O C T O B E R 1, 1959

TO
__
I M A R C H 31,1960
4
N
(D
(ACCESSION N q M B E R ) (THRU)

-U-wAe/
(CODE)
i
: Tr-r$a7Ts//
( N A S A CR OR TMX OR A D NUMBER) (CATEGORY)

AERONAUTICS AN SPACE ADMINI

ET, N.W. WASHINOT
TO THE CONGRESS O F THE UNITED STATES:

Pursuant to t h e p r o v i s i o n s of t h e National

Aeronautics and Space A c t of 1958, I transmit here-

with f o r t h e information of the Congress t h e third

semiannual report of the N a t i o n a l Aeronautics and

Space Administration, covering the period October 1,

1959 through April 1, 1960.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

THE WHITE HOUSE,

AUGUST 30, 1960

 August 29, 1960

The President
The White House

Dear Mr. President:

This Third Semiannual Report of the National Aeronautics and

Space Administration, covering the period 0 c t o b e r 1 , 1 9 5 9 through
March31, 1960, is submittedtoyoufor transmittal to the Congress in a c -
cordance with the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1 9 5 8 , section
206(a).

The progress which NASA made during the period reported is

summarized in the introduction. Details appear in the ensuing chapters.

As revealed in the pages that follow, U.S. progress in a e r o -

nautics and s p a c e r e s e a r c h and development 'during the six months
coveredin this r e p o r t h a s been impressive. The Nation's space program
is in transition f r o m a p e r i o d of relatively crude improvisations to a
stage in which rapidly accumulating e x p e r i e n c e and knowledge fore-
shadow a mature, dependable technology.

Although l e s s than t h r e e years have passed since the e r a of

spaceflight opened, it is now possible to project, with reasonable a s s u r -
ance of success, unmanned and manned voyages to the moon and probes
.
of the n e a r e r p l a n e t s A principal step in this direction w a s NASA's
initiation o f a long-range plan of space exploration upon which to focus
our efforts for the next 10 years.

It is still too early to schedule with railroad timetable precision

the many space missions that NASA is contemplating. But we have made
a good s t a r t toward taking the measure of the problems and opportun-
ities that challenge us in space. It is certain that in the coming decade
s c o r e s of U. S. s p a c e missions will be accomplished and their results
will add immeasurably to man's s t o r e of knowledge and his technological
progress.

Since rely ,

T. Keith Glennan
Administrator

J
 ph, taken by the

Florida penins
 CONTENTS

C ~ 1 - ~ ~ ~ u u T I O N o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o 3o o

Of PrQWeSS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
~ j 0 1 . ~ ~ ~ o o o o o o 0o 0o 0 o0 o0 0 0 0 0 0 2
spwatmghto 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Aeronautical 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Internatianal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 . 4 0 . 0 0 2
NASA's Long Range P h n 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Launch V e U c l e Dev@l.opnent 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
-9 %Bd<m8 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 . 0 . 0 0 . 0 4
First Meraury Suborbital. night 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 k
=OZlLandingSmed 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
PlanetsrgH,sdonso 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
C d t t e e an Lnng Range &udies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

c 3- MIssIms 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13
o . . . . 13
0 0 0 0 0 13
0 0 0 0 0 17
0 0 0 0 0 18
0 0 0 0 0 19
0 0 0 0 0 19
0 0 0 0 0 20
0 0 0 0 0 24
0 0 0 0 0 30
.....
0

0
0

0
0

0
.

0
.

0
30
30
31
0 0 0 0 0 31
0 0 0 0 0 31
Space
0 0 0 0 0 33
OHAP'EZt 4 - NATIONAL
scout
LAUNCH VEHICLE pEu)[;1RAM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39
39
O...........
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Delta 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 lil
AthS-Ag-
Atla~-Cdeu~r
B, 'Phor-Agma B
V e e cancelled 0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
.
0

0
0

. .
0

0
0

.
0

. .
0

.
0

. .
0

.
0

.
0

0
0

0
0

0
43
43
44
s a t u r n o o o o o d @ o o o o o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45
F-1-e. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48

-i -
 PACBC

C 5- mm TB SPACE MD sam SPACE . . . ... . . 51

p r o j t s c t ~ w . . . . . . ..............
....... . .... 51
SuborUtarl Pvght
Redatone t!€llJ. Launch
OrbitalRLi&tplan
Capsule.
0 0
. . . . ..... . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
51
51
53
&One88 D
Little Joe
UZ%wReport P d o d
plight Testa
MbDOlrmsU. Deliver8 first
. . . .
Capsule
. .0

. . .
0

. 0

. . .
0

. . . .. .. .. .. .. . ... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 53
54
57
Capsule Escape and Retrograde
braehut8 Tests C a r r i e d out . . .. . .. . ... .
Rockets 57
58
mVirOtrtaerrtd. COXktrOl S S g t e Tests
Astronaut Pressure Suit8 Delivered. . . . . . .. .. ..
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 58
58
Attitude Sensing and Reaction Control Sp3tam
Cormmtcations (On-Boamt) and
. . . . . . .
Instrmentsrtion
. . .. .. .. 58
40
Training Progresses . . . . . . . . . . .
E&g Joe Flight Results
Test 60
Astronaut
Mercury
The X-15
Tracking
Research
Network Progress . . .. . ...
Airplane . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0
,
60
64
66
Plane bT0. 1
X-l5
Dar~annstra%%on
Tranaferred t o NASA
100. 2 Reaches 19- Peak Altitude
Flights Corrtlnued
... . .. ..
by Contractor
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0

0 0
0 66
67
67
xLR-sqB@,ne&aundTeSt~,o e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 67
6 - SPA63E: SC CfZSIESEARCH 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 69
InterrnationciL Science Autivitiea . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 70
first International Space Sgraposium
lhcplorer V I I Telesnert
.............
cod08 R ~ ~ S S O C I . ..... 70
70

. . .. .. .. ..
Scieritif3.c Results t o 70
Esature of Radiation Region S t i l l Conjectural 70
Easthts I%p&ic FidLd Relativdy Stable ?I.
h Z a r d 8 t o uf0 a2ld
sunnzfght Pushes fir ...........
Evalutsd
............
0 0 0 0 0 0 73.
?2

...............
~ W a t h ~ r 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 72
n
% t a t 0 8 sounding ROctkatS
.. . .. .
Geophyx5ic8 s r r d A B t r o n o m y O . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 n
Ta
.

. . . . . . . . .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ..

..
AW8phd.e VgLl RL-ed 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 e 73
Scope of Ggophysical Smeertigations 73
TheAtmosphere..
StructureSatUte .. 73
74
....................
ket ActAVltiek8 00

MrpWt Ionospheric Measurement by S a t U t e

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 74
7l@
75
-ii-

x
CONTENTS
PAGE

95
95
95
95
95
96
96
97
97
a7
97
98
 CONTENTS

CffspTER 10 TRACKING AND DATA ACQUISITION 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 99

Role i n Space Program . . . . .. . e 4 '0 0 0 .

MidtrackNetwork . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
General Objectives and Db8cfipthn 0 e 0

0
.

Description and Operation

NetworkBsdngEx%endsd . ... .. .. ... 0

0
.

Equipment Improvement 0
OpticalTracMng
0

0 .
0

.
0 0

. .
.. . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. .. .. .. .
Conversion of Trackizq F'reqpencies . . 0 0

.
0 0

e
0 0 0 0 0

0
.

Description..
Operations . . . .. . .. .. .. ... .*..
.. .. ... ... ... ... .. 0 0

0
.

Deep Space Natwork

Goldstone Tranmitter hatplated ... 0

0 .
.

... .. ... . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . ..
AdmCed T ~ h n i ~ Pr0a;ragls
al 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .

Mer~yNetwork.. * . 0 .

Projected Locations 0 .

construction
Negotiations
Wallops Station, Va.
. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
0 0 0 * 0 e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0
.

MajorProjecta . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Complete Local Tracking and Telmetry Systuu
. . .. .. 0

0
.

Cooperating Stations . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Additional h.sckS.ng EcpipnQlt Installed 0

0
.

SupgiLemmt Current Capabilities

Phototrack Stations 0 e 0 0- 0 0 0 ... .. 0 0
0 .

e
TaleenetmStati~n~
Over-All Developents.
0

. . . . . . . . ... . ...
0 00 0

C O n s O U d s t i ~O f Ground CoammubC&ioatS
0 0 0 0 0 0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

e
NW F r v e a ~ e yA~dgnmerrta
Computation and Data Reduction ......... .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SpacePropulrslon . . . . . . . . ... .. .. .. .. ..
Tgp.8 of Research F a c i l i t i e s U s e d 0
0 .

.
0

C h d ~ s l R o C k s t ~0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0

F'U6L-OxidiZeffBes~h 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0

. . .. ... ... ... ... ...

~ ~ ~ - ~ U 0 ~ 8 & l0 &
0 0 b 0 80 0 0 e 0 0 . 0

phssics wid Chsmdstry of Cclrtllbustlion 0 . *

RoOkat-Enghe Exhaust Nose;les 0 . 0

Wlug Nomle" for Rocket Engines 0 . 0

Probl- Aunping CryOganiC F l d d S 0 0 0 0 0 . 0

Storage of Cryogenic Propellarrts D u r i x q Space

. . .. ... ... ...

NL8dWM 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0

Gas Generators f o r Rul.bopmnp Sy&ans 0 . 0

TurbopumpSystemslnvsstigations 0 . *
=quid Hydrogen Pressurization Studses . e 0

SOlSd-PrOpallant Rockets 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0

- - iv
 Steering...
EILgh-Purfornmce Boeket Mators
bXg8BOBhr8

Thrvst.ation
ktdd.8 md
KLWtfieIirockets 0 0
0

Vdocity Control

TdIXII~eS
0
.........
..........
..... ...........
0 0 0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
u6
u7
33.8
U.8
119
u9

... .............
Drrpelopd of Electrical P r O p u r l S i ~ nS*~MI 0 0 119
IOn&OCk&8 o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 120
PlaaanarROckatr~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 121
ElsctrathsrmslRockQta
Use of
Nuelear
Radiation f o r proguldon
Appucations for Space
......
.... . e
122
122
122
Nuclear H e a t TWSfm Rockats
P~~erGansration ... ... .. ....... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3-23
3-26
c~l2-M.ATERIALsmsTRuc~REs 0 0 0 0 0 0 * 0 0 0 0 0 0 I27
Problans of Brtrsrae Temperatures .........
Alloys f o r High-Temperature Applications.... 3-27
3-27
R e f i ~ t O ~ M W S
Refractory Ceramics
0

...............
0 0 0 0

Dtprodng Heat-Rsdstant U o y a and Refractory

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 128
129
Metals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Nomle Materials f o r SoUd-Propelhnt Rockets

0

..
...
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I29
130
Other Materials Studies ..............
Bearings f o r Use at Cryogenic Tanpewatures
.....
131
131
Effects of Nuclear M a t i o n
Studies of Fatigue S t r q g t h
Ab1atiOnMStefid.S 0 0
...........
on
&Btds

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
131
131
132
135
Extreme Con&tions Involved ............
............ 135
Control and Stabilization
Piloted SpaceVehicles .............
.............
135
135
Simulated Spaceflight
Ames F%ve-Degree-of-Freed~ .....
.........
Simulator
Langley Fixed Base Simulators
136
136
136
............
Three-Ma Simulator Inveertigations of Signals
..............
Adapttve Conrtrol System
138
138
Guidance and Navigation
..........
..................
Entry Corridor Possibilities
139
139
Trajectories
CaprterUse .................
......
Precise and Sim~MA’3.dcalculations
139
140
140
kZ’S and V-8 TX’ajeCtOIdeS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 U Q
......
Investigation o f Lunar Wof’t” Landing Techniques
Mid-Course Trajectory Corrections
l4.l
142

-v-
 C 0 N T E N T'S

CHAPTER Ir, - AERODPNAKICS, F W I D MECHANICS, AHD JEW?IONM@ITAL

I r H Y S I C S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r . . . .

Aircraft Aerodynamics .... . ...

. . . .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Flfing QuaUties of Helicopters and V?QL Aircraft
'Supersonic-Transport Aircraft
Multi-Mission Aircraft
FlUidMeChdCS 0 a e e e e 0

.....................
phssics and Chamistry of Gases at High Tempera-

. . . .. .. ... .. ... ... ... .. ... ..

ture
Interactions of Ionized Gases
Swce Enviroment phssics e

&ficrometwroid Impacts Studied

. . . . .. . . . . .
P h o t o c h d s t r y of Upper Atmosphere Gases
IonBsamExperimenta
. . .
CHAPTER~~-~GKTSAFETY. . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . 3449
. .i.n.Airplane
operations ami ~ v i i o r m e n t . . . ... . . 3.49
, Operations. . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . .. . ..
Studies of Altimetry l?roblens

Downwash Effects on VTOL Aircraft

Noise Sources on Supersonic Transports . .. e

.Law. . . . . . . . Ratio
Waken Effects of Large
Fbel Sloshing Dampers
Transport
....
Aimraft

. . . . . . . . ... .. . . . .
Pawer-Off Landings f o r
"vehicles
I;tft-to-Drw

. . .Shears .. . . .. . .
Measuring Physiological.Condiktons of Pilots
Measurements of Winds and Mnd
OtherStudiese e e 0 e ,. 0 0

CHAPTER 16 - THE NASA ORGANIZATION * 157

. .... . ... . . .
0 0

Organizational Dwelopemt
Spceili&t W C t i O n S R m ~ m e d
Launch Vehicle Program Broadend
. . .. .. .. ..
0 0

Office of Launch Vehicle Programs

. . ..
Office of Space Flight P P O ~ P ~ S
. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . .. ..
Office of<Aeronauticaland Space Research
Rebrgariized. e
Office of Life Sciencep Pr0g;rams e

Established . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . ..
Office f o r t h e United Rations Conference
'.
Office of Associate Adndnistrator Reorgadzed

. . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. .. .. ..
George C. Marshdill Space F!Light C e n t e r
Established.

Structure and F'unctiops . . . .'.. . . . . . . .

s b c e night Centers S p e c U z e

NASA 0 r e Z " a t i O n chart e 0

- v i -
x
 CONTENTS

~ ~ R
...............
e
Ames Research C e n t e r
.
8 ~ h C

....... 163
~ e ~ . 162
.
162
. . .

. ...............
Map Incations of NASA Installations
Lands Research Cmter 164
mat Research C a t - r sFlight
George ~ . ~ a Space ......
0 0 0
~ Center
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 164
164
Weat .............
A t l a n t i c Mf8de Range (APIR) operations OfMCe
............ 165
erations Offlcse 165
0 0 1&+

Wdlops Stat&= ..................

Cbddard Space F v g h t C a t e r
. . . . ...... 165
Jet Pr0p;llsion Laboratory (JPL)
165
0 0 0 0

NASA Relations with Other OOvernmQat Agendes

166
cHApTEEll.7.- ...................... 167
........
Composition and Growth of NASA Staff
.........
R e c r u i t i n g . Examhhg. and Training
167
167
Rmdtingand-
. ...... 169
.................
Table Dhtrlbution of NASA Personnd
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 167
168
TrabingPr~gTsms
................. 169
..................
I3ighSchoolLiaiaron
lhployees Honored 170

MewandCont5.mingWork.. .............
.............
Procureaaamt and Contracting
............
............
Realignmsort i n O r g d a a t i o n

.
Decmtralilcatim Progress
.............
...............
Slaa'llBusinessProgram
Types of Contracts
.......
ShkryBght
Description
PatmtprOgram
.... .......
Cooperative Procurement mecmsnts
...........
Procurement Regulations Pro3miLgatc4d
...............
Research G r a n t s and Contracts

...................
...................
Patent Waiver RegulatLons .............
EstabUsknnent of Patent C a u n s e l for Research C a t e r s
Patent Infringment .
PrOtWtion of NASA
Review of Patent Applications
Reporting of Imentians
EWePltims and Contributions
0 0

.
InVerrtiOna
...........
0 0
0

......
0 0

Contractors
0 0
0

Functions of t h e Inventions and ContrAbutions Board

0

0
0

0
0 0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

CWtrihtiOnS A W d S 0

Waiver P e t i t i o n s Grarrted
0

.............
0 0 0 0

.............
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

175
Construction and Equipment
Langley Research Center. brpton. Va ........ 175
176

J
 C O N T E N T S

.4:
a d , Calif. 0 0 0 176
Ohio (including
,OMo)
plight Research Caster, Edwards, W f . 179 . . .. .. .. ..
0 0 0 0 0 1n

. . .. . .. ...
Jet Propulsion Laboratozy, Pasadena, U f . 179
(loddard Space FUght C e n t e r , clreenbalt, MdO 180
Wallops Station, wallops Sslasrtd, Va. 18l
Marshall SpacsFUght Center, IIurrtsviUe, Ala. 183.
~ , C B p e ~ ~ ~ , m B o o o o . o o o o 1o83o o o o
Traddag and Data AcquiSition Station8
hbl5.0 8Ilid T d ~ d c a Il n f O m t i O I i 0 0
183
lSl,
0 0 0 0 0 0
. .0 0

ptlbllc Inf~nmarW~n0 0 0 0 0 0 184

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TWMOSJ, I n f O m t i O n 0 0 400 0 0 185

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

tees 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 187
APPIBDIX B - Nemb~ar~bAp
cQ?mczlo 0 ..
of the Natiansl AeranSuti~sand S-8
0 ' . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 180

mE
N DI
xG = ership of e tee an I#ng Range Studies 19
APFBWJIX H - M d e r s h i p of Inventions and ContzLhtAons Bocud . . 20l
AP
m xI
I .- ship of %he NASA-IXlD Space SOisarere tee . 203
Al?FENDIXJ- h Advisorg C ttees O O O , O O O O O O e O 205;

APEBBIX K - of the Bioscience Advisory CWttee . 219

APFB?DI.X L . Res 8 Contra&so 0 . 0 0 . 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 247
M - Rd9 ContractsbyPrO-0
or Amendmrts Thereto of $lOO,OOO and
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 259
APPENDIX N - Financial as of March 31,1960
Stataimt 0 0 0 0 0 0 273.

J
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

SUMMARY OF PROGRESS

-
During t h e October 1, 1959 March 31, 1960 p e r i o d covered
by NASA's Third Semiannual Report, t h e agency completed and
set i n motion a Long Range P l a n of space e x p l o r a t i o n spanning
t h e 1960-1970 decade.
A t t h e same t i m e , NASA's r e s e a r c h , space f l i g h t , and
a e r o n a u t i c a l programs moved .ahead and major o r g a n i z a t i o n a l
changes were e f f e c t e d t o accommodate i n c r e a s e d r e s p o n s i b i l i -
t i e s i n t h e f i e l d o f launch v e h i c l e development.
On January 14, 1960, t h e P r e s i d e n t n o t i f i e d t h e Congress
o f h i s i n t e n t i o n t o t r a n s f e r t o NASA t h e Development Opera-
t i o n s D i v i s i o n o f t h e Army B a l l i s t i c Missile Agency a t
Redstone Arsenal, H u n t s v i l l e , Ala., a l o n g w i t h - S a t u r n , t h e
1.5-million-pound-thrust c l u s t e r e d r o c k e t engine under devel-
opment by t h e D i v i s i o n . The t r a n s f e r became e f f e c t i v e 60
days a f t e r n o t i f i c a t i o n and t h e budgetary t r a n s f e r w i l l be
completed by J u l y 1, 1960. On J u l y 1, NASA w i l l assume
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r t h e D i v i s i o n t s f a c i l i t i e s and 1,200 a c r e s
a t t h e Arsenal -- which t h e P r e s i d e n t has renamed t h e George
C. Marshall Space F l i g h t Center.

To speed development of launch v e h i c l e s , and t o make

t h e most e f f e c t i v e use of t h e H u n t s v i l l e group, NASA c r e a t e d
a n O f f i c e of Launch Vehicle Development l a t e i n 1959 and
o t h e r major d i v i s i o n s were r e a l i g n e d a s f o l l o w s : t h e O f f i c e
of Space F l i g h t Programs; t h e O f f i c e of Advanced Research
Programs; t h e O f f i c e o f Business A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; and t h e
O f f i c e of L i f e S c i e n c e s Programs.
The S a t u r n r o c k e t s h a r e s t o p NASA p r i o r i t y w i t h P r o j e c t
Mercury, first phase o f t h e Manned Space F l i g h t Program.
P r o j e c t Mercury p r o g r e s s d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d i n c l u d e d
d e l i v e r y by t h e c o n t r a c t o r o f t h e first o p e r a t i o n a l Mercury
space c a p s u l e on A p r i l 1.

- 1 -
 MAJOR PROGRAMS
Space F l i g h t
S u s t a i n e d by v i g o r o u s research and development i n space
s c i e n c e s and s p a c e technology, NASA?s s p a c e f l i g h t program
was marked by t h r e e p a r t i c u l a r l y s i g n i f i c a n t experiments
t h e E x p l o r e r V I 1 s a t e l l i t e ; t h e sun-orbiting Pioneer V deep
--
space probe; and t h e TIROS I experimental m e t e o r o l o g i c a l
s a t e l l i t e which has t r a n s m i t t e d 22,952 photographs of t h e
earth's cloud cover.
A e r o n a u t i c a l Research
I n t h e realm of a e r o n a u t i c s , r e s e a r c h continued a c r o s s
t h e speed range from hovering f l i g h t t o t h e n e a r - s a t e l l i t e
v e l o c i t i e s of t h e rocket-boosted Dyna-Soar I, under develop-
ment by t h e A i r Force. Between these speed extremes, NASA,
i n c o o p e r a t i o n with t h e A i r Force and Navy, continued t o
p l a c e s t r o n g emphasis upon t h e X-15 rocket-powered r e s e a r c h
a i r p l a n e p r o j e c t . F i n a l c o n t r a c t o r t e s t s f o r t h e f i r s t X-15
were completed and t h e a i r p l a n e was t r a n s f e r r e d t o NASA on
February 9. NASA and USAF p i l o t s have been f l i g h t - t e s t i n g
t h e a i r p l a n e s i n c e t h a t time. I n a d d i t i o n , NASA i s s t u d y i n g
a number o f Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) and Short
Takeoff and Landing (STOL) a i r c r a f t . Supersonic t r a n s p o r t
concepts a r e a l s o being i n v e s t i g a t e d .
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Programs
I n t h e f i e l d of i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o o p e r a t i o n , NASA con-
cluded agreements f o r e s t a b l i s h i n g P r o j e c t Mercury t r a c k i n g
s t a t i o n s i n A u s t r a l i a and i n S p a i n t s Canary I s l a n d s . NASA
a l s o o f f e r e d t h e s e r v i c e s of i t s t r a c k i n g s t a t i o n s -- sub-
j e c t t o t h e consent of t h e h o s t c o u n t r i e s
Union f o r any manned s p a c e f l i g h t program it may develop,
-- t o t h e Soviet
and e s t a b l i s h e d t h e O f f i c e f o r t h e United Nations Conference
t o r e p r e s e n t t h e United S t a t e s i n a conference on t h e Peace-
f u l Uses o f Outer Space.

NASAVS LONG RANGE PLAN

NASAqs o v e r - a l l mission, a s o u t l i n e d i n t h e N a t i o n a l
Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, i s t o e x p l o i t t h e e a r t h ' s
atmosphere and o u t e r space f o r p e a c e f u l purposes and t o pro-
v i d e a e r o n a u t i c a l and space r e s e a r c h support t o t h e armed
s e r v i c e s a t t h e same t i m e . I n producing a Long Range Plan,
NASA i s t r a n s l a t i n g i n t o o p e r a t i o n a l terms t h e o b j e c t i v e s
set f o r t h i n t h e Act c a l l i n g f o r "the p r e s e r v a t i o n of t h e
r o l e o f t h e United S t a t e s a s a l e a d e r i n a e r o n a u t i c a l and
space s c i e n c e and technology and i n t h e a p p l i c a t i o n t h e r e o f
..
t o t h e conduct o f p e a c e f u l a c t i v i t i e s w i t h i n and o u t s i d e t h e
atmosphere .n

- 2 -
Launch Vehicle Development
Foundation s t o n e of t h e Long Range Plan is development
of a 'small f a m i l y o f v e r s a t i l s , h i g h l y r e l i a b l e [launch vehi-
space-probing m i s s i o n s .
c l e s t o power s p a c e c r a f t on a wide v a r i e t y of o r b i t a l and
Scout and Delta, which were f l i g h t -
t e s t e d f o r t h e first time s h o r t l y a f t e r t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d
ended, are t h e smallest v e h i c l e s i n t h e family.
I n t h e medium- t o h i g h - t h r u s t class i s t h e Atlas-Agena
B which t h e Department of Defense w i l l launch t h i s year and
make a v a i l a b l e t o NASA t o r e p l a c e t h e Vega which NASA can-
c e l e d on December 11, 1959. A s t i l l more advanced, higher-
t h r u s t v e h i c l e i s t h e Atlas-based Centaur w i t h i t s l i q u i d -
hydrogen second stage. The first Centaur launching i s
planned f o r 1961. When f u l l y developed, it w i l l be capable
of sending some 8,500lpounds i n t o a n e a r t h o r b i t .
I n t h e h i g h - t h r u s t v e h i c l e range, NASA h a s begun s t a t i c
t e s t i n g ( t h a t i s , r u n n i n g t h e e n g i n e s w i t h t h e v e h i c l e clampe
i n a v e r t i c a l p o s i t i o n , t o i t s launch pad) t h e 1.5-million-
pound-thrust S a t u r n first stage multi-chambered engine .
With S a t u r n , NASA w i l l l a y t h e groundwork f o r EBMed
e x p l o r a t i o n o f t h e moon. S a t u r n w i l l be capable of-circum-
n a v i g a t i n g t h e moon and r e t r n i n g t o e a r t h , and of launching
a 25,000-pound space l a b o r a t o r y i n t o an e a r t h o r b i t . During
t h e n e x t f e w years, NASA w i l l be f l i g h t - t e s t i n g v a r i o u s
S a t u r n stages and i n 1964 t h e f i r s t t h r e e - s t a g e v e h i c l e w i l l
be launched.
Toward t h e end of t h e 19609, NASA e x p e c t s t o have a
launch v e h i c l e i n t h e Nova c l a s s which may c o n s i s t of a
c l u s t e r of F-1 single-chamber e n g i n e s , each producing 1.5-
m i l l i o n pounds o f t h r u s t . By c l u s t e r i n g t h e s e e n g i n e s ,
which are now under development, it would be p o s s i b l e t o
a c h i e v e a t o t a l t h r u s t of s i x - t o 1 2 - m i l l i o n pounds. A l t e r -
n a t i v e l y , t h e v e r y large c a p a c i t y o f t h e system might be
a c h i e v e d through t h e use o f n u c l e a r energy.
Nova w i l l probably be t h e first v e h i c l e w i t h which t h e
U. S. w i l l a t t e m p t t o l a n d men on t h e moon. Now i n t h e con-
c e p t stage, it should be capable of c a r r y i n g 100,000 pounds
t o t h e moon and of p l a c i n g a 290,000-pound space l a b o r a t o r y ,
occupied by s e v e r a l i n d i v i d u a l s , i n a n e a r t h o r b i t .
Nuclear p r o p u l s i o n systems, which a r e now a s u b j e c t of
a c t i v e r e s e a r c h and development i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h t h e
Atomic Energy Commission, w i l l be developed o v e r t h i s decade
f o r important r o l e s i n t h e pace program.

- 3 -
d
Long Range Plan Missions
The s u c c e s s f u l o p e r a t i o n o f TIROS I was t h e first e v e n t
on NASATs,list of s p e c i f i c m i s s i o n s i n t h e Long Range Plan.
TIROS I w i l l be f o l l o w e d by o t h e r e x p e r i m e n t a l weather satel-
.
l i t e s o f similar t y p e . These w i l l be followed by t h e more
advanced Nimbus series
Also scheduled f o r 1960 i s t h e first launching i n Pro-
j e c t Echo o f a 100-foot-diameter, i n f l a t a b l e n p a s s i v e
r e f l e c t o r communications s a t e l l i t e The ultimate purpose
of t h e s e o r b i t i n g s p h e r e s , made of micro-thin aluminized
Mylar p l a s t i c , i s t o s e r v e a s g l o b a l t e l e r a d i o - t r a n a m i s s i o n
l i n k s . A s e r i e s of such s a t e l l i t e s may one day r e v o l u t i o n i z e
worldwide communications and make t r a n s o c e a n i c TV a r e a l i t y .
I n A p r i l , NASA a c h i e v e d t h e first completely , s u c c e s s f u l
s u b o r b i t a l t e s t f l i g h t of a n Echo sphere and t r a n s m i t t e d
v o i c e and r a d i o s i g n a l s v i a t h e sphere. (Radio t r a n s m i t t e r s
on t h e ground beam e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c waves a t t h e s a t e l l i t e s
which, i n t u r n , r e f l e c t o r "bounce" them back t o a n o t h e r
ground s t a t i o n . )
F i r s t Mercury S u b o r b i t a l F l i g h t
Near t h e year end (1960), t h e U. S. p l a n s t o send up a n
a s t r o n a u t on t h e first s u b o r b i t a l f l i g h t i n P r o j e c t Mercury.
A Redstone r o c k e t w i l l launch h i t i i n a Mercury c a p s u l e from
Cape Canaveral on a 15-minute f l i g h t down t h e A t l a n t i c Missile
Range a t s p e e d s up . t o 4,000 miles p e r hour. He w i l l e x p e r i -
ence about f i v e minutes of w e i g h t l e s s n e s s , r e a c h a n a l t i t u d e
of 100 miles and a d i s t a n c e of 180 miles, and w i l l l a n d r i n
t h e sea o f f t h e c o a s t o f F l o r i d a .
During t h e next two t o three y e a r s , NASA has scheduled
20-odd t e s t i n g , t r a i n i n g , and o r b i t a l f l i g h t s i n Pro S e c t
Mercury. The first manned o r b i t a l f l i g h t should take p l a c e
i n 1961.
Moon Landings Planned
During t h e LO-year p e r i o d , t h e U. S. w i l l p r e s s forward
w i t h i t s l u n a r e x p l o r a t i o n program, which w i l l c o n s i s t of
step-by-step p r o g r e s s through a s e r i e s of experiments, e a c h
designed t o e x t e n d o u r knowledge and c a p a b i l i t i e s , F i r s t
a t t e m p t s w i l l be l u n a r o r b i t e r s , followed by s o - c a l l e d "hardn
l a n d i n g s of s c i e n t i f i c d a t a - g a t h e r i n g i n s t r u m e n t s . Next w i l l
come '%oftw l a n d i n g s on t h e moon w i t h more f r a g i l e i n s t r u m e n t s . -
NASA may l a n d mobile i n s t r u m e n t s t a t i o n s on t h e l u n e r surface,
powered by s o l a r b a t t e r i e s .

- 4 -
 The most rewarding phase of l u n a r e x p l o r a t i o n w i l l come
when men r e a c h t h e moon, probably a f t e r 1970. I n a broad
sense, t h e main d r i v e o f t h e Long Range P l a n c o n s i s t s of
p r e p a r a t i o n f o r manned e x p e d i t i o n s t o t h e moon and nearby
p l a n e t s i n t h e decades t o follow. The U. S. is p l a c i n g
emphasis upon l u n a r experiments f o r s e v e r a l reasons:
F i r s t , i n t h e words of a s c i e n t i s t i n N A S A ' s l u n a r pro-
gram: '?The moon may have t h e answers t o some of t h e most
important q u e s t i o n s i n s c i e n c e . How was t h e s o l a r system
c r e a t e d ? How d i d it develop and change? Where d i d l i f e
come from?"
"The p a r t i c u l a r importance of t h e moon i s t h a t it i s
t h e o n l y a c c e s s i b l e o b j e c t t h a t can g i v e u s these answers.
The r e a s o n f o r t h i s i s t h a t t h e moon has no wind and water
t o erode i t s s u r f a c e , t o wear away t h e r e c o r d of h i s t o r y ,
t o d e s t r o y t h e cosmic d u s t t h a t has f a l l e n t h e r e f o r b i l l i o n s
of years..
Second, s u c c e s s i n t h e l u n a r program w i l l p r o v i d e t h i s
c o u n t r y with t h e e x p e r i e n c e f o r a t t e m p t i n g f l i g h t s t o t h e
nearer planets. I n s h o r t , NASA w i l l b e a b l e t o p e r f e c t i t s
communications, guidance, and p r o p u l s i o n systems o v e r t h e
lunar distance -- about a q u a r t e r o f a m i l l i o n miles
t h u s g e t " p r a c t i c e " f o r t h e l o n g e r voyages t o Venus and Mars.
-- and

P l a n e t a r y Missions
The p l a n e t a r y m i s s i o n s have a s t h e i r s c i e n t i f i c objec-
t i v e s t h e s t u d y of t h e o r i g i n and e v o l u t i o n of t h e s o l a r sys-
tem; t h e s t u d y of t h e n a t u r e o f p l a n e t a r y s u r f a c e s and atmos-
pheres; and t h e s e a r c h f o r l i f e .

PLAN I S S U B J E C T TO CHANGE
Any p l a n p r o j e c t i n g r e s e a r c h and development a c t i v i t i e s
a s f a r a s 10 y e a r s ahead is, of course, s u b j e c t t o c o n t i n u i n g
review and change.
Committee on Long Range S t u d i e s
On a broader, more g e n e r a l s c a l e , t h e agency h a s e s t a b -
l i s h e d a Committee on Long Range S t u d i e s t o c o n s i d e r t h e
i n t e r n a t i o n a l , economic, s o c i a l , p o l i t i c a l , and l e g a l impli-
c a t i o n s of space r e s e a r c h and e x p l o r a t i o n . Toward t h i s end,
NASA has n e g o t i a t e d s e v e r a l c o n t r a c t s w i t h p r i v a t e r e s e a r c h
o r g a n i z a t i o n s t o s t u d y t h e s e i m p l i c a t i o n s . The Committee
has a l s o called upon a l e g a l f o u n d a t i o n f o r an a n a l y s i s of
a l l a v a i l a b l e space law l i t e r a t u r e and p r o p o s a l s f o r t h e
c o n t r o l and a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f o u t e r space a c t i v i t i e s .

- 5 -
 CHAPTER 2
NASA HIGHLIGHTS*
(October 1, 1959 -
March 31, 1960)

,October 4
A L i t t l e J o e launch v e h i c l e c a r r y i n g a b o i l e r p l a t e
Mercury c a p s u l e w i t h a t e s t escape system was launched from
Wallops S t a t i o n . Test o b j e c t i v e s were t o determine whether
t h e vehicle-capsule-escape system was o p e r a t i o n a l and t o
check t h e v e h i c l e ' s " d e s t r u c t " system. Both o b j e c t i v e s were
met.

October 13
Explorer V I 1 was launched i n t o o r b i t by a Juno 11.
Data from t h e s a t e l l i t e have provided new information on
f l u c t u a t i o n s of t h e Van Allen R a d i a t i o n Zones a s much a s
50'0 miles a t a time and r a d i a t i o n i n t e n s i t y v a r i a t i o n s a s
much a s 10 times i n s e v e r a l hours. S u b s t a n t i a l evidence
has been shown o f i n t e r r e l a t i o n s h i p between p e r i o d s of
s o l a r a c t i v i t y , changes i n cosmic r a y i n t e n s i t i e s , ionos-
p h e r i c d i s t u r b a n c e s , and geomagnetic storms above t h e earth.

October 21
The P r e s i d e n t announced p l a n s t o t r a n s f e r t h e Army
B a l l i s t i c Missile Agency's Development Operations D i v i s i o n ,
H u n t s v i l l e , Ala., t o NASA. The P r e s i d e n t v e s t e d r e s p o n s i -
b i l i t y i n NASA f o r t h e s u p e r b o o s t e r program, i n c l u d i n g
P r o j e c t S a t u r n , t h e 1.5-million-pound-thrust c l u s t e r of
e i g h t r o c k e t e n g i n e s of t h e J u p i t e r t y p e .

October 28
NASA launched a 100-foot-diameter i n f l a t a b l e sphere o f
-
m i c r o t h i n , a lumin i ae d po 1yme r p l a st i c from Wallops S t a t i o n
i n a s u b o r b i t a l t e s t . The experiment, a p r e l i m i n a r y t o

* Details are i n l a t e r chapters.

- 7 -
c o r n m i c a t i o n s s a t e l l i t e development, tested e j e c t i o n and
i n f l a t i o n of t h e s p h e r e and o p e r a t i o n of t h e X-248 ro
which w i l l be t h e t h i r d stage of the Delta vehicle. The
s p h e r e reached a 265-1nile a l t i t u d e and t r a v e l l e d 500 miles
o v e r t h e A t l a n t i c Ocean.

November t.
A second L i t t l e Joe was launched a t Wallops S t a t i o n t o
t e s t t h e escape system under s e v e r e dynamic p r e s s u r e . The
launch v e h i c l e performed well, b u t t h e escape r o c k e t i g n i t e d
s e v e r a l seconds t o o l a t e and desired dynamic p r e s s u r e s were
not a ~ h i e v e d .

A two-stage r o c k e t c a r r y i n g a sodium vapor payload was

launched from Wallops S t a t i o n t o a n a l t i t u d e o f 150 miles.
Its sodium vapor t r a i l was v i s i b l e f o r hundreds of miles
along t h e A t l a n t i c seaboard, and i n d i c a t e d wind d i r e c t i o n s
and c h a r a u t e r i s t i c s a t h i g h a l t i t u d e s . S i m i l a r experiments
on November 19 and 20 f a i l e d t o produce sodium vapor t r a i l s .

