Mar 20 1968
From The Space Library
MSFC Director Dr. Wernher von Braun, addressing National Capital Area Chapter of American Society for Public Administration, praised U.S. space program for "unequaled competence and unlimited opportunity." After 10 yr in space, he noted, U.S. had launched 514 spacecraft into earth orbit and 28 to moon and other planets. "The moon has been completely mapped, the composition and texture of its soil analyzed, and sites . . . selected for manned lunar landings. Our scientific knowledge of Mars and Venus . . . has been advanced tremendously by . . . unmanned, instrumented probes. . . . American astronauts, who have a total of almost 2,000 hours in space to their credit in the Mercury and Gemini Projects, will begin the third phase of manned space flight this year with the first manned launches in Project Apollo. These achievements in space, fruits of the advanced science and technology of our times, mark the first decade of the Space Age as one of the finest periods in American history. And they are forerunners of even greater discoveries and widespread applications to come during our second decade in space." Dr. von Braun credited NASA Administrator James Webb's direction with adaptation of systems approach to space research without which "we would never be able to go to the moon." Approach, Dr. von Braun believed, could also be tested on river pollution and satellite communications. (Text; W Post, 3/21/68, H14)
AIAA named Maj. William J. Knight (USAF) winner of Octave Chanute Award for notable contribution to hypersonic and reentry flight. Maj. Knight flew X-15 research aircraft at mach 6.72 (4,534 mph) Oct. 3, 1967. Annual award of $500 and travel stipend of $1,000 would be presented at AIAA Second Flight Test, Simulation and Support Conference in Los Angeles March 26. (AFNS Release 3 8 68-165; AIAA. Release, 3/20/68; AFSC Newsreview, 5/68, 9)
M/G J. C. Maxwell, director of SST development for FAA, told Wings Club in New York SST would have "tremendous significance" on U.S. balance of payments in international trade. One SST would "pay for 20,000 Volkswagens." He explained Boeing Co.'s Feb. 22 announcement of one-year delay in prototype construction: "Our prototype design simply wasn't good enough, not yet. . . . We are convinced that we can get what we need but we want to stop now to make certain that we do get it." Very reason for existence of SST program was belief "that this is next logical step in development of civil aeronautics." Supersonic travel was first step toward hypersonic flight, he said. "Unless we take it now it's going to be many years before civil aviation advances beyond subsonic flight-if ever." Biggest problem facing SST program was sonic boom. "We have made all our program decisions . . . on assumption that supersonic flights over land may not be permitted. We are reasonably certain . . . we can operate over the oceans on an inter-continental basis," and have sufficient market to assure profitable program." (Text; Seattle Times, 3/21/68; Hudson, NYT, 3/21/68, 3/24/68, 23)
PMR Aero-mechanical Branch announced development of new cold-gas rocket-launching system consistently more reliable, less expensive, and more efficient than old cartridge system. New system, being used for launches of Arcas meteorological rockets, consisted of modified launcher door incorporating 550-cu-in tank of compressed air. Ignition forces opened valve which released air into launch chamber, increasing liftoff power and peak altitude. (PMR Release 350-68)
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