Oct 28 1968
From The Space Library
NASA outlined six steps which would lead to final decision during week of Nov. 11 on next Apollo manned mission. Apollo 8, scheduled for December, was planned as manned earth-orbital mission on Saturn V vehicle. Because of Apollo 7 success, NASA was considering alternative mission possibilities: earth-orbital mission deeper into space, circumlunar flyby, and lunar orbit. Steps-laid out by Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, Dr. George E. Mueller, and Apollo Program Director, L/G Samuel C. Phillips-were: detailed analysis and review of Apollo 7 results to determine any necessary spacecraft changes; final certification of solutions to Apollo 6 problems; certification of strengthened Saturn V 2nd and 3rd stage fuel lines and elimination of pogo in 1st stage; completion of ground tests before Apollo 8 command and service module (CSM) certification for lunar flight; completion of flight computer programs for deep space and lunar missions; rehearsal of CSM operations tests with mathematical models and delivery of Apollo 8 CM computer program; and completion of design certification reviews of launch vehicle and spacecraft subsystems. Dr. Thomas 0. Paine, NASA Acting Administrator, said, "The final decision on whether to send Apollo 8 around the Moon will be made after a thorough assessment of the total risks involved and the total gains to be realized in this next step toward a manned lunar landing. We will fly the most advanced mission for which we are fully prepared that does not unduly risk the safety of the crew." (NASA Release 68-190; UPI, NYT, 10/29/68, 14)
Washington Evening Star editorial: "The Russians are going to the moon just as fast as their technology will carry them. . . . It is, of course, impossible to judge what lies ahead or guess what problems either nation may encounter before the lunar landings are carried out. But if all goes well it looks as though both nations might be ready to go in about a year. We would have no objection at all if a way could be found to 'fix the race, and an agreement reached to make the landings literally simultaneous. It would be one way of assuring that neither nation would pursue the goal of national prestige to the point of tragedy." (W Star, 10/25/68, A10)
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