November 18
A memorandun o f understanding f o r o p e r a t i o n of Proj e e t
Saturn, pending formal t r a n s f e r t o NASA, was endorsed by
NASA and DOD. The agreement provided f o r t e c h n i c a l d i r e c t i o n
of S a t u r n by the NASA Administrator, w i t h a d v i c e and assist-
anue of a Conunittee composed o f NASA and DOD r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s .

November 26
An a t t e m p t t o launch a l u n a r s a t e l l i t e f a i l e d when t h e
p l a s t i c shroud p r o t e c t i n g t h e s e n s i t i v e payload of t h e s a t e l -
lit e s s p a r a t ed prematurely.

Dee ember 1,
A t h i r d L i t t l e Joe c a r r i e d a r h e s u s monkey, i n a dual-
purpose mission t o t e s t o p e r a t i o n o f t h e escape system and t o
o b t a i n measurements of b i o l o g i c a l r e s p o n s e s o f a p r i m a t e t o
space f l i g h t . All o b j e c t i v e s of t h e t e s t were met.
December 7
NASA o f f e r e d t h e s e r v i c e s o f i t s t r a c k i n g s t a t i o n s
s u b j e c t t o consent of t h e h o s t c o u n t r i e s -- t o t h e Soviet
--
Union f o r i t s manned space f l i g h t program. NASA a1
o f f e r e d t o p r o v i d e equipment o r u s e equipment f u r n i
by S o v i e t s c i e n t i s t s , if s p e c i a l r e c o r d i n g o r data r
d u c t i o n f a c i l i t i e s should be r e q u i r e d .

December 11
The Vega launch v e h i c l e development program was c
i n f a v o r of an Agena B program, u s i n g Atlas-Agena B
Agena B v e h i c l e s , t o avoid d u p l i c a t i o n and t o i n c r e a
b i l i t y by keeping t h e number of r o c k e t v e h i c l e s i n t h e program
t o a minimum.

December 22
The f i r s t J a v e l i n sounding r o c k e t was launched from
Wallops I s l a n d , i n a j o i n t U. So-Canadian experiment. The
c h i e f objective--to measure t h e i n t e n s i t y of g a l a c t i c r a d i o
noise-was n o t reached because of payload f a i l u r e . However,
t h e ,payload was c a r r i e d t o a n a l t i t u d e of 650 miles by t h e
four-stage Javelin.

-
1960
January 1
NASA Headquarters was reorganized. O f f i c e of Launch
V e h i c l e s was e s t a b l i s h e d ; s e v e r a l o t h e r o f f i c e s were r e d e s i g -
nated.

January 8-16
NASA gave e x t e n s i v e s u p p o r t t o t h e N a t i o n a l Academy o f
Sciences d e l e g a t i o n t o t h e f i r s t I n t e r n a t i o n a l Space Science
Symposium, Nice, France. The symposium was sponsored by t h e
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) .
January 16
As a p r e l i m i n a r y experiment i n P r o j e c t Echo, a communi-
c a t i o n s a t e l l i t e , a 100-foot-diameter i n f l a t a b l e s p h e r e was
launched on a s u b o r b i t a l t r a j e c t o r y . Although it r u p t u r e d
on i n f l a t i o n , v o i c e and r a d i o s i g n a l s were t r a n s m i t t e d t o
t h e sphere and ttbouncedtt o r r e f l e c t e d back t o ground s t a t i o n s .

- 9 -
January 2 1
The P r o j e c t Mercury capsule escape system was t e s t e d a t
high dynamic p r e s s u r e d u r i n g a L i t t l e Joe f l i g h t . (Atmos-
phere e n t r y was n o t i n v o l v e d i n t h i s t e s t .) Sequencing o f
p a r a c h u t e s and t h e r e c o v e r y o p e r a t i o n were s a t i s f a c t o r y . A
r h e s u s monkey rode i n s i d e t h e capsule i n a biopack, s u s t a i n -
i n g stresses a s high a s 20 g without ill e f f e c t s .

January 26
The second j o i n t U, S .-Canadian J a v e l i n sounding r o c k e t
experiment was launched from Wallops I s l a n d . The launch
v e h i c l e performed a s programmed, but t h e payload malfunc-
tioned.

January 29
The O f f i c e f o r United Nations Conference was e s t a b l i s h e d
t o c a r r y o u t NASA's r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r planning, c o o r d i n a t i n g ,
and d i r e c t i n g U. S . p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n t h e F i r s t I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Conference on t h e P e a c e f u l Uses of Outer Space. D r . John P.
Magen was named d i r e c t o r of t h e new O f f i c e ,

February 9
X-15 Research Airplane No. 1 was d e l i v e r e d by t h e con-
t r a c t o r , North American Aviation, Inc., t o NASA f o r f u r t h e r
testing.

February 26
An agreement was reached f o r e s t a b l i s h m e n t of P r o j e c t
.Mercury t r a c k i n g networks i n A u s t r a l i a ,

February 27
A t h i r d 100-foot-diameter i n f l a t a b l e sphere was launched
i n a b a l l i s t i c t r a j e c t o r y from Wallops I s l a n d . The sphere
a g a i n r u p t u r e d , b u t v o i c e t r a n s m i s s i o n s were r e l a y e d from
Bell Telephone L a b o r a t o r i e s , Holmdel, N. J., t o General
E l e c t r i c t s Schenectady l a b o r a t o r i e s and t o M.I.TTs f a c i l i t i e s
a t Round H i l l , Mass.

- 10 -

J
 March 1
The Office of Life S c i e n c e s was e s t a b l i s h e d i n NASA
h e a d q u a r t e r s t o p l a n , o r g a n i z e , and o p e r a t e a program of
r e s e a r c h d e a l i n g w i t h 1) s u r v i v a l a n d performance o f man i n
space; 2) t h e e f f e c t of t h e space environment on b i o l o g i c a l
organisms, systems, and p r o c e s s e s ; and 3 ) t h e s e a r c h f o r
e x t r a - t e r r e s t r i a l l i f e forms. D r . C l a r k T. Randt was named
d i r e c t o r of t h e new O f f i c e .

March 10
The O f f i c e of R e l i a b i l i t y and Systems A n a l y s i s was
I e s t a b l i s h e d i n NASA h e a d q u a r t e r s , t o d i r e c t a program
designed t o e v a l u a t e and improve o p e r a t i o n a l r e l i a b i l i t y o f
NASA l a u n c h v e h i c l e s and payloads. Landis S. Gephardt was
appointed director.

March 11
Pioneer V, a 94.8-pound space probe, was launched on a
t r a j e c t o r y which c a r r i e d it i n t o a s o l a r o r b i t . As t h e
r e p o r t p e r i o d ended, t h e probe was t r a n s m i t t i n g s c i e n t i f i c
d a t a from a d i s t a n c e of n e a r l y t h r e e m i l l i o n Itliles from
earth.

March 15
The P r e s i d e n t r e d e s i g n a t e d NASA f a c i l i t i e s a t Redstone
Arsenal, H u n t s v i l l e , Ala., a s t h e nGeorge C. Marshall Space
F l i g h t Center ."
March 19
An agreement was reached f o r a P r o j e c t Mercury t r a c k i n g
s t a t i o n i n t h e Canary I s l a n d s .

March 23
NASA t e s t p i l o t Joseph Walker made t h e f i r s t f a m i l i a r i z a -
t i o n f l i g h t with X-15 No. 1. A l l p r e v i o u s t e s t f l i g h t s had
been performed by t h e c o n t r a c t o r , North American Aviation, I n c .

- 11 -
March 25
NASA announced t h e s e l e c t i o n of Aero j e t - G e n e r a l Corp.,
a s u b s i d i a r y of General T i r e arid Rubber Co., t o b u i l d t h e
power conversion equipment f o r t h e SNAP4 (System f o r Nuclear
-A u x i l i a r y gower ) r e a c t o r , and t o i n t e g r a t e The r e a c t o r - i n t o
a n o p e r a t i o n a l system.

March 28
Two c l u s t e r e d first-stage e n g i n e s f o r t h e S a t u r n v e h i c l e
were s t a t i c t e s t e d . P e r f o r nce was good, and n o i s e l e v e l s
were found t o be somewhat lower t h a n had been a n t i c i p a t e d .

April 1
The f o u r t h s u b o r b i t a l t e s t launch of 100-foot-diameter
i n f l a t a b l e sphere o p e r a t e d a s p r o g r a m e d . Launched by a
two-stage v e h i c l e from Wallops I s l a n d , it reached an a l t i t u d e
of 280 miles, and a 12-sentence t a p e d v o i c e message was
r e l a y e d via t h e sphere from Holmdel, N. J., t o Round H i l l ,
Masse

April 1

The first p r o d u c t i o n model P r o j e c t Mercury c a p s u l e was

d e l i v e r e d t o NkSA by t h e c o n t r a c t o r , McDonnell A i r c r a f t Corp.,
S t e Louis, Mo. The c a p s u l e i s instrumented f o r a n escape
s y s t e n and r e c o v e r y system t e s t t o be conducted by NASA's
Space Task Croup and McDonnell.

April 1
TIROS I, t h e first of a s e r i e s o f experimental meteoro-
l o g i c a l s a t e l l i t e s , was launched i n t o o r b i t , During t h e
first few days a f t e r t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d ended, i t s perform-
ance f a r exceeded e x p e c t a t i o n s a s i t s narrow- and wide-angle
cameras t r a n s m i t t e d hundreds of c l e a r photographs of t h e
e a r t h ' s cloud cover, p r o v i d i n g s i g n i f i c a n t d a t a on t h e forma-
t i o n and e x t e n t of clouds.

- 12 -
 CHAPTER 3
EX

MAJOR EXPERIMENTS
Three major experiments -- t h e Explorer V I 1 and TIROS I
s a t e l l i t e s and t h e Pioneer V deep space probe -- transmitted
s c i e n t i f i c i n f o r m a t i o n of great s i g n i f i c a n c e d u r i n g t h e
report period
Data from Explorer V I 1 h a s i n d i c a t e d p o s s i b l e r e l a t i o n -
s h i p s between s o l a r e v e n t s and geomagnetic storms. Pioneer
V has been s t e a d i l y t r a n s m i t t i n g r a d i a t i o n d a t a and o t h e r
s c i e n t i f i c i n f o r m a t i o n from deep space i n t h e s o l a r system --
m i l l i o n s of m i l e s from e a r t h . And TIROS I, f o r e r u n n e r of
o p e r a t i o n a l weather s a t e l l i t e s t o come, h a s t r a n s m i t t e d
thousands of c l e a r photographs of t h e e a r t h ' s cloud cover.
The three experiments are r e f i n e m e n t s and improvements
o f e a r l i e r experiments and r e p r e s e n t t h e Nation's step-by-
s t e p p r o g r e s s i n t o space.
E x p l o r e r V I I * Measures E a r t h ' s R a d i a t i o n
Expl.orer V I I , a 91 5-pound r a d i a t i o n - p r o b i n g s a t e l l i t e
o r i g i n a l l y planned f o r t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Geophysical Year,
was launched on October 13 a t 11:31 a.mo EDT by a Juno IL**
When launched, t h e s a t e l l i t e was set s p i n n i n g a t 450 rpm t o
.
s t a b i l i z e it Explorer V I 1 a t t a i n e d a n e l l i p t i c a l o r b i t
with a p e r i g e e of 344 miles and a n apogee of 678 miles. Its
l i f e i s e s t i t e d a t about 20 y e a r s .
The s a t e l l i t e , 30 i n c h e s
0-

in di c o n s i s t s of two t r u n c a t e d
cones j o i n e d a t t h e i r bases. P r e l i m i n a r y a n a l y s e s of t h e
d a t a t r a n s m i t t e d from i t s seven experiments have been
encouraging. The experiments are a s follows:
1) R a d i a t i o n Balance Experiment: t o measure t h e t h e r -
m a l r a d i a t i o n balance, o r "heat budget" of t h e e a r t h .

* Also , c a l l e d "1959. I o t a " , c a r r y i n g on t h e s c i e n t i f i c desig-

nations originally established f o r the International
Geophysical Year ( I C Y ) .
**
.
A l l l a u n c h i n g s were from t h e A t l a n t i c Missile Range (AMR),
Cape Canaveral, F l a , u n l e s s o t h e r w i s e noted.

- 13 -
0
 It i s known t h a t t h e e a r t h r e c e i v e s more energy from
t h e sun i n t h e e q u a t o r i a l zone t h a n i t r a d i a t e s i n t o space
and t h a t it r a d i a t e s more energy from t h e p o l a r r e g i o n s
t h a n it r e c e i v e s from t h e sun, T h i s means t h a t h e a t energy
must be t r a n s f e r r e d from t h e e q u a t o r i a l t o t h e p o l a r r e g i o n s
by means of ocean c u r r e n t s and t h e atm phere. The t r a n s f e r
of h e a t i s s t u d i e d i n t h i s experiment measuring: 1) t h e
d i r e c t r a d i a t i o n f a l l i n g on t h e ntoptc o f t h e e a r t h ' s atmos-
phere from t h e sun; 2) t h e f r a c t i o n o f t h i s r a d i a t i o n t h a t
i s r e f l e c t e d by t h e e a r t h , clouds, and atmosphere; and 3 )
t h e f r a c t i o n o f r a d i a t i o n t h a t i s absorbed by t h e e a r t h and
e v e n t u a l l y r e r a d i a t e d back t o space
S i x s e n s i n g elements are used t o determine t h e d i f f e r e n t
q u a n t i t i e s needed f o r t h e above measurements The s e n s o r s
are 3.25 cm diameter, hollow, hemispherical s h e l l s of t h i n
s h e e t s i l v e r . Two of t h e hemispheres are coated b l a c k and
are e q u a l l y s e n s i t i v e t o both s o l a r and t e r r e s t r i a l r a d i a -
t i o n s . Another, p a i n t e d white, i s more s e n s i t i v e t o t e r -
r e s t r i a l r a d i a t i o n t h a n t o d i r e c t and r e f l e c t e d s o l a r r a d i a -
t i o n , Another, w i t h a p o l i s h e d g o l d s u r f a c e , i s more s e n s i -
t i v e t o d i r e c t and r e f l e c t e d s o l a r r a d i a t i o n t h s n t o t e r -
r e s t r i a l r a d i a t i o n . A b l a c k s p h e r i c a l s e n s o r mounted on t o p
o f t h e s a t e l l i t e , and a sun-shaded hemispherical sensor on
t h e e q u a t o r of t h e s a t e l l i t e , complete t h e assembly of
s e n s o r s n e c e s s a r y f o r t h e s e measurements.
The temperature of each s e n s o r i s dependent upon t h e
amount of r a d i a t i o n p r e s e n t t o which it i s p a r t i c u l a r l y
sensitive These t e m p e r a t u r e s a r e t e l e m e t e r e d t o data-
r e c e i v i n g s t a t i o n s on e a r t h . The c a l c u l a t i o n o f t h e e a r t h t s
"heat budget" from t h e d a t a i s a long and t e d i o u s p r o c e s s
when done by hand -- t h e r e f o r e , a computer method o f reducing
the d a t a i s being developed.
2 ) Lyman-Alpha and X-ray Experiment: designed t o
measure some o f t he long-wave p o r t i o n s o f t h e spectrum o f
t h e s u n t s r a d i a t i o n s -- s o l a r u l t r a v i o l e t and X-ray i n t e n s i -
t i e s and t h e i r v a r i a t i o n s , e s p e c i a l l y d u r i n g s o l a r f l a r e s .
S o l a r u l t r a v i o l e t (Lyman-Alpha) r a d i a t i o n i s being
measured w i t h two p h o t o s e n s i t i v e i o n i z a t i o n chambers, c y l i n -
d r i c a l i n shape, 3/l.+-inch i n diameter and 1-& i n c h e s long.
A combination o f l i t h i u m f l u o r i d e windows and a f i l L i n g o f
n i t r i c oxide gas s e n s i t i z e s t h e c o u n t e r s t o t h e p o r t i o n o f
t h e u l t r a v i o l e t spectrum i n which Lyman-Alpha r a d i a t i o n i s
t h e main c o n s t i t u e n t The X-ray i o n i z a t i o n chambers, s i m i -
l a r i n s i z e and shape t o t h e Lyman-Alpha chambers, ar e
f i l l e d w i t h a r g o n gas and have b e r y l l i u m windows,

- 15 -
 A p h o t o c e l l s e n s o r i s used with t h e s o l a r u l t r a -
v i o l e t and X-ray equipment, t o determine t h e s a t e l l i t e ' s
p o s i t i o n with r e s p e c t t o t h e sun.
3 ) Heavy Primary Cosmic Ray Experiment: designed t o
determine t h e f l u x , o r i n t e n s i t y , of heavy primary cosmic
r a y s . It employes an i o n i z a t i o n chamber f i l l e d with argon
gas .
4 ) Cosmic Ray Experiment: two Geiger-Mueller c o u n t e r s ,
designed t o measure cosmic r a d i a t i o n and t h e l e s s e n e r g e t i c
p a r t i c l e s i n t h e lower f r i n g e s of t h e Van Allen R a d i a t i o n
Zone and t h e r e g i o n s j u s t below t h e zone. One counter i s
u n s h i e l d e d ; t h e o t h e r h a s a l e a d s h i e l d about one millimeter
thick.
5 ) Exposed S o l a r C e l l Experiment: t o determine t h e
performance of a n u n p r o t e c t e d s o l a r c e l l i n t h e space environ-
ment. The e f f e c t of e r o s i o n upon a s i l i c o n c e l l mounted on
t h e s a t e l l i t e i s i n d i c a t e d by t h e v a r i a t i o n o f t h e v o l t a g e
developed by t h e c e l l d u r i n g exposure t o l i g h t .
6 ) Micrometeoroid Experiment: t o measure micrometeoroids
o f more t h a n 10 microns diameter by means of a cadmium s u l p h i t e
photoconductor covered by an o p t i c a l l y opaque f i l m . Micro-
meteoroids s t r i k i n g t h e f i l m w i l l l e t s u n l i g h t into - t h e c e l l ,
t h u s r e g i s t e r i n g impacts, which are t e l e m e t e r e d t o e a r t h .
7 ) Temperature Experiment: t o measure temperature on
the satellite surface; consists of a s o l a r c e l l cluster, a
b a t t e r y pack, and one Geiger-Mueller c o u n t e r .
Data were being r a d i o e d t o e a r t h by two t r a n s m i t t e r s .
One, o p e r a t i n g on 108 m c and powered by nickel-cadmium b a t -
t e r i e s , was used p r i n c i p a l l y f o r t r a c k i n g and micrometeoroid
d a t a . I t s b a t t e r i e s went dead on December 5. A t t h e end of
t h e r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d , t h e o t h e r t r a n s m i t t e r , powered by s o l a r
c e l l s , was s t i l l t r a n s m i t t i n g d a t a on 19.9915 mc. An auto-
m a t i c t i m i n g d e v i c e ' w i l l c u t o f f t h e solar-powered-transmit-
t e r one y e a r a f t e r launchiing t o release t h e r a d i o frequency
f o r o t h e r uses.
P r e l i m i n a r y R e s u l t s -- On December 30, s c i e n t i s t s a s s o -
c i a t e d w i t h t h e Explorer V I 1 experiments r e p o r t e d p r e l i m i n a r y
f i n d i n g s . Here a r e b r i e f e x c e r p t s and condensations of t h e i r
statements:
Verner E. Swmi, P r o f e s s o r of Meteorology and S o i l s ,
U n i v e r s i t y o f Wisconsin, s a i d of t h e r a d i a t i o n balance
experiment :

- 16 -
 W h i l e t h e s a t e l l i t e i s not d ned t o l o o k a t d e t a i l s
i n t h e weather below, it does i n d i c a t e c l o u d s o r storm areas
about a thousand miles a c r o s s . T h i s shows up r e a d i l y on t h e
s u n l i t p o r t i o n of t h e e a r t h because o f t h e large amount of
r e f l e c t e d s u n l i g h t (picked up by t h e s e n s o r s ) . However, it
i s .a l s o p o s s i b l e t o r e l a t e t h e changes i n 1or)g-wave r a d i a t i o n
on t h e d a r k s i d e of t h e e a r t h t o p o s i t i o n s where c o l d o r w a r m
air e x i s t s .
"If t h i s comparatively crude experiment can do t h i s ,
more s o p h i s t i c a t e d s a t e l l i t e s now being planned and under
c o n s t r u c t i o n can recognize storm systems even on t h e dark
s i d e of t h e earth."
Noting t h e v a r i a t i o n s i n t h e amount of heat r a d i a t e d by
t h e e a r t h over a small area of t h e United S t a t e s , D r . Suonri
s a i d it i s p o s s i b l e t o r e l a t e them i n t h e s a t e l l i t e r e c o r d
with t h e weather map f o r t h e area but "at t h i s stage I am not
v e r y c o n f i d e n t because t h e key t o it i s t o go i n t h e r e v e r s e
direction -- t o take t h e v a r i a t i o n s measured by t h e s a t e l l i t e
and s a y t h e r e are t h i n g s below. A t t h e p r e s e n t t i m e we are
j u s t f i n d i n g t h e s e r e l a t i o n s h i p s ; we r e a l l y need t o have much
more d a t a and i n c r e a s e t h e confidence i n them...'t
Heavy Primary Cosmic Ray R e s u l t s
M a r t i n A. Pomerantz, D i r e c t o r of t h e Barton Research
.
Foundation o f F r a n k l i n I n s t i t u t e , Swarthmore, Pa , d i s c u s s e d
t h e Heavy Primary Cosmic Ray experiment. He s a i d t h a t heavy
primary cosmic r a y s '*consist of heavy atoms s t r i p p e d of ex-
ternal e l e c t r o n s and endowed w i t h v e r y h i g h e n e r g i e s . They
come from t h e f a r r e a c h e s of our g a l a x y and have t r a v e l e d
v a s t d i s t a n c e s through i n t e r s t e l l a r space b e f o r e r e a c h i n g us.
We can l e a r n much of fundamental i n t e r e s t by s t u d y i n g t h e i r
...
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s . The f a c t t h a t t h e y have s u r v i v e d t h e i r long
j o u r n e y y i e l d s information about c o n d i t i o n s i n cosmic space
"The d a t a r e c o r d i s accomplished by monitoring t h e r a t e
o f ( t h e p a r t i c l e s t ) a r r i v a l a t f i x e d l o c a t i o n s over extended
p e r i o d s of time... The d e t e c t o r empldyed i s t h e s o - c a l l e d
'pulse i o n i z a t i o n chamber? and it e n a b l e s u s t o s e l e c t t h e
heavy primary cosmic r a y s , even i n t h e presence of much
larger background of r a d i a t i o n of o t h e r t y p e s .
"This i s t h e f i r s t occasion i n which t h i s s o r t of d e t e c -
t o r has been used i n a s a t e l l i t e experiment. It has proved
' e s p e c i a l l y well adapted t o t h i s a p p l i c a t i o n because it corn-
b i n e s a high s e n s i t i v i t y and a g r e a t c a p a b i l i t y f o r d i s -
criminating against interfering e f f e c t s .

- 17 -
 l t F l u c t u a t i o n s i n i n t e n s i t y , probably a s s o c i a t e d w i t h
storms i n t h e sun, have been observed but have n o t y e t been
s t u d i e d i n any d e t a i l . . . I n p a r t i c u l a r , we s h a l l be espe-
c i a l l y i n t e r e s t e d i n s e e k i n g t o d e t e c t any heavy n u c l e i
e m i t t e d d i r e c t l y by t h e sun -- a n occurrence known t o t r a n s -
p i r e i n t h e case o f hydrogen ...a*
Low Energy P a r t i c l e s Experiment
Brian O'Brien, a n a s s o c i a t e of James A. Van Allen of
t h e S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y of Iowa, d i s c u s s e d t h e cosmic r a y and
low enevgy p a r t i c l e s experiment. Speaking of t h e s h o r t - t e r m
e f f e c t s o f r a d i a t i o n b u r s t s upon t h e Van Allen r a d i a t i o n
b e l t , he s a i d :
. .
11 .On s e v e r a l o c c a s i o n s t h e a p p a r a t u s has d e t e c t e d
what a p p e a r s t o be b u r s t s of s p o r a d i c r a d i a t i o n near t h e
i n n e r edge of t h e o u t e r r a d i a t i o n b e l t These b u r s t s may
\
be r e l a t e d t o t h e b u r s t s o f X-rays whi h are observed a t
b a l l o o n a l t i t u d e s , but a t p r e s e n t we can o n l y s a y t h a t t h e
cause i s unknown o r u n c e r t a i n .
"Another t h i n g we have found from a s t u d y of tlhe sequence
of p a s s e s over North America from t h e 16th of October (1959)
through t o t h e 20th was a n e f f e c t which a p p a r e n t l y is r e l a t e d
t o a geomagnetic storm which began on t h e 1 8 t h of October.
which a p p e a r s t o have been g e n e r a t e d ...
On t h e 1 8 t h of OcOober only, t h e counters measured r a d i a t i o n
l.3,OOO miles out
from t h e c e n t e r of t h e e a r t h . . . between t h e two r a d i a t i o n
b e l t s . T h i s phenomenon i s being compared with r e s u l t s from
E x p l o r e r I V , i n which geomagnetic storms d u r i n g 1958 were
being s t u d i e d .
"The t h i r d phenomenon I want t o mention i s a s s o c i a t e d
w i t h what we c a l l t h e Forbusch phenomena. On o c c a s i o n s o v e r
t h e y e a r s , people w i t h cosmic r a y d e t e c t o r s on t h e ground
have observed a sudden d e c r e a s e i n cosmic r a y i n t e n s i t y ,
g e n e r a l l y of a few p e r c e n t ; t h i s c o v e r s a p e r i o d of s e v e r a l
days. Q u i t e o f t e n , t h i s Forbusch d e c r e a s e i s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h
geomagnetic storms..

* The heavy n u c l e i are of s p e c i a l i n t e r e s t because t h e i r o r i -

g i n s , and t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p s t o t h e fundamental p r o c e s s e s
going on i n t h e sun and stars, are not y e t f u l l y known.
Moreover, t h e heavy n u c l e i are t h e most i o n i z i n g o f t h e cos-
mic r a y p a r t i c l e s , hence have a greater e f f e c t on l i v i n g
s u b s t a n c e s ; f o r t h i s r e a s o n t h e y are of p r a c t i c a l i n t e r e s t
t o t h e people concerned w i t h manned space f l i g h t .

- 18 -
 He p o i n t e d o u t t h a t sea l e v e l d e t e c t o r s r e c o r d o n l y
v e r y h i g h energy cosmic r a y s . Balloon s t u d i e s a t h i g h a l t i -
t u d e s have r e v e a l e d t h a t t h e Forbusch d e c r e a s e i s much s t r o n g e r
f o r lower energy p a r t i c l e s observed a t sea l e v e l .
"Now, w i t h Explorer VII,n s a i d Prof. OtBrien, "we can
s t u d y even lower energy p a r t i c l e s . We s t u d i e d one sequence
u s i n g d a t a provided by D r . Hugh Carmichael i n Canada. He
h a s sea l e v e l measurements and he has found f o r one p a r t i c u -
l a r Forbusch decrease a n i n e p e r c e n t change i n h i s counting
r a t e over a p e r i o d of many days, whereas Explorer VI1 has
found something l i k e a two t o three hundred p e r c e n t change. .."
Prof. OtBrien s a i d t h a t s i n c e t h e s e d e c r e a s e s are asso-
c i a t e d w i t h geomagnetic storms, it i s p o s s i b l e t h a t Explorer
VI1 f i n d i n g s will throw f u r t h e r l i g h t on t h e n a t u r e and mech-
anism of geomagnetic storms and t h e i r effect on r a d i o com-
munications.
Micrometeoroid Experiment
Herman E. La Gow, head of t h e P l a n e t a r y Atmospheres
Branch of N A S A t s Goddard Space F l i g h t Center, r e p o r t e d on
t h e s t a t u s o f t h e micrometeoroid and e r o s i o n experiments.
S a i d Mr. La Gow:
nThis experiment i s conducted t o e v a l u a t e some of t h e
h a z a r d s i n t h e space environment. It c o n s i s t s of t h r e e
e v a p o r a t e d cadmi-un s u l p h i d e conductors which are covered
w i t h t h i n but o p t i c a l l y opaque f i l m s . The e r o s i o n of t h e s e
s u r f a c e s by e i t h e r h i g h v e l o c i t y ' molecules o r impacts from
m i c r o m e t e o r i t e s would produce openings i n t h e covers. The
admitted s u n l i g h t would change t h e e x e c t r i c a l r e s i s t a n c e i n
t h e c e l l i n p r o p o r t i o n t o t h e area of t h e hole.

plete. ..')
"Analyses of t h e t e l e m e t e r e d r e c o r d s t o d a t e a r e incom-
b u t napproximately one h a l f o f one p e r c e n t of t h e
t o t a l area o f one c e l l was a d m i t t i n g s u h l i g h t . T h i s puncture
o c c u r r e d d u r i n g t h e l a u n c h phase and hence i s n o t from a
micrometeorite . No f u r t h e r p e n e t r a t i o n o r e r o s i o n s have been
n o t e d t o d a t e . The t e l e m e t r y equipment i n t h e c e l l and t h e
functioned properly. .
s e n s o r t o measure t h e temperature of one of t h e c e l l s have
.*@

S a t e l l i t e Temperature Experiment
Gerhard Heller of the Research P r o j e c t s Laboratory,
Army B a l l i s t i c Missile Agency (now t h e George C . Marshall
Space F l i g h t C e n t e r ) H u n t s v i l l e , Alabama, r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e
temperature w i t h i n t h e s a t e l l i t e had been s t a y i n g w i t h i n i t s
d e s i g n l i m i t s o f 320 F a h r e n h e i t t o 1400 F a h r e n h e i t . Data
from t h e Lyman-Alpha and X-ray experiment were s t i l l being
a n a l y z e d as t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d ended. The equipment f o r t h i s
experiment h a s been working p r o p e r l y ; however, t h e s a t e l l i t e
i s i n t h e r a d i a t i o n b e l t f o r such l o n g p e r i o d s that t h e
i n s t r u m e n t s are s a t u r a t e d by t h e r a d i a t i o n . As a consequence,
t h e i n s t r u m e n t s are unable t o i n d i c a t e t h e s o l a r r a d i a t i o n s
t h a t t h e y were designed t o observe. I n s t e a d , t h e equipment
g i v e s a good i n d i c a t i o n of t h e s t r u c t u r e of t h e lower edge
of t h e r a d i a t i o n b e l t . This i s provided by t h e change from
s a t u r a t e d c o n d i t i o n t o u n s a t u r a t e d c o n d i t i o n as t h e equip-
ment comes o u t of t h e r a d i a t i o n b e l t and again as it i s
c a r r i e d back i n t o t h e r a d i a t i o n b e l t .
Pioneer V* O r b i t s t h e Sun
Space Probe Launched by Thor-Able --
Pioneer V i s a
94.8-pound probe designed t o g a t h e r s c i e n t i f i c d a t a from
deep space and t o t e s t communications over i n t e r p l a n e t a r y
d i s t a n c e s . On March 11 a t 8 a.m. EST, a Thor-Able f i r e d
t h e probe on a t r a j e c t o r y t h a t c a r r i e d it i n t o B s o l a r o r b i t .
--
U. K. F a c i l i t y T r i g g e r S e p a r a t i o n The Thor-Able
launched Pioneer V a s planned and a t 8:27 a.m. EST. t h e
r a d i o t e l e s c o p e f a c i l i t y a t J o d r e l l Bank, n e a r Mankhester,
England, t r a n s m i t t e d t h e s i g n a l which t r i g g e r e d s e p a r a t i o n
o f t h e probe from t h e t h i r d stage.
T r a n s m i t t e r Sends Data -- Since t h e n , Pioneer V's f i v e -
watt r a d i o t r a n s m i t t e r has been s t e a d i l y sending d a t a on
r a d i a t i o n and o t h e r phenomena from deep space, m i l l i o n s o f
miles from earth.** When t h e probe i s f i v e t o s i x m i l l i o n
miles fronr e a r t h , a f a r r f u l transmitter-receiver
(150 watts) w i l l be t u r n e d on, which should permit r a d i o
c o n t a c t t o 50 m i l l i o n m i l e s from earth.***
Data Being Analyzed -- As t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d ended on
A p r i l 1, d a t a were s t i l l undergoing p r e l i m i n a r y a n a l y s i s ;
a t midnight on that t e , t h e probe was 2,977,515 m i l e s from
e a r t h . The f i v e - w a t t t r a n s m i t t e r - r e c e i v e r was s t i l l working
planetary distances .
s t r o n g l y , demonstrating that we can communicate over i n t e r - '

* I G Y d e s i g n a t i o n , n1960 Alpha
** The probe f a r exceeded t h e p r e v i o u s communications r e c o r d
d i s t a n c e of 407,000 miles s e t by Pioneer I V .
*** After t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d ended, t h e 150-watt t r a n s m i t t e r
wasl a c t i v a t e d a t 5:04 a.m. EDT on May 8 , but two weeks
later, battery deterioration c e s s i t a t e d a s w i t c h back
t o t h e five-tratt t r a n s m i t t e r ,

- 20 -
i
 O r b i t a l Cycle: 312 Days -- The probe w i l l c i r c l e t h e
sun i n 12 da y s , r e a c h i n g i t s p e r i h e l i o n ( p o i n t c l o s e s t t o
t h e sun3 o f 74,967,000 miles on August 10, 1960, and a n
a p h e l i o n ( f a r t h e s t d i s t a n c e from t h e s u n ) o f 92,358,000
m i l e s on January 13, 1961. Each c i r c u i t w i l l t o t a l
514,500,000 miles.
Four Experiments Aboard -- Besides t h e two r a d i o t r a n s -
mitters, t h e probe c o n t a i n s :
A high-energy r a d i a t i o n c o u n t e r t o measure
r a d i a t i o n streaming from t h e sun; it c o n s i s t s
of six a r g o n - f i l l e d c y l i n d e r s ranged around
a seventh.
A t o t a l r a d i a t i o n flux c o u n t e r t o masure
s p a t i a l d i s t r i b u t i o n of e n e r g e t i c p a r t $ c l e s
and medium-energy e l e c t r o n s and p r o t o n s ; it
c o n s i s t s of a g a s - f i l l e d i o n chamber and a
Geiger-Mueller t u b e .
A micrometeoroid counter t o r e c o r d t h e number
and t h e d e n s i t y o f m e t e o r i c d u s t p a r t i c l e s
s t r i k i n g t h e probe; it c o n s i s t s o f a diaphragln
mounted on t h e p r o b e t s s u r f a c e and a microphone.
A magnetometer t o measure t h e s t r e n g t h of mag-
n e t i c f i e l d s and t o determine t h e i r o r i e n t a t i o n
i n space.
S o l a r Vanes Recharm Batteries --
Pioneer V c a r r i e d
numerous a s s o c i a t e d experiments and i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n . Four
paddle-shaped, 14- by i 8 - i n c h vanes j u t from t h e globe-
shaped payload. Each vane i s studded with 1,200 s o l a r c e l l s ,
which provide power t o r e c h a r g e t h e p r o b e t s nickel-cadmium
batteries.
Pioneer V S e t s Record -- A t 7:30 p.m. EST on b r c h 13,
P'ioneer V broke t h e long d i s t a n c e communications r e c o r d --
407,000 m i l e s -- e s t a b l i s h e d by Pioneer I V . A t 2 a.m. EST
on March 18, i t s f i v e - w a t t t r a n s m i t t e r s e n t d a t a from one
m i l l i o n m i l e s i n space, on command from t h e t r a c k i n g s t a t i o n
a t Kaena P o i n t , Hawaii. At t h a t r e c e p t i o n , t h e d a t a c o n s i s t e d
of two s e p a r a t e cosmic r a y c o u n t s ; a r e c o r d o f 87 microme-
t e o r o i d impacts; temperature i n s i d e t h e probe (68OF); temper-
a t u r e on t h e probe's s u r f a c e (270F); a n d v a r i o u s magnetometer
I
measurements.
Uunched Counter t o E a r t h R o t a t i o n
launched t o a v e l o c i t y Qf 24,884 mph --
--
Pioneer V was
575 mph faster t h a n
t h e minimum speed r e q u i r e d t o overcome t h e e a r t h t s g r a v i t a -
t i o n a l p u l l . As t h e sphere sped on i t s c o u r s e , e a r t h ' s

- 22 -
 9k
4

a
9
a
.d
0
c1
a,
F:
rd
4
c4
*
k
a,
a,
F:
0
.PI

p1
a,
9

- 23

x
g r a v i t y a t f i r s t had a powerful e f f e c t . By mid-afternoon
of t h e f i r s t day's f l i g h t , t h e speed r e l a t i v e t o t h e e a r t h
had slackened t o l e s s t h a n 8,000 rnph.
To a c h i e v e t h e d e s i r e d o r b i t
t h e sun and n e a r t h e o r b i t of Venus
----
perihelion close t o
Pioneer V was launched
i n a d i r e c t i o n opposite t o t h a t of t h e earth's revolution
around t h e sun. With a speed l e s s t h a n earth's --
and hence
w i t h a reduced c e n t r i f u g a l f o r c e t o o f f s e t t h e sun's g r a v i t a -
tional pull
t h e sun.
-- t h e probe would s t a r t f a l l i n g inward toward
( P r e v i o u s probes had been launched so t h a t t h e i r
speed was added t o t h a t o f t h e e a r t h , and t h e y t h u s moved
outward, away from t h e sun.)
I

Probe W i l l Become A r t i f i c i a l P l a n e t o i d -- A s t h e probe

i s p u l l e d i n t o t h e sun's g r a v i t a t i o n a l f i e i d and becomes
t h e t h i r d man-made p l a n e t o i d , i t s speed w i l l i n c r e a s e t o a n
estimated average o r b i t a l v e l o c i t y o f 67,750 rnph. I n com-
p a r i s o n , earth's o r b i t a l v e l o c i t y i s 66,593 rnph; t h a t of
Venus, 78,403 mph.
Expect Five-Month Radio Contact -- When t h e probe
r e a c h e s p e r i h e l i o n it w i l l b e 46,406,000 miles from e a r t h ,
hence s t i l l t h e o r e t i c a l l y w i t h i n range o f t h e 150-watt t r a n s -
mitter.
P e r i o d i c r a d i o c o n t a c t w i l l b e attempted w i t h Pioneer V
f o r t h e f i v e months u n t i l it moves o u t of range. If t h e
probe s u r v i v e s t h e s t r e s s e s o f space t r a v e l , r a d i o c o n t a c t
w i l l b e e s t a b l i s h e d a g a i n i n 1963 when it swings back t o
w i t h i n 50 m i l l i o n miles o f t h e earth.
TIROS 14: Launched
A t t a i n s Nearly C i r c u l a r O r b i t -- T I R O S I ( T e l e v i s i o n
-Infra-Red -Ob s e r v a t i o n S a t e l l i t e ) , a n experiment21 weather
s a t e l l y t e , equipped to-take photographs o f t h e e a r t h ' s cloud
cover, was launched a t 6:40 a.m. EST on A p r i l 1, 1960,
The p r o j e c t i s a j o i n t NASA-U,S. Weather Bureau undertaking,.
A Thor-Able launched t h e 270-pound s a t e l l i t e i n t o t h e
planned, n e a r l y c i r c u l a r o r b i t : apogee, o r g r e a t e s t d i s t a n c e
from t h e e a r t h , 465 miles; p e r i g e e , lowest p o i n t of o r b i t ,
430 miles; time r e q u i r e d t o complete one c i r c u i t { o r b i t a l
p e r i o d ) , 99.19 minutes. By 8:20 a.m., TIROS' two t e l e v i s i o n
cameras had already begun t r a n s m i t t i n g p i c t u r e s o f cloud
patterns.

