May 1964
From The Space Library
Sylvania Electric Products, Inc., recommended to NASA that a data collection satellite system could be provided by a single satellite in polar orbit between 500 and 700 n. mi. altitudes, Satellite would collect meteorological and oceanographic data from about 1,200 sensors per day, store the information on magnetic tape, then relay it upon command to ground station. Sylvania's study was performed under $97,000 con-tract awarded last year by NASA. (M&R, 6/1/64, 11; SBD, 5/13/64, 68)
Sert I (space electric rocket test) payload began final series of tests in large vacuum tank at NASA Lewis Research Center, in preparation for space flight later this summer. (Lewis News, 6/5/64, 2)
David B. Clark Co. began building eight flight suits for Project Gemini astronauts. MSC suit engineer Henry Friloux said the pressurized suits would protect astronauts up to 150-mi. altitudes. (M&R, 5/25/64, 31)
Flight-rating test for F-1 rocket engine was delayed from mid-year to end of the year, and tests leading up to the qualification would begin in September. (M&R, 5/25/64, 9)
On 20-day shakedown cruise in the Chesapeake Bay, tracking ship Rose Knot conducted tests with instrumented Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft equipped to simulate systems of Gemini and Agena. (M&R, 5/25/64, 9)
USAF antisatellite system, utilizing Thor missile, completed successful operational testing and became operational. (Transcript, Defense Secy. McNamara News Conference, 9/18/64)
Bell Aerosystems study for NASA concluded that design studies of lunar surface vehicles could not be made in detail until data were obtained from Ranger and Surveyor lunar probe programs. General results of the lunar surface analysis indicated the best possibility for surface locomotion would be wheeled vehicle. (SBD, 5/21/64, 117)
Results of meteoroid-protection research were presented at AIAA Structures and Materials Conference in Palm Springs. North American Aviation said its research suggested that current protective requirements against impact hazard might be reduced. GM Defense Research Laboratories reported on hypervelocity impact studies that showed meteoroid bumper concept may do more harm than good at lower impact velocities. NASA Ames Research Center research indicated use of honeycomb material for meteoroid protection would increase damage from impacts, because honeycomb walls channel sprayed particles into highly damaging clusters of pulverized material that blast through rear sheet of target material. Investigation of fiber metals by IIT Research Institute showed that fiber metal bumpers were more efficient than solid bumpers in preventing damage to target material. (M&R, 5/25/64, 29)
USAF began awarding small study contracts to industry to explore various aspects of the Manned Orbiting Laboratory. Directed toward the orbiting of a 4-ton laboratory in 1968 to help DOD determine the military role of manned space flights, MOL would be launched by a Titan III-C rocket and would orbit for approximately one month. Contracts were let last month to the Martin Co. to study the role of Titan III-C in relation to launching the laboratory. Hamilton Standard Div. of United Aircraft Corp. and the AiResearch Div. of the Garrett Corp. got contracts for study of environmental control systems. (Sehlstedt, Balt. Sun, 6/5/64)
USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Calif., acquired 12 more students, bringing enrollment to 35. The school's one-year course was designed to produce pilots, project managers, or consultants for future manned space programs. (A-N-AF J&R, 5/30/64, 17)
In Astronautics & Aeronautics article on Germany's space program, Dietrich E. Koelle discussed recoverable sounding rockets being studied. Preliminary research and development as well as testing had been be-gun on the new guidance system for these rockets, which would make guided descent with assistance of Rogallo wing. Largest German space project was production of third stage for ELDO launch vehicle, which would have its first live flight-test in 1966. (A&A, 5/64, 66 ff)
At annual meeting of Soviet Academy of Sciences, Academician L. A. Artsimovich, physicist, observed that USSR did not have a leading role in astronomy because of inadequate facilities. He said that astronomy was more important than high-energy physics, but "our expenditures on high-energy physics many times exceed those on astronomy." Head of the Academy Mstislav V. Keldysh replied: "There are some areas of science in which it is necessary for us under all conditions to maintain a high level. But we don't have to try to maintain such a level in absolutely all sectors. In scientific development, it is necessary to base oneself on international scientific cooperation. "I think that it is from this aspect we must examine the problems of astronomy's development and in this area broadly utilize international cooperation. It is not obligatory to try to have in our country the world's largest telescopes and radio telescopes, and telescopes in balloons, and on sputniks, etc." (Schwartz, NYT, 6/1/64, 2)
Richard L. Schleicher of North American Aviation, Inc., received Royal Aeronautical Society of Great Britain's George Taylor Gold Medal for 1963 for paper on X-15 structural design which he presented to the Society. (Av. Wk., 6/1/64, 13)
USAF's "Summary of Lessons Learned from Air Force Management Surveys" found that cause of management deficiencies was absence of three essential elements: program-oriented management structure; comprehensive written procedures spelling out guidelines in all foreseeable situations; and effective discipline. (Armed Forces Mgmt., 5/64, 37)
Canadian Air Marshal C. R. Slemon retired as Deputy NORAD CinC at Colorado Springs to become Director of Aerospace Educational Center at USAF Academy. (A-N-AF J&R, 5/16/64, 4)
- May
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