Sep 16 1963
From The Space Library
AFSC announced it launched more than 60 space experiments in FY 1963, encompassing following areas of study: aurora, borealis; infrared spectrum of Agena engine plume; variations in earth's magnetic field; effect Of space environment On materials; impedance of near space; air density at satellite altitudes; earth's albedo (whiteness) ; altitude of ozone layer; radio waves from outside solar system; emissions from upper atmosphere; thermal electricity; and space radiation. Spacecraft were launched with Atlas-Agena and Thor-Agena launch vehicles from Vandenberg AFB and USAF facilities at Pt. Arguello. (Space Bus. Daily, 9/17/63, 400)
Addressing National Conference On Citizenship in Washington, Astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr., said "No one can foretell with certainty the tremendous import this broad technological revolution may have. But its implication is really much more broad and deep than a single reference to space, for space accomplishments are but one fruit, of a greater advancement. There have been matching broad advances in many technical fields that have affected, and will continue to affect every facet Of life from Our homes, to automobiles, to medicine, to buildings, to roads, and to education. History has shown that such surges Of advancement are times of greater opportunity to mold the future . . . ." (Text, CR, 9/16/63, A5799)
In a speech at the 1963 Corporate Leadership Dinner, Detroit, Michigan, Robert W. Sarnoff, Chairman Of the Board Of NBC, said "Within the past quarter century alone, scientific research has more than doubled the inventory of human knowledge. The simple fact that we have shortened the distance between research and product development has itself altered and enriched American life immeasurably, and has created a potential for raising the living standards of people everywhere . . . . "Historically, man's adaptation to new circumstances has proceeded by fits and starts, aided by a generous allotment Of time in which to accomplish massive transformation. But now science and technology are pumping a new form Of quick-change fuel into the lifestream of civilization, and the time is past when we might count upon years of race in which to alter concepts and methods to suit a differing environment. Today the unprecedented rate of change we experience-and can anticipate is a fact unique in human experience, calling for more rapid and drastic accommodations than have ever before been required." (Text)
Two contracts were awarded by NASA Lewis Research Center to study possibility Of "floxing" the Atlas booster. If feasible, the mixture of liquid fluorine and liquid oxygen might increase the Atlas payload capability for earth orbit by as much as 88%. (Lewis Chronology, 4)
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