* IGY d e s i g n a t i o n , '(1960 Beta."

- 24. -
Thor-Able et, carryin I, i ched from R, C a p e
C a n a v e ral,

I
 --
TIROS' cameras are sweeping
e between 50 d e g r e e s n o r t h and
vered e x t e n d s roughly from
r u z , Argentina; from Le Havr
and from Northern Manchuria
New Zealand. One camera can photographihundreds of t
of square miles, t h e a r e a v a r y i n g w i t h t h e a n g l e of t
with r e s p e c t t o t h e e a r t h . The o t h e r i n s t r u m e n t , a "high-
r e s o l u t i o n t t camera capable of t e n times more d e t a i l , can
photograph a n area 80 miles on a s i d e w i t h i n t h e t e r r i t o r y
photographed by t h e wide-angle camera; it reproduces t h e
s t r u c t u r e and texture of c l o u d s w i t h i n t h e o v e r - a l l cloud
mass 0

Since t h e s a t e l l i t e i s s p a c e - o r i e n t e d , t h e l e n s p o i n t s
earthward o n l y p a r t of t h e t i m e . Photographs of t h e e a r t h t s
cloud cover may bb t a k e n o n l y when a s u n l i t p o r t i o n of t h e
e a r t h comes w i t h i n t h e camerats view.
S a t e l l i t e Transmits Hundreds of Photopraphs --During
i t s f i r s t f e w days i n o r b i t . T I ROS r e l a v e d hundreds of Rhoto-
graphs o f a q u a l i t y s u r p a s s i n g a l l e x p e c t a t i o n s . F r a n c i s W.
R e i c h e l d e r f e r , c h i e f of t h e U. S. Weather Bureau, s a i d t h a t
.. . i n i t i a l r e s u l t s from t h i s one experimental s a t e l l i t e
l e a d u s t o b e l i e v e t h a t a new era in' m e t e o r o l o g i c a l .observing
i s about t o open f o r u s o n
On A p r i l 2, t h e s a t e l l i t e t r a n s m i t t e d p i c t u r e s of a
1,500-mile-diameter s t o r m , t h e edge of which was 300 miles
off t h e c o a s t o f I r e l a n d . Within t h e s t o r m t s boundaries
were c i r c u l a r bands o f c l o u d s 20 t o 100 miles a c r o s s . (The
evening of t h e same day, t h e clock-timer commanding t h e d a t a -
s t o r a g e t a p e r e c o r d e r f o r t h e h i g h - r e s o l u t i o n camera malfunc-
t i o n e d . Since t h e n , photographs from t h a t camera have been
r e c e i v e d o n l y by d i r e c t transmission.* During t h e p r e d i c t e d
1,300 r e v o l u t i o n s of i t s u s e f u l o p e r a t i o n a l l i f e (about t h r e e
.
months) TIROS I w i l l p a s s over a major p o r t i o n of t h e e a r t h t s
inhabited land a r e a s
F i r s t Event i n 10-Year Plan --
The launching o f TIROS I
l e d o f f NASA's l i s t of s p e c i f i c m i s s i o n t a r g e t dates f o r 1960
i n i t s 10-Year Plan. S e v e r a l s a t e l l i t e s o f s i m i l a r t y p e w i l l
f o l l o w . These w i l l be succeeded by t h e more advanced, e a r t h -
o r i e n t e d Nimbus series o f s a t e l l i t e s .
Details o f Launch -- The Thor-Able v e h i c l e -- 90 f e e t
f e e t i n diameter --
c o n s i s t e d of t h r e e s t a g e s :
1) Thor 150,000 pounds t h r u s t ) ; 2 ) L i q u i d - p r o p e l l a n t Able
r o c k e t (7,500 pounds t h r u s t ) a d a p t e d from Vanguard, equipped
w i t h a s p e c i a l Bell Telephone L a b o r a t o r i e s ' guidance system

* On May 10, t h e clock-timer began f u n c t i o n i n g a g a i n .

- 26 -
d
t o c o r r e c t by r a d i o command, d e v i a t i o n s from t h e planned
t r a j e c t o r y ; 3 ) Hercules-Allegany B a l l i s t i c s Laboratory
s o l i d - p r o p e l l a n t r o c k e t (3,000 pounds t h r u s t ) equipped with
a s p e c i a l r a d i o beacon designed by t h e Lincoln Laboratory
o f Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e of Technology f o r r a d a r t r a c k i n g .
Following s e p a r a t i o n from t h e second stage, t h e t h i r d
stage c o a s t e d f o r 63 minutes a f t e r engine s h u t - o f f and b e f o r e
i g n i t i o n . During t h i s p e r i o d it was s t a b i l i z e d on i t s course
by s p i n n i n g a t 90 rpm. The s a t e l l i t e payload s e p a r a t e d from
t h e t h i r d stage 25 minutes a f t e r burnout.
TIROS Has 9,200 S o l a r C e l l s -- TIROS I is a drum-shaped
s t r u c t u r e o f aluminum and s t a i n l e s s s t e e l , 42 i n c h e s i n
diameter and 19 i n c h e s t h i c k . Three p a i r s o f s p i n r o c k e t s
e n c i r c l e i t s baseplate ; a r v t u r n s t i l e " transmitting-antenna
e x t e n d s below i t , and a r e c e i v i q g antenna p r o j e c t s above.
Almost t h e e n t i r e o u t e r s u r f a c e of t h e s a t e l l i t e i s studded
w i t h 9,200 s o l a r c e l l s , which convert heat from t h e sun i n t o
e l e c t r i c a l power by charging nickel-cadmium b a t t e r i e s ,
--
Ground S t a t i o n A c t i v i t i e s The s a t e l l i t e t s program i s
prepared a t NASA's Goddard Space F l i g h t Center. I n s t r u c t i o n s
a r e t h e n s e n t t o t h e two ground s t a t i o n s -- F t . Monmouth and
t h e Lockheed M i s s i l e and Space D i v i s i o n t s f a c i l i t y a t Kaena
P o i n t , Hawaii -- which i n s t r u c t t h e s a t e l l i t e . Backup sta-
t i o n s a t Cape Canaveral, F l a . , and P r i n c e t o n , N. J., a l s o
reCeive TIROS' s i g n a l s , but cannot t r a n s m i t commands. Data
r e c e i v e d a t a l l s t a t i o n s i s e v e n t u a l l y f e d back t o Goddard.
Recording Techniques --Connected t o e a c h camera i s a
magnetic r e c o r d e r t h a t can s t o r e a s many a s 32 photographs,
t a k e n a t 10- t o 30-second i n t e r v a l s while t h e s a t e l l i t e i s
o u t of range o f ground s t a t i o n s . The r e c o r d i n g t a p e , mads
of Mylar p l a s t i c , i s on a 400-foot loop, which i s p u l l e d a t
50 i n c h e s p e r second d u r i n g r e c o r d i n g o r playback. P i c t u r e s
s t o r e d on t h e t a p e can be r e l a y e d t o t h e ground r e c e i v e r s i n
a ji-rninute p e r i o d . The t a p e i s t h e n erased and t h e next
s e r i e s of p i c t u r e s i s recorded.
S t o r a g e and Transmittina; -- Upon r a d i o command, t h e
cameras can bypass t h e r e c o r d i n g system and t r a n s m i t p i c t u r e s
d i r e c t l y t o t h e n e a r e s t ground s t a t i o n ; each o f t h e s e s t a t i o n s
i s i n t h e s a t e l l i t e t s range about 1 2 minutes, o r l e s s , p e r
p a s s . Each camera has a one-half-inch V i d i c o n r t t u b e -- a
d e v i c e t h a t stores images r e c e i v e d when t h e s h u t t e r opens,
An e l e c t r o n i c beam c o n v e r t s t h e s t o r e d p i c t u r e i n t o a n e l e c -
t r o n i c s i g n a l t r a n s m i t t e d t o r e c e i v e r s on e a r t h by twin two-
watt FM t r a n s m i t t e r s , o p e r a t i n g a t 235 mc.

- 28 -
 I -
Instrumentation o
-
two half inch Vidi
recorders; ( 4 ) E l
transmitter; (6) C
recorder electron
Power converter for t a
charging regulator; (14
Transmitting ante
measure position
Spin-up rockets; (
J
atellite: (1) One of the
e c a m e r a lens; (3)Tape
ational sequencing; (5) TV
lectronics; ( 8 ) Tape
iliary controls; (11)
e regulator; (13) Battery
e r a t o r for TV; (15)
17) Solar sensor to
olar cells; (19)
 Transmitted d a t a are d i s p l a y e d immediately on ground-
s t a t i o n t e l e v i s i o n s c r e e n s , by t h e kinescope p r o c e s s , photo-
graphed, and taped. The s a t e l l i t e c o n t a i n s two 30-mw beacon
t r a n s m i t t e r s o p e r a t i n g on 108 mc and one 108.03 mc beacon
f o r t r a c k i n g and r e l a y i n g d a t a on a t t i t u d e ( o r i e n t a t i o n ) ,
equipment o p e r a t i o n , and space environment.
' Spin Rate Is C o n t r o l l e d -- To prevent nprecession,w o r
wobbling, TIROS I must r o t a t e no slower t h a n 9 rpm; f o r clear
photography it must r o t a t e no f a s t e r t h a n 1 2 rpm. When t h e
s a t e l l i t e s e p a r a t e d from t h e t h i r d stage, it was s p i n n i n g a t
a much f a s t e r r a t e -- about 90 rpm. A nde-spinn mechanisa --
weighted wires wrapped around t h e main s t r u c t u r e before l a u n c h
-- unwound on schedule and were thrown o f f i n t o space, slowing
r o t a t i o n t o 10 rpm. An i n f r a r e d "scannern shows how f a s t t h e
s a t e l l i t e i s s p i n n i n g and i n d i c a t e s i t s o r i e n t a t i o n t o t h e
horizon when photographs are being t a k e n .
Lunar S a t e l l i t e Attempt
On November 26 a n a t t e m p t t o launch a 372-pound paddle-
wheel s p h e r o i d i n t o a l u n a r o r b i t , f a i l e d because of pre-
mature s e p a r a t i o n of t h e payload's p r o t e c t i v e p l a s t i c shroud.
The payload contained equipment t h a t was t o have t r a n s m i t t e d
photographs of t h e moon's hidden s i d e , and d e v i c e s t o g a t h e r
d a t a on micrometeoroids, magnetic f i e l d s , cosmic ray@, and
r a d i o waves.
The payload was launched a t 2:26 a.m. EST. F o r t y - f i v e
seconds l a t e r , a burning fragment dropped from t h e launch
v e h i c l e and r a d i o c o n t a c t was l o s t . A t 104 seconds a f t e r
" l i f t o f f , a l l t e l e m e t r y stopped. The premature shroud sepa-
r a t i o n was caused by i n t e r n a l p r e s s u r e s t h a t b u i l t up as a
r e s u l t o f a p p a r e n t l y inadequate v e n t i n g .
R a d i a t i o n S a t e l l i t e Attempt
An a t t e m p t t o launch a 22.8-pound r a d i a t i o n s a t e l l i t e
a t 8:35 a.m. EST on March 23 ended when t h e Juno I1 launch
v e h i c l e was unable t o l i f t t h e payload t o o r b i t a l v e l o c i t y .
A malfunction a p p a r e n t l y o c c u r r e d i n t h e c l u s t e r of s o l i d -
p r o p e l l a n t r o c k e t s forming t h e upper stages; c a u s e s are under
study.
The s a t e l l i t e was equipped t o r e c o r d d e t a i l e d d a t a w i t h i n
t h e Van A l l e n R a d i a t i o n Region f o r a n extended p e r i o d o f t i m e .
Aerobee 1 5 0 - A t s Launched from Wallops
On February ,16, t h e f i r s t Aerobee 150-A sounding r o c k e t
-- a new t y p e i n t h e Aerobee series, stabi1il;ed w i t h f o u r

- 30 -
I
f i n s i n s t e a d of t h e u s u a l t h r e e -- was f i r e d from t h e
r e c e n t l y completed launch tower a t Wallops S t a t i o n . A m a l -
f u n c t i o n i n t h e t h r u s t chamber caused t h e r o c k e t t o f a i l e
a f t e r it r o s e t o a n a l t i t u d e of about t h r e e miles. A se
Aerobee 150-A, launched on March 2 5 , reached a n a l t i t u d e
150 miles and met most of i t s o b j e c t i v e s , which i n c l u d e d
t e s t i n g i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n t o measure r o c k e t performance
resistance t o vibration, etc. -- and t o count micrometeoroid
--
impacts. P

X-248 Engine F l i g h t Tested i n J a v e l i n

On January 26, a s o l i d - f u e l J a v e l i n sounding r o c k e t
employing t h e X-248 engine (developed i n t h e Vanguard pro-
--
gram) a s a f o u r t h stage =- was f i r e d from Wallops S t a t i o n t o
a n a l t i t u d e o f 600 miles. Performance d a t a were t e l e m e t e r e d
on t h e X-248, which is being readied f o r use a s t h e t h i r d
stage i n t h e Delta v e h i c l e under develppment by NASA. The
t e l e m e t e r e d i n f o r m a t i o n i n c l u d e d data on v i b r a t i o n , a c c e l -
e r a t i o n and a f t e r - b u r n i n g-- that i s , i r r e g u l a r bufning
w i t h i n t h e r o c k e t engine a f t e r main b u h i n g and t h r u s t have
ceased. When t h i s o c c u r s , t h e stage s p u r t s ahead and some-
times bumps i n t o t h e next s t a g e o r s e p a r a t e d payload.
Antenna E S e c t i o n System F a i l s --
The J a v e l i n c a r r i e d
an experiment prepared by t h e Defence Research Telecommuni-
c a t i o n s Establishment of Canada, t o measure g a l a c t i c r a d i o
n o i s e . As was t h e c a s e i n a n e a r l i e r experiment w i t h t h e
J a v e l i n on December 22, 1959, t h e payload's antenna e j e s t i o n
system f a i l e d .
Nike Asps Launched
I n two l a u n c h i n g s (March 1 and March 41, malfunctions
i n t h e nose cone e j e c t o r s y s t e m of Nike-Asp sounding r o c k e t s
caused f a i l u r e of experiments i n t e n d e d t o measure u l t r a v i o l e t
r a d i a t i o n f r o m t h e sun. On b o t h o c c a s i o n s t e l e m e t r y and
o t h e r systems worked a s planned, and t h e r o c k e t s reached
a l t i t u d e s of 150 miles.
Sodium F l a r e Experiments Launched
NASA launched t h r e e sodium-flare r o c k e t experiments a s
p a r t of t h e United S t a t e s c o n t r i b u t i o n t o I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Rocket Week, November 1 5 t h r o u g h 21, 1959. One y i e l d e d i m -
p o r t a n t i n f o r m a t i o n about upper atmosphere wind v e l o c i t y and
d i r e c t i o n ; two f i r i n g s , November 19 and 20, f a i l e d t o pro-
duce sodium t r a i l s .
Reveals S t r o n g Windshear E f f e c t s The s u c c e s s f u l
-0

f i r i n g was made a t 5:17 p.m. EST, November 18, f r c l m Wallops

S t a t i o n , Va. The v e h i c l e , c o n s i s t i n g of a Nike first stage

- 31 -
a
and a n Asp second s t a g e , began t o e m i t sodium vapor a t a
50-rnile a l t i t u d e and continued t h e emission u n t i l it reached
150 m i l e s . The glowing orange-yellow cloud was v i s i b l e f o r
about 15 minutes over a l a r g e s e c t i o n of t h e A t l a n t i c se
board., Observation of t h e cloud r e v e a l e d powerful windshear
e f f e c t s ( t h a t i s , s e v e r a l l a y e r s of s t r o n g winds moving a t
d i f f e r e n t v e l o c i t i e s a t a l t i t u d e s of 70 t o 100 m i l e s ) .
Experiment Employs O p t i c a l Tracking --
behavior of t h e sodium vapor cloud were o b t a i n e d by s p e c i a l
Data from t h e
NASA o p t i c a l t r a c k i n g s t a t i o n s t e m p o r a r i l y l o c a t e d a t
Cherry P o i n t , N. C.; Bowling Green, Va.; Andrews A i r Force
Base, Md.; Dover, Del.; and Wallops S t a t i o n .

- 32 -
J
 E
4
4
3
k
0
m
a"

4
cr
m
3
cr
Q
rn

- 33 -
 1

- 36 -
 f
-6l

3
- 35 -
.
4
!a
rl
8
 CHAPTER 4
NATIONAL LAUNCH VEHICLE PROGRAM

DEVELOPMENT STRESSES POWR, RELIABILITY

To power s p a c e c r a f t on t h e v a r i e d m i s s i o n s o u t l i n e d i n
i t s Long Range Plan of space e x p l o r a t i o n , NASA has been
v e l o p i n g a f a m i l y o f launch v e h i c l e s w i t h emphasis on t h r u s t ,
r e l i a b i l i t y , and v e r s a t i l i t y .

The group i n c l u d e s Scout, Delta, and t h e Defense Depart-

ment's Agena B, Centaur, S a t u r n , and t h e Nova concept based
upon t h e F-1 engine. T h e i r payload c a p a b i l i t i e s range from
Scout's 180-pound e a r t h s a t e l l i t e t o Nova's 100,000- t o
200,000-pound o r b i t a l space l a b o r a t o r y .

-
Scout
Scout i s a f o u r - s t a g e , s o l i d - p r o p e l l a n t launch v e h i c l e
weighing 36,000 pounds, designed f o r a wide range of small-
to-medium payload m i s s i o n s --
including e a r t h satellites i n
3000500 m i l e o r b i t s , space probes, h i g h - v e l o c i t y e n t r y t e s t s ,
and advanced h e a t i n g and a b l a t i o n s t u d i e s .

Scout w i l l be capable of launching payloads of 180

pounds i n c i r c u l a r we?t-east o r b i t s a t a l t i t u d e s of 300
miles ahd of launching probes w i t h 100-pound payloads t o
a l t i t u d e s of 6,000 miles.

A 1 1 Scout components have passed development t e s t s , .

e x c e p t t h e hydrogen peroxide c o n t r o l u n i t f o r t h e second
stage which should be r e a d y i n May. Assembly of t h e v e h i c l e
w i l l begin i n May a t Wallops I s l a n d ; i t s first f l i g h t w i l l
t a k e p l a c e t h i s summer.

--
Vehicle
c a l l y advanced s o l i d - p r o p e l l a n t r o c k e t stages .
The Scout v e h i c l e c o n s i s t s o f f o u r t e c h n i -
The guidance
system i n c o r p o r a t e s g y r o s c o p i c s t a b i l i z a t i o n and a b u i l t - i n ,
p r e - s e t program. C o n t r o l s c o n s i s t of j e t vanes and aero-
dynamic surfaces f o r t h e first stage, peroxide r e a c t i o n j e t s
f o r t h e second and t h i r d stages, and s p i n - s t a b i l i z a t i o n f o r
t h e f o u r t h stage.
 Status -- The Scout f i r s t stage r o c k e t ( A l g o l ) , under
development by t h e Aero jet-General Corp., Sacramento, Calif.,
weighs 23,600 pounds and has 115,000 pounds o f t h r u s t . Four
s a t i s f a c t o r y ' t e s t - f i r i n g s have been made; f i v e f l i g h t u n i t s
have been shipped t o Wallops I s l a n d .
The second-stage engine ( C a s t o r ) , a 9,300-pouad r o c k e t
w9th 55,000 pounds o f t h r u s t , i s b e i n g developed by t h e
Redstone D i v i s i o n o f t h e Thiokol Chemical Co., H u n t s v i l l e ,
Ala. It i s f u e l e d w i t h a n improved p r o p e l l a n t and has a
l a r g e r n o z z l e cone ( f o r improved h i g h - a l t i t u d e performance)
t h a n t h e Sergeant r o c k e t on which it is based. Twelve test-
f i r i n g s have been completed, and s i x f l i g h t u n i t s have been
shipped t o Wallops Island.
The 13,600-pound-thrust third-stage engine ( A n t a r e s ) ,
a scaled-up v e r s i o n o f t h e e x i s t i n g f o u r t h stage, is b e i n g
developed by t h e Allegany B a l l i s t i c s Laboratory a t Curnberland,
Md. The 2,600-pound r o c k e t has a filament-wound fiberglass
engine casing. Although d i f f i c u l t i e s with i n s u l a t i o n and
p r o p e l l a n t f a b r i c a t i o n caused s e v e r a l e a r l y f a i l u r e s , t h e
l a s t six f i r i n g s have been completely S U C C B S S ~ U ~ , and two
f l i g h t e n g i n e s have been shipped t o Wallops, Two more t e s t
f i r i n g s under a l t i t u d e s i m u l a t i o n c o n d i t i o n s i n A p r i l , 1960,
w i l l complete t h e development.
The f o u r t h - s t a g e engine ( A l t a i r ) , developed by Allsgany,
is a 520-pound r o c k e t w i t h 3,060 pounds of t h r u s t . Because
t h i s stage was adapted from t h e Vanguard upper s t a g e r o c k e t ,
no development t e s t s are r e q u i r e d . L i k e t h e t h i r d stage,
t h i s u n i t u t i l i z e s p l a s t i c c o n s t r u c t i o n throughout,
Guidance Being Developed --
developed by t h e Missile Development Laboratory of t h e
Guidance f o r Scout i s being
Minneapolis-Honeywell R e g u l a t o r Coo, Los Angeles, Calif. The
two hydrogen-peroxide s t a b i l i z a t i o n systems f o r t h e v e h i c l e
are b e i n g b u i l t by Walter Kidde Co., Inc., of B e l l e v i l l e , N. J.
Guidance development i s complete and u n i t s have been shipped
f o r e a r l y f l i g h t s . The third-stage p e r o x i d e c o n t r o l u n i t has
f u n c t i o n e d s a t i s f a c t o r i l y i n t e s t s ; however, t h e second-stage
u n i t has met w i t h v a l v i n g problems and w i l l n o t be completed
u n t i l May, 1960. The guidance package and t h i r d stage per-
o x i d e system were s u c c e s s f u l l y tested a t Langley Research
cent&.
- Airframe C o n t r a c t L e t -- The c o n t r a c t f o r t h e Scout air-
frame c a l l s f o r s t r u c t u r a l l y i n t e g r a t i n g t h e r o c k e t s , guidance
and c o n t r o l systems, and payloads, The t a s k is b e i n g c a r r i e d
o u t by t h e Vought A s t r o n a u t i c s D i v i s i o n of Chance Vought
,

- 40 -
A i r c r a f t Corp., Dallas, Tex. A l l a i r f r a m e components, which
connect t h e r o c k e t engines, house t h e c o n t r o l u n i t s a
ance, and cover t h e t o p stages, have be
tested.
Launcher E r e c t e d -- The Scout Launcher, f
Vought A s t r o n a u t i c s , h a s been e r e c t e d on a pad
S t a t i o n and h a s been s u c c e s s f u l l y checked w i t h
vehicle.
Delta
D e l t a i s a three-@age ( f i r s t two s t a g e s l i q u i d - f u e l ,
t h i r d stage, solid-fuel) v e h i c l e c a p a b l e of l a u n c h i n g a
s a t e l l i t e o f 480 pounds i n t o a 300-mile e a r t h o r b i t o r a
65-pound payload on a space-probe mission. The ,first two
p r o d u c t i o n Deltab w i l l b e used i n a t t e m p t s t o launch 100-
f o o t diameter i n f l a t a b l e s p h e r e s i n P r o j e c t Echo, t h e pas-
s i v e communications s a t e l l i t e program .( gee Chapter 7,
" S a t e l l i t e Applications", pp. 83-88).
The first complete Delta v e h i c l e was d e l i v e r e d t o AMR
f o r l a u n c h i n g i n May, and i t s launch f a c i l i t i e s were com-
pleted.
Vehicle -- D e l t a ' s first s t a g e i s a s t a n d a r d l i q u i d -
f u e l Thor w i t h 150,000 pounds o f t h r u s t ; t h e second s t a g e
i s a modified v e r s i o n of t h e 13quid-fuel second stage r o c k e t
engine employed i n t h e Thor-Able v e h i c l e ; t h e / t h i r d s t a g e
i s a n improved s o l i d - f u e l r o c k e t (X-Z@)., a l s o u s e d i n t h e
Thor-Able and Atlas-Able, and a s t h e l a s t s t a g e of Scout.
The D e l t a second and t h i r d s t a g e s , o r i g i n a l l y developed
f o r t h e Vanguard program, were modified and improved f o r t h e
Thor-Able, and were s t i l l f u r t h e r improved f o r t h e Delta.
Changes f o r Delta i n c l u d e t h e a d d i t i o n o f a n a t t i t u d e -
control unit, t o orient the vehicle i n the right direction
w h i l e c o a s t i n g ; and t h e Bell Telephone L a b o r a t o r i e s r a d i o
command guidance u n i t developed f o r t h e T i t a n program.
Atlas-Agena B, Thor-Agena B
The Agena B, a n e n l a r g e d and improved v e r s i o n o f t h e
Agena A t h a t has demonstrated good r e l i a b i l i t y i n t h e A i r
F o r c e Discoverer program, i s a l i q u i d - f u e l r o c k e t stage
having about 15,000 pounds o f t h r u s t . It w i l l b e used i n
combination w i t h s e v e r a l d i f f e r e n t f i r s t stages, on a wide
v a r i e t y o f missions. Its e n g i n e s can be r e - s t a r t e d i n
flight

- 41 -
 THOR-AGENA B ATLAS-AGENA B

STAGES STAGES
IR RA6E-U))(/RP.IITHOR) IST sTIGE-u)IvRpI(ATus)
210 S
T -
M IRFIU/UWH (IIGEW 8)
INITIATED
2ND STM-IRFIUIUOYH
u6M 8) INITIATED
EARLY 1959 IDOD)
MISSION CAPABILITY EARLY 1959 (COD)
4
MISSION CAPABILITY
3@H. MI. ORBIT-l.6a)LBS. M O W . MI. ORBIT-5,WBLBS. t
W IST LAUNCHING -
ESCAPE BMI LBS. IST LAUNCHING
EARLY 1962 INASA) 98'
t MID 1961 (NASA)
4
EMPLOYMENT EMPUWMENT
MEORoLoCICALAND
SCIENTIFIC SAlElLllES LUNAR PmEs
0011UUN!GATTI(WIS SATELLITES
SCIENTIFIC SATELLITES

+ I a
+

SCOUT DELTA

STAGES
INITIATED
UTE 1958
, IST STAGE-LDXIRP-I(THOR)
I D STIIGE- WIFWUDUH
-
SRD STAGE SOUD
INITIATED
EARLY 1959
IST LAUNCHING MISSION CAPABILITY
MID 1960 -
300 N.II. ORBIT 480 LBS t
IST LAUNCHING
ESCAPE - - 65 LBS. 9.24
MID 1960
t
EMPUlYMENT
SATELLITES
SPACE P m E s

3.3'
e-
I

SATURN CENTAUR

STAGES
151STAGE LOXRP &TIAS)
ZND STAGE L0,:ILH

INITIATED INITIATED
MISSION CAPABILITY t LATE 1958
LATE 1458
4 M O W . MI. ORBIT-E,5M)LBS. 105'
185'
Isf LAUNCHING
--
ESCAPE 1.40 LBS. IST LAUNCHING
+ EARLY 1964 (3 STAGES)
t
MID1961 ,

EMPLOYMENT
LUNAR AND PIMETMY EXPLORATION
za HOUR CWUN ICATIONS S A ~ L I T E

-2l.5'-

Descriptions, capabilities, and contemplated employment of propulsion

systems being developed for NASA's Launch Vehicle Program.
 Agena B, when combined w i t h t h e 150,000-pound-thrust
Thor as first stage, w i l l s e r v e as a general-purpose space
v e h i c l e c a p a b l e of launching 1,600 pounds i n t o a 300-mile
o r b i t , With t h e Atlas, which g i v e s 360,000 pounds of
t h r u s t a t l i f t - o f f and 80,000 i n i t s s u s t a i n e r phase, it
w i l l be capable of launching 800-pound probes t o t h e moon
i n c l u d i n g v e h i c l e s f o r "hard" o r impact l a n d i n g s on i t s sur-
--
face --
5,000 pounds,
and 300-mile o r b i t a l payloads weighing a s much as

Marshall Space F l i g h t Center w i l l t e c h n i c a l l y d i r e c t

t h e NASA Agena V e h i c l e Program, Lockheed i s system contrac-
t o r , Goddard w i l l p r o v i d e i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n f o r s a t e l l i t e
experiments and t h e J e t P r o p u l s i o n Laboratory w i l l d e s i g n
lunar spacecraft,
Vega Cancelled
Vega was scheduled as a n i n t e r i m v e h i c l e f o r mediurn-
s i z e d s a t e l l i t e and l u n a r payloads, pending t h e a v a i l a b i l i t y
o f Centaur. On December 11, 1959, NASA c a n c e l l e d t h e Vega
i n f a v o r of t h e Agena B under development by t h e Department
o f Defense ( s e e above),
Vega was planned as a t h r e e - s t a g e r o c k e t : f i r s t s t a g e ,
a modified Atlas; second, a modified Vanguard first s t a g e
engine; and a t h i r d s t a g e powered by a s t o r a b l e l i q u i d -
p r o p e l l a n t , 6,000-pound-thrust engine,
The J e t P r o p u l s i o n Laboratory d i r e c t e d t h e p r o j e c t a n d
developed t h e t h i r d s t a g e engine (which was not c a n c e l l e d ;
s e e below) A t c a n c e l l a t i o n , t h e General E l e c t r i c Co. had
modified t h e Vanguard engine and t h e Convair A s t r o n a u t i c s
D i v i s i o n of General Dynamics Corp. , had begun c o n s t r u c t i n g
t h e second stage. Convair was r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e o v e r - a l l
v e h i c l e i n t e g r a t i o n and implementation o f launch o p e r a t i o n s
F i n a l t e r m i n a t i o n c o s t s have n o t been f u l l y determined,
b u t as o f A p r i l 1, t h e y a r e e s t i m a t e d t o t o t a l approximately
$13,300,000. Some of t h e f u n d s expended on Vega w i l l be
recovered by a p p l y i n g i t s components t o o t h e r v e h i c l e and
t e s t programs, For example, d u r i n g Vega program work,
General E l e c t r i c produced f o u r u s a b l e r o c k e t t h r u s t chambers
and a number o f engine components, some a l r e a d y a l l o t t e d t o
t h e Langley Research Center f o r o t h e r p r o j e c t s . A c o a s t -
phase t e s t s t a n d f o r checking t h e non-powered phase a t t i t u d e -
c o n t r o l system and a payload shroud j e t t i s o n i n g f a c i l i t y ,
begun by Convair, w i l l be completed f o r t h e Centaur p r o j e c t ,
J P L S t o r a b l e P r o p e l l a n t Engine
6,000-pound-thrust,
--
The Vega t h i r d s t a g e
s t o r a b l e liquid-propellant propulsion
system, upon which J P L was working, w i l l c o n t i n u e under
development f o r f u t u r e , as y e t undesignated, a p p l i c a t i o n s .

- 43 -
d
It w i l l use hydrazine and n i t r o g e n - t e t r o x i d e p r o p e l l a n t s
f e d t o t h e t h r u s t chamber by p r e s s u r i z e d gas.

Two Types o f Thrust Chambers Tested -- Two t y p e s o f

t h r u s t chambers t h a t use hydrazine f u e l a s a c o o l a n t have
been t e s t e d s u c c e s s f u l l y . P l a n s have been made f o r t e s t i n g
t h e i g n i t i o n and performance o f t h e engine a t L e w i s Research
Center.
A t las-Centaur
Atlas-Centaur, a two-stage launch v e h i c l e , w i l l be a b l e
t o i n j e c t a communications s a t e l l i t e i n t o a 22,300-mile a l t i -
tude equatorial o r b i t . Because t h e o r b i t a l a n g u l a r v e l o c i t y
o f t h e s a t e l l i t e a t t h i s a l t i t u d e approximates t h a t of t h e
e a r t h t s r o t a t i o n , t h e s a t e l l i t e w i l l be f i x e d over one s p o t
on e a r t h . (See Chapter 7, n S a t e l l i t e Applications," pp. 83
8 8 . ) The v e h i c l e w i l l a l s o be employed t o launch o t h e r
-
a t e l l i t e s and l u n a r and i n t e r p l a n e t a r y probes, i n t h e pay-
l o a d weight range between Atlas-Agena and S a t u r n .

Liquid Hydrogen-Liquid Oxygen Second Stage -- Centaur's

f i r s t stage i s a modified Atlas-D. The second stage i s
powered by two turbopump-fed r o c k e t e n g i n e s which produce
15,000 pounds t h r u s t each and u t i l i z e l i q u i d oxygen and
l i q u i d hydrogen a s p r o p e l l a n t s . This w i l l be t h e first U.S.
engine w i t h a t r u l y high-energy p r o p e l l a n t combination
( S a t u r n t s upper s t a g e s w i l l use t h e same combination.) Such
.
p r o p e l l a n t s w i l l i n c r e a s e t h e payload c a p a b i l i t i e s o f ex-
i s t i n g and planned space v e h i c l e s up t o double t h o s e of
v e h i c l e s w i t h conventional p r o p e l l a n t s .
Vehicle W i l l Have I n e r t i a l Guidance -- The Atlas-
Centaur a l l - i n e r t i a l guidance system w i l l provide, f o r t h e
f i r s t time i n a U.S. m u l t i - s t a g e space launching v e h i c l e ,
a c t i v e s e l f - c o n t a i n e d guidance throughout powered f l i g h t
from l i f t - o f f t o payload i n j e c t i o n . The guidance system
w i l l permit c o a s t i n g p e r i o d s followed by engine r e s t a r t , t o
s a t i s f y t h e o r b i t requirements of 24-hour s a t e l l i t e s and
l u n a r and deep space missions. The system, which w i l l weigh
about 150 pounds, employs a four-gimbal p l a t f o r m w i t h t h r e e -
a x i s s t a b i l i z a t i o n and a d i g i t a l computer (see Chapter 13,
"Mechanics o f S p a c e f l i g h t , " p. 135.)

