in weight-lifting power in space. He stated that the U.S. was building a national capacity for operating in the new environment of space that would serve the national purpose for many years to come. (Text; NYT, 6/8/64, 22)

Parade magazine's Intelligence Report said the U.S. had 50 Samos surveillance satellites in orbit photographing Soviet military installations. Photographs were reported to be parachuted to earth between Calif. and Hawaii. Russians were said to have similar satellites spying on U.S. (Parade, Wash. Post, 6/7/64)

It was reported that the Army was seeking ways to increase the forward speed of helicopters. To speed its rotor-borne craft, and thus lessen their chances of being shot down by enemy air or ground forces, the Army was reported to be interested in adding short conventional wings and small jet engines. The resultant craft, called a compound helicopter, was considered capable of flying above 200 mph. Research contracts were awarded to the Lockheed-Georgia Co. and the Kaman Aircraft Corp. for development of helicopter modifications. (NYT, 6/8/64, 58)

The USAF was reported pushing the development of a new material which offered promise of revolutionizing the manufacture of planes, missiles, and many other products. The material was a combination of boron fibers and epoxy resins to bind the fibers together, reported to be far stronger and stiffer per unit weight than any existing structural material. According to Gen. Bernard Schriever, Commander, AFSC, if the development program were adequately funded, the technology could be perfected in five to seven years. (Witkin, NYT, 6/7/64, 63)

Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, answered GOP critics, complaining of a "crash program" to reach the moon, with a "Not so. The eight years devoted to the Apollo Project is a longer period than the duration of any previous United States research and development program" He continued: "Apollo's time scale for development is four years longer than the time scale for the Mercury spacecraft, two years longer than the B-58 bomber and one year longer than the X-15." (Houston Post, 6/7/64)

Dr. S. Burman Long, Worcester, Mass., minister, delivered address on religion in the space age at the 73rd convention of the General Federation of Women's Clubs in Atlantic City, NJ.: ". . . My religion in the space age confirms my faith in a spiritual heaven as real as my humble earthly home. The sooner that mankind accepts an orderly and unlimited universe, the earlier we will have faith in truth. Our cosmology has changed because our knowledge has changed. It has changed before. Once a new continent was discovered. We no longer limit the universe to hell below, heaven above, and some of both between. The God of creation is in control now as He always has been. . . ." (Text, CR 7/24/64, A3801-02)

Early June: Air Force Space Systems Div. announced 10-ft. delta wing glider able to travel almost around the world as goal of improved Asset program. Glider would be ready for launch in two years. This improved Asset program was said to be more "realistic" prospect for manned re-entry vehicle than canceled Dyna-Soar project. (M&R, 6/15/64, 10)


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