Sep 21 1962
From The Space Library
Dr. Edward C. Welsh, Executive Secretary of NASC, told Air Force Association convention in Las Vegas that "the objective of our [national space] policy is to obtain and maintain leadership in space activities for the benefit of man's freedom, man's well-being, man's understanding, and man's scientific progress. The details of the policy are not quite so clear, as those who have studied our budgets and public documents have reason to know. It is clear, however, that our policy includes going to the moon during this decade. It includes developing an operational communications satellite system as well as navigation and meteorological systems on a world-wide basis. The specifics are less clear as to the roles of man in space and what can and should be done to maintain peace in outer space. This lack of clarity, however, is partly due to the difficulty of knowing what can be done and what cannot be done. Continuing efforts will be made to clarify policy, while keeping it necessarily flexible. . . ."
Replying to September 20 statement by AEC Chairman Glenn T. Seaborg regarding U.S. nuclear propulsion capabilities for a 1970 Mars mission, NASA spokesman said: "There is no such approved program for such a flight at this time, but the joint AEC-NASA program is aimed at giving such a capability, and at this time it appears it may be feasible to conduct such a flight." Announced that International Association Machinist workers and Lockheed Corp. had agreed to extend their contract indefinitely, thus averting threat of strike in this aerospace industry.
Astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr. (Lt. Col., USMC), was chosen as Marine Aviator of the Year for 1962-63. This was the first annual award of the Alfred A. Cunningham Trophy.
NASA. contracted with Armour Research Foundation for an investigation of conditions likely to be found on the lunar surface. Initial research would concentrate on evaluation of effects of velocity of landing, size of the landing area, and shape of the landing object with regard to properties of the lunar soils. Earlier studies by Armour had indicated the lunar surface may be composed of very strong material.
USN announced tests conducted at U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, Calif., had included successful free-flight of a new type of rocket propulsion system called "Hybrid" because of its use of combination liquid and solid propellant in single motor.
Two leading U.S. space scientists born in Germany were voted honorary members of the German Rocket Society: Dr. Kurt H. Debus, Director of NASA Launch Operations Center, and Prof. K. O. Lange, Director of University of Kentucky's Aeronautical Research Laboratory.
Secretary of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert, addressing the Air Force Association in Las Vegas, said: "The United States, in keeping with our motivations in freedom and peace, has embarked upon a space program aimed at peace building, constructive exploitation of space—second to none.
"In the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the nation has mobilized an effort unprecedented in history. NASA is making progress, because it has imaginative leadership, a competent staff, extensive facilities, and wholehearted support from all elements of industry and government which can contribute, especially the Air Force.
"In addition to our contribution to the success of the NASA program, the Air Force is required by its own mission to put its energies into a different kind of space effort. We are reaching a clearer definition of that mission as it relates to space. . . .
"The United States is dedicated as a matter of national policy to the peaceful exploitation of the space medium. The United States does not intend to extend the arms race into space.
"We are, however, taking the step to enable us to protect ourselves in the event the Soviets or any other nation were to undertake missions in space that would endanger our security....
"The dual-vehicle orbital experiment of the Soviets, when coupled with their previous claims, seems to indicate that the need for protection against possible threats to our security will be in the near orbital stage of space, rather than farther out. One possible instrument of security that might be useful at this level in space may be found in extending the X-15 and X-20 technology, leading to craft which could operate from surface to orbit and back, and perform defense missions at the edge of the atmosphere. Another might be the permanently manned orbital space station designed for military purposes. Progress toward utilization of such a vehicle for security and protection would be speeded by capitalizing upon the NASA program to acquire knowledge and competence in manned orbital. . .
"'These are the principles on which Air Force space program must be based: (a) Ample preparation to utilize the space medium; (b) Ample preparation to defend ourselves in case others choose to extend the threat of aggression to outer space; (c) Concentration on the really important tasks, including today's job and not just tomorrow's, and finally, (d) An organizationally disciplined space program—well planned and specific—which fits into overall national plans and objectives.
"We in America have no choice but to extend our defenses as far as they need to be extended to save freedom on earth. . . ."
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