Marshall Center W i l l D i r e c t P r o j e c t -- NASA's Marshall

Space F l i g h t C e n t e r a t H u n t s v i l l e h a s o v e r - a l l d i r e c t i o n of
t h e Atlas-Centaur launch v e h i c l e p r o j e c t .
D i v i s i o n o f General Dynamics Corp., i s developing t h e Centaur
Convair-Astronautics
v e h i c l e , i n t e g r a t i n g v e h i c l e and s p a c e c r a f t , and w i l l conduct

- 4.4 -
J
t h e launch o p e r a t i o n s . Minneapolis-Honeywell and i t s sub-
c o n t r a c t o r , Librascope, a r e developing t h e guidance system
under s u b c o n t r a c t t o Convair, P r a t t & Whitney A i r c r a f t
D i v i s i o n of United A i r c r a f t Corporation i s making t h e l i q u i d
hydrogen second-stage engine,
Work Is On Schedule --
Atlas b o o s t e r s , second-stage
engines, and guidance and second-stage s t r u c t u r e s f o r t h e
f i r s t s i x Atlas-Centaur f l i g h t s a r e now under c o n t r a c t and
a l l work i s on schedule,
Tests of a heavy-walled second-stage t a n k f o r t h e l i q u i d
hydrogen were begun i n November, 1959. A second t a n k planned
f o r ground t e s t i n g t h e second-stage engine was completed. A
f r e e - f l o a t i n g f l i g h t t e s t package was f a b r i c a t e d f o r use i n
zero-g experiments i n a KC-135 a i r p l a n e , Purpose o f t h e s e
t e s t s i s t o s t u d y problems a s s o c i a t e d with s t o r i n g and pump-
i n g l i q u i d hydrogen w h i l e i n " f r e e f a l l " encountered i n
unpowered c o a s t i n g s p a c e f l i g h t .
Completion of t h e Centaur launching complex a t AMR is
planned f o r l a t e 1960; developmental f l i g h t s of t h e Centaur
v e h i c l e a r e scheduled t o begin i n 1961; and o p e r a t i o n a l
f l i g h t s a r e planned f o r 1962,
Saturn
S a t u r n i s t h e l a r g e s t launch v e h i c l e under development
i n t h e F r e e World. The Advanced Research P r o j e c t s Agency
of t h e Department'of Defense s t a r t e d t h e p r o j e c t a t t h e Army
B a l l i s t i c Missile Agency, H u n t s v i l l e , Ala., i n August, 1958.
I n November 1959, t h e P r e s i d e n t decided t o a s s i g n s o l e
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r developing h i g h - t h r u s t launch v e h i c l e s
t o NASA, which immediately became r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t e c h n i c a l
d i r e c t i o n of t h e S a t u r n p r o j e c t . ARPA maintained t h e con-
t i n u i t y o f a d m i n i s t r a t i v e d i r e c t i o r l u n t i l March 1960, when
t h i s a l s o was assumed by NASA. T h i s was i n accordance w i t h
t h e f o r m a l n o t i f i c a t i o n of Congress, i n January, of t h e
proposed t r a n s f e r o f f a c i l i t i e s and personnel.
I n December 1959, a technical-plus-management committee,
comprised of s e n i o r p e r s o n n e l from NASA, ARPA, ABMA, and t h e
Department o f Defense, recommended t h a t t h e S a t u r n upper
s t a g e s u t i l i z e o n l y high-energy p r o p e l l a n t s ( i n t h i s c a s e ,
hydrogen p l u s oxygen). T h i s combination i s known a s t h e
S a t u r n C-1, The committee a l s o recommended t h a t a b u i l d i n g -
block approach t o upper s t a g e development be employed, s o
t h a t t h e s m a l l e r , more e a s i l y developed s t a g e s could be
f i r s t used a t o p t h e l a r g e b o o s t e r , and t h e number of r e -
q u i r e d engine developments could b e minimized, These recom-
mendations were aocepted by t h e Administrator.

- 45 -
 --
The S a t u r n pro-
gram e-stage, and four-
stage launch v e h i c l e s capable of p l a c i n g up t o 10 t o n s i n t o
a low earth o r b i t ,
The development program has a twofold pwpose: 1) t o
P
o b t a i n such large a y l o a d c a p a b i l i t y f o r t h i s country a s soon
a s p o s s i b l e , and 2 c o n c u r r e n t l y t o o b t a i n a n e a r l y a c c e p t -
able mission r e l i a b i l i t y through t h e u s e of t h e c l u s t e r e d -
engine technique. The v a r i o u s S a t u r n v e h i c l e s w i l l be u s e f u l
f o r o r b i t a l missions, i n c l u d i n g t h e s p e c i a l c a s e of t h e 24-
hour o r "fixed" o r b i t ; f o r v a r i o u s lunax. missions, i n c l u d i n g
s o f t l a n d i n g and circumnavigation; and for, i n t e r p l a n e t a r y
probes. ! \

F i r s t Stage -- The f i r s t stage (S-1) o f S a t u r n employs

e i g h t Rocketdyne H-1 engines, each d e l i v e r i n g 188,000 pounds
of t h r u s t a t s e a l e v e l , f o r a t o t a l t h r u s t of 1.5-million
pounds. Liquid oxygen and RP-1 ( a Hydrocarbon fuel) form
t h e p r o p e l l a n t combination; t h e y a r e c a r r i e d i n a c l u s t e r
of e i g h t elongated t a n k s , of t h e same diameter a s t h e Red-
s t o n e missile t a n k , surrounding one elongated t a n k of t h e
same diameter a s t h e J u p i t e r tank. The engines can be i n d i -
v i d u a l l y s h u t o f f on command when an i n c i p i e n t malfunction
i s d e t e c t e d . Since t h e e n g i n e s a r e s i m p l i f i e d a d a p t a t i o n s
of t h e well-proven e n g i n e s used i n Atlas, Thor, and J u p i t e r ,
t h e number of malfunctions d u r i n g f l i g h t i s expected t o be
low. P l a n s are being developed w i t h t h e hope of making t h e
.
b o o s t e r stage r e c o v e r a b l e

C-1 con
Second S t a e
TT---+
-- The second s t a g e (S-IV) o f t h e Saturn
g u r a t on w i l l u t i l i z e t h e l i q u i d hydrogen-liquid
oxygen p r o p e l l a n t and f o u r u p r a t e d Centaur engines of roughly
17,500-pounds t h r u s t each. The two-stage v e r s i o n o f t h e
S a t u r n C-1 ( t h a t i s S-I p l u s S-IV) w i l l be a b l e t o p l a c e
about f i v e t o n s i n t o low o r b i t s .

+--
Third S t a e The third-stage (S-V) of t h e S a t u r n C - 1
i s a en a u r upper stage, modified t o c a r r y h e a v i e r payloads.
Two of t h e same engines which are t o b e u t i l i z e d i n S-IV a r e
t o b e used t o power t h i s stage. Coasting and engine r e s t a r t
c a p a b i l i t i e s w i l l be i n c o r p o r a t e d i n t h i s s t a g e , a s i n Centaur,
t o permit more d i f f i c u l t o r b i t s and deep space t r a j e c t o r i e s
t o be attained.
The t h i r d stage w i l l c a r r y a n a l l - i n e r t i a l guidance
system t o c o n t r o l a l l t h r e e s t a g e s .
Contractors -- The Development Operations D i v i s i o n of
ABMA has been r e s p o n s i b l e from t h e f i r s t f o r t h e o v e r - a l l
t e c h n i c a l d i r e c t i o n o f Saturn.' T h i s r e s p o n s i b i l i t y kill
remain w i t h t h e D i v i s i o n , which -- a f t e r t h e planned t r a n s -
fer -- w i l l form NASA's Marshall Space F l i g h t Center. It
w i l l a l s o be r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e d e t a i l e d "in-house" devel-
opment o f t h e b o o s t e r stage; f o r i n t e g r a t i n g t h e stages and
payload, and f o r conducting launch o p e r a t i o n s ,
--
F i r s t - S t a g e F a b r i c a t i o n Completed
assembly of t h e first b o o s t e r stage, which w i l l be used
F a b r i c a t i o n and
s o l e l y f o r s t a t i c t e s t i n g , h a s been completed. T h i s s t a g e
was mounted i n t h e s t a t i c t e s t s t a n d i n February, a f t e r t h e
s t a n d was p r o o f - t e s t e d and c a l i b r a t e d . Two of t h e e i g h t
e n g i n e s have been s t a t i c t e s t e d . T e s t s o f f o u r , t h e n a l l
e i g h t e n g i n e s w i l l f o l l o w , Procurement, f a b r i c a t i o n , and
assembly of t h e first t h r e e b o o s t e r s f o r f l i g h t use a r e on
schedule .
Within a month a f t e r t h e d e c i s i o n i n December t o use
h i g h energy p r o p e l l a n t s i n t h e upper stages of S a t u r n , a n
S-IV stage s p e c i f i c a t i o n was w r i t t e n and i n d u s t r y was
i n v i t e d t o submit p r o p o s a l s f o r i t s development. Eleven
p r o p o s a l s were r e c e i v e d a t t h e end o f February; e v a l u a t i o n
by picked teams of NASA e x p e r t s was under way on A p r i l 1.
-- A 200,000-pound-thrust, hydro-
gen- eveloped f o r t h e upper s t a g e s o f
the n c o n f i g u r a t i o n ) which w i l l employ
e s s e n t i a l l y t h e same b o o s t e r as t h e C-1.
S p e c i f i c a t i o n s f o r t h e hydrogen-oxygen engine were re-
viewed with seven engine c o n t r a c t o r s on February 2 a t NASA
headquarters. P r o p o s a l s submitted by f i v e c o n t r a c t o r s on
March 14 were s t i l l b e i n g e v a l u a t e d a t t h e end of t h e r e p o r t
period.
-- C o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e
launc Ran l a s t summer and bv
A p r i l was l a r g e l y completed. M o d i f i c a t i o n s o f t h e l a r g e
b o o s t e r s t a t i c t e s t s t a n d a t H u n s t v i l l e were completed, as
were p l a n s f o r t r a n s p o r t i n g t h e b o o s t e r from H u n t s v i l l e t o
AMR by barge. The c o n t r a c t f o r t h e f i r s t b o o s t e r t r a n s p o r t
b a r g e was l e t .
It was decided t h a t t h e guidance system f o r t h e f i r s t
t h r e e S a t u r n launches ( b o o s t e r stage o n l y ) would be a
s l i g h t l y modified v e r s i o n of t h e well-proven J u p i t e r guid-
a n c e system; i n v e s t i g a t i o n s o f guidance systems f o r use w i t h
t h e t h r e e - s t a g e v e r s i o n a r e under way.
-- F u l l - s c a l e
stat of t h e prototype

- 47 -
J
b o o s t e r s t a g e w i l l b e g i n t h i s s p r i n g . So a l s o w i l l S-IV
stage development and a program t o modify t h e Centaur
e n g i n e s f o r use i n t h e upper stages of S a t u r n . C o n s t r u c t i o n
work on t h e launch f a c i l i t y a t AMR w i l l be completed t h i s
summer, and i n s t a l l a t i o n and checkout of s p e c i a l equipment,
such a s p r o p e l l a n t storage t a n k s , i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n networks,
and g a n t r i e s w i l l begin.
F-1 Engine
Development o f t h e F-1, single-chamber, 1.5 m i l l i o n -
pound-thrust r o c k e t engine by t h e Rdcketdyne D i v i s i o n o f
North American Aviation, Inc,, began i n January 1959. The
development phase should be completed i n e a r l y 1963.

rep0
-- The primary e f f o r t d u r i n g t h i s
r a t e d upon developing t h e engine's
l a r g e - s c a l e t h r u s t chamber. S t a t i c t e s t s of up. t o t h r e e
seconds d u r a t i o n have produced t h r u s t s of more t h a n a m i l l i o n
pounds. Although performance has approached a c c e p t a b l e
l i m i t s , it has f r e q u e n t l y been e r r a t i c and work i s continuing.
P r o p e l l a n t Pumps Are On Schedule --
The t u r b i n e - d r i v e n
p r o p e l l a n t pump assembly is on schedule. Tests on a s c a l e
model i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e d e s i r e d performance can b e met,
Designs have been i n c o r p o r a t e d which w i l l f a c i l i t a t e - t h e
f a b r i c a t i o n o f t h e v a r i o u s components of t h e turbopump.
S e v e r a l system changes, p a r t i c u l a r l y i n t h e p r o p e l l a n t
i n l e t s e c t i o n of t h e engine, have been made. These i n t u r n
have been i n c o r p o r a t e d i n the mockup o f t h e F-1 engine, A
s t u d y of ways t o c o o l t h e large F-1 exhaust n o z z l e i s n e a r i n g
completion; one method i n v o l v e s t h e u s e o f t h e r e l a t i v e l y
c o o l t u r b i n e exhaust g a s e s n e x t t o t h e n o z z l e wall. It is
p o s s i b l e t h a t o n l y t h e upper p o r t i o n o f t h e n o z z l e need b e
cooled by one o f t h e p r o p e l l a n t s .
C o n s t r u c t i o n Under Way on Three Test Stands --
Work i s
c o n t i n u i n g on t h e t h r e e s t a n d s intended f o r F-1 engine t e s t -
i n g a t t h e Missile C a p t i v e Test S i t e , Edwards A i r Force Base,
Calif. These w i l l p e r m i t extending p r e s e n t t e s t l i m i t s of
about a m i l l i o n pounds o f t h r u s t and t h r e e seconds maximum
d u r a t i o n imposed by equipment now i n use, Stand 2A w i l l b e
r e a d y soon and t h e f i r s t f i r i n g of a n F-1 t h r u s t chamber
should t a k e p l a c e i n J u l y , Having s t a n d 2A a v a i l a b l e f o r
t h i s p r o j e c t w i l l expand t h e scope o f work appreciably.

SOUNDING ROCKET DEVELOPMENT

NASA s p a c e s c i e n c e i n v e s t i g a t i o n s r e q u i r e a f a m i l y of
sounding r o c k e t s t o c a r r y s c i e n t i f i c payloads o f numerous

- 4.8 -
t y p e s t o v a r i o u s altitude+s.* Prototype rockets of a pro&*
series $re t h e ttArcon" and n I
r o j e c t s of t h e Naval Research
vy Bureau of Ordnance, Now d i d
e r , Arcon and
contract t o t

___
Arcon

i n diameter and e i feet, s i x i n c €5,

t h e Arcon r o c k e t weighs 220 pounds, and' u s e s a f a s t , end-
burning s o l i d p r o p e l l a n t . A s t a b i l i z i n g \ f i n s e c t i o n and a
40-pound, instrumented payload are a t t a c h e d t o form a v e h i c l e
11 f e e t long, weighing 254. pounds. The Arcon v e h i c l e was
designed t o lift i t s payload t o a n a l t i t u d e of 70 miles.
NASA development, c o n s i s t i n g of improvements i n chamber insu-
l a t i o n and p r o p e l l a n t - c h a r g e design, was completed in: 1959 .'
After t h e r e s u l t s of t h e s i x f l i g h t t e s t s performed i n
mid-1959 were e v a l u a t e d , two problems were e v i d e n t : 1) a e r o -
dynamic s u r f a c e r e d e s i g n is n e c e s s a r y t o e l i m i n a t e e r r a t i c
performance which o c c u r s a s t h e r o c k e t n e a r s burnout; and
2) t h e r o c k e t power w i l l have t o be i n c r e a s e d i f t h e o r i g i -
n a l a l t i t u d e g o a l of 70 miles w i t h a 40-pound payload is t o
be m e t . Three more v e h i c l e s remain t o be flown i n t h e Arcon
development program, probably by mid-1960.

-
Iris
S u b s t a n t i a l l y l a r g e r t h a n Arcon, t h e Iris r o c k e t i s
a l s o being developed by A t l a n t i c Research Corp. Designed
t o p r o p e l a 100-pound payload t o a n a l t i t u d e of.185 miles,
t h e r o c k e t is approximately 13 f e e t long, one f o o t i n d i -
ameter, weighs 1,140 pounds, and u s e s t h e same p r o p e l l a n t
a s Arcon, A s t a b i l i z i n g f i n s e c t i o n and a 100-pound pay-
l o a d are a t t a c h e d , r e s u l t i n g i n a 1,290-pound v e h i c l e , 20
feet long. Launched from a tower, t h e r o c k e t w i l l be g i v e n
extra i n i t i a l t h r u s t by a small c l u s t e r e d b o o s t e r .
S e v e r a l f i r i n g s o f t e s t chambers d u r i n g t h i s r e p o r t
p e r i o d proved t h e i n t e g r a t e d design. Three e n g i n e s were
s t a t i c - f i r e d s u c c e s s f u l l y . Four more rounds w i l l complete

* In comparison w i t h o t h e r NASA v e h i c l e programs, t h e pay-

l o a d and a l t i t u d e r e q u i r e m e n t s are r e l a t i v e l y low. M i s -
s i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s are t o r e a c h v a r i o u s l a y e r s of t h e
atmosphere and ionosphere, u s u a l l y below 200 mile s. In-
s t r u m e n t a t i o n r e q u i r e d is l i k e w i s e l e s s e l a b o r a t e t h a n
t h a t f o r space missions.
t h e ground t e s t program. Three o p e r a t i o n a l v e h i c l e s w i l l
be assembled i n May-June 1960, and f l i g h t t e s t s w i l l b
B a l l i s t i c a n d aerodynamic d a t a a v a i l a b l e a t
c a t e t h a t t h e d e s i r e d performance w i l l be a t
The NASA P r o p u l s i o n Office a t Headquarters has t e c h n i c a l
management of sounding r o c k e t development. The Godda ce
F l i g h t Center p a r t i c i p a t e s i n aerodynamic design, sup
payloads, and w i l l conduct f l i g h t t e s t s a t Wallops I s l a n d .

f
 CHAPTER 5
MANNED FLIGHT IN SPACE AND NEAR SPACE

THE NEED FOR MANBED SPACE EXPLORATION

E l e c t r o n i c i n s t r u m e n t s designed f o r NASA s a t e l l i t e s and
space probes can p e r f o many i n t r i c a t e , ultra.swift, ultra-
a c c u r a t e t a s k s of s e n s i n g and measuring better t h a n men maid
e v e r do. However, t h e s t a t i s t i c a l information gathered and
t r a n a m i t t e d t o earth by these i n s t r u m e n t s c o n s t i t u t e s only a
p a r t of t h e b a s i c r e s e a r c h n e c e s s a r y f o r understanding the
larger r e a l i t i e s of space. The most advanced apparatusr 088
perform o n l y a s it is programmed t o do. Instrwrreats have RO
f l e x i b i l i t y t o meet unforeseen s i t u a t i o n s . S c i e n t i f i c daba
a c q u i r e d i n space mechanically mast be balanced by on-the-
s p o t human s e n s e s , human reasoning, and by t h e power of judg-
ment compounded of these human elements.
I n this l i e s man's s u p e r i o r i t y t o t h e machine8 he in-
v e n t s and b u i l d s . And i n t h a t s u p e r i o r i t y lietr t h e neces-
s i t y f o r manned s p a c e f l i g h t , as sooh 8s it is. practicable.
But b e f o r e man can f l y t o t h e moon and beyond, the g u e a t i o n
of h i s a b i l i t y t o withstand t h e r i g o r s of s p a c e f l i g h t -
etc, --
w e i g h t l e s s n e s s , high-g f o r c e s , atmospheric e n t r y f o r c e s ,
must be answered. These are t h e reasone, f o r t h e t o p
n a t i o n a l p r i o r i t y t h a t has been a s s i g n e d t o P r o j e c t Mercury.

PROJECT MERCU
S u b o r b i t a l F l i g h t Planned
For t h e next two o r three y e a m , NASA haa planned about
20 t e s t i n g , t r a i n i n g and o r b i t a l f l i g h t a in P r o j e c t Mercury,
Acording t o p r e s e n t schedules, NASA p l a n s t h e firsat manned
s u b o r b i t a l f l i g h t fer l a t e t h i s year, and t h e first manned
o r b i t a l f l i g h t f o r l a t e r i n 1961.
Bedstoae W i l l Launch Capsule
I n t h e s u b o r b i t a l t e s t , a Redstone r o c k e t will faunch
a manned Mercury c a p s u l e from Cape a v e r a l on a l5-misute
f l i g h t down t h e A t l a n t i c Missile Ra a t speeds up t o 4,000
mph, The a s t r o n a u t w i l l e x p e r i ~ ~ c o u t f i v e minutes of

- 51 -
weightlessnes a c h a n a l t i t u d e o f 120 miles and a d i s -
t a n c e of 180 , l a n d i n g i n t h e sea o f f F l o r i d a .

P l a n s f o r t h e f i r s t manned o r b i t a l f l i g h t c a l l f o r t h e
Mercury capsule t o be boosted i n t o o r b i t by a n Atlas launched
from AMR i n a d i r e c t i o n s l i g h t l y n o r t h o f e a s t . T h i s t r a j e c -
t o r y w i l l send it i n t o o r b i t a t a p o i n t i n space over Bermuda.
The c a p s u l e w i l l t r a v e l a t a speed o f about 18,000 rnph, a t a n
a l t i t u d e of about 100 miles over Africa, Australia, Mexico,
and t h e U. S .
A worldwide system of t r a c k i n g and communication s t a t i o n s
w i l l be i n c o n t a c t w i t h t h e Mercury c a p s u l e almost continu-
ously.
Near t h e C a l i f o r n i a c o a s t , a f t e r three c i r c u i t s of t h e
globe, r e t r o r o c k e t s w i l l be f i r e d , e i t h e r by t h e a s t r o n a u t
o r by r a d i o command from t h e ground, slowing t h e capsule by
350 mph s o t h a t i t w i l l r e t u r n from o r b i t and become sus-
c e p t i b l e t o atmospheric drag. Within one-quarter of a c i r -
c u i t , t h i s drag w i l l reduce t h e c a p s u l e speed below 200 mph
s o that l a n d i n g p a r a c h u t e s can be s a f e l y deployed. Opening
a t a n a l t i t u d e of about 10,000 f e e t , t h e para'chutes w i l l
lower t h e capsule a t t h e r a t e of 30 f e e t p e r second t o a
l a n d i n g i n t h e A t l a n t i c Ocean near t h e Bahama I s l a n d s .
A f t e r t h e c a p s u l e s t r i k e s t h e water, t h e parachute w i l l
be detached a u t o m a t i c a l l y . The c a p s u l e w i l l f l o a t . The
e n t i r e f l i g h t , about 75,000 m i l e s , w i l l have l a s t e d f o u r and
one h a l f h o u r s -- about t h e t i m e it t a k e s a j e t a i r l i n e r t o
f l y from Los Angeles t o New York.
Government a i r c r a f t and s h i p s w i l l be deployed w i t h i n
t h e l a n d i n g area t o r e c o v e r t h e c a p s u l e and i t s a s t r o n a u t
passenger .
During t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d , t h e f o l l o w i n g major advances
were made i n P r o j e c t Mercury:
...
The escape system was confirmed by f o u r t e s t launch-
ings w i t h ' 1 L i t t l e Joe" r o c k e t s .
...The first space capsule was d e l i v e r e d t o Wallops
S t a t i o n , Va., by t h e c o n t r a c t o r , McDonnell A i r c r a f t Corp. ,
S t . Louis, Mo.

- 53 -
 ... Various m o d i f i c a t i o n s of t h e c a p s u l e were made,
i n c l u d i n g a window ( 2 1 x 11 i n c h e s ) t o r e p l a c e two small
p o r t h o l e s , a quick-opening emergency escape h a t c h , and a n
i n f l a t a b l e l a n d i n g bag t o reduce shock i n c a s e o f a l a n d
impact
...Prototype Goodrich f u l l - p r e s s u r e
wear were d e l i v e r e d t o NASA i n November.
s u i t s f o r astronaut

.. .Astronaut t r a i n i n g progressed on a broad f r o n t ,

i n c l u d i n g "zero ' g r a v i t y " f l i g h t s i n a i r c r a f t , c e n t r i f u g e
experience, engineering s t u d i e s , e t c .
...
A s e r i e s of parachute t e s t s were made by a i r c r a f t
and h e l i c o p t e r i n t h e capsule p a r a c h u t e q u a l i f i c a t i o n program.
...Other components of t h e Mercury system, i'ncluding t h e
r e t r o g r a d e r o c k e t motors were t e s t e d (see below) .
L i t t l e J o e F l i g h t Tests
L i t t l e Joe i s a f i n - s t a b i l i z e d , c l u s t e r e d , e i g h t - r o c k e t
launch v e h i c l e c o n s i s t i n g o f f o u r modified Sergeant and f o u r
R e c r u i t r o c k e t s , designed f o r b a l l i s t i c f l i g h t t e s t s o f
b o i l e r p l a t e models of t h e Mercury c a p s u l e and o p e r a t i o n o f
t h e escape system under severe c o n d i t i o n s . The r o c k e t h a s a
maximum v e l o c i t y of about 4,000 mph and a range of 160 miles.
L i t t l e Joe h a s proven t o be a v a l u a b l e and r e l i a b l e
t e s t v e h i c l e . The r o c k e t performed s a t i s f a c t o r i l y i n a l l
f o u r t e s t s during t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d . B o i l e r p l a t e c a p s u l e s ,
used i n L i t t l e Joe and i n l a n d i n g system drop t e s t s , dupli-
c a t e weight and e x t e r n a l shape o f t h e capsule. Constructed
o f heavy, welded s h e e t s t e e l , t h e y c o n t a i n some instrumenta-
t i o n , b u t n o t t h e many subsystems w i t h which t h e f i n a l capsule
w i l l be equipped. The b o i l e r p l a t e c a p s u l e s provide a n eco-
nomical means o f developing p a r a c h u t e and escape systems,
checking o u t r e c o v e r y procedures, and determining capsule
motions and h e a t i n g .
F i r s t Test -- On October 4, 1959, a L i t t l e Joe v e h i c l e
c a r r y i n g a b o i l e r p l a t e Mercury capsule w i t h a dummy escape
system was launched from Wallops S t a t i o n . T h i s f l i g h t
a t t a i n e d i t s o b j e c t i v e s of checking t h e soundness o f t h e
b o o s t e r airframe and r o c k e t engine system, t h e o p e r a t i o n s of
t h e r o c k e t and t h e emergency " d e s t r u c t " system. After con-
f i r m a t i o n o f s a t i s f a c t o r y v e h i c l e performance, t h e d e s t r u c t
system was t r i g g e r e d , two and one h a l f minutes a f t e r launch.
Second Test --
On November 4, NASA launched a second
under severe dynamic p r e s s u r e .
L i t t l e J o e from Wallops S t a t i o n t o t e s t t h e escape system
The launch v e h i c l e f u n c t i o n e d

x
- 54 -
well, b u t t h e escape r o c k e t i g n i t e d s e v e r a l seconds t o o l a t e ,
By t h a t time, aerodynamic p r e s s u r e had f a l l e n from i t s maxi-
mum of 1,000 pounds p e r s q u a r e f o o t t o 200 pounds p e r s q u a r e
f o o t , The t e s t f a i l e d t o a c h i e v e i t s primary o b j e c t i v e .
Other purposes of t h e f i r i n g were t o t e s t pa
and recovery. Both t h e drogue ( r i b b o n )
c h u t e s f u n c t i o n e d p r o p e r l y , opening a s pro
The main parachute was a u t o m a t i c a l l y detached when
c a p s u l e landed. A f t e r t h i s t e s t , a r e v i s e
designed and s i m u l a t e d a l t i t u d e t e s t s of t
t i o n system were made i n t h e Arnold Engineering Development
C e n t e r F a c i l i t i e s a t Tullahoma, Tennessee .
T h i r d Test-- A t h i r d L i t t l e Joe t e s t took p l a c e on
December 4. The launching, a t 11:15 a.m. EST.from Wallops
S t a t i o n , c a r r i e d t h e c a p s u l e t o a n a l t i t u d e o f 55 m i l e s .
Purpose was t o check o p e r a t i o n of t h e escape system a t high
a l t i t u d e . The escape r o c k e t f i r e d a t a n a l t i t u d e o f 95,000
f e e t , j u s t a f t e r L i t t l e Joe burnout
was 15 g.
.
-
Escape a c c e l e r a t i o n

The capsule c o n t a i n e d a biopack (a c o n t a i n e r w i t h equip-

ment t o support l i f e ) c a r r y i n g a rhesus. monkey. A s h i p
r e t r i e v e d t h e c a p s u l e from heavy seas a t 1:15'p.m. All loca-
t i o n and r e c o v e r y equipment on t h e c a p s u l e performed success-
f u l l y . The monkey, which had experienced 8 g a t launch and
15 g when t h e escape r o c k e t ' f i r e d , was recovered a l i v e and
well.
Fourth T e s t -- The f o u r t h L i t t l e Joe v e h i c l e was
launched on January 21, 1960 a t 9 : 2 3 a.m. EST from Wallops
S t a t i o n . The p r i n c i p a l o b j e c t i v e o f t h i s f l i g h t ,was t h e
same a s t h a t of t h e second L i t t l e Joe; namely, t o check t h e
performance of t h e P r o j e c t Mercury escape system a t maximum
aerodynamic stress c o n d i t i o n s . The c a p s u l e c a r r i e d a six-
pound r h e s u s monkey i n a t e s t of primate r e a c t i o n t o high
acceleration forces.
The escape system, which was t r i g g e r e d by r a d i o s i g n a l
from t h e ground, i g n i t e d a t 36,500 f e e t , w i t h s t a n d i n g 1,070
pounds o f ' a i r p r e s s u r e p e r s q u a r e f o o t a s it c a r r i e d t h e
c a p s u l e away from t h e b o o s t e r . A t i m i n g mechanism s e p a r a t e d
t h e escape tower from t h e c a p s u l e a t 48,900 f e e t . The cap-
s u l e ' s p a r a c h u t e s opened on schedule and t h e c a p s u l e landed
i n t h e A t l a n t i c Ocean 1 2 miles from Wallops S t a t i o n , T o t a l
f l i g h t time: e i g h t and one h a l f minutes. A h e l i c o p t e r
r e c o v e r e d t h e c a p s u l e w i t h i n f i v e minutes o f l a n d i n g . T h i s
f l i g h t confirmed t h e s a t i s f a c t o r y performance of t h e Mercury
e s c a p e system.

- 55 -
4k
u
k
4
4
4

i
a,
9
c,
Id
a
Q)

z;
E0
m
ID
d
a,
f.;i
ID
a,
4
?j
ia
P
u
McDonnell D e l i v e r s F i r s t Capsule
The first p r o d u c t i o n model of t h e P r o j e c t Mercury space
c a p s u l e was d e l i v e r e d t o Wallops S t a t i o n , Va., on A p r i l 1 by
t h e c o n t r a c t o r , McDonnell A i r c r a f t Corp., S t . Louis, M o ~ The
c a p s u l e , f i r s t of 24 c o n t r a c t e d f o r , i s instrumented f o r
escape system t e s t s t o be conducted by NASAfs Space Task
Group
Capsule Made S a f e r -= A number of changes have been made
i n t h e c a p s u l e t o r e n d e r it safer. F i r s t , a n a i r cushion
h a s been added t o provide a d d i t i o n a l impact p r o t e c t i o n i n
case t h e c a p s u l e l a n d s on t h e ground i n s t e a d of t h e water
pad) .
(which could occur, f o r example, i n a n a b o r t off t h e launch
T h i s cushion c o n s i s t s of an e x t e n d a b l e , four-foot-
long s k i r t of r u b b e r i a e d f i b e r g l a s s connecting t h e h e a t Bhield
with t h e capsule s t r u c t u r e .
After t h e main parachute i s deployed, t h e h e a t s h i e l d
i s released from t h e capsule and t h e bag f i l l s with a i r .
Upon impact, t h e a i r t r a p p e d between t h e h e a t s h i e l d and t h e
c a p s u l e v e n t s through t h e h o l e s i n t h e s k i r t , t h e r e b y pro-
v i d i n g t h e d e s i r e d cushioning e f f e c t .
The impact bag a l s o i n c r e a s e s t h e v e h i c l e f s s t a b i l i t y
i n a water l a n d i n g , s e r v i n g a s a sea anchor, a n d t h u s
p r e v e n t i n g t h e c a p s u l e from p i t c h i n g t o o a c t i v e l y .
Enlarged Window Provided -- An e n l a r g e d window, 2 1 X 11
i n c h e s , has been added t o r e p l a c e two smaller p o r t h o l e s .
T h i s w i l l a l l o w t h e a s t r o n a u t , i n case o t h e r systems f a i l ,
t o observe t h e o r i e n t a t i o n o f t h e v e h i c l e ; it w i l l a l s o pro-
v i d e him w i t h v i s u a l r e f e r e n c e f o r c o n t r o l l i n g h i s p o s i t i o n
during retrorocket f i r i n g .
--I n a d d i t i o n t o t h e t o p hatch,
provi r a quick-opening emergency h a t c h
w i t h i n t h e s i d e door, which i s b o l t e d i n p l a c e . The h a t c h
is opened by means of e x p l o s i v e b o l t s , The p i l o t can t r i g g e r
the! s i d e h a t c h from t h e i n s i d e , much a s a canopy is blown
from a j e t f i g h t e r plane.

Bath t h e c a p s u l e and r e t r o g r a d e r o c k e t s have been suc-

c e s s f u l l y f i r e d under s i m u l a t e d space c o n d i t i o n s a t t h e
Arnold Engineering Development Center wind t u n n e l , Tullahorna,
Tenn. I n a d d i t i o n , t h e c a p s u l e escape system r o c k e t has been
s u c c e s s f u l l y t e s t e d under t h e most c r i t i c a l c a p s u l e escape
c o n d i t i o n s i n f l i g h t , The r e t r o r o c k e t h a s not been e v a l u a t e d

- 57 -
a s y e t under f l i evelopment o f both t h e
capsule escap t s i s e s s e n t i a l l y complete
and q u a l i f i c a t i o n of t h e s e u n i t s is underway.
Parachute T e s t s C a r r i e d Out
More t h a n 100 parachute t e s t s have been made t o d a t e
w i t h a i r c r a f t and h e l i c o p t e r s . The parachute q u a l i f i c a t i o n
program i s n e a r i n g completion. I n a t y p i c a l t e s t , t h e one-
t o n t e s t c a p s u l e i s dropped from a t r a n s p o r t a i r c r a f t and
l a n d s a t a r a t e of 30 f e e t p e r second. After water c o n t a c t ,
t h e chute a u t o m a t i c a l l y releases i t s e l f and t h e t e s t c a p s u l e
remains a f l o a t u n t i l recovered.
Environmental C o n t r o l System Tests
The environmental c o n t r o l system must m a i n t a i n a l i v a b l e
atmosphere w i t h i n t h e c a p s u l e under space c o n d i t i o n s . The
first manned developmental system t e s t s were completed i n
November 1959, a t t h e AiResearch Manufacturing D i v i s i o n ,
Garrett Corporation. These t e s t s were conducted i n a n a l t i -
t u d e chamber t o determine t h e proper f u n c t i o n i n g of a l l sys-
tem components. P r e l i m i n a r y data from t h e s e t e s t s i n d i c a t e
t h a t t h e system o p e r a t e d s a t i s f a c t o r i l y .
Astronaut Pressure S u i t s Delivered
Prototype Goodrich f u l l - p r e s s u r e s u i t s f o r a s t r o n a u t
wear d u r i n g Mercury f l i g h t s were d e l i v e r e d t o NASA i n
November . These are modified Navy Mark I V s u i t s
A i r C r e w Equipment Laboratory (NACEL) , P h i l a d e l p h i a , Pa ,
. The Navy
.
f i t t e d t h e s u i t s t o t h e a s t r o n a u t s and i n d o c t r i n a t e d them i n
t h e i r use
T e s t s of t h e s u i t a t s i m u l a t e d high a l t i t u d e s and a t
h i g h t e m p e r a t u r e s have shown t h a t it e f f e c t i v e l y resists
h e a t . NASA, NACEL, and t h e Goodrich Co. are c o n t i n u i n g
developmental work on t h e s u i t .
After r e c e i v i n g t h e i r p r e s s u r e s u i t s , t h e a s t r o n a u t s .
v i s i t e d t h e McDonnell A i r c r a f t Corp., St. Louis, Mo., t o be
i n d i v i d u a l l y f i t t e d w i t h s p e c i a l couches on which t h e y w i l l
l i e d u r i n g t h e mission.
A t t i t u d e Sensing and Reaction C o n t r o l Systems
The a t t i t u d e s e n s i n g and r e a c t i o n c o n t r o l systems must
s t a b i l i z e t h e capsule, i n t h e p r o p e r r o t a t i o n a l p o s i t i o n i n
space. Horizon s c a n n e r s a r e used i n c o n j u n c t i o n with gyro-
scopes and a p p r o p r i a t e e l e c t r o n i c c i r c u i t r y t o sense a t t i -
tude of the capsule.

- 58 -
 4
e

OL
W

0
W

- 59 -

3
 Simulated mission t e s t s o f t h e complete a t t i t u d e sens-
i n g system were begun i n mid-January, For t h e s e l a b o r a t o r y
t e s t s an a r t i f i c i a l horizon was used, Performance of t h e
completed system was proven s a t i s f a c t o r y i n t e s t s made to-
date.
I n o r d e r t o permit r o t a t i o n a l movement of t h e capsule,
small hydrogen peroxide r o c k e t j e t s , b u i l t by t h e B e l l A i r -
c r a f t C O e , a r e provided. S u c c e s s f u l t e s t s o f t h e s e small
r e a c t i o n j e t s have r e c e n t l y been completed a t t h e L e w i s
Research Center,
Communications ( On-Board) and I n s t r u m e n t a t i o n
During t h e l a s t s i x months, e x t e n s i v e f i e l d t r i a l s of
t h e s e v e r a l communications systems i n t h e c a p s u l e have been
completed.
B i g Joe F l i g h t Test Results

Since t h e l a s t NASA Wemiannual Reporttt, which d e s c r i b e d

p r e l i m i n a r y r e s u l t s of t h e Big Joe launch of September 9, 1959
(p. 26), d e t a i l e d r e s u l t s have been a s s e s s e d . I n t h a t t e s t ,
a n Atlas boosted a f u l l - s c a l e instrumented b o i l e r p l a t e model
of t h e Mercury capsule t o n e a r - o r b i t a l speed and a n a l t i t u d e
of about 100 miles. The purpose was t o t e s t e n t r y c a p a b i l i t i e s ,
performance of t h e h e a t s h i e l d , c a p s u l e f l i g h t c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s
and capsule recovery .
A s mentioned p r e v i o u s l y , t h e h e a t s h i e l d s u c c e s s f u l l y
withstood e n t r y , t h e r e b y proving t h e design. The Big J o e
f l i g h t t e s t r e s u l t s have been used i n c o n j u n c t i o n with
r e s u l t s o b t a i n e d i n t h e Ordnance Aerophysics Laboratory
heated j e t t u n n e l a t D a i n g e r f i e l d , Texas, t o e v a l u a t e t h e
a f t e r b o d y h e a t i n g problem. The most s i g n i f i c a n t r e s u l t i s
an i n d i c a t i o n t h a t under t h e most c r i t i c a l a b o r t e n t r y
c o n d i t i o n s t h e a f t e r b o d y h e a t s h i e l d i n g i n c e r t a i n areas
may be marginal. Appropriate changes a r e b e i n g made t o t h e
h e a t s h i e l d i n g d e s i g n i n t h e s e areas,
Besides t h e h e a t i n g data o b t a i n e d from t h e Big J o e
f l i g h t t e s t , important aerodynamic s t a b i l i t y data were de-
r i v e d . The c a p s u l e ' s s t a b i l i t y ( i n h e r e n t tendency t o keep
t h e heat s h i e l d forward) proved b e t t e r t h a n had been a n t i c i -
pated.
Astronaut T r a i n i n g P r o g r e s s e s
The b i o l o g i c a l e f f e c t s of t h e w e i g h t l e s s n e s s t h a t t h e
a s t r o n a u t s w i l l experience i n o r b i t a l f l i g h t a r e l a r g e l y
unknown. During t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d , a s p a r t o f t h e t r a i n i n g
and f a m i l i a r i z a t i o n program, each a s t r o n a u t made f o u r "zero
g r a v i t y " f l i g h t s i n FlOOF a i r c r a f t , By f l y i n g a b a l l i s t i c

- 60 -
i
is tested at
t r a j e c t o r y , t h e a i r c r a f t can produce w e i g h t l e s s n e s s f o r a s
long a s 60 seconds.
Each a s t r o n a u t made h i s f i r s t two f l i g h t s a s a passen-
ger, f i r s t wearing a r e g u l a r f l y i n g s u i t , t h e n a Mark I V
p r e s s u r e s u i t . On t h e t h i r d f l i g h t , t h e a s t r o n a u t was a t
t h e . c o n t r o l s , and t h e f i n a l f l i g h t was a r e p e t i t i o n of t h e
f i r s t , t o permit comparison i n performances. .The a s t r o n a u t s
and t h e a i r c r a f t were instrumented; p h y s i o l o g i c a l and o t h e r
d a t a were t e l e m e t e r e d t o t h e ground. During w e i g h t l e s s
f l i g h t , t h e a s t r o n a u t s took s o l i d food (ground meat, e t c . )
from t o o t h p a s t e - l i k e t u b e s , and drank water from a squeeze
b o t t l e and a n o t h e r t y p e of e x p e r i m e n t a l b o t t l e . The space
foods and c o n t a i n e r s were developed by t h e Amy Quartermaster
Corps.
I n i t i a l s t u d i e s of c o l l e c t e d data show no unusual
r e a c t i o n s d u r i n g w e i g h t l e s s p e r i o d s . The a s t r o n a u t s r e p o r t e d
no d i f f i c u l t y i n f l y i n g t h e a i r p l a n e o r i n e a t i n g d u r i n g
weightless f l i g h t .
Manned C e n t r i f u g e Experiments -- During t h e f i r s t h a l f
of t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d , each a s t r o n a u t experienced about 10
hours of / s i m u l a t e d f l i g h t i n t h e manned c e n t r i f u g e a t t h e
Navy A v i a t i o n Medical A c c e l e r a t i o n Laboratory, J o h n s v i l l e ,
Pa., a t a c c e l e r a t i o n s a s high a s 18 g. While w h i r l i n g i n
t h e c e n t r i f u g e cab, t h e a s t r o n a u t c o n t r o l l e d t h e v e h i c l e
a t t i t u d e w i t h t h e manual c o n t r o l l e r which f e d s i g n a l s through
a n a n a l o g computer. They developed b r e a t h i n g t e c h n i q u e s t h a t
\prevented\ blackout and p e r m i t t e d them t o c o n t r o l t h e v e h i c l e
actively despite the high acceleration.
S t a t i c F l i g h t Simulator T r a i n i n g --
A t Langley Research
Center, t h e a s t r o n a u t s were t r a i n e d i n a fixed-base s i m u l a t o r
w i t h computer-driven i n s t r u m e n t s which p e r m i t t e d t h e a s t r o n a u t
t o p r a c t i c e capsule o r i e n t a t i o n during o r b i t , r e t r o - f i r e ,
and e n t r y i n t o t h e atmosphere.
Heat and P r e s s u r e Chamber F a m i l i a r i z a t i o n --
Each a s t r o -
naut a l s o s p e n t s e v e r a l hours i n a combination p r e s s u r e and
h e a t chamber which r e a l i s t i c a l l y c r e a t e s t h e c o n d i t i o n s
expected i n t h e Mercury capsule d u r i n g e n t r y . The a s t r o n a u t s
wore p r e s s u r e s u i t s during t h e s e t e s t s , which were conducted
a t t h e Navy Aircrew Equipment Laboratory, P h i l a d e l p h i a , Pa.
Basic S t u d i e s Completed -- By December 31, t h e a s t r o n a u t s
had completed b a s i c and t h e o r e t i c a l s t u d i e s i n t h e i r t r a i n i n g
program and had s t a r t e d p r a c t i c a l e n g i n e e r i n g s t u d i e s . T h i s
involved, f o r example, a t r a n s i t i o n from t h e t h e o r y of pro-
p u l s i o n t o s t u d y o f a c t u a l p r o p u l s i o n systems.
a
 Areas i n t h e t r a i n i n g program i n c l u d e such s u b j e c t s a s
a s t r o n a u t i c s , e l e c t r o n i c s , t r a j e c t o r i e s , guidance, r o c k e t s ,
.
and s c i e n t i f i c o b s e r v a t i o n s d u r i n g o r b i t a l f l i g h t As p a r t
of t h e t r a i n i n g , t h e a s t r o n a u t s v i s i t e d i n d u s t r i a l and
.Government f a c i l i t i e s engaged i n r o c k e t r e s e a r c h and develop-
ment and o t h e r space f l i g h t work.
V i s i t Planetarium --The a s t r o n a u t s v i s i t e d Morehead
Planetarium i n Chapel H i l l , N. C., where t h e y took a s h o r t
course i n c e l e s t i a l n a v i g a t i o n and r e c o g n i t i o n o f stars.
T h e i r t r a i n i n g also i n c l u d e d e x p e r i e n c e i n t h e M u l t i p l e
Axis A t t i t u d e C o n t r o l F a c i l i t y a t L e w i s Research Center i n
Cleveland. I n t h e f a c i l i t y , which s i m u l a t e s r o l l , p i t c h and
yaw motions simultaneously, t h e men expdrienced more s e v e r e
tumbling a c c e l e r a t i o n and v e l o c i t i e s t h a n are expected i n
Mercury c a p s u l e f l i g h t .
Capsule egress t r a i n i n g was conducted i n t h e Gulf of
Mexico off Pensacola, F l a . Although 10-foot swells were
experienced, no major problems were encountered. The a s t r o -
n a u t s a l s o t r a i n e d w i t h l i f e r a f t s ‘and o t h e r s u r v i v a l gear.
Mercury Tracking Network P r o g r e s s
The mission of t h e Mercury Tracking and Ground I n s t r u -
mentation Network i s t o provide a l l f u n c t i o n s f o r t h e ground
c o n t r o l and monitoring o f Mercury s u b - o r b i t a l and o r b i t a l
f l i g h t s from launch t o landing. When codlpleted, it w i l l be
capable o f p r o v i d i n g t r a c k i n g , t e l e m e t r y , command c o n t r o l
and communication coverage of t h e Mercury c a p s u l e on a three-
o r b i t mission.
Network R e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s --Mercury network r e s p o n s i b i l -
i t y i s a s f o l l o w s : t h e Space Task Group o f Goddard,Space
F l i g h t Center h a s o v e r - a l l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r P r o j e c t Mercury;
t h e Instrument R e s e a d h D i v i s i o n o f Langley Research Center
h a s t h e NASA r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r p l a n n i n g and d e s i g n i n g t h e
network; t h e Department o f Defense l e n d s t h e support o f
s e v e r a l of i t s range instrument s t a t i o n s a s does t h e Weapons
Research Establishment of t h e A u s t r a l i a n Government .
F i n a l o p e r a t i o n a l c o n t r o l of t h e network d u r i n g mission
o p e r a t i o n s w i l l be under t h e d i r e c t i o n of a NASA r e p r e s e n t a -
t i v e . The Western E l e c t r Company, Inc., h a s t h e prime
c o n t r a c t f o r t h e implementation of t h e n e t .
The t o t a l c o s t o f t h e network will be 50 t o $53 m i l -
lion. The network should be o p e r a t i o n a l by e a r l y 1961.
J
 Planning and Design Completed -- Progress through t h i s
r e p o r t p e r i o d i n c l u d e d completion of network planning and
d e s i g n . All s t a t i o n s i t e surveys have been made and f o r e i g n
s t a t i o n n e g o t i a t i o n h a s progressed s a t i s f a c t o r i l y . The
d e c i s i o n between a s h i p o r l a n d s t a t i o n i n t h e West Mexico
area has been made i n f a v o r o f t h e l a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n a s a
r e s u l t s o f f a v o r a b l e n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h t h e Government of
Mexico. C o n s t r u c t i o n h a s s t a r t e d a t s e v e r a l s i t e s , i n c l u d i n g
t h e Bermuda s t a t i o n , which has an e a r l y o p e r a t i o n a l r e a d i n e s s
d a t e t o accommodate s u b - o r b i t a l missions.
Ground Communications Readied --Planning and a r r a n g i n g
f o r ground communication l i n k s between s t a t i o n s i s a l s o
p r o g r e s s i n g . L e t t e r s of I n t e n t have been i s s u e d t o s e v e r a l
domestic and f o r e i g n commercial communications a g e n c i e s t o
b e g i n c a r r y i n g out t h i s work.
Production of , e l e c t r o n i c equipment f o r o u t f i t t i n g t h e
s t a t i o n s has be un. Modification of s u r l u s SCR-584 r a d a r s
7 P
t o t h e V e r l o r t Very Long Range Tracking radar c o n f i g u r a t i o n
i s proceeding on schedule. Mock-ups of d i s p l a y and c o n t r o l
c o n s o l e s f o r f i n a l e n g i n e e r i n g a p p r o v a l p r i o r t o production
have been completed.
An agreement was reached on March 19 w i t h Spain concern-
i n g e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a Mercury t r a c k i n g s t a t i o n i n t h e Canary
I s l a n d s and c o n s t r u c t i o n i s scheduled t o begin i n A p r i l 1960.
The a c t i v i t y a t t h i s s t a t i o n w i l l be c a r r i e d o u t i n c o l l a b o r a -
t i o n w i t h t h e I n s t i t u t o de Tgcnica Aeronsutica, of t h e
Spanish A i r M i n i s t r y .

On February 19, 1960, t h e X-15 Research Airplane No, 1

was d e l i v e r e d t o NASA by t h e c o n t r a c t o r , North American
A v i a t i o n , Inc., Los Angeles, C a l i f , To t h i s d a t e , a l l t e s t
f l i g h t s had been by t h e c o n t r a c t o r t o develop and prove t h e .
c a p a b i l i t y and r e l i a b i l i t y of t h e a i r p l a n e w i t h t h e i n t e r i m
engine .*
On March 25, NASA t e s t p i l o t Joseph A. Walker flew t h e
X-15 No. 1 f o r t h e f i r s t time under NASA-Air Force-Navy aus-
p i c e s . The f a m i l i a r i z a t i o n f l i g h t began a planned s e r i e s
t h a t would e v e n t u a l l y b r i n g t h e X-15 t o i t s maximum speed
and a l t i t u d e g o a l s with t h e i n t e r i m e n g i n e ,

* The XLR-11 i n t e r i m engines, t

8,000 pounds of t h r u s t each; t h e
h i c h a r e used, produce
f i n a l XLR-99 engine w i l l
have 50,000 pounds of t h r u s t .

- 66 -
d
X-15 No. 2 Reaches New Peak A l t i t u d e
Meanwhile, on February 11, X-15 No. 2 reached 86,000
f e e t , h i g h e s t a l t i t u d e y e t f o r t h i s a i r p l a n e , also powered
with i n t e r i m engines . Scott Crossfield, the contractor's
t e s t p i l o t , was a t t h e c o n t r o l s . The following week, t h e
p i l o t s u b j e c t e d t h e c r a f t t o r o l l maneuvers a t speeds a t
high a s Mach 1.56, and on March 17, s u b j e c t e d it t o s t i l l
more s e v e r e stresses.
Demonstration F l i g h t s Continued
Two a d d i t i o n a l c o n t r a c t o r demonstration f l i g h t s were
made t o d e t e r m i n e e f f e c t i v e n e s s of t h e s t a b i l i t y augmentation
system. Both f l i g h t s achieved a maximum Mach number of 2.0
and a peak a l t i t u d e of 50,000 f e e t . Launching o f t h e No. 2
a i r p l a n e on March 29, 1960, was preceded by a long c r u i s e a t
35,000 f e e t t o "cold soak" t h e a i r p l a n e ( b r i n g i't g r a d u a l l y
t o a low temperature and s u s t a i n it t h e r e f o r t e s t purposes)
t o s i m u l a t e l a t e r launching from Wendover AFB, Utah. All
systems o p e r a t e d w e l l a E n g i n e - s t a r t a f t e r launching was
s a t i s f a c t o r y . On March 21, 1960, a n o t h e r f l i g h t o f t h e
No. 2 a i r p l a n e gave proof o f good s t a b i l i t y and c o n t r o l
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s . Approach and l a n d i n g were a s planned.
XLR-99 Engine Ground T e s t s
Reaction Motors D i v i s i o n of Thiokol Chemical Co., con-
t r a c t o r f o r t h e f i n a l XLR-99 engine f o r t h e X-15, r e p o r t e d
s u c c e s s f u l completion on February 16 o f a s e r i e s of 36 t e s t s
a t t h e Arnold Engineering Development Center, Tullahoma,
Tenn. Tests i n c l u d e d e v a l u a t i o n o f s t a r t i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s ,
i d l i n g , h e a t t r a n s f e r and i g n i t i o n p r o p e r t i e s . Numerous
t y p e s o f m a l f u n c t i o n were s i m u l a t e d t o t e s t t h e engine's
s a f e t y f e a t u r e s . During f l i g h t , t h e XLR-99 engine can be
stopped and r e s t a r t e d , and i t s t h r u s t can be v a r i e d .

- 67 -
 CHAPTER 6
SPACE SCIENCES RESEARCH

NATURE OF ACTIVITIES
Among NASA's b e t t e r known r e s e a r c h t o o l s are i t s sound-
i n g r o c k e t s , s a t e l l i t e s , and deep space probes. These are
h i g h l y instrumented d e v i c e s f o r measuring t h e phenomena o f
t h e e a r t h 9 s atmosphere and space environment. Dispatched
on space missions, t h e y s e n s e , r e c o r d , and t r a n s n t i t funda-
mental in'formation on t h e s t r u c t u r e and c o n t e n t s of the
universe.
I n e f f e c t , . t h e sun and p l a n e t s and t h e space i n which
t h e y e x i s t a r e n a t u r a l l a b o r a t o r i e s where experiments on
matter and energy a r e c o n s t a n t l y i n p r o c e s s under extreme
c o n d i t i o n s and on enormous s c a l e s . Information accumulated
from m i s s i o n s i n t o t h e s e g i g a n t i c l a b o r a t o r i e s i s e s s e n t i a l
t o s c i e n t i f i c and t e c h n i c a l p r o g r e s s and t o add t o manvs
s t o r e of knowledge.
T h i s c h a p t e r r e c o u n t s p r o g r e s s i n some of t h e more
important phases of t h i s NASA endeavor.

PROGRESS
During the r e p o r t p e r i o d , t h e r e was s u b s t a n t i a l NASA
a c t i v i t y over a broad range of work r e l a t e d t o t h e space
sciences:
1. The s c i e n t i f i c s a t e l l i t e E x p l o r e r V I 1 and t h e u l t r a -
long-distance s o l a r o r b i t e r Pioneer V succeeded. (For
d e t a i l s , see Chapter 3 , "Ekperimental Missions,1t pp. 1 3 - 3 7 . )
2 . NASA began t o make a v a i l a b l e t o s c i e n t i s t s through-
o u t t h e world a d e s c r i p t i o n of %he t e c h n i q u e s needed t o
r e c o r d t h e t e l e m e t e r i n g codes of Explorer V I I .
3. NASA r e l e a s e d r e s u l t s from p a r t i a l a n a l y s e s o f d a t a
t r a n s m i t t e d by Vanguard I11
and Explorer V I -- -- launched September 18, 1959
launched August 7, 1959.
--
4. S t a f f s c i e n t i s t s of NASA p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e F i r s t
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Space Symposium o f t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Committee
on Space Research (COSPAR), Nice, France, January 8-16, 1960.
S c i e n t i f i c h i g h l i g h t s of t h e Conference appear below. (For
o t h e r information see Chapter 9, " I n t e r n a t i o n a l Programs,"
pp. 97 - 100.)

INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

F i r s t I n t e r n a t i o n a l Space Symposium
During t h e e i g h t days of meetings a t Nice, more t h a n
100 p a p e r s were d e l i v e r e d and d i s c u s s e d by d e l e g a t e s from
many n a t i o n s .U. S. s c i e n t i s t s c o n t r i b u t e d approximately
40 of t h e papers, of which NASA d e l e g a t e s d e l i v e r e d twelve.
Many U. S . papers were by members o f u n i v e r s i t y f a c u l t i e s
o r o t h e r groups wholly o r p a r t l y supported by NASA r e s e a r c h
grants.
The range o f s u b j e c t s was broad, e x t e n d i n g from discus-
s i o n s o f r o c k e t m e t e o r o l o g i c a l measurements and t h e n a t u r e
of t h e e a r t h ' s atmosphere t o cosmic r a d i a t i o n and i n t e r -
p l a n e t a r y gas. Rocket and s a t e l l i t e i n v e s t i g a t i o n s of t h e
ionosphere and of t h e e a r t h ' s magnetic f i e l d were covered,
a s were s o l a r r a d i a t i o n , t h e a u r o r a s , and a i r g l o w phenomena.
Separate s e s s i o n s were devoted t o t h e moon and t h e p l a n e t s ,
and t o meteoroids and i n t e r p l a n e t a r y d u s t . Scientific
r e s u l t s o b t a i n e d from t h e Explorer, Vanguard, and Pioneer
s e r i e s were pr'esented by U. S. s c i e n t i s t s . S o v i e t s c i e n t i s t s
r e p o r t e d information from t h e i r s a t e l l i t e s and l u n a r probes.
S c i e n t i s t s o f o t h e r n a t i o n s gave r e s u l t s from sounding r o c k e t
and l a b o r a t o r y experiments o r from t h e o r e t i c a l s t u d i e s .
Explorer V I 1 Telemetering Codes Released
I n keeping w i t h t h e U. S. o b j e c t i v e s o f encouraging
world c o o p e r a t i o n i n space e x p l o r a t i o n , i n January NASA made
a v a i l a b l e t o i n t e r e s t e d s c i e n t i s t s d e s c r i p t i o n s o f equipment
and t e c h n i q u e s f o r r e c e i v i n g and r e c o r d i n g d a t a from Explorer
V I I . As t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d ended, p l a n s were being made t o
g i v e o u t t h e d e t a i l s o f c a l i b r a t i o n s used f o r t h e experiments
c a r r i e d by t h e s a t e l l i t e . T h i s w i l l e n a b l e s c i e n t i s t s t h e
world over t o o b t a i n from t h e i r own r e c o r d i n g s o f Explorer
V I 1 t r a n s m i s s i o n s c a l i b r a t e d data from which t h e y can make
t h e i r own a n a l y s e s o f space phenomena-

SCIENTIFIC RESULTS TO DATE

Nature of R a d i a t i o n Region S t i l l C o n j e c t u r a l
A t i t s p r e s e n t s t a g e , space r e s e a r c h h a s j u s t begun t o
r e v e a l t h e complexity o f t h e phenomena being s t u d i e d and t o

- 70 -
p r o v i d e some u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e i n t e r r e l a t i o n s among t h e s e
phenomena. For i n s t a n c e , it i s now known that t h e e a r t h -
g i r d l i n g Great R a d i a t i o n Region
Van A l l e n -0
-- d i s c o v e r e d by James A.
undergoes d r a s t i c changes i n e x t e n t and i n t e n -
s i t y over p e r i o d s o f months. Moreover, great f l u c t u a t i o n s
have a l s o been r e c o r d e d i n a few hours. Apparently, some of
t h e changes r e s u l t d i r e c t l y from i n c r e a s e s and d e c r e a s e s i n
s o l a r a c t i v i t y . Other v a r i a t i o n s i n t h e e a r t h t s r a d i a t i o n
zones do n o t a p p e a r t o be r e l a t e d t o s o l a r d i s t u r b a n c e s .
Although i n f o r m a t i o n is f l o w i n g i n from e a c h new experiment,
t h e s o u r c e s and n a t u r e o f t h e p a r t i c l e s i n t h e r a d i a t i o n
r e g i o n a r e s t i l l o n l y p a r t l y understood.
Earth98 Magnetic F i e l d R e l a t i v e l y S t a b l e

Data from t h e magnetonieter c a r r i e d by Vanguard I11 have

d e l i n e a t e d t h e magnitude and d i r e c t i o n of t h e e a r t h t s magnetic
f i e l d i n t h e r e g i o n covered by t h e s a t e l l i t e t s o r b i t (between
a l t i t u d e s o f about 320 and 2330 miles, l a t i t u d e s of 33ON and
330s). A t t h e s e a l t i t u d e s , t h e magnetic f i e l d h a s been found
t o be s t a b l e f o r l o n g p e r i o d s , a l t h o u g h some short-term fluc-
t u a t i o n s have been d e t e c t e d t h a t r e q u i r e more t h e o r e t i c a l and
experiment a 1 s t u d y .
Hazards t o L i f e and S p a c e c r a f t Evaluated

It seems f a i r l y c e r t a i n t h a t t h e r a d i a t i o n surrounding
t h e e a r t h w i l l be a s e r i o u s hazard f o r manned f l i g h t . Per-
haps r a p i d passage through t h e r a d i a t i o n r e g i o n w i l l prevent
s e r i o u s b i o l o g i c a l damage. A greater danger t o manned space
f l i g h t may l i e i n t h e sudden b u r s t s of e n e r g e t i c p a r t i c l e s
and X-rays h u r l e d o u t from t h e sun at times o f s o l a r erup-
t i o n s . These c o n c e n t r a t e d bombardments cannot be p r e d i c t e d .
They seem t o e r u p t a t random and range i n a l l d i r e c t i o n s
t h r o u g h immense d i s t a n c e s o f space .
So f a r , space e x p l o r a t i o n has shown t h a t meteoroids and
micrometeoroids w i l l produce o n l y n e g l i g i b l e , damage t o satel-
l i t e s and probes. It a l s o a p p e a r 3 t h a t t e m p e r a t u r e s of t h e
s i m p l e r space p r o b e s and s a t e l l i t e s can be maintained w i t h i n
d e s i r e d l i m i t s by e n g i n e e r i n g design. Not y e t h a s it been
p o s s i b l e t o p r e d i c t a c c u r a t e l y a t w h a t rates t h e e f f e c t s o f
t h e r a d i a t i o n b e l t s w i l l s h o r t e n t h e l i f e of s o l a r c e l l s .
I n d i c a t i o n s are, however, that i f p r o t e c t i v e c o v e r i n g s are
used, damage may n o t be f a s t o r e x t e n s i v e enough t o make
s o l a r c e l l s i m p r a c t i c a l f o r s a t e l l i t e s and probes t r a v e l i n g
i n t h e r a d i a t i o n r e g i o n . Vanguard I s o l a r c e l l s are s t i l l
o p e r a t i n g a f t e r having been s u b j e c t e d t o t h i s r a d i a t i o n f o r
more t h a n two y e a r s .

- 71 -
 Recent NASA f i n d i n g s from a d e t a i l e d s t u d y of t h e o r b i t
of Vanguard I
mitting -- -- launched March 17, 1958, and s t i l l t r a n s -
show t h a t s u n l i g h t i n space exerts enough p r e s -
sure t o s h i f t t h e course o f t h e s a t e l l i t e by a b o u t one m i l e
per year. The d i s c o v e r y i s a s important a s it i s unexpected.
Although s c i e n c e h a s l o n g known t h a t l i g h t exerts minute h

p r e s s u r e , no one foresaw t h a t t h e f o r c e o f s o l a r r a d i a t i o n
could a f f e c t t h e o r b i t o f a s a t e l l i t e t o such a n e x t e n t i n
such a s h o r t t i m e ,
E a r t h ' s Pear-Shape Confirmed
T h a t t h e e a r t h i s s l i g h t l y pear-shaped was a g a i n shown
by s t u d y of t h e o r b i $ o f Explorer I. T h i s c o n f i r m d r e s u l t s
o b t a i n e d o r i g i n a l l y from t h e Vanguard I o r b i t (see NASA's
" F i r s t Semiannual Report t o Congress," October 1, 1958 --
March 31, 1 9 5 9 ) ,
R a d i a t i o n A f f e c t s Weather
S i g n i f i c a n t c o r r e l a t i o n s seem t o e x i s t between i n c i d e n c e
o f r a d i a t i o n and abnormal h e a t i n g o f t h e atmosphere. T h i s
may account f o r some of t h e c o r r e l a t i o n s of t e r r e s t r i a l
weather w i t h s o l a r s u r f a c e a c i t v i t y . There i s a l s o evidence
o f a r e l a t i o n between t h e r a d i a t i o n r e g i o n and a u r o r a s .

SPACE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

NASA space s c i e n c e r e s e a r c h is going forward i n two
p r i n c i p a l areas: 1) s a t e l l i t e and sounding r o c k e t programs,
and 2 ) l u n a r and p l a n e t a r y programs. The primary aim i s t o
i n c r e a s e man's knowledge by i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e e a r t h ' s atmos-
phere and t h e space beyond by'means of r o c k e t s and s a t e l l i t e s .
A s i n d i c a t e d e a r l i e r , t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e atmosphere
and space are b r o a d l y d e f i n e d by employing a wide v a r i e t y of
e x p l o r a t o r y i n s t r u m e n t s . Once t h i s i s done, s c i e n t i s t s can
d e s i g n advanced, ' h i g h l y s p e c i a l i z e d , and a c c u r a t e i n s t r u m e n t s
f o r more d e t a i l e d i n v e s t i g a t i o n .
S a t e l l i t e s and Sounding Rockets
Geophysics and Astronomy -- Scientific investigations
c a r r i e d o u t by s a t e l l i t e s and sounding r o c k e t s f a l l i n t o two
main/groups: - 1) Geophysical s t u d i e s of t h e e a r t h ' s upper
atmosphere, t h e immediate space environment o f t h e e a r t h ,
and t h e r o l e of s o l a r phenomena i n r e l a t i o n t o t e r r e s t r i a l
phenomena, 2 ) Astronomical s t u d i e s . Astronomy i s one of
t h e o l d e s t o f s c i e n t i f i c d i s c i p l i n e s , From it have come age-
o l d and i n c a l c u l a b l y great b e n e f i t s . As examples, from

- 72 -
a n c i e n t o b s e r v a t i o n of t h e heav n l y b o d i e s we l e a r n e d t o
measure time, t o n a v i g a t e t h e seas, and t o d e v i s e c a l e n d a r s ,
Atmospheric Veil P i e r c e d --
Since man first began
s t u d y i n g t h e sun, moon, and stars, h i s i n v e s t i g a t i o n s have
been hampered by t h e a b s o r b i n g e f f e c t s and the. d i s t o r t i o n s
o f t h e e a r t h t s atmosphere. D i s t o r t i o n of o b j e c t s s e e n
t h r o u g h t h e shimmer of midsummer h e a t i s a familiar example,
Sounding r o c k e t s and s a t e l l i t e s can c a r r y above t h e v e i l of
atmosphere many t y p e s of i n s t r u m e n t s t o s t u d y t h e heavens,
Even though t h e era of a r t i f i c i a l s a t e l l i t e s is less
t h a n t h r e e y e a r s o l d , s p e c t a c u l a r phenomena have a l r e a d y
been d i s c o v e r e d . Because s c i e n t i f i c r e s e a r c h i s t h e inves-
t i g a t i o n o f t h e unknown, it i s impossible t o p r e d i c t e x a c t l y
what w i l l be l e a r n e d i n coming years o r w h a t b e n e f i t s w i l l
be forthcoming, but h i s t o r y has demonstrated r e p h a t e d l y that
no l i n e of r e s e a r c h f a i l s t o add u l t i m a t e l y t o human welfare.
Moreover, t h e space s c i e n c e s may i n time answer p h i l o -
s o p h i c a l q u e s t i o n s t h a t have i n t r i g u e d t h e minds of men f o r
centuries,
Is t h e r e l i f e elsewhere t h a n on e a r t h ?
What i s t h e nature of t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p of t h e e a r t h t o
t h e moon, t h e p l a n e t s , t h e sun, and t h e u n i v e r s e ?
What can be f e a r n e d , a b o u t t h e o r i g i n of t h e u n i v e r s e ?
Scope o f Geophysical I n v e s t i g a t i o n s --
Geophysical
i n v e s t i g a t i o n s by s a t e l l i t e s and sounding r o c k e t s embrace a n
a r r a y of s c i e n c e s and p e n e t r a t e space e x t e n d i n g thousands of
miles from t h e e a r t h . NASAts g e o p h y s i c a l program c o n c e n t r a t e s
l a r g e l y on s t u d y i n g t h e atmosphere, ionosphere, e n e r g e t i c
p a r t i c l e s , and magnetic and e l e c t r i c f i e l d s .
The Atmosphere
NASA i s i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e p r o p e r t i e s and phenomena of
t h e atmosphere from t h e a l t i t u d e c e i l i n g of b a l l o o n s (about
20 m i l e s ) t o r e g i o n s of space beyond t h e last t r a c e s o f
atmosphere. The o b j e c t i s t o determine t h e composition of
t h e c o n s t i t u e n t ases and t h e s t r u c t u r e ( p r e s s u r e , d e n s i t y ,
7
and t e m p e r a t u r e s o f t h e atmosphere, and t o f i n d how t h e s e
p r o p e r t i e s v a r y from day t o n i g h t and from season t o season
a t d i f f e r e n t a l t i t u d e s and g e o g r a p h i c a l l o c a t i o n s . C l o s e l y
r e l a t e d work is going forward on: 1) u p e r atmospheric
P
winds and t h e i r c i r c u l a t i o n p a t t e r n s ; 2 s t u d i e s of s o l a r
a c t i v i t i e s t o c o r r e l a t e them with g e n e r a l atmospheric
b e h a v i o r ; and 3 ) s t u d i e s t o l e a r n how t h i s complex of i n t e r -
r e l a t i o n s a f f e c t s meteorological processes.

- 73 -
f
 Atmospheric S t r u c t u r e S a t e l l i t e --
Instruments f o r t h i s
400-lb s a t e l l i t e have been s e l e c t e d , and design and develop-
ment are under way a t Goddard S p a c e - F l i g h t Center. Taking-
p a r t # under NASA c o n t r a c t s , a r e t h e Consolidated Systems
.
Corp,, Monrovia, Calif ; NRC Equipment Corp,, Newton, Mass ,
a s u b s i d i a r y of N a t i o n a l Research Corp.; and t h e National
.
Research Corp., Cambridge, Mass. The s a t e l l i t e w i l l be
launched by a Delta Vehicle. B

Sounding Rocket A c t i v i t i e s --
Three Nike-Asp sounding
r o c k e t s f o r determining upper atmosphere winds were launched
from Wallops S t a t i o n on November 18, 19. and 20 (see Chapter
3 , "Experimental Missions," pp. 3 1 32). -
NASA p l a n s t o launch about 20 more sounding r o c k e t s
f o r upper atmosphere s t u d i e s . Half of t h e launchings w i l l
be f o r determining t e m p e r a t u r e s and winds a t a l t i t u d e s o f
from 20 t o 50 miles. T h i s w i l l be done by exploding s p e c i a l
g r e n a d e s h i g h i n t h e atmosphere and t h e n measuring t h e speed
o f t h e sound waves t o c a l c u l a t e t h e t e m p e r a t u r e s and winds
through which t h e waves pass. The program i s under Goddard
d i r e c t i o n , w i t h p a r t i c i p a t i o n by t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Michigan,
t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f New Mexico, and t h e S c h e l l i n g e r Research
I n s t i t u t e of Texas Western College.
The remaining r o c k e t s w i l l be launched f o r o t h e r inves-
t i g a t i o n s of t h e upper atmosphere --
f o r i n s t a n c e , determi-
n a t i o n of wind speeds and d i f f u s i o n by employing sodium
vapor r e l e a s e d h i g h i n t h e atmosphere and f o r s t u d i e s by
means o f mass and i o n s p e c t r o m e t e r s and d e n s i t y and p r e s s u r e
gauges. The sodium vapor experiments are conducted by t h e
Geophysics Corporation of America under NASA c o n t r a c t s ;
Goddard w i l l perform t h e o t h e r experiments. Some of t h e
experiments w i l l a l s o t e s t i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n f o r t h b Atmos-
pheric Structure S a t e l l i t e .
T h e o r e t i c a l and experimental a c t i v i t i e s o f NASA a r e
being augmented, under c o n t r a c t s , by work of t h e Geophysics
Corporation of America, t h e U n i v e r s i t y of Michigan, and t h e
Armour Research Foundation.
The Ionosphere
NASA i s i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e o r i g i n and v a r i a t i o n s of t h e
components of t h e ionosphere, t h e r e a s o n s f o r t h e i r varia-
t i o n s , and t h e i r g r o s s p r o p e r t i e s .
The ionosphere i s a r e g i o n of e l e c t r i c a l l y charged
( i o n i z e d ) gases, beginning about 35 miles above t h e s u r f a c e
o f t h e e a r t h . Maximum i o n i z a t i o n o c c u r s a t about 180 miles.
The r e g i o n i n c l u d e s a number of zones of somewhat d i f f e r e n t

- 74 -
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s ( c a l l e d t h e D, E, F , and F2 l a y e r s ) t h a t
v a r y i n a l t i t u d e and i o n i z a t i o n w i t k t h e time of day and
t h e season.
T h i s i o n i z a t i o n i s b e l i e v e d t o be caused p r i n c i p a l l y
by u l t r a v i o l e t r a y s , X-rays, and charged p a r t i c l e s streaming
from t h e sun. Long-range r a d i o communications are p o s s i b l e
because t h e e l e c t r o n s of t h e ionosphere r e f l e c t r a d i o waves
of low and medium f r e q u e n c y back t o e a r t h .
Among i n s t r u m e n t s used t o determine t h e numbers and
p r o p e r t i e s of t h e gases, i o n s , and e l e c t r o n s are i o n and
mass s p e c t r o m e t e r s , r a d i o frequency impedance probes, and
Langmuir probes .* Ra.dio-frequency propagation experiments
( d e t a i l e d s t u d i e s of t h e way r a d i o waves t r a v e l t h r o u g h t h e
i o n o s p h e r e ) of d i f f e r e n t t y p e s a r e a l s o used. For example,
a v e r y low frequency experiment was c a r r i e d i n Explorer V I .
Other experiments depend on d e t a i l e d a n a l y s i s of how t h e
ionosphere a f f e c t s s i g n a l s from s a t e l l i t e s o r space probes.
D i r e c t I o n o s p h e r i c Measurement by S a t e l l i t e--
s a t e l l i t e s w i l l be launched w i t h t h e major o b j e c t i v e of'
Several
d i r e c t l y s t u d y i n g t h e ionosphere, which i s of tremendous
importance t o r a d i o communications on e a r t h . The program w i l l
be under t h e p r o j e c t management of Goddard. The Marshall
Space F l i g h t Center, H u n t s v i l l e , Ala
assembling and t e s t i n g t h e payload. A
.,
is r e s p o n s i b l e f o r
p r o t o t y p e of t h e
i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n f o r t h e payload h a s been submitted f o r t e s t s
t o t h e Marshall Center by Goddard Center. Two more payloads
f o r f l i g h t - t e s t i n g are being assembled.
Ionosphere Beacon S a t e l l i t e -- Planned t o f o l l o w t h e
i o n o s p h e r i c measurement experiments i s a s a t e l l i t e which w i l l
g a t h e r information about e l e c t r o n d i s t r i b u t i o n and c h a r a e t e r -
i s t i c s of t h e ionosphere by s t u d y i n g i t s e f f e c t s on r a d i o
t r a n s m i s s i o n . The payload w i l l i n c l u d e e l e c t r o n i c equipment
f o r t h e simultaneous t r a n s m i s s i o n of s i x harmonically r e l a t e d
r a d i o s i g n a l s . Depending on t h e i r f r e q u e n c i e s , these s i g n a l s
w i l l be a f f e c t e d t o v a r y i n g d e g r e e s during t h e i r t r a v e l s
through t h e i o n o s p h e r i c r e g i o n . A n a l y s i s of t h e s i g n a l s w i l l
y i e l d i n f o r m a t i o n about t h e s t r u c t u r e and p r o p e r t i e s of t h e
r e g i o n . Goddard i s managing t h e p r o j e c t and Marshall i s
d e s i g n i n g , assembling, and t e s t i n g t h e payload. Other par-
t i c i p a n t s i n c l u d e t h e U n i v e r s i t y of Auckland, New Zealand;
t h e U n i v e r s i t y of I l l i n o i s ; Pennsylvania S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y ;
S t a n f o r d U n i v e r s i t y ; and t h e N a t i o n a l Bureau of S t a n d a r d s.
* Instruments; n o t t o be confused w i t h space probes.

- 75 -
 Topside Sounder -- After t h e Ionosphere Beacon s a t e l l i t e
experiments a r e completed, a t h i r d s a t e l l i t e , t h e "Topside
Sounder,1f w i l l be employed t o s t u d y t h e upper ionosphere by
radio-echo sounding -- a t e c h n i q u e , similar t o r a d a r , used
f o r y e a r s t o s t u d y t h e lower p o r t i o n s o f t h e ionosphere.
The n a t u r e o f t h e ionosphere makes it impossible t o o b t a i n
i n f o r m a t i o n about t h e upper r e g i o n from t h e ground because
r a d a r p u l s e s p e n e t r a t e t h e r e g i o n and continue on i n t o space
i n s t e a d o f r e f l e c t i n g back t o e a r t h . The Topside Sotlnder
w i l l be t h e first a t t e m p t t o a p p l y radio-echo sounding of
t h e ionosphere's t o p s u r f a c e from above. I n t h i s j o i n t
Canada-United S t a t e s program, t h e -ad i s being funded
and b u i l t by t h e Canadian Defence Research Telecommunications
Laboratory.
E l e c t r o n Density Probes -- Planned f o r fu,ture launch-
i n g by Sqout v e h i c l e s t h e s e two experiments w i l l . o b t a i n
v e r t i c a l p i c t u r e s of t h e s t r u c t u r e of t h e ionosphere from a
low a l t i t u d e t o one o f 6,000 miles o r more. Probe t r a j e c -
t o r i e s , r a t h e r t h a n s a t e l l i t e o r b i t s , w i l l be used f o r
measuring t h i s a l t i t u d e range i n a s h o r t i n t e r v a l o f time.
P a y l o a d s are being c o n s t r u c t e d by Goddard and t h e v e h i c l e s
a r e p a r t of a developmental s e r i e s o f e i g h t i n t h e Scout
p r o j e c t being d i r e c t e d by Langley Research Center.
As a p r e l i m i n a r y t o t h e s e probes, a n Aerobee-Hi sound-
i n g r o c k e t was s u c c e s s f u l on March 16. It reached a n a l t i -
t u d e of more t h a n 200 miles. Payload i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n worked
w e l l , a s d i d t e l e m e t r y . The d a t a a r e now b e i n g analyzed.
The launching was p a r t of a c t i v i t i e s being c a r r i e d o u t ,
under NASA r e s e a r c h c o n t r a c t s , by t h e U n i v e r s i t y of Michigan
and t h e U. S. Army B a l l i s t i c Research Laboratory. Other
p r e l i m i n a r y a c t i v i t i e s i n c l u d e several sounding r o c k e t s
t h a t w i l l c a r r y experiments designed by Goddard, t h e
U n i v e r s i t y of Michigan, and t h e Geophysics Corporation o f
America. Vehicle procurement and payload work i s on
s c he d u l e
Energetic P a r t i c l e s
R a d i a t i o n S a t e l l i t e Experiments --
The R a d i a t i o n B e l t
S a t e l l i t e scheduled f o r March 23, 1960, was t o be a n impor-
t a n t s t e p i n t h i s f i e l d . However, t h e launching was unsuc-
c e s s f u l (see "Experimental Missions", p. 3 0 ) .
Two such s a t e l l i t e s a r e planned f o r 1961. Launched by
Delta v e h i c l e s , t h e y w i l l have h e a v i e r payloads t h a n d i d
t h e 1960 R a d i a t i o n Belt S a t e l l i t e . I n a d d i t i o n t o e n e r g e t i c
p a r t i c l e d e t e c t o r s of t h e t y p e b u i l t f o r t h e 1960 s a t e l l i t e ,
e a c h of t h e 1961 s a t e l l i t e s w i l l a l s o c a r r y a magnetometer.
Thus i t w i l l be p o s s i b l e simultaneously t o measure and
c o r r e l a t e t h e magnetic f i e l d and t h e r a d i a t i o n i n i t s

- 76 -
J
 vicinity
the selectio
. velopment i s w e l l under way, a s i s
f o r t h e o p t i c a l - s e n s o r system
t h a t w i l l be i n s t a l l e d t o keep ground s t a t i o n s informed on
t h e s a t e l l i t e q s o r i e n t a t i o n . The p r o j e c t i s under Goddard
management .
soun
-- Under t h i s program, 10
ed t o i n v e s t i g a t e neutron
i n t e n s i t i e s , cosmic r a y s , and s o l a r p a r t i c l e s .
(Nuclear Emulsion Recovery V e h i c l e ) ,
mana d, i s inclEded i n tlfiis group-of s t u d i e s .
The p r o j e c t i n v o l v e s launching and r e c o v e r i n g small i n s t r u -
mented payloads a f t e r f l i g h t s t o a l t i t u d e s a s high a s 1,300
miles i n t o t h e r a d i a t i o n r e g i o n . NERV w i l l measure t h e
.
r a d i a t i o n r e g i o n more comprehensively t h a n i s p o s s i b l e a t
present
Bell-shaped, t h e payload i s 18 i n c h e s l o n g and 19 i n c h e s
i n diameter and c o n t a i n s s p e c i a l photographic emulsion t h a t
i s h i g h l y s e n s i t i v e t o n u c l e a r r a d i a t i o n . Tracks l e f t i n
t h e emulsion w i l l r e v e a l t h e l e v e l s of e n e r g i e s and t y p e s of
r a d i a t i o n encountered.
Because t h e d a t a c o n t a i n e d i n t h e emulsion t r a c k s can-
n o t be t e l e m e t e r e d , NERV must be recovered. Hence, it i s
b u i l t t o withstand s e v e r e l a n d i n g shocks, and t o f l o a t a f t e r
it l a n d s i n t h
On March 2, NASA completed pre-launch t e s t s o f t h e 75-
pound NERV v e h i c l e . The t e s t s included: 1) l a b o r a t o r y
s i m u l a t i o n s o f e n t r y i n t o - t h e atmosphere, and 2 ) drop-
recovery t e s t s i n the f i e l d .
The h e a t and b u f f e t i n g o f e n t r y were s i m u l a t e d i n t h e
Malta, N. Y., l a b o r a t o r y of t h e c o n t r a c t o r , General E l e c t r i c
Co. I n t h e r e c o v e r y t e s t s , a n F-104. S t a r f i g h t e r a i r c r a f t
dropped t h e v e h i c l e from an a l t i t u d e o f seven miles over t h e
. P a c i f i c Missile Range, near San Nicholas I s l a n d , C a l i f . A l l
e l e m e n t s of t h e NERV r e c o v e r y system o p e r a t e d a s planned,
i n c l u d i n g p a r a c h u t e s , s e a r c h beacon, f l a s h i n g l i g h t , ' r a d a r
c h a f f ( c o n f e t t i - l i k e s t r i p s of aluminum f o i l
t i v e t o r a d a r impulses --
-- highly reflec-
t h a t will be e j e c t e d t o a i d i n
t r a c k i n g t h e v e h i c l e ) , and dye marker t o s t a i n t h e sea, so
t h a t s u r f a c e v e s s e l s may r e a d i l y l o c a t e and r e c o v e r t h e NERV
payload.
Neutron i n t e n s i t y experiments are being c a r r i e d out by
New York U n i v e r s i t y under a NASA r e s e a r c h g r a n t . These
experiments w i l l be flown l a t e r t h i s y e a r i n an Aerobee-Hi
sounding r o c k e t e

- 77 -
 n t s ) , another i n the
eries, c o n s i s t s of
vera1 of them

i t y distribu-
t h i s experiment w i l l be both t o o u r
understanding of s o l a r p

O f key impor s Vanguard I11

(launched Septemb po s s i b l e ext en s i v e
mapping of a l a r g h p o r t i o n o f .the
e a r t h ’ s magnetic u l t s o f Vanguard I11
d a t a were noted e produced q u a n t i t i e s
of i n f o r m a t i o n ; a o n t h s t o come.
equipped w i t h
gnetic f i e l d s
space. Mag-
t e s launched
and o t h e r geo-

NASA h a s sehe gs from Wallops

S t a t i o n t o measure Id and t o inves-
t igate f l u c t u a t i o n
r e n t s i n t h e ionos 11 be i n s t r u -
mented by t h e Univ
magnetometers for

Scientific a a t i n g under its

astronomy progra onomy and S o l a r

J
P h y s i c s i n c l u d i n Gamma Ray Astrono y; R e l a t i v i t y I n v e s t i -
9
g a t i o n s ; and Rad o Astronomy. (For d e t a i l e d d e s c r i p t i o n ,
see NASAts '@SecondSemiannual Report t o Congress?? A p r i l 1 --
September 30, 1959.)
During t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d , work went forward on f o u r
s a t e l l i t e s , an accompanying sounding r o c k e t program, r e l a t e d
t h e o r e t i c a l and l a b o r a t o r y s t u d i e s , and instrument develop-
ment and design.
Gamma Ray Astronomy S a t e l l i t e
T h i s s a t e l l i t e is being developed t o i n v e s t i g a t e gamma
rays -0 high energy . r a d i a t i o n of extremely s h o r t wavelength
a s s o c i a t e d with t h e i n t e r a c t i o n o f cosmic r a y s o r o t h e r
e n e r g e t i c p a r t i c l e s w i t h matter. The s a t e l l i t e w i l l be
equipped w i t h i n s t r u m e n t s t o d e t e c t and map e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l
gamma r a y s i n space ( t h a t is, gamma r a d i a t i o n o r i g i n a t i n g
from unknown s o u r c e s i n s p a c e ) , and t o measure gamma r a y
phenomena a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e e a r t h t s atmosphere.
Gamma Ray Telescope
The b a s i c d e s i g n of a " t e l e s c o p e , " s p e c i a l l y designed
t o measure gamma r a y s , and t o determine t h e r e g i o n s of t h e
sky from which t h e r a d i a t i o n comes, was completed by t h e
Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e of Technology. A prototype model
was d e l i v e r e d t o t h e Marshall Space F l i g h t Center f o r
assembly w i t h t h e s a t e l l i t e housing, t e l e m e t r y equipment,
and s o l a r - c e l l power supply. Heat, e l e c t r i c a l , and mechani-
c a l t e s t s of t h e p r o t o t y p e payload are scheduled t o begin
i n June.
The s a t e l l i t e i s under t h e t e c h n i c a l management of
Goddard Space F l i g h t Center. Plans c a l l f o r use of a Juno I1
launch vehicle.

Work i s i n p r o g r e s s on two s o l a r spectroscopy s a t e l l i t

which w i l l measure t h e e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c r a d i a t i o n f r o m t h e
sun i n t h e u l t r a v i o l e t , X-ray, and gamma r a y r e g i o n s of t h e
spectrum and w i l l s t u d y time v a r i a t i o n s o f t h e s e emissions.
I n " v i s i b l e l i g h t " spectroscopy, l i g h t i s s e p a r a t e d i n t o i t s
i n d i v i d u a l component c o l o r s o r wavelengths. T h i s is c a l l e d
a spectrum. Study of a spectrum p r o v i d e s d e t a i l e d informa-
t i o n a b o u t t h e composition and p r o p e r t i e s of t h e source
emitting the l i g h t .
The s o l a r s p e c t r o s c o p y experiments w i l l be used t o stu
some of t h e i n v i s i b l e " l i g h t " e m i t t e d by t h e sun. The satel-
l i t e s w i l l be t h e f i r s t capable of performing i n t e n s i v e
i n v e s t i g a t i o n s of t h e s e s o l a r r a d i a t i o n s which are absorbed
by t h e e a r t h ' s atmosphere and hence cannot be s t u d i e d from
t h e ground.
Neutron monitor experiments, prepared by t h e Lawrence
R a d i a t i o n Laboratory, w i l l also be c a r r i e d o u t , The e x p e r i -
ments w i l l employ d e t e c t o r arrangements capable o f counting
n e u t r o n s i n t h e presence of o t h e r e n e r g e t i c p a r t i c l e s . The
o b j e c t i v e s a r e t o determine whether p a r t i c l e s i n t h e r a d i a -
t i o n zone o r i g i n a t e from t h e decay of n e u t r o n s and whether
t h e s e n e u t r o n s come f r o m t h e e a r t h o r from t h e sun o r o t h e r
sources.
C o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e s a t e l l i t e s t r u c t u r e and t h e f l i g h t -
p o i n t i n g c o n t r o l system i s under way. An o p e r a t i n g model of
t h e p o i n t i n g c o n t r o l t h a t w i l l keep t h e payload i n s t r u m e n t s
t r a i n e d on t h e sun was completed by Ball B r o t h e r s Research
Corp., Boulder, Colo., and has met a l l t e s t requirements.
Design of t h e payload e l e c t r o n i c s system was completed i n
February 1960, when t h e need f o r g r e a t e r r e l i a b i l i t y d i c t a t e d
t h a t two s e p a r a t e data-handling systems should be i n s t a l l e d .
If one m a l f u n c t i o n s , t h e o t h e r can be commanded t o take over.
The s a t e l l i t e w i l l be launched by a Delta v e h i c l e ,
O r b i t i n g Astronomical Observatory
O b j e c t i v e of t h e f o u r t h s a t e l l i t e under t h e astronomy
program i s t o s t u d y t h e stars, sun, nebulas, and p l a n e t s by
means of a t e l e s c o p e mounted on a n unmanned s a t e l l i t e t h a t
w i l l o r b i t t h e e a r t h well beyond t h e atmosphere. Above t h e
a b s o r b i n g and i n t e r f e r i n g e f f e c t s of t h e - e a r t h ' s gaseous
envelope, t h e o b s e r v a t o r y may h e l p s o l v e many of t h e myster-
i e s of t h e u n i v e r s e , i t s composition and o r i g i n , t h a t are
hidden from us today.
Before t h e o r b i t i n g o b s e r v a t o r y i s f e a s i b l e , many i n t r i -
c a t e problems must be solved. For example, means must be
a s s u r e d t o s t a b i l i z e t h e s a t e l l i t e s o t h a t t h e t e l e s c o p e can
be p o i n t e d a c c u r a t e l y toward t h e p l a n e t s i n o u r s o l a r system
and toward t h e s t a r s . To accomplish t h i s , p r e c i s i o n c o n t r o l
.
o f a degree never b e f o r e a t t e m p t e d i n a s a t e l l i t e must be
a t t a f ne d
Work i n P r o g r e s s -- C o n t r a c t s have been l e t t o s e v e r a l
u n i v e r s i t i e s f o r p r e l i m i n a r y s t u d i e s and experiments. NASA's
A m e s Research Center h a s made e n g i n e e r i n g s t u d i e s and worked
on s p e c i f i c a t i o n s f o r t h e s t a b i l i z a t i o n equipment. I n
December 1959, a b r i e f i n g on t h i s p r o j e c t f o r i n t e r e s t e d
members of i n d u s t r y was h e l d a t NASA Headquarters and a t t e n d e d -
by soma 150 persons. Purpose was t o provide f u r t h e r i n f o r -
.
mation on r e q u i r e m e n t s and p l a n n i n g t o companies which have
shown a n e a r l i e r i n t e r e s t i n t h e p r o j e c t

- 80 -
 I n February 1960, t h e d e t a i l e d t e c h n i c a l management
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r t h e O r b i t i n g Astronomical Observatory was
a s s i g n e d t o Goddard.
Work is c o n t i n u i n g on t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n s f o r t h e s t a b i -
l i a e d p l a t f o r m . I n March 1960, s p e c i f i c a t i o n s were reviewed
t h i s project .
and d i s c u s s e d w i t h t h e members o f t h e NASA Working Group f o r
When t h e s p e c i f i c a t i o n s are completed, propos-
a l s f o r e n g i n e e r i n g d e s i g n and f a b r i c a t i o n w i l l be r e q u e s t e d
from i n d u s t r i a l s o u r c e s .
Sounding Rockets W i l l Be Used --
About a dozen sounding
r o c k e t s f o r t h e astronomy program a r e scheduled f o r e x p e r i -
ments between A p r i l and October 1960. Designed and b u i l t
by Goddard, t h e payloads w i l l i n c l u d e experiments f o r s o l a r
s p e c t r o s c o p y and f o r d e t e c t i o n of areas of u l t r a v i o l e t emis-
s i o n i n space.
Supporting and R e l a t e d A c t i v i t i e s
P a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t h e astronomy p r o j e c t , t h e U n i v e r s i t y
o f Michigan has been s t u d y i n g low-frequency, cosmic back-
ground r a d i o n o i s e . Also c l o s e l y r e l a t e d i s work being done
by t h e Canadian Defence Telecommunications Board i n t h e
p r e v i o u s l y noted c o o p e r a t i v e Topside Sounder program.
Under t h e R e l a t i v i t y I n v e s t i g a t i o n P r o j e c t , NASA con-
t r a c t s are i n e f f e c t w i t h t h e N a t i o n a l Bureau of S t a n d a r d s
and Hughes A i r c r a f t Company f o r t h e development of v e r y
a c c u r a t e atomic c l o c k s o r frequency s t a n d a r d s w i t h v e r y l o n g
s t a b i l i t y o r accuracy. The Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e of Tech-
nology i s developing s p e c i a l i z e d e l e c t r o n i c c i r c u i t s and
r e l a t i v i t y t h r o u g h use of s a t e l l i t e s.
t e c h n i q u e s f o r a n experiment t o t e s t E i n s t e i n ' s t h e o r y of
Detailed planning f o r
such a s a t e l l i t e t e s t by a s t u d y of t h e g r a v i t a t i o n a l r e d
s h i f t e f f e c t must await t h e outcome of t h e ground-based
t e s t s now being conducted by a new technique i n s e v e r a l
l a b o r a t o r i e s . However, a s t h e a c c u r a t e frequency s t a n d a r d s
w i l l have many o t h e r u s e s i n space technology, t h e c l o c k
development phase of t h i s program w i l l be continued..
Supporting t h e o r e t i c a l , e x p e r i m e n t a l , and instrumenta-
t i o n s t u d i e s f o r t h e astronomy program are b e i n g conducted a t
Goddard, and by i n d u s t r i a l o r g a n i z a t i o n s and u n i v e r s i t i e s
under NASA c o n t r a c t s ( l i s t e d i n Appendices L and M ) .
T h e o r e t i c a l Work
Research undertaken by t h e T h e o r e t i c a l D i v i s i o n of
Goddard i n c l u d e s a program i n c e l e s t i a l mechanics. R e s u l t s
under t h e program were touched upon e a r l i e r i n t h i s c h a p t e r .

- 81 -
I n a d d i t i o n , a s p e c i a l method f o r r a p i d d e t e r m i n a t i o n of
s a t e l l i t e o r b i t s from r a d a r d a t a h a s been developed.
S t u d i e s are being pursued and new t h e o r i e s a r e being
developed t o d e s c r i b e l u n a r p r o p e r t i e s and motion. The work
i s a n e c e s s a r y prelude t o space probe and s a t e l l i t e i n v e s t i -
g a t i o n s o f t h e moon. Goddard i s developing a t h e o r e t i c a l
r e s e a r c h program keyed p a r t i c u l a r l y t o t h e d a t a on u l t r a -
.
v i o l e t s p e c t r a expected t o be o b t a i n e d from t h e o r b i t i n g
astronomical observatory

- 82 -
a
 CHAPTER 7
SATELLITE APPLICATIONS

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS MADE

NASA i s b r i n g i n g s u b s t a n t i a l e f f o r t t o b e a r on t h e de-
velopment of s p e c i a l s a t e l l i t e s t o advance t h e t e c h n o l o g i e s
o f weather forecasting and t e l e r a d i o communications. It i s
i n p r a c t i c a l f i e l d s such a s t h e s e t h a t t h e i n f o r m a t i o n drawn
from s c i e n t i f i c space m i s s i o n s can now be u t i l i z e d t o great-
e s t advantage.
Within t h e next decade, s a t e l l i t e s should be i n r o u t i n e
s e r v i c e t o f u r n i s h m e t e o r o l o g i c a l o b s e r v a t i o n s on a g l o b a l
s c a l e s o t h a t a l l t h e i n t e r d e p e n d e n t phenomena of weather i n
t h e making can be q u i c k l y s i f t e d , analyzed, and understood
on a scope impossible today. A s m e t e o r o l o g i s t s g a i n b e t t e r
i n s i g h t i n t o how t h e complex f a c t o r s f i t t o g e t h e r , v a s t l y
improved and longer-range weather p r e d i c t i o n w i l l f o l l o w .
I n t h e communications f i e l d , e a r l y NASA work is d i r e c t e d
toward developing t e c h n i q u e s from which w i l l evolve a world-
wide t e l e r a d i o system. A t t h i s stage, a c t i v i t i e s a r e cen-
t e r e d on f a i r l y simple d e v i c e s t o t e s t equipment and p r i n c i -
ples .
Meteorological S a t e l l i t e Programs
I n October 1959, Explorer VI1 p l a c e d i n e a r t h o r b i t
equipment t o measure and t r a n s m i t much i n f o r m a t i o n on t h e
phenomena t h a t make up weather (see Chapter 3 , "Experimental
Missions," pp. 13 - 2 0 ) . Although t h e s a t e l l i t e was not
designed s p e c i f i c a l l y f o r such o b s e r v a t i o n s , Explorer VI1
c a r r i e d and experiment t o determine how much h e a t t h e e a r t h
r e c e i v e s from t h e sun and how much i s r a d i a t e d back i n t o
space. Data a r e s t i l l being c o l l e c t e d and i n t e r p r e t e d .
During t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d , a large e f f o r t was devoted
t o f a b r i c a t i n g and t e s t i n g TIROS I ( o r b i t i n g on A p r i l 1) and
t o o r g a n i z i n g means f o r a c q u i r i n g and i n t e r p r e t i n g d a t a from
t h e s a t e l l i t e (see Chapter 3 , ttExperimental Missions,"
pp. 24 - 3 0 ) .
As p r e p a r a t i o n s f o r launching TIROS went on, p l a n s
were maturing f o r i t s s e q u e l , a f a m i l y of s a t e l l i t e s c a l l e d
Nimbus. All Nimbus s a t e l l i t e s w i l l have t h e same b a s i c
s t r u c t u r e and components -- such a s t e l e m e t r y , s t a b i l i z i n g

- 83 -
f
equipment, e t c . -- along w i t h p r o v i s i o n s f o r i n s t a l l i n g im-
proved o r new instrumentation. Nimbus ill be launched i n t o
p o l a r o r b i t and o r i e n t e d t o f a c e t h e e a r t h cat a l l times; it
can t h u s view t h e e n t i r e g l o b e and provide f a r more weather
information t h a n i s p o s s i b l e w i t h TIROS.
According t o c u r r e n t p l a n s , TIROS I1 w i l l be launched
l a t e i n 1960 and TIROS IIa d u r i n g t h e first h a l f of 1961,
About s i x months l a t e r , Nimbus I w i l l be launched, followed
by Nimbus I1 i n 1962 and+Iirnbus I11 i n 1963. TIROS lamch-
i n g s w i l l use t h e Delta v e h i c l e , and Nimbus the Thor-Agena Bo
Communications S a t e l l i t e

+-
Pro e c t Echo NASA's e f f o r t i n t h e communications f i e l d
has been concen rated l a r g e l y on P r o j e c t Echo, an experimental
communications s a t e l l i t e program, I n P r o j e c t Echo, 100-foot
diameter i n f l a t a b l e spheres composed of micro-thin aluminiaed
polymer p l a s t i c t o r e f l e c t e l e c t r o - a a g n e t i c (radio) waves, w i l l
be f i r e d i n t o 1,000-aile a l t i t u d e o r b i t s . O p e r a t i o n a l com-
munications s a t e l l i t e s w i l l be i n j e c t e d i n t o e q u a t o r i a l o r b i t s
a t an a l t i t u d e of 22,300 miles. P r o j e c t Echo is designed t o :
1) Study t h e e f f e c t s of space c o n d i t i o n s on s a t e l l i t e s
w i t h l a r g e s u r f a c e areas p e r u n i t weight; 2 ) measure reflec-
t i v i t y of t h e spheres and t h e manner i n which radiq waves
t r a v e l through and a r e a f f e c t e d by space; and 3 ) determine
t h e f e a s i b i l i t y of u s i n g such s a t e l l i t e s as radiowave ref'lec-
t o r s i n worldwide communications systems.
: Over-all management of P r o j e c t
e F l i g h t Center, Langley Research
are being c a r r i e d
. The communications experiments
o u t by t h e J e t Propulsion Laboratory at its
Goldstone, Calif., s t a t i o n and by t h e B e l l Telephone Laborato-
r i e s , Holmdel, N. J. The Naval Research Laboratory w i l l par-
t i c i p a t e from i t s Stump Neck, Md., site.
The Army, t h e A i r Force, and seven e d u c a t i o n a l and indus-
t r i a l i n s t i t u t i o n s have volunteered t o perform independent
experiments. Other o r g a n i z a t i o n s have made i n q u i r i e s .
I n England, t h e J o d r e l l Bank f a c i l i t y o f t h e U n i v e r s i t y
of Manchester w i l l attempt t o r e c e i v e t r a n s m i s s i o n from
Holmdel, S c i e n t i s t s from s e v e r a l o t h e r c o u n t r i e s have i n d i -
c a t e d t o NASA t h a t t h e y w i l l make use of P r o j e c t Echo f o r
experiments.

ings --
: Payload t e s t i n g and development f o r Echo launch-
lete i n c l u d i n g s p h e r e d e s i g n and f a b r i c a t i o n ,
r e f l e c t i v i t y measurements, i n f l a t i o n and f o l d i n g techniques,
c o n t a i n e r d e s i g n and payload-vehicle compatability.
 t
c,

d.El
I
c,
W
Q)
c,

J
 The payload i 005-inch t h i c k alurai-
polymer p l a he s p h e r e is 100 feet i n
t e r and h a s 0,000 c u b i c feet.
The metal c o n t a i n e r f o r t h e f o l d e d sphere c o n s i s t s o f two

t h e rsphere b e f o r e sealing.
IIA8L k l - f o ~ t - d i etsr vaouum c a t Langley, scale
models of t h e sphere ave been t e s t naively t o find t h e
r i a a t i o n rrrethods and techni r aeparatiw the
r and for ejecting and i n f he p l a s t i c sphere.
Two ereparation and i n i t i a l ( p a r t i a l ) i n f l a t i o n t e s t s with a
f u l l - s i a e l o b f o o t s p h e r e were 8 ~ 1 8made
~ i n t h e chamber.
The first E ho launching was
t h e r l a u n c h i n s are planned for t h e

S u b o r b i t a l Tests: Along with t h e vacuum-chamber t e s t s ,

s u b o r b i t a l t e s t s of t h e Echo payload and of t h e third-stage
Delta v e h i c l e were made by Langley t e c h n i c i a n s a t Wallops
Stat ion.

rockets at l i f t o f f -- --
The Echo v e h i c l e , assembled s p e c i f i c a l l y f o r t h e tests,
c o n s i s t s of a Sergeant first-stage assisted by two R e c r u i t
and an X-248 r o c k e t engine as second
s t a g e ( t h e X-248 comprises t h e t h i r d stage o f t h e Delta).
During t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d , there were a l s o f o u r s u b o r b i t a l Echo
lawachings.
In t h e first s u b o r b i t a l t e s t ,
lift ST, October 28, 1959. The v e h i c l e
performed w e l l , b u t t h e s p h e r e r u p t u r e d when it was ejected
from t h e c o n t a i n e r and inflated. S e v e r a l fragments Separated
from t h e main body and continued along t h e b a l l i s t i c trajec--
t o r y , r i s i n g t o an a l t i t u d e o f about 250 miles and e n t e r i n g

* F a i l e d Hay 13.
 t h e atmosphere some 500 miles down-range, e a s t of Wallops.
The sphere was v i s i b l e a l o n g t h e E a s t e r n seaboard. Even
though t h e p l a s t i c r u p t u r e d , r e f l e c t e d s i g n a l s from t h e
. DAMP r a d a r o f t h e Radio Corporation of America, a t Moores-
town, N. J., were r e c e i v e d a t Wallops.
Among probable c a u s e s f o r t h e s p h e r e % r u p t u r e are:
1) c o n c e n t r a t e d stresses i n t h e f o l d e d p l a s t i c , o r 2 ) ex-
p l o s i o n of one o f t h e b o t t l e s c o n t a i n i n g water used i n t h i s
experiment t o i n f l a t e t h e s p h e r e . ( S t r e s s e s i n t h e s k i n of
t h e sphere have been r e d i s t r i b u t e d and l e s s e n e d by employing
a new f o l d i n g technique a W a t e r - i n f l a t i o n h a s been d i s c a r d e d
i n f a v o r of benzoic a c i d s u b l i m a t i n g powders, a s e a r l i e r
noted. )
Second S u b o r b i t a l Test: The second t e s t was made from
Wallops on January 16, a t 5:35 p.m. EST. A t a n a l t i t u d e of
250 miles,, a s h o r t c i r c u i t i n t h e launch v e h i c l e second
stage prevented f i r i n g of t h e de-spin r o c k e t s , and of t h e
r e t r o r o c k e t s which slow t h e second stage t o prevent c o l l i s i o n
with t h e i n f l a t e d s p h e r e . The X-248 engine r i p p e d through
t h e p a r t i a l l y i n f l a t e d s p h e r e , r e l e a s i n g t h e benzoic a c i d g a s .
D e s p i t e t h i s a c c i d e n t , a B e l l Telephone Laboratopy
t r a n s m i t t e r a t Holmdel, N, J., r e f l e c t e d a r a d i o s i g n a l o f f
t h e s p h e r e t o r e c e i v e r s a t t h e General E l e c t r i c L a b o r a t o r i e s ,
Schenectady, N, Ye, and t o t h e Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e of
Technology?s Lincoln Laboratory, Round H i l l , Mass. Because
i n f l a t i o n had been incomplete, t h e s i g n a l s were below ex-
pected strength,
Third Test -- Voice Transmitted Via Sphere: The t h i r d
s u b o r b i t a l experiment was launched a t 6 :2U p,m, EST, Febru-
a r y 27, from Wallops StatiQn. The payload was i d e n t i c a l
w i t h t h a t of t h e second t e s t , except t h a t a r e d f l u o r e s c e n t
powder was used a s p a r t o f t h e s u b l i m a t i n g material. Also,
t h e e l e c t r i c a l system of t h e v e h i c l e had been changed t o
p r e v e n t r e p e t i t i o n of t h e p r e v i o u s f a i l u r e , As t h e sphere
proceeded a l o n g i t s t r a j e c t o r y , a r e d glow appeared t o i t s
l e f t . Undoubtedly r e d f l u o r e s c e n t powder blown through a
h o l e i n t h e s k i n accounted f o r t h e glow, What caused t h e
h o l e i s n o t known, b u t measures have been t a k e n t o reduce
i n t e r n a l p r e s s u r e i n t h e f o l d e d s p h e r e t o slow i n i t i a l ex-
pansion.
D e s p i t e t h e i n f l a t i o n f a i l u r e , t h e Bell L a b o r a t o r i e s
t r a n s m i t t e d a t a p e d v o i c e message o f 1 2 s e n t e n c e s v i a t h e
r s p h e r e t o t h e General E l e c t r i c and Lincoln L a b o r a t o r i e s
s t a t i o n s . Volume of t h e message was o n l y s l i g h t l y below
t h e planned l e v e l .

- 87 -
 A p r i l Test Succeeds: NASA achieved i t s f i r s t completely
s u c c e s s f u l launching, e j e c t i o n , and i n f l a t i m of a 100-foot-
d i a m e t e r i n f l a t a b l e - s p h e r e i n a s u b o r b i t a l t r a j e c t o r y on
A p r i l 1, E j e c t i o n and i n f l a t i o n t o o k p l a c e a t an a l t i t u d e
of 100 miles, The s p h e r e was f i r e d by a two-stage launch
v e h i c l e , c o n s i s t i n g of a Sergeant r o c k e t and two R e c r u i t
r o c k e t s as f i r s t stage, and a n X-248 engine a s second stage,
The sphere, i n f l a t e d by s u b l i m a t i o n of benzoic a c i d , was
v i s i b l e as a s t a r l i k e o b j e c t a l o n g t h e E a s t e r n seaboard,
from Maine t o South C a r o l i n a , and 500 miles i n l a n d from
Wallops S t a t ion.
Volunteer P a r t i c i p a t i o n : Photographic coverage f o r
t h e s u b o r b i t a l t e s t s . i n a d d i t i o n t o t h a t by NASA f a c i l i t i e s ,
was provided by p a r t i c i p a n t s i n t h e Volunteer S a t e l l i t e
Tracking Program. Radar t r a c k i n g f o r t h e f i r s t two t e s t s
was by t h e Radio Corporation of America, Moorestown, N. J,
The M i l l s t o n e H i l l radar of t h e M,I,T, Lincoln Laboratory
and U. S. Navy r a d a r p i c k e t s h i p s t r a c k e d t h e second and
t h i r d s p h e r e s , and t h e U, S. A i r Force provided a e r i a l ob-
s e r v a t ion,
Echo Ground F a c i l i t i e s --A 10-kw t r a n s m i t t e r and re-
c e i v e r s w i t h extremely s e n s i t i v e , low-noise a m p l i f i e r s have
been i n s t a l l e d f o r use i n communications experiments a t t h e
J P L Goldstone s t a t i o n , For sending, t h e s e experiments w i l l
employ t h e new AZ-El p a r a b o l i c antenna t h a t can be r o t a t e d
e i t h e r up and down o r l e f t and r i g h t , independently, For
r e c e i v i n g , t h e 85-foot e q u a t o r i a l l y mounted antenna w i l l be
used, This antenna i s mounted i n t h e manner of an a s t r o -
nomical t e l e s c o p e s o t h a t it can e a s i l y b e t u r n e d t o c o r r e c t
f o r the earth's rotation.
A t Holmdel, N. J., t h e B e l l Telephone L a b o r a t q r i e s a r e
assembling f o r NASA, under c o n t r a c t , ground equipment devel-
oped a t t h e i r own expense, O f n o t e a r e a new t y p e of r e c e i v -
i n g antenna with a 20 x 20-foot r e c e i v i n g a r e a , e s p e c i a l l y
b u i l t t o r e d u c e n o i s e ; low-noise r e c e i v e r s employing d u a l
masers ( v e r y s e n s i t i v e a m p l i f i e r s ) ; and a 10-kw t r a n s m i t t e r ,
The t r a n s m i t t i n g antenna has a diameter o f 60 f e e t .
I n t e s t i n g t h e equipment, one-way, moon-bounce exper-
iments were made from Holmdel t o Goldstone, The Holmdel
equipment was a l s o used f o r t h e s u b o r b i t a l tests,
For t h e o r b i t a l Echo experiment, Goldstone w i l l t r a n s -
m i t t o Holmdel a t a frequency of 2390 mc and w i l l r e c e i v e
t h e Holmdel t r a n s m i s s i o n a t 960 mc.

- 88 -
d
 TE
LUNAR, PLANETA A

Although less t h a n three y e a r s have passed s i n u s t h e e r a

of s p a c e f l i g h t opened, satellites probes of a number of
t y p e 8 have been s e n t f a r i n t o t h e a m i t i e s of t h e m l a r
system t o e x p l o r e r o u t e s which human b e i s may e v e n t u a l l y
follow. Soare of these d e v i c e s have c i r a l e d the, earth as s a t -
e l l i t e s , o t h e r s have sped t o t h e moon o r be.grQnd, and t;hrete
space probes have swept i n t o o r b i t s around t h e sun a t plane.
t a r y distances.
F r u i t s o f e a r l y space misssions are s e r v i n g HASA as t h e
basis f o r t h e aecond phase - aa o r d e r l y e v o l u t i o n of launch-
i n g v e h i c l e s , s c i e n t i f i c payloads, and s p a e e o r a f t leading t o
m a n n e d i n v e s t i g a t i o n s of t h e Moon, Venus, and Mars i n prepa-
r a t i o n f o r maAned expeditions. For t h e sake of c e m p l e t e n i s i ,
a brief s t a t e m e n t of programs planned, on most of whicrh pre-
l i m i n a r y work has begun, is included i n t h i s r e p o r t .

THE PROSPECT
For t h e corning f i v e t o seven y e a r s , HASA has s e l e c t e d
goals t h a t appear e n t i r e l y p r a c t i c a b l e and has assigned them

c t s ( h i ~ h = r e ~ ~ l 'Fv K td iu r~i n~g

lus s u r v i v a b l e c a p s u l e )
bes t o Mars and Venus
o Mars ruld Venus
with mobile v e h i a l e
1965 w i l l be, devoted t o
f o r m i s s i o n s with Saturn.

SGIEEJTIFIC GOALS
Fro n t of s c i e n c e , t h e m i s s i o n s p r o j e c t e d
are as B, 11 be t h e drama of t h e f l i g h t s them-
selves. i c o b j e c t i v e 8 are:

- 89 -
J
 To a c q u i r e fundamental p h y s i c a l and chemical
i n f o r m a t i o n on t h e moon and p l a n e t s ; t o i n -
v e s t i g a t e space phenomena and t h e i r v a r i a -
t i o n s over t h e range o f l u n a r and p l a n e t a r y
d i s t a n c e s ; t o e x p l o r e t h e surface and nearby
environment of t h e moon and t o measure and
describe i n d e t a i l its characteristics, f o r
example, t h e s u r f a c e composition, r a d i o -
a c t i v i t y and s t r u c t u r a l f e a t u r e s , and t h e
magnetic and g r a v i t a t i o n a l f i e l d s ; t o i n -
v e s t i g a t e t h e c o n s t i t u e n t s , p r o c e s s e s , and
-
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e i n t e r p l a n e t a r y r e
g i o n s s o as t o u n d e r s t a n d how and why t h e y
v a r y w i t h time and l o c a t i o n w i t h i n t h e s o l a r
system; t o e x t e n d t h e s e i n v e s t i g a t i o n s t o
t h e d e t a i l e d s t u d y and e x p l o r a t i o n of t h e
p l a n e t s ; t o develop improved means and t e c h -
n i q u e s f o r t h e conduct o f l u n a r , i n t e r p l a n e -
t a r y and p l a n e t a r y i n v e s t i g a t i o n s and ex-
plorations.
The n e a r e s t and most f a m i l i a r body t o u s i n t h e s o l a r
system i s t h e moon. Clear, -dry, and a p p a r e n t l y changeless,
t h e moon h a s been a n o b j e c t of s p e c u l a t i o n f o r thousands of
y e a r s . Devoid of atmosphere i n t h e t e r r e s t r i a l s e n s e , t h e
moon h a s had no winds, no r a i n s , no chemical i n t e r a c t i o n s f o r
b i l l i o n s of y e a r s t o a l t e r i t s s u r f a c e . It o f f e r s a chance
t o s t u d y t h e v e r y e a r l y matter of t h e s o l a r system i n p r a c t i -
c a l l y unchanged form.
U n t i l r e c e n t l y , l u n a r s c i e n c e had t o ' r e l y e n t i r e l y on
t e l e s c o p i c o b s e r v a t i o n s and i n d i r e c t measurements. Space
c r a f t now being developed w i l l overcome many of t h e s e l i m i -
t a t i o n s . By p r o v i d i n g means f o r o r b i t i n g o r l a n d i n g on t h e
moon i n s t r u m e n t s capable of d i r e c t l y g a t h e r i n g and t r a n s -
m i t t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n back t o e a r t h , l u n a r m i s s i o n s w i l l g r e a t l y
i n c r e a s e u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e u n i v e r s e . It i s c e r t a i n t h a t
t h e y w i l l answer many i n s i s t e n t s c i e n t i f i c q u e s t i o n s .
P l a n e t a r y i n v e s t i g a t i o n s w i l l s t u d y s t i l l more i n t e r -
e s t i n g problems . A s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e Lunar, P l a n e t a r y , and
I n t e r p l a n e t a r y Programs i s t h e s e a r c h f o r e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l
l i f e forms. Since t h e e x i s t e n c e { o r non-existence) of such
l i f e forms i s unknown a t t h i s time it i s v i t a l l y important
t h a t t h e b i o l o g i c a l balance, such a s it may e x i s t , of celes- -
d t i a l b o d i e s n o t be d i s t u r b e d by contamination w i t h t e r r e s t r i a l
micro-organisms . S i m i l a r l y , g r e a t c a r e must be e x e r c i s e d n o t
t o d i s r u p t t h e ecology on e a r t h when i n f u t u r e y e a r s , extra-
t e r r e s t r i a l samples are r e t u r n e d . I n r e c o g n i t i o n of t h i s
problem, NASA i s c u r r e n t l y embarking on a program which w i l l
l e a d t o a method, procedures, and t e c h n i q u e s f o r t h e decon-
' t a m i n a t i o n and s t e r i l i z a t i o n of space probes and payloads.

- 90 -
 J u s t a s t h e l u n a r missions c o n s t i t u t e an orderly
sequence of t e c h n o l o g i c a l and s c i e n t i f i c development , SO do
t h e y l a y t h e groundwork f o r more d i s t a n t and complex m i s -
s i o n s of t h e 1965-70 period.
Schedula C r i t e r i a
Mission s c h e d u l e s have been developed t o :
1) S e l e c t t h e most important g o a l s and pursue
them with determination.
2) E s t a b l i s h a n e v o l u t i o n a r y sequence of m i s -
s i o n s i n which each s t e p paves t h e way f o r
t h e more d i f f i c u l t phase t o f o l l o w and makes
f u l l use o f i n c r e a s e d t e c h n o l o g i c a l capa-
bility.

LUNAR MISSIONS
NASA p l a n s c a l l f o r e v e n t u a l l y making c o n t r o l l e d land-
i n g s on t h e moon -- f i r s t , by s c i e n t i f i c d e v i c e s t o sample
r a d i a t i o n and o t h e r phenomena and, l a t e r , by manned sgace-
craft .
F i r s t Step: Instrumented Lunar , O r b i t e r s
NASA w i l l make a t l e a s t two a t t e m p t s t o p l a c e a n i n s t r u -
mented payload i n o r b i t about t h e moon. An Atlas-Able launch-
i n g v e h i c l e w i l l be employed.
The l u n a r o r b i t e r s w i l l u t i l i z e a s p i n - s t a b i l i z e d pay-
l o a d having rudimentary, but e f f e c t i v e , midcourse guidance =-
without which t h e m i s s i o n could n o t be accomplished. The
payloads w i l l c o n t a i n s e v e r a l r a d i a t i o n d e t e c t i o n experiments
t o t a k e measurements i n t h e l u n a r environment. A s t"anchoredn
space s t a t i o n s , u n a f f e c t e d by t e r r e s t r i a l i n f l u e n c e s , t h e
payloads should y i e l d q u a n t i t i e s of important s c i e n t i f i c i n -
f o r m a t i o n when t h e long-term measurements t h e y make are com-
p a r e d w i t h r e l a t e d measurements t a k e n i n t h e v i c i n i t y of t h e
earth.
Second Step: C o n t r o l l e d Landings on t h e Moon
I n 1961, NASA w i l l begin t h e next phase of t h e l u n a r
program. S p a c e c r a f t designed f o r c o n t r o l l e d l a n d i n g s w i l l
be launched by Agena B v e h i c l e s . The payloads w i l l b e a r
s p e c i a l sampling and t r a n s m i t t i n g equipment rugged enough
t o s u r v i v e t h e l a n d i n g s i n working o r d e r . The two payloads
launched i n t h e f i r s t h a l f of 1961 w i l l be d i r e c t e d , not

- 91 -
toward t h e moon, but i n t o h i g h l y e c c e n t r i c e a r t h o r b i t s t h a t
w i l l r e a c h f a r o u t toward t h e sun, They w i l l be employed t o
t e s t v i t a l components of t h e s p a c e c r a f t and t o make s c i e n -
t i f i c experiments.
A n s p a c e c r a f t , " a s meant here, i s an advanced v e h i c l e
t h a t w i l l n o t o n l y c a r r y a payload of s c i e n t i f i c i n s t r u m e n t s
b u t w i l l be capable of maneuvering t o m a i n t a i n t h e c o r r e c t
course and o r i e n t a t i o n , through b u i l t - i n programming equip-
.
ment and by means of remote command-control from e a r t h
stations
I n e a r l y space-mission experiments, t h e payload and
t e l e m e t r y equipment were packaged i n what were l i t t l e more
t h a n cans, s p i n - s t a b i l i z e d i n f l i g h t o r allowed t o tumble
a t random, S o f t - l a n d i n g l u n a r s p a c e c r a f t of coming y e a r s
w i l l be f a r more complex. They must descend t o t h e s u r f a c e
of t h e moon without t h e cushioning, o r ?'brakingtt e f f e c t s of
a n atmosphere. They w i l l have t o l a n d by means of r o c k e t -
.
braking and w i l l be guided and c o n t r o l l e d by on-board e l e c -
t r o n i c s e n s i n g equipment
Lunar- Impact Miss i o n s
E a r l y i n 1962 t h e first of t h r e e a t t e m p t s a t complete
l u n a r m i s s i o n s w i l l be r e a d y f o r launching. The s p a c e c r a f t
w i l l be i n two s e c t i o n s , t h e s p a c e c r a f t "bus" and t h e l a n d i n g
capsule. The bus w i l l c o n t a i n guidance and c o n t r o l , t e l e -
metry, and p r o p u l s i o n equipment t o m a i n t a i n v e h i c l e a t t i t u d e
d u r i n g t h e e n t i r e t r a j e c t o r y and t o make it p o s s i b l e t o
s t r i k e t h e moon i n a predetermined area. The payload capsule
w i l l be s e p a r a t e d from t h e bus and slowed by a r e t r o - r o c k e t
from about 8,000 f e e t p e r second t o an impact v e l o c i t y of
less t h a n 500 f e e t p e r second.
I n a d d i t i o n t o s c i e n t i f i c i n s t r u m e n t s f o r measurements
o f space between t h e e a r t h and t h e moon, t h e s p a c e c r a f t w i l l
be equipped w i t h a t e l e v i s i o n camera t h a t , d u r i n g t h e f i n a l
moments of f l i g h t , t r a n s m i t s p i c t u r e s of t h e impact area.
The camera w i l l be capable o f r e c o g n i z a b l photographing
o b j e c t s a s small a s 10 f e e t a c r o s s .
S o f t Landings
I n 1963 t h e powerful Centaur should be o p e r a t i o n a l ,
making p o s s i b l e t h e first t r u e l u n a r r l s o f t " l a n d i n g of a
s p a c e c r a f t equipped w i t h t e l e v i s i o n , a seismograph, a spec-
+.rometer, and r a d i a t i o n d e t e c t i o n d e v i c e s among o t h e r rela-
t i v e l y f r a g i l e s c i e n t i f i c i n s t r u m e n t s t o observe and analyze
t h e s u r f a c e and s u b s u r f a c e p r o p e r t i e s of t h e moon. Tele-
metry and a n e l e c t r i c power supply w i l l make up p a r t of t h e
600-pound package e

- 92 -
 T e l e v i s i o n i n s p e c t i o n of t h e t e r r a i n o b t a i n e d i n t h e
preceding Agena s e r i e s w i l l a i d i n d e s i g n i n g t h e l a n d i n g
s t r u c t u r e of t h e Centaur s p a c e c r a f t . It i s l i k e l y t h a t t h e
Centaur t y p e w i l l be used f o r y e a r s i n l u n a r e x p l o r a t i o n .
S t i l l l a r g e r , s o f t - l a n d i n g s p a c e c r a f t , boosted by t h e
S a t u r n 1.~-million-pound-thrust launch v e h i c l e , w i l l be
r e q u i r e d f o r a r e a s of t h e moon t h a t are t o be i n v e s t i g a t e d
i n great d e t a i l , e i t h e r f o r p u r e l y s c i e n t i f i c r e a s o n s o r i n
p r e p a r a t i o n f o r manned landifigs. Planned f o r 1966, w i t h a
t h r e e - t o - f o u r - y e a r l e a d time f o r development, t h e Saturn-
launched, unmanned s p a c e c r a f t w i l l c o n t a i n a u n i t t h a t can
move a l o n g t h e moonts surface -- perhaps on c a t e r p i l l a r
t r e a d s o r b a l l o o n t i r e s . T e l e v i s i o n w i l l p l a y a key r o l e
i n t h i s kind of remotely c o n t r o l l e d e x p l o r a t i o n .
P l a n e t a r y and I n t e r p l a n e t a r y Missions
During 1960, a Delta w i l l be employed t o launch a probe
deep i n t o i n t e r p l a n e t a r y space t o measure ma n e t i c , p a r t i c l e ,
'%
and e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c r a d i a t i o n f i e l d s . I n 19 2, NASA should
be capable of p l a c i n g probes i n t h e v i c i n i t y o f Venus. For
such a mission, NASA w i l l employ t h e Centaur launch v e h i c l e ,
a n d a v a r i a t i o n of t h e s p a c e c r a f t scheduled f o r t h e Atlas-
Agena l u n a r m i s s i o n s . These probes w i l l p a s s c l o s e enough
t o t h e p l a n e t t o permit c r i t i c a l S c i e n t i f i c measurements t o
be made and t r a n s m i t t e d back t o e a r t h . T e l e v i s i o n and/or
s p e c t r o g r a p h i c o b s e r v a t i o n s a r e being considered. These
"near m i s s " f l i g h t s a r e d i f f i c u l t t o a c h i e v e , however,
because of t h e extreme a c c u r a c i e s r e q u i r e d i n t h e guidance
system a s w e l l a s p r e s e n t u n c e r t a i n t i e s i n t h e p o s i t i o n of
the planets.
The r e l a t i v e p o s i t i o n of E a r t h and Venus r e q u i r e d f o r
n e a r optimum payload weights w i l l occur i n 1964.. During
t h a t y e a r , NASA w i l l probably a t t e m p t a Venus probe t o t e s t
s t e l l a r - n a v i g a t i o n equipment f o r use aboard t h e Venus o r b i t -
i n g s p a c e c r a f t scheduled f o r launching by t h e S a t u r n i n 1965.
These s p a c e c r a f t w i l l weigh s e v e r a l thousand pounds and will
e j e c t instrumented c a p s u l e s t o p e n e t r a t e t h e atmosphere of
t h e two p l a n e t s and g a t h e r s c i e n t i f i c d a t a .

- 93 -
f
 CHAPTER 9
UNTERNATUONAL PROGRAMS

TRACKING NETWORK NEZOTIATIONS

NASA, through t h e Department of S t a t e , concluded agree-
ment s f o r e s t a b l i s h i n g and o p e r a t i n g Pro ject Mercury t r a c k -
i n g s t a t i o n s i n A u s t r a l i a and i n Spain's Canary I s l a n d s on
February 26 and March 198 r e s p e c t i v e l y . The A u s t r a l i a n
agreement a l s o provided f o r t h e renewal of M i n i t r a c k and
Baker-Nunn s t a t i o n s arrangements and f o r e s t a b l i s h i n g a
Deep Space s t a t i o n .
The e x i s t i n g M i n i t r a c k agreement w i t h Ecuador has been
renewed f o r f i v e y e a r s , beginning February 24, 1960. Nego-
t i a t i o n s f o r f i v e o t h e r Mercury s t a t i o n s , a n a d d i t i o n a l Deep
Space s t a t i o n , and two M i n i t r a c k s t a t i o n s are c o n t i n u i n g
(see Chapter 10, "Tracking and Data A c q u i s i t i o n , " pp. 99
106) . -
COOPERATION I N SPACE RESEARCH
Discussions with Soviet S c i e n t i s t s
I n November 1959, t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of c o o p e r a t i v e space
e f f o r t s was d i s c u s s e d w i t h S o v i e t s c i e n t i s t s a t t e n d i n g t h e
American Rocket S o c i e t y meeting i n Washington, D. C. The
r e s p o n s e i n d i c a t e d p r o s p e c t s o f a nstep-by-step" e f f o r t t o
develop c o o p e r a t i o n . The first s t e p would i n v o l v e p a r t i c i -
p a t i n g i n a United Nations Space Conference which was o r i g i -
n a l l y proposed by t h e S o v i e t U. N. d e l e g a t i o n . ,
Tracking S e r v i c e s Offered S o v i e t Union
On December 78 19598 t h e A d m i n i s t r a t o r , speaking f o r
NASA, o f f e r e d t r a c k i n g s e r v i c e s
t h e host countries 0 -
-- s u b j e c t t o t h e consent of
t o t h e S o v i e t Union f o r any manned
space f l i g h t program it may develop. NASA a l s o o f f e r e d t o
p r o v i d e equi.pment o r t o use equipment f u r n i s h e d by S o v i e t
s c i e n t i s t s i f s p e c i a l recording o r data reduction f a c i l i t i e s
s h o u l d be r e q u i r e d .
Dissemination of Technical I n f o r m a t i o n
Advance t e c h n i c a l i n f o r m a t i o n on the Project Echo
experiment, t o s t u d y the p o s s i b i l i t i e s o f communicating by
means of ultra-high-frequency r a d i o signals r e f l e c t e d from a

- - 95
s a t e l l i t e , was disseminated t o t h e world s c i e n t i f i c commun-
i t y . T h i s gave s c i e n t i s t s everywhere a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o pre-
p a r e t h e n e c e s s a r y equipment and a r r a n g e f o r such ground-
based experiments a s appeared feasible. S i m i l a r l y , NASA
n o t i f i e d t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l s c i e n t i f i c community t h a t t e l e -
metry c a l i b r a t i o n s f o r Explorer V I 1 would be a v a i l a b l e t o
them for d i r e c t r e d u c t i o n of t h e data r e c e i v e d from t h e
satellite,
Cooperative Space Programs
P o s s i b i l i t i e s of c o o p e r a t i v e s p a c e programs were d i s -
cussed w i t h s e v e r a l c o u n t r i e s d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t period.
Australia -- The A u s t r a l i a n Academy of Science proposed
t h e p r e p a r a t i o n of i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n t o s t u d y very-low-
frequency emissions a l o n g l i n e s of magnetic f o r c e above t h e
ionosphere, The i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n would be p a r t of some f u t u r e
U. S. r o c k e t and/or s a t e l l i t e experiments. Informal d i s c u s -
s i o n s r e g a r d i n g a p o s s i b l e j o i n t sounding r o c k e t program
were a l s o h e l d .
United Kingdom and Canada --Cooperative programs w i t h
t h e United Kingdom and Canada progressed d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t
period. The experiments t o be conducted by means of t h e
f i r s t U. K, s a t e l l i t e t o be launched by NASA were agreed
upon. J o i n t working groups were e s t a b l i s h e d f o r b o t h U. K.
and Canadian s a t e l l i t e p r o j e c t s . A s a r e s u l t of a n o t h e r ar-
rangement w i t h t h e Canadians, a p r o j e c t t o study s i g n a l s
r e c e i v e d from e a r t h s a t e l l i t e s i s being conducted a t Bqker
Lake i n Northwest T e r r i t o r y , Canada. Funded by NASA, t h e
p r o j e c t i s conducted by t h e U n i v e r s i t y of I l l i n o i s .

+-Ja an -- Following b o t h informal and d i p l o m a t i c com-

munica i o n s and a n i n v i t a t i o n from NASA, a team of Japanese
s c i e n t i s t s v i s i t e d NASA Headquarters i n mid-February f o r
i n f o r m a l t e c h n i c a l d i s c u s s i o n s l o o k i n g toward a c o o p e r a t i v e
program. Formal arrangements f o r c o o p e r a t i v e space r e s e a r c h
programs a r e a n t i c i p a t e d a t some time i n t h e futurte.
Other -- D i s c u s s i o n s w i t hseveral additional countries
expre- i n t e r e s t i n c o o p e r a t i v e- e f f o r t s were i n prelim-
i n a r y stages.
F i r s t I n t e r n a t i o n a l Space Science Symposium
NASA r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s gave e x t e n s i v e support t o t h e
N a t i o n a l Academy of S c i e n c e s d e l e g a t i o n t o t h e meeting and
F i r s t I n t e r n a t i o n a l Space Science Symposium of t h e I n t e r -
n a t i o n a l Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), i n Nice,
France, January 8-16, 1960. NASA's o f f e r t o f l y f o r e i g n
experiments i n American r o c k e t s and s a t e l l i t e s was reaf-
firmed.

J
G r a n t s t o Foreign S c i e n t i s t s
S e v e r a l g r a n t s were made t o f o r e i g n s c i e n t i s t s under a
NASA-sponsored p o s t - d o c t o r a l r e s i d e n t r e s e a r c h a s s o c i a t e -
s h i p program, a d m i n i s t e r e d by t h e N a t i o n a l Academy of
Sciences, These a r e f o r b a s i c space-connected r e s e a r c h i n
t h e United S t a t e s and a f f o r d r e c i p i e n t s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o
t a k e p a r t i n and c o n t r i b u t e t o NASA's s c i e n t i f i c programs,

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION THROUGH THE UNITED NATIONS

Background
On February 5, 1959, t h e S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e named NASA
Deputy A d m i n i s t r a t o r Hugh L, Dryden a s a n a l t e r n a t e U. S,
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e ( t o Henry Cabot Lodge) t o t h e United Nations
Ad Hoc Committee on t h e P e a c e f u l Uses of Outer Space, es-
_.
t a b m h e d t h e p r e v i o u s year. T h i s committee began discus-
s i o n s e a r l y i n May 1959 and r e p o r t e d t o t h e General As-
sembly on J u l y 14 ( i n U. N. Document A-4141),
Permanent U. N. Committee on P e a c e f u l Uses o f Outer Space
bstablished
On December 1 2 , 1959, t h e United Nations General A s -
sembly ( b y unanimous R e s o l u t i o n [ 1472 ( X I V ) ] ) - --
1) E s t a b l i s h e d a (permanent) Committee on Peace-
f u l Uses of Outer Space w i t h membership from
Albania Italy
Argentina Japan
Australia Lebanon
Austria Mexico
Belgium Poland
Brazil Romania
Bulgaria Sweden
Canada Union of S o v i e t
Czechoslovakia S o c i a l i s t Republics
Franc e United Arab Republic
Hungary United Kingdom
India United S t a t e s of
Iran America
2) Requested t h e committee
a, To review, as a p p r o p r i a t e , t h e area of
i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o o p e r a t i o n , and s t u d y
p r a c t i c a l and f e a s i b l e means f o r giving
e f f e c t t o programs i n t h e p e a c e f u l u s e s
of o u t e r space which could a p p r o p r i a t e l y
b e undertaken under United Nations aus-
p i c e s . including:

- 97 -
a
 (1) A s s i s t a n c e f o r t h e c o n t i n u a t i o n on
a permanent b a s i s of t h e r e s e a r c h on
o u t e r space c a r r i e d on w i t h i n t h e
framework o f t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Geo-
p h y s i c a l Year ;
(2) O r g a n i z a t i o n of t h e mutual exchange
and d i s s e m i n s t i o n of i n f o r m a t i o n on
o u t e r space r e s e a r c h ;
( 3 ) Encouragement of n a t i o n a l programs
f o r study o f o u t e r space, and t h e
r e n d e r i n g of a l l p o s s i b l e a s s i s t a n c e
and h e l p i n t h e i r r e a l i z a t i o n ; and
b, To s t u d y t h e n a t u r e of l e g a l problems
which may a r i s e from t h e e x p l o r a t i o n of
o u t e r space.
3) Re u e s t e d t h e committee t o submit r e p o r t s of
h i t i e s t o subsequent s e s s i o n s of t h e
General Assembly o f t h e United Nations.
4) Decided, i n view of t h e g r e a t p r o g r e s s i n and
m n c e of t h i s f i e l d of endeavor, t o con-
vene, i n 1960 o r 1961, under t h e a u s p i c e s of
t h e United Nations, a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l sciemti-
f i c conference of t h e i n t e r e s t e d m e m b w
the D n i t e d Nations and members o f s p e c i a l i z e d
a g e n c i e s , f o r t h e exchange of experience i n
t h e p e a c e f u l u s e s o f o u t e r space,

5) R e u e s t e d t h e Committee on t h e P e a c e f u l Uses
*Space, e s t a b l i s h e d by t h e r e s o l u t i o n ,
t o work o u t p r o p o s a l s i n r e g a r d t o t h e con-
vening of such a conference.
NASA P r e p a r e s f o r Conference P a r t i c i p a t i o n
I n agreement with t h e d e s i r e of t h e Department o f S t a t e ,
NASA undertook t o p r e p a r e f o r t h e United S t a t e s p a r t i c i p a -
t i o n i n t h e Conference, To e f f e c t t h i s , NASA e s t a b l i s h e d
t h e O f f i c e f o r t h e United Nations Conference on January 29,
1960, under t h e O f f i c e of t h e Deputy Administrator. D r .
John P. Hagen was a s s i g n e d a s i t s d i r e c t o r ,

- 98 -
i
 CHAPTER 10
TRACKING AND DATA ACQUISITION

ROLE I N SPACE PROGRAM

Man's e a r l y s u c c e s s e s i n space e x p l o r a t i o n are due i n
no small p a r t t o development of i n t r i c a t e ground equipment
t o l o c a t e and t r a c k s a t e l l i t e s , probes, and r o c k e t s , t o
r e c e i v e t h e i r s i g n a l s and reduce them t o i n t e l l i g i b l e form,
and t o c o r r e l a t e t h e i n f o r m a t i o n so that it can be analyzed
and a p p l i e d t o a m u l t i p l i c i t y of purposes. These f u n c t i o n s
.
are performed f o r NASA by i t s t r a c k i n g and d a t a a c q u i s i t i o n
networks

GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION

Ground t r a c k i n g and d a t a a c q u i s i t i o n networks must be
capable of s u p p o r t i n g f o u r b a s i c t y p e s o f o p e r a t i o n a l m i s -
s i o n s : 1) v e r t i c a l l y f i r e d sounding o r r e s e a r c h r o c k e t s ;
2) e a r t h s a t e l l i t e s ; 3 ) manned e a r t h s a t e l l i t e s which w i l l
r e q u i r e extremely r a p i d d a t a g a t h e r i n g t e c h n i q u e s t o permit
c o n t i n u a l monitoring o f t h e s a f e t y of occupants; and 4 ) deep
o f space .
space probes which r e q u i r e communications over v a s t r e a c h e s
Ground i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n must answer t h e q u e s t i o n s :
Where i s t h e s p a c e c r a f t ? What i s it doing? What i n f o r m a t i o n
i s it a c q u i r i n g ? What i n s t r u c t i o n s must be r a d i o e d t o t h e
s p a c e c r a f t s o t h a t i t can perform i t s mission?
I n a d d i t i o n t o t r a c k i n g and d a t a a c q u i s i t i o n equipment,
t h e network must have a communications system t h a t p e r m i t s
r a p i d data t r a n s m i s s i o n t o a c e n t r a l c o n t r o l p o i n t . A t t h e
c o n t r o l c e n t e r t h e r e must be high-speed computing equipment
t o reduce t h e d a t a t o a form u s e f u l t o e x p e r i m e n t e r s l

MINITRACK NETWORK
D e s c r i p t i o n and Operation
The 1 0 - s t a t i o n M i n i t r a c k network t r a c k s and g a t h e r s
d a t a from e a r t h s a t e l l i t e s . During t h e p e r i o d o f t h i s r e p o r t ,
t h e M i n i t r a c k network a c q u i r e d i n f o r m a t i o n t r a n s m i t t e d by
Vanguard I, Vanguard 111, Explorer V I , and Explorer V I I .

- 99 -
Contact was s t i l l maintained w i t h Vanguard I and Explorer V I 1
a s t h e r e p o r t period closed.
The t e n t h M i n i t r a c k s t a t i o n , l o c a t e d a t F o r t Myers, Fla.,
became f u l l y o p e r a t i o n a l e a r l y i n December . Other s t a t i o n s
a r e a t Blossom P o i n t , Md.; Antigua, West I n d i e s F e d e r a t i o n ;
San Diego, C a l i f . ; Q u i t o , Ecuador; Lima, Peru; Antofagasta
and Santiago, C h i l e ; Woomera, A u s t r a l i a ; and E s s e l e n Park,
Union of South A f r i c a . The s t a t i o n s a r e l i n k e d t o a com-
munications and c o n t r o l c e n t e r a t Goddard Space F l i g h t
Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Network Being Extended
To e x t e n d h i g h - l a t i t u d e coverage, NASA i s planning t o
e s t a b l i s h s t a t i o n s a t Fairbanks, Alaska; East Grand Forks,
Minn.; and w i t h t h e permission and c o o p e r a t i o n of t h e govern-
ment s concerned, a t S t . Johns, Newfoundland, Canada; and
Winkfield, England.
Equipment Improvement
New Receiver -- NASA has l e t a c o n t r a c t t o Bendix
Aviat2on Corp. f o r a n improved t e l e m e t r y r e c e i v e r . It w i l l
engble p r e s e n t e l e c t r o n i c t r a c k i n g s t a t i o n s t o r e c e i v e and
i n t e r p r e t a n augmented v a r i e t y o f r a d i o signals from space-
c r a f t , p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e complex d a t a from f u t u r e meteoro-
l o g i c a l and a s t r o n o m i c a l s a t e l l i t e s .
Automatic Data Read-Out System i n Test --
of a new a u t o m a t i c d a t a read-out system i s being t e s t e d a t
A prototype
NASA's Blossom P o i n t , Md., s t a t i o n . The system, which per-
m i t s t r a n s m i s s i o n of d i g i t a l t r a c k i n g data d i r e c t l y from a
t r a c k i n g s t a t i o n t o t h e C o n t r o l Center, w i l l i n c r e a s e s t a t i o n
c a p a b i l i t i e s f o r t r a c k i n g and data c o l l e c t i o n by 50 p e r c e n t
without a d d i t i o n a l personnel. It w i l l a l s o speed up d a t a
p r o c e s s i n g , s i n c e i t e l i m i n a t e s manual r e a d i n g a t s t a t i o n s .
Self-Tracking T e l e m e t r y Antenna Being Developed --NGSA
h a s awarded a c o n t r a c t t o D. S. Kennedy and Co., Cohasset,
Mass., f o r development of a s e l f - t r a c k i n g t e l e m e t r y antenna.
The new antenna w i l l o p e r a t e a u t o m a t i c a l l y ( a n t e n n a s a t some
s t a t i o n s now r e q u i r e a t t e n d a n t s ) r e d u c i n g personnel r e q u i r e -
ments and i n c r e a s i n g e f f i c i e n c y i n d a t a g a t h e r i n g .
NASA Considering P h o t o e l e c t r i c Equipment --
NASA i s
planning t o n e g o t i a t e a c o n t r a c t f o r development of photo-
e l e c t r i c o p t i c a l t r a c k i n g equipment. The equipment w i l l
t r a c e o b j e c t s i n space by a n e l e c t r o n i c system which detects
o p t i c a l s i g n 9 t o o f a i n t t o D e r e c o r d e d by photographic
emulsions. NASA w i l l f i r s t a p p l y t h e technology involved t o
develop a p h o t o e l e c t r i c t e l e s c o p e t o check t h e a c c u r a c y o f

- 100 -
t e l e s c o p e equipment .
M i n i t r a c k e l e c t r o n i c d e v i c e s more p r e c i s e l y t h a n p r e s e n t
P h o t o e l e c t r i c t r a c k i n g w i l l be s u p e r i o r
t o p r e s e n t photographic systems because it i s more s e n s i t i v e
and can provide d a t a i n s t a n t a n e o u s l y .
Conversion of Tracking Frequencies
The first s e t of a n t e n n a s with t h e newly a s s i g n e d 136-mc
and 137-mc f r e q u e n c i e s have been i n s t a l l e d a t t h e Blossom
P o i n t s t a t i o n . Conversion of t h e M i n i t r a c k network t o t h e s e
f r e q u e n c i e s , which were a l l o c a t e ' d t o t h e United S t a t e s b
I n t e r n a t f o n a l Telecommunications Union Conference, i s s c
u l e d f o r completion i n December 1960. They w i l l r e p l a c e t h e
.
108-mc frequency o r i g i n a l l y a s s i g n e d f o r The I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Geophysical Year

OPTICAL TRACKING
Description
Baker-Nunn Network -- The system comprises a worldwide
network of 1 2 s t a t i o n s . The c h i e f equipment a t e a c h s t a t i o n
i s a non-mobile camera capable of photographing a f a i n t
o b j e c t ( 1 3 t h magnitude) a g a i n s t a s t a r background, Baker-
Nunn cameras are p a r t i c u l a r l y v a l u a b l e f o r determining t h e
i n i t i a l t r a j e c t o r i e s of s a t e l l i t e s and space probes and
f o r p r o v i d i n g p r e c i s e information on space v e h i c l e s needed
f o r a i r - d e n s i t y and g e o d e t i c s t u d i e s . I l l u s t r a t i v e of t h e
c a p a b i l i t i e s of t h e Baker-Nunn system are i t s photographs
o f Vanguard I a t a n a l t i t u d e o f 2,500 miles and of Explorer
V I a t 12,000 miles. Vanguard I i s 6.4 i n c h e s i n diameter,
and E x p l o r e r V I i s 39 i n c h e s i n diameter.
--
.
Locations There a r e Baker-Nunn s t a t i o n s a t Hobe
Sound, F l a ; Curacao, Netherland West Indicts; Arequipa, Peru;
V i l l a Dolores, Argentina; O l i f a n t s f o n t e i n , Union of South
A f r i c a ; Cadiz, Spain; S h i r a z , I r a n ; Naini-Tal, I n d i a ; Woomera,
A u s t r a l i a ; Mitaka, Japan; Haleakala, Hawaii; and White Sands,
N. M.
--
Moonwatch S t a t i o n s
teams u s i n g r e l a t i v e l y simple t e l e s c o p i c , equipment They
s e r v e i n numerous c a p a c i t i e s , f o r example, s i g h t i n g s a t e l -
.
Moonwat ch o b s e r v e r s a r e v o l u n t e e r

l i t e s t o h e l p aim the b i g Baker-Nunn cameras, and d i s c o v e r i n g

new o b j e c t s i n t h e s k i e s . Moonwatch s t a t i o n s are l o c a t e d a t
approximately 200 s i t e s throughout t h e Free World.
Technical D i r e c t i o n and C o n t r o l --
NASA's o p t i c a l t r a c k -
i n g systems are under t e c h n i c a l d i r e c t i o n of t h e Smithsonian
A s t r o p h y s i c a l Observatory. The c e n t r a l c o n t r o l p o i n t i s a t
t h e Smithsonian A s t r o p h y s i c a l Observatory Center, Cambridge,
Mass.

- 101 -
J
Operations
Help I d e n t i f y wUnknownw S a t e l l i t e -- Moonwatch observa-
t i o n s i n A u s t r a l i a and South A f r i c a and a Baker-Nunn observa-
t i o n i n South A f r i c a were i n s t r u m e n t a l i n determining t h a t
t h e unknown s a t e l l i t e first r e p o r t e d on February 16, 1960
.
was a c t u a l l y t h e d a t a c a p s u l e from Discoverer V, a n A i r
Force s a t e l l i t e
--
I n c r e a s i n g Equipment C a p a b i l i t i e s New equipment,
improved methods, and added p e r s o n n e l have made it p o s s i b l e -
t o i n c r e a s e t h e development and i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of Baker-Nunn
camera o b s e r v a t i o n s from a n average o f 60 t o more t h a n 4.00
greatest v a l u e from p r e c i s i o n photographs .
p e r month. S p l i t - s e c o n d t i m i n g i s necessary t o g a i n t h e
The Smithsonian
A s t r o p h y s i c a l Observatory i s s t u d y i n g t e c h n i q u e s f o r improv-
i n g tirning'techniques.

DEEP SPACE NETWORK

Description
NASA's Deep Space t r a c k i n g network c o n s i s t s of one
e x i s t i n g s t a t i o n a t Goldstone, Calif., a s t a t i o n under con-
s t r u c t i o n a t Woomera, A u s t r a l i a , and a t h i r d planned f o r
South Africa. C a p a b i l i t i e s of these s t a t i o n s c l o s e l y ap-
proach t h o s e of t h e t h e o r e t i c a l l y ideal deep space network
which would be l o c a t e d on t h e e q u a t o r a t i n t e r v a l s o f 1200
of l o n g i t u d e . Primary o b j e c t i v e of t h e network would be t o
m a i n t a i n c o n t a c t w i t h s p a c e v e h i c l e s on l u n a r and i n t e r -
p l a n e t a r y missions. The s t a t i o n s r e q u i r e g i a n t antennas,
s e n s i t i v e r e c e i v i n g equipment, and high-powered t r a n s m i t t e r s .
NASA i s s e l e c t i n g v a l l e y s i t e s so t h a t t h e t e r r a i n w i l l
o b s t r u c t man-made e l e c t r i c a l i n t e r f e r e n c e t h a t might l i m i t
s t a t i o n s e n s i t i v i t y . The c o n t r o l c e n t e r f o r t h e Deep Space
network i s a t t h e NASA J e t P r o p u l s i o n Laboratory, Pasadena,
C.alif.

Goldst one T r a n s m i t t e r Completed

I n March 1960, NASA completed t h e t r a n s m i t t i n g s y s t e m
f o r t h e Goldstone s t a t i o n . The t r a n s m i t t e r and r e c e i v e r
were l o c a t e d seven miles a p a r t t o minimize e l e c t r i c a l i n t e r -
f e r e n c e w i t h each o t h e r . The s i t e s are l i n k e d by a wide-
band (lo-mc) microwave communications system, which t r a n s m i t s
p o i n t i n g d a t a , computations, t r a c k i n g data, e t c . , between
stations .
Advanced T e c h n i c a l Proprams
Extensive r e s e a r c h and development i s i n p r o g r e s s a t
t h e J e t P r o p u l s i o n Laboratory and a t Goldstone i n p r e p a r a t i o n .

- 102 -
d
f o r communications s a t e l l i t e s such a s P r o j e c t Echo and f o r
o t h e r advanced communications experiments . The p a s s i v e com-
munications s a t e l l i t e concept has been t e s t e d s u c c e s s f u l l y
by r a d i o v o i c e communication v i a t h e moon between Goldstone
a n d t h e Bell Telephone Laboratory s t a t i o n , Holmdel, M. J.
S c i e n t i s t s a t JPL and Goldstone are developing more s e n s i t i v e
r e c e i v e r s and d e s i g n i n g a n t e n n a s l a r g e r t h a n t h o s e c u r r e n t l y
used. Such equipment i s a p r e r e q u i s i t e f o r f u t u r e l u n a r and
i n t e r p l a n e t a r y e x p l o r a t i o n programs.

MERCURY NETWORK
Objectives
The worldwide Mercury network w i l l provide complete
r a d i o t r a c k i n g , voice communication, and d a t a a c q u i s i t i o n
d u r i n g launching, f l i g h t , and recovery of t h e Mercury cap-
s u l e . The network w i l l be capable o f more d e t a i l e d d a t a
g a t h e r i n g and f a s t e r t r a c k i n g t h a n t h e M i n i t r a c k network.
Emphasis, a s i n t h e e n t i r e Mercury program, i s on a s s u r i n g
t h e a s t r o n a u t s ' s a f e t y (see Chapter 5, "Manned F l i g h t i n
Space and Near-Space," pp. 5 1 - 66.)
Progre ss
P r o j e c t e d Locations -- Mercury s t a t i o n s a r e planned a t
t h e following l o c a t i o n s : Cape Canaveral; an i s l a n d i n t h e
A t l a n t i c Ocean; t h e Canary I s l a n d s ; Southwest and S o u t h e a s t
A f r i c a ; Woomera and Perth, A u s t r a l i a ; a n i s l a n d i n t h e
P a c i f i c ; White Sands, N. M.; Point Arguello, C a l i f . ; Corpus
C h r i s t i , Tex.; V a l p a r a i s o , F l a . ; Guaymas, Mexico; and on two
ships -- one i n t h e I n d i a n Ocean and t h e o t h e r i n t h e mid-
A t l a n t i c Ocean. The Mercury c o n t r o l c e n t e r w i l l be c o n s o l i -
.
d a t e d w i t h t h e M i n i t r a c k c o n t r o l c e n t e r a t Goddard Space
F l i g h t Center
Construction --
C o n s t r u c t i o n of r a d i o equipment and
support s t r u c t u r e s ( b u i l d i n g s , e t c . ) ar e i n p r o g r e s s a t a l l
new s i t e s ; none of t h e new s t a t i o n s had become f u l l y . opera-
t i o n a l by t h e end of t h i s r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d .
Negotiations --
N e g o t i a t i o n s and te'chnical a r r a n g e -
ments f o r Mercury s t a t i o n s i t e s abroad were n e a r l y complete
on March 31 ( s e e Chaper 9, V n t e r n a t i o n a l Programs," p. 9 5 . )

WALLOPS STATION, VA .
Complete Lo,cal Tracking and Telemetry System
Wallops S t a t i o n , comprisrng f a c i l i t i e s on Wallops
I s l a n d and t h e i n a c t i v a t e d Chincoteague Naval A i r S t a t i o n

- 103 -
 on t h e mainland, i s a unique launching f a c i l i t y -- one w i t h
a complete t r a c k i n g and d a t a c o l l e c t i o n system. Wallops
i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n e n a b l e s t h e g a t h e r i n g of data f o r r e s e a r c h
i n aerodynamics and f o r t h e development and p r o o f - t e s t i n g of
v a r i o u s components and t e c h n i q u e s t o be used i n launching
space v e h i c l e s from major r a n g e s such a s t h e A t l a n t i c Missile
Range and t h e P a c i f i c Missile Range.
Major P r o j e c t s
P r i n c i p a l experiments conducted d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d
i n c l u d e d launchings o f : 1) " L i t t l e Joet' t o t e s t t h e Mercury
escape system under h i g h dynamic. p r e s s u r e ; 2) t h e 100-foot
, diameter i n f l a t a b l e s p h e r e i n p r e p a r a t i o n f o r t h e P r o j e c t
Echo experiment; 3 ) six-stage r o c k e t s f o r e n t r y p h y s i c s
s t u d i e s ; 4) J a v e l i n r o c k e t s t o g a i n i n f o r m a t i o n on t h e per-
formance of t h e Delta launch vehicle t h i r d stage'; 5) t h e
Scout launch v e h i c l e t o t e s t i t &d e s t r u c t system; and 6)
sounding r o c k e t s f o r upper' atmosphere r e s e a r c h (Aerobee
r o c k e t s f o r NASA, Strongarm r o c k e t s f o r t h e Army B a l l i s t i c
Research Laboratory and t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Michigan, and
ARCAS r o c k e t s f o r t h e Army S i g n a l Corps).
A d d i t i o n a l Tracking Equipment I n s t a l l e d
Tracking and data c o l l e c t i o n f a c i l i t i e s i n s t a l l e d d u r i n g
t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d i n c l u d e d command d e s t r u c t equipment; one
mobile and one f i x e d t e l e m e t e r i n g s t a t i o n ; and a b u i l d i n g ,
a tower, and a 60-foot antenna f o r t h e S-Band radar ( f o r
range s a f e t y and p o s i t i o n i n f o r m a t i o n ) on t h e mainland. The
l a t t e r d e v i c e w i l l i n c r e a s e t h e range of t r a c k i n g o f any
Wallops v e h i c l e by s e v e r a l f o l d .

COOPERATING STATIONS
Supplement Current C a p a b i l i t i e s
NASA u t i l i z e s t h e t r a c k i n g f a c i l i t i e s of o t h e r organiza-
t i o n s t o supplement i t s networks. For example, t h e J o d r e l l
Bank r a d i o t e l e s c o p e a t Manchester, England, h a s a key r o l e
i n t h e Pioneer V probe experiment. It will m a i n t a i n c o n t a c t
w i t h t h e s o l a r o r b i t i n g probe l o n g a f t e r it is out o f range
.
of o t h e r s t a t i o n s
Phototrack S t a t i o n s -- Phototrack S t a t i o n s , administered
by t h e S o c i e t y o f Photographic Engineers, have o p t i c a l l y
: t r a c k e d t h e 100-foot i n f l a t a b l e s p h e r e s launched from Wallops
c~ S t a t i o n , Va., i n p r e p a r a t i o n f o r t h e P r o j e c t Echo experiments
i n communications by rel,ay o f ultra-high-frequency signals
.
from a s a t e l l i t e . NASA h a s o b t a i n e d v a l u a b l e d a t a on sphere
i n f l a t i o n from t h e s o c i e t y ' s photographs
 Telemetry S t a t i o n s Telemetry st
West Germany. and o f t h e United S t a t e s
t h i s country- have a s s i s t e d i n g a t h e r i n g d a t a from Explorer
VI1 .
OVER-ALL DEVELOPMENTS
C o n s o l i d a t i o n of Ground Communications
Data from t h e v a r i o u s s t a t i o n s are t r a n s m i t t e d t o cen-
t r a l c o n t r o l p o i n t s by a ground communications web c o n s i s t -
i n g of m i l i t a r y and l e a s e d commercial l i n e s . Wherever pos-
s i b l e , l i n e s are used i n common. NASA h a s begun a long-range
s t u d y l o o k i n g toward e v e n t u a l c o n s o l i d a t i o n of ground com-
munications i n t o one worldwide system.
New Frequency Assignments
A number of r a d i o frequency bands f o r space s c i e n c e
u s e s were a l l o c a t e d t h e United S t a t e s a t t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Telecommunications Union Conference .
h e l d between August and December 1959 a t Geneva, Switzerland,
The conference was
.
w i t h NASA r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s i n a t t e n d a n c e NASA has a p p l i e d
f o r s e v e r a l of t h e bands t o t h e I n t e r d e p a r t m e n t a l Radio
Advisory Committee, O f f i c e o f C i v i l Defense M o b i l i z a t i o n ,
which i s t h e n a t i o n a l c o o r d i n a t i n g agency f o r f r e q u e n c i e s
used i n space a c t i v i t i e s . NASA h a s been u s i n g f r e q u e n c i e s
loaned by o t h e r United S t a t e s a g e n c i e s . It i s now convert-
i n g t o a new M i n i t r a c k frequency and p l a n s conversion of
t h e Deep Space Network t o h i g h e r frequency bands.
Computation and Data Reduction
C o n s o l i d a t i o n o f Data Reduction and Computation --
Goddard Space F l i g h t Center i s c o n s o l i d a t i n g d a t a r e d u c t i o n
and computation so t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n f r o m s a t e l l i t e s can be
i n t e r p r e t e d r a p i d l y and e f f i c i e n t l y .
--
P r e p a r a t i o n s f o r T r a n s f e r from IBM
p a r i n g programs f o r t h e IBM-709 and IBM-7090 computing
Goddard is pre-
machines t o be i n s t a l l e d a t i t s Greenbelt s i t e . P l a n s have
been made t o e f f e c t a s smooth a t r a n s i t i o n a s p o s s i b l e when
c o n t r o l c e n t e r f u n c t i o n s are t r a n s f e r r e d t o Goddard from t h e
IM Space Computing Center i n Washington, D. C.
B
Research Aids -- Goddard a l s o u t i l i z e d computers t o
s u p p o r t NASA r e s e a r c h a c t i v i t i e s . These are p r i m a r i l y broad
programs of r e s e a r c h i n a l l phases of t h e o r e t i c a l p h y s i c s
and a p p l i e d mathematics r e l e v a n t t o space e x p l o r a t i o n .
Large-scale computer o p e r a t i o n s were c a r r i e d out on a con-
t r a c t u a l b a s i s . I n d u s t r i a l and Governmental machines i n
t h e Washington, D. C., area are employed.

- 105
J
 Mercury Network -- Plans were made to modify and develop
procedures which w i l l meet the ultra-high-speed computation
standards needed f o r Project Mercury.

- 106 -
 CHAPTER 11
PROPULSION AND NUCLEAR ENERGY APPLICATIOMS FOR SPACE

SPACE PROPULSION
Demand f o r r o c k e t engines with ever-higher t h r u s t has
i n t e n s i f i e d r e s e a r c h on new and improved f u e l s , I n N A S A ' s ,
r e s e a r c h c e n t e r s , t h e q u e s t goes on f o r powerful energy
s o u r c e s t o p r o p e l supersonic a i r c r a f t and coming g e n e r a t i o n s
of s p a c e c r a f t , Chemical. r o c k e t s c o n t i n u e t o r e c e i v e s t r o n g
a t t e n t i o n s i n c e t h e y appear t o o f f e r immediate b e n e f i t s ,
Beyond chemical r o c k e t s
-- -- whose l i m i t a t i o n s a r e p r e d i c t a b l e
a r e o t h e r s o u r c e s of power f o r e x p l o r i n g t h e r e a c h e s of
i n t e r p l a n e t a r y space. Nuclear energy has g r e a t promise, as
does s o l a r h e a t , c o l l e c t e d i n umbrella-like s t r u c t u r e s
p o i n t e d a t our primary source of energy, t h e sun.
Types of Research F a c i l i t i e s Used
F a c i l i t i e s a t N A S A ' s r e s e a r c h c e n t e r s are being used
i n many d i f f e r e n t a s p e c t s of p r o p u l s i o n r e s e a r c h , S t a t i c
t e s t s of r o c k e t engines employ simple s t a n d s on which t h e
engines can be f a s t e n e d down and r u n under t h e atmospheric
p r e s s u r e s and temperatures encountered n e a r s e a l e v e l , For
advanced t e s t s , more e l a b o r a t e t e s t s t a n d s support engines
w i t h as much as 20,OOO pounds of t h r u s t while t h e y a r e run
under o l o s e l y c o n t r o l l e d c o n d i t i o n s i n which p r e s s u r e s and
t e m p e r a t u r e s can be v a r i e d t o s i m u l a t e d i f f e r e n t a l t i t u d e s
o r t h e near-vauuwn and extreme c o l d of space, For example,
a method f o r a l t i t u d e s i m u l a t i o n h a s been p e r f e c t e d a t t h e
L e w i s Research Center t h a t employs t h e exhaust g a s e s of t h e
rocrket engine t o d e p l e t e t h e a i r i n a c a p s u l e surrounding
t h e engine i t s e l f , t h u s reducing p r e s s u r e ' a t t h e nozzle exit,
Work i s i n p r o g r e s s a t Lewis t o d e s i g n and b u i l d an
e l e c t r i c a l l y heated wind t u n n e l t h a t w i l l supply a i r a t a
temperature of l5,OOOoF, f o r s t u d y i n g heat t r a n s f e r i n ve-
h i c l e s e n t e r i n g t h e atmosphere. The t u n n e l w i l l a l s o be
used t o i n v e s t i g a t e t h e e f f e c t s of magnetic and e l e c t r i c
f i e l d s on i o n i z e d gases, The c h i e f d i f f i c u l t y l i e s i n t h e
employment of an e l e c t r i c a r c f o r h e a t i n g without contami-
n a t i n g t h e a i r w i t h material from t h e melting e l e c t r o d e s .
A small t u n n e l h a s been operated s u c c e s s f u l l y , and a l a r g e r
oae is being designed.
r

- 107
d
 CHEMICAL ROCKETS
I n e v a l u a t i n g performance of a r o c k e t p r o p e l l a n t , one
g e n e r a l l y a c c e p t e d c r i t e r i o n i s w s p e c i f i c impulsew --
that
is, t h e number of seconds one pound of p r o p e l l a n t mass w i l l
produce one pound of t h r u s t . (A simple analogy might be
t h e "miles p e r gallon" of a n automobile.) O f t o d a y t s chern-
i c a l p r o p e l l a n t s , l i q u i d hydrogen i s one o f t h e most promis-
i n g . It h a s high s p e c i f i c impulse,* f a r h i g h e r t h a n t h a t of I

kerosene, which is a t p r e s e n t t h e b a s i c i n g r e d i e n t of our

most used r o c k e t f u e l . ' Kerosene, w i t h l i q u i d oxygen (LOX)
a s t h e o x i d i z e r needed f o r combustion, h a s a s p e c i f i c
impulse o f between 290 and 310 seconds,. I n comparison, t h a t
of l i q u i d hydrogen-LOX i s 400+ 'seconds. T h i s h i g h e r s p e c i f i c
impulse i s more important t h a n might be i n f e r r e d , f o r t h e
p r o p u l s i v e energy o f a g i v e n r o c k e t system when a l l these
f a c t o r s are c o n s t a n t i n c r e a s e s with t h e s q u a r e of . t h e s p e c i f i c
impulse. Thus, hydrogents a b i l i t y t o b o o s t a payload is
n e a r l y t w i c e t h a t of kerosene's;
Fuel-Oxidiz e r Research
I n t h i s a r e a , a p e r e n n i a l d i f f i c u l t y h a s been t h e chem-'
i c a l r e a c t i v i t y ( i n c o m p a t i b i l i t y ) of many o f t h e p o t e n t i a l
f u e l s and o x i d i z e r s when used i n combination. I n theory,
t h e b e s t chemical o x i d i z e r i s ozone, a form o f oxygen t h a t
c o n t a i n s t h r e e oxygen atoms p e r molecule i n s t e a d of two a s
i n t h e c o n v e n t i o n a l form of oxygen. But ozone i s extremely
u n s t a b l e , and i s prone t o explode spontaneously. F l u o r i n e ,
a n o t h e r h i g h l y a c t i v e o x i d i z e r , a l s o produces a h i g h e r
s p e c i f i c t h r u s t w i t h hydrogen t h a n does oxygen, b u t it is
v i o l e n t l y c o r r o s i v e t o m e t a l s and known p l a s t i c s , p a r t i c u l a r -
l y a t h i g h temperatures.
S t u d i e s a t Lewis Research Center are d i r e c t e d toward
l e a r n i n g ways t o handle, c o n t a i n , and s t o r e f u e l - o x i d i z e r
combinations s a f e l y and r e l i a b l y . For example, p l a s t i c s
and m e t a l s a r e e x p o s e d ' t o f l u o r i n e a t h i g h t e m p e r a t u r e s t o
determine t h e chemical r e a c t i o n s t h a t take p l a c e , a n d at-
tempts a r e being made t o s y n t h e s i z e p l a s t i c s ( c a l l e d ?*fluor-
i n a t e d polymers'?) o f h i g h e r chemical r e s i s t a n c e .
The r a t e s a t which l i q u i d hydrazine, s t i l l a n o t h e r t y p e
of chemical f u e l , ? ? d i s s o c i a t e s , " o r b r e a k s down, when ex-
posed t o high t e m p e r a t u r e s have been measured, and t h e re-
s u l t s i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e e x p l o s i o n s t h a t sometimes occur w i t h
t h i s p r o p e l l a n t p r o b a b l y o r i g i n a t e i n gas bubbles t h a t are
formed d u r i n g t h e decomposition process.
-

* I n combination w i t h a n o x i d i z e r o r when h e a t e d i n a
nuclear reactor.
 Research i s a l s

h a n d l i n g problems f o r r o c k e t use.

Current NASA r e s e a r c h on r o c k e t combustion h a s two

major o b j e c t i v e s : I) t o l e a r n how and a t what r a t e t h e
f u e l - o x i d i z e r combination r e a c t s t o form t h e h o t g a s e s t h a t
produce t h r u s t ; and 2) t o l e a r n how p r e s s u r e p u l s e s o r
s u r g e s o c c u r and what c o n t r o l s t h e i r magnitude. A b e t t e r
knowledge o f how f u e l s burn i n a r o c k e t can s i m p l i f y devel-
opment of new e n g i n e s and h e l p reduce development t i m e and
c o s t . Knowledge about combustion p r e s s u r e p u l s e s w i l l g i v e
t h e key t o c o n t r o l l i n g u n s t a b l e burning, which would, i n
t u r n , lead t o f a r more r e l i a b l e o p e r a t i o n o f r o c k e t engines.
A mathematical method .has been developed a t L e w i s f o r
r e l a t i n g t h e shape and s i z e o f t h e chamber --
and o t h e r
f a c t o r s such as p r e s s u r e , temperature, v e l o c i t y , e t c . --
t o t h e r a t e a t which p r o p e l l a n t drops e v a p o r a t e i n it.
Work so f a r has shown t h a t t h e mathematical concept a p p l i e s
t o many p r o p e l l a n t systems, A t e c h n i q u e has a l s o been de-
v i s e d t o f o l l o w t h e atomizing p r o c e s s and subsequent evapor-
a t i o n i n t h e combustor,
R e s u l t s o b t a i n e d can p r e s e n t b e a p p l i e d t o pro-
p e l l a n t s t h a t i g n i t e spon sly when t h e components a r e
mixed. However, f u r t h e r : ch i s b e i n g conducted on
mixing and r e a c t i o n f such f u e l s , and it now
a p p e a r s t h a t a mathe a1 model a p p l y i n g more g e n e r a l l y
t o r o c k e t combustio be achieved.
P u l s a t i n g o r u n s t a b l e c mbustion can d e s t r o y a r o c k e t
engine. NASA r e s e a r c h h a s a l r e a d y d i s c l o s e d methods f o r
r e d u c i n g o r e l i m i n a t i n g p u l s a t i o n s ; however, t h e g o a l i s a

* Except t h e hydrogen-ozone combination mentioned on

p. 108.
..
r o c k e t engine i n which p u l s a t i o n s could n o t occur i n t h e
f i r s t place. Accordingly, NASA i s seeking a b e t t e r under-
s t a n d i n g of combust i o n v i b r a % i o n s o r surges.
Recent s t u d i e s have given a c l e a r e r p i c t u r e of t h e way
shock waves break up l i q u i d j e t s , and have determined t h e
c r i t i c a l c o n d i t i o n s t h a t can cause such break-up and t h e
'sudden i n c r e a s e i n combustion r a t e t h a t follows. Other ex-
periments have shown t h a t a flame, suddenly a c c e l e r a t e d ,
can g e n e r a t e a p r e s s u r e pulse. S t i l l o t h e r s t u d i e s , experi-
mental and t h e o r e t i c a l , a r e now under way t o examine how
pressure pulses a f f e c t t h e rate that f u e l drops'evaporate
and t h e r a t e a t which heat is t r a n s f e r r e d t o surrounding
walls. From t h e s e s t u d i e s may a l s o come knowledge of t h e
f a c t o r s t h a t c o n t r o l t h e s i z e t o which t h e p r e s s u r e waves
can grow.
I n t h e design of upper-stage r o c k e t systems u s i n g low-
p r e s s u r e s i n t h e p i l o t f e e d (analogous t o t h e p i l o t l i g h t
on a g a s s t o v e ) and p r e s s u r e chamber, two problems a r e par-
t i c u l a r l y c r i t i c a l . The first i s t o d e v i s e a c o n t r o l sys-
tem f o r maintaining s t a b l e p r o p e l l a n t flow; t h e second, t o
e l i m i n a t e low-frequency combustion o s c i l l a t i o n s .
To o b t a i n d e s i g n c r i t e r i a f o r e f f e c t i v e c o n t r o l of flow
systems, t e c h n i q u e s were developed t o measure t h e dynamic
characteristics
a r e taking place
---- t h a t is, t h e fast-changing e v e n t s as t h e y
of r e p r e s e n t a t i v e combustion chambers.
Using hydrogen-oxygen t h r u s t .chambers of s e v e r a l d i f f e r e n t
c o n f i g u r a t i o n s o r shapes, i n i t i a l measurements were made of
t h e time l a g b e f o r e combustion took p l a c e , and t h e o s c i l l a -
t i o n s and p r e s s u r e s u r g e s t h a t occurred.
S i m i l a r work was started t o s t u d y t h e combustion char-
a c t e r i s t i c s of hydrogen-fluorine r o c k e t engines o p e r a t i n g
a t low chamber and i n j e c t i o n p r e s s u r e s . A s t u d y of s e v e r a l
p r o p e l l a n t - i n j e c t i o n methods u s i n g d i f f e r e n t r a t i o s of f u e l
t o oxidant a t p r e s s u r e s ranging from 20 t o 60 pounds p e r
s q u a r e inch ( p s i ) has been s t a r t e d i n a simple ( s e a - l e v e l
atmospheric p r e s s u r e ) t e s t stand. P r e l i m i n a r y r e s u l t s in,
d i c a t e t h a t w i t h a chamber p r e s s u r e of 60 p s i , a "showerhead"
i n j e c t o r y i e l d e d high combustion e f f i c i e n c y a t t h e h i g h e r
mixture r a t i o s . With lower mixture r a t i o s , however, effi-
c i e n c i e s decreased.
Rocket-Engine Exhaust Nozzles
The design of t h e n o z z l e through which t h e h o t g a s e s
from a r o c k e t engine are exhausted t o produce t h r u s t i s a
v e r y important f a c t o r i n t h e o v e r - a l l e f f i c i e n c y of t h e
engine. Most n o z z l e s now i n use a r e cone-shaped or b e l l -
shaped. Experiments a r e i n p r o g r e s s t o determine n o t o n l y
t h e most e f f i c i e n t shapes and nozzle-area r a t i o s b u t a l s o
t h e l i g h t e s t over-all configurations. The n o z z l e area r a t i o

- 110 -
is t h e r e l a t i v e n ) of t h e e n d . o f t h e
n o z z l e , o r exi
shape of man ewhat analogous.
t o t h a t of t

F a c t o r s b e i n g consid e f f e c t of exhaust
p r e s s u r e , t h e l o s s e s from ynamic e d d i e s
or c u r r e n t s , f course, i t s
shape, The o b j e c t i s t o keep t h e d e s i g n simple and t h e
l e n g t h s h o r t without s a c r i f i c mance. Short n o z z l e s
s i m p l i f y engine g i m b a l l i n g ( s n a f l e x i b l e mount
t o change t h e d i r e c t i o n of t h r u s l t ) ; t h e y a l s o reduce weight
and make upper s t a g e s more compact.
An i n v e s t i g a t i o n ' o f r o c k e t n o z z l e s of very high area
r a t i o , f o r upper-stage r o c k e t s and space v e h i c l e s , i s being
conducted i n t h e L e w i s 10 x 10-foot s u p e r s o n i c t u n n e l . The
program h a s i n c l u d e d t e s t s of both c o n i c a l and bell-shaped
n o z z l e s j t h e former p r i m a r i l y f o r r e f e r e n c e d a t a . The b e l l
shapes a r e b e l i e v e d t o be more p r a c t i c a l c o n f i u r a t i o n s from
7
t h e viewpoint of o v e r - a l l v e h i c l e performance i n which
t h r u s t g a i n s must be measured a g a i n s t weight i n c r e a s e s ) . The
General E l e c t r i c Company i s p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t h e program and
supplying t h e bell-shaped n o z z l e s i n a r e a r a t i o s o f 25 t o 1
and 200 t o 1. R e s u l t s show a 15 p e r c e n t i n c r e a s e i n t h r u s t
from a n 8-to-1 c o n i c nozzle t o a 200-to-1 bell-shaped nozzle.

Through t h e General E l e c t r i c Company, a s c o n t r a c t o r ,

NASA has been i n v e s t i g a t i n g ' t h e '?plug nozzletf concept f o r
r o c k e t engines. The work i s going forward a t GETS Malta
T e s t S t a t i o n , Schenectady, N, Y. I n t h i s concept, t h e
r o c k e t exhaust g a s e s , i n s t e a d of f l a r i n g o u t from a b e l l -
shaped v e n t , push i n t o t h e atmosphere o r space from what i s
almost a r e v e r s e c o n f i g u r a t i o n . That is, t h e exhaust
s t r e a m s o u t from combustors t h a t a r e arranged i n segments
around a c e n t r a l , i n v e r t e d cone, o r plug. The p l u g d e f l e c t s
t h e h o t g a s e s i s s u i n g from t h e combustors and p e r m i t s t h e
o u t e r p o r t i o n o r p e r i m e t e r o f t h e g a s e s t o expand, uncon-
f i n e d . A t a l l a l t i t u d e s below t h e i d e a l d e s i g n a l t i t u d e ,
such an engine w i l l t h e o r e t i c a l l y perform b e t t e r t h a n a con-
v e n t i o n a l engine. Use of small, segmented chambers, i n s t e a d
of t h e much l a r g e r chambers of c o n v e n t i o n a l r o c k e t s , g i v e s
a n a d d i t i o n a l advantage -- t h e i n d i v i d u a l combustor u n i t s
c a n b e arranged i n s u i t a b l e numbers t o produce engines of
various s i z e s o r thrusts.
An i n i t i a l experimental i n v e s t i g a t i o n o f t h e p l u g
n o z z l e r o c k e t engine was completed by GE i n January 1960.

- 111 -
 Conventional Rocket Nozzle Plug Nozzle

Segmented Combuetion Chamber Two Basic Plug Shapes

Design for Ieentropic or "LOSSFree'# (Upper)
Plug Nozzles Conical (Lower)

- 112 -
1
Tests s t a r t e d w i t h r e c t a n g u l a r i n j e c t o r s i n uncooled com-
b u s t o r s . L a t e r , double-walled, cooled, combustors were
used, so t h a t l o n g e r t e s t s could be run, The f i r s t series
of t e s t s provided d a t a f o r d e s i g n i n g a n i n j e c t o r t h a t pro-
duced s t a b l e combustion, The l a t e r t e s t s w i t h cooled oham-
bers i n d i c a t e d a high l e v e l o f r o c k e t performance, w i t h
h e a t i n g r a t e s of m e t a l components h e l d t o l e v e l s comparable
with t h o s e of c o n v e n t i o n a l engines,
Another p o r t i o n of t h e t e s t program was devoted t o
i n v e s t i g a t i n g aerodynamic performance of t h e p l u g noazle.
R e s u l t s i n d i c a t e d t h a t a t r u n c a t e d form o f . t h e plug, making
t h e n o z z l e much s h o r t e r , performed almost as well as t h e
l o n g e r , t h e o r e t i c a l l y more e f f i c i e n t shape, Tests a l s o
showed t h a t t h e p l u g n o m l e is well adapted t o s t e e r i n g : by
t h r o t t l i n g t h e p r e s s u r e of t h e gases i s s u i n g oyer one s i d e
of t h e plug, it i s p o s s i b l e t o change o r d i s p l a c e t h e l i n e
a l o n g which t h e t h r u s t f o r c e a c t s ,
A s t u d y was a l s o completed t h a t f u r n i s h e d i n f o r m a t i o n
f o r d e s i g n i n g f u t u r e p l u g n o z z l e e n g i n e s over a wide range
of c o n d i t i o n s and s i z e s ,
After completing t h e f i r s t phase o f t h i s program,
General E l e c t r i c submitted a p r o p o s a l t o c o n t i n u e work t o
produce a f l i g h t v e r s i o n (50,000-lb. t h r u s t ) of t h e p l u g
n o z z l e engine, NASA h a s agreed t o t h e p r o p o s a l ,

When l i q u i d hydrogen and LOX a r e pumped from t h e i r

s t o r a g e t a n k s and f o r c e d through l i n e s and v a l v e s t o t h e
combustion chamber o f a r o c k e t engine, t h e s e cryogenic
( e x t r e m e l y c o l d ) f l u i d s p r e s e n t s p e c i a l problems n o t common
t o o r d i n a r y l i q u i d s l i k e water, I

One of t h e s e problems is c a v i t a t i o n , t h e f o r m a t i o n o f
vapor-f i l l e d bubbles i n t h e l i q u i d , C a v i t a t i o n u s u a l l y oc-
c u r s on t h e s u c t i o n s i d e o f pumps, r e d u c i n g t h e i r e f f i c i e n c y
and r e l i a b i l i t y , The t h e o r e t i c a l mechanics of c a v i t a t i o n i s
n o t q u a n t i t a t i v e l y understood even i n common l i q u i d s such
as water, and f o r cryogenic l i q u i d s r e s e a r c h data are
limited,
Work has been s t a r t e d a t L e w i s on a s y s t e m a t i c program
t o i n v e s t i g a t e t h e dynamic e f f e c t s o f c a v i t a t i o n , A small
r e t u r n - f l o w cryogenic l i q u i d t u n n e l i s b e i n g assembled, with
which it i s planned t o o b t a i n data u s i n g v a r i o u s cryogenic
l i q u i d s , ( i n c l u d i n g l i q u i d oxygen, n i t r o g e n , and hydrogen)
over a wide range o f p r e s s u r e s and f l o w v e l o c i t i e s .
High speed photographs have shown t h a t t h e r e is a
fundamental change i n t h e n a t u r e of pump c a v i t a t i o n i n
l i q u i d hydrogen, t h e vapor b e i n g rather uniformly d i s p e r s e d
- 113
i
as v e r y f i n
indicated t
t h a t mechanical
can be maintaine
S t ill
unsatisfactory f o r
engine. Under t h e
(hydrogen b o i l s a t
f i l l e d with bubb
lock t h e pump.
i n s t e a d of t h
he l i q u i d . Tests have
pumps can be designed so
t occur, and good performance
e hydrogen i s b o i l i n g .
t h a l l liquid propellants is
t l e s s n e s s i n t h e space envi-
h y s i c a l s t a t e t h a t i s very
rough t h e pumps t o a r o c k e t
ns, t h e p r o p e l a a n t may b o i l
oxygen a t -183 C) , o r become
r' g a s e s t h a t could vapor-
ugs of vapor might b e pumped

t h e power of cryogenic pro-

ellants for t h e r p l a n e t s , we must i n s u l a t e
n s t h e a t t o keep them from vapor-
e l o s s e s . NASA has i n v e s t i -
such p r o t e c t i o n . R e s u l t s
v e h i c l e p r o p e r l y and u s i n g
metal f o i l s each t h e r m a l l y
l a n t l o s s e s can be reduced t o
t r i p s t o nearby p l a n e t s such
y s t u d i e s i n d i c a t e t h a t add-
ve l i t t l e adverse a f f e c t on
d e s p i t e t h e e x t r a "hardware"
c p r o p e l l a n t s , most advantages
p e c i f i o impulses can be r e t a i n e d

s t h e pumps i n a r o c k e t system
-energy g a s source, which can be
g burning t h e two p r o p e l l a n t s
generator. The h o t g a s
o s e r v e a second pur-
e system can be used t o
tanks a s the propellants

nce, and c o n t r o l of t h e g a s gen-

erator is c r f u l performance of t h e I

rocket vehicle. experimental i n v e s t i g a t i o n

d hydrogen and LOX is i n

pumps and a complete high-

analyzed a t Lewis, t o d e t e r -
r y study WW made

J
t o l e a r n how
g i n e s could b
bine* t o power
of t h e t y p e u s
R e s u l t s have i
l y higher than
t h e bleed s y s t
b i n e and t h e r e

and t y p e t h a t
vehicles, O f

tems, and t a n k weights,

I n f u r t h e r experimental i n v e s t i g a t i o n o f t u r b i n e s f o r
high-energy r o c k e t systems, a c o l d - a i r model ( u s i n g un-
h e a t e d a i r f o r t h e t e s t rather t h a n t h e a c t u a l f l u i d ) of
two-stage u n i t was b u i l t t o t y o u t t h e "bleed system'?
t h a t is, employing a small pe c e n t a g e o f t h e p r o p e l l a n t t o
--
d r i v e t h e t u r b i n e and.then exhausting t h e s p e n t p r o p e l l a n t
over-board. The major problem i s t o get enough power t o
d r i v e t h e t u r b i n e p r o p e r l y without a p p r e c i a b l y reducing t h e
s p e c i f i c impulse, The r e s u l t s of t h i s i n v e s t i g a t i o n i n d i c a t e d
a t o t a l e f f i c i e n c y of approximately 4.6 p e r c e n t f o r t h e t u r -
bine proper -- r e l a t i v e l y good performance f o r two s t a g e s .
A small three-stage u n i t i s also being investigated
p a r t of a g e n e r a l program f o r a turbopump i n a n engine w i
20,000 pounds of t h r u s t , A c o l d - a i r model achieved a n ef-
f i c i e n c y o f 53 percent. This u n i t w i l l a l s o b e t e s t e d a t
high t e m p e r a t u r e s ( a b o u t 14000) i n t h e p i l o t t u r b i n e faci3.i
a t Plum Brook,
The c o n v e n t i o n a l b l e e d system and a m o n o p r o p e l l a ~ t
d r i v e system f o r u s e i n t h i s p p l i c a t i o n were compared an-
a l y tically, Results indic t t h e b l e e d system re-
q u i r e d about one-third t h e flow r a t e o f t h e monopropell
system ( u s i n g h y d r a z i n e ) , The lower flow r a t e would
l i f t i n g a n i n c r e a s e d pay1 u s t y p e s of m i s s
t h e amount of i n c r e a s e va h e mission,

I n modern chemical r o c k e t systems, g a s p r e s s u r e is

used t o f o r c e t h e l i q u i d p r o p e l l a n t i n t o t h e pump and
v i d e s u f f i c i e n t head t o keep t h e f l u i d from c a v i t a t i n g a t

* Somewhat analogous -fashioned overshot 68,

t h e pump. An e x p e r i m e n t a l and a n a l y t i c a l s t u d y i s under:
way t o f i n d o u t how much gas it takes t o p r e s s u r i z e a hydro-
gen p r o p e l l a n t t a n k and f o r c e t h e l i q u i d hydrogen out. The
program o b j e c t i v e is t o o b t a i n b a s i c i n f o r m a t i o n l e a d i n g
t o t h e d e s i g n o f a p r e s s u r i z a t i o n system o f minimum weight.
The experimental t e s t r i g f o r t h i s program makes it
p o s s i b l e t o v a r y t h e amount of p r o p e l l a n t s l o s h i n g , t h e
t e m p e r a t u r e of p r e s s u r i z i n g gas, t h e amount o f h e a t l e a k i n g
i n t o t h e t a n k , and t h e r a t e a t which t h e l i q u i d flows out.
The e f f e c t of a l l t h e s e v a r i a b l e s on t h e amount of p r e s s u r -
i z i n g gas r e q u i r e d can t h e n be measured.
Tests have been r u n u s i n g b o t h hydrogen and helium as
t h e p r e s s u r i z i n g gas. *With b o t h g a s e s , t h e major f a c t o r
a f f e c t i n g t h e q u a n t i t y needed was found t o be t h e tempera-
t u r e of t h e t a n k walls; t h e less heat t r a n s f e r t o t h e walls,
t h e g r e a t e r the efficiency.
Fur.ther s t u d i e s are b e i n g c a r r i e d o u t with l i q u i d hy-
drogen and l i q u i d oxygen i n a f l o w system t h a t more c l o s e l y
s i m u l a t e s t h o s e used i n f l i g h t , w i t h p r o p e l l a n t t a n k s , flow
l i n e s , f l i g h t c o n t r o l s , and related equipment. I n i t i a l
r e s u l t s i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e l i q u i d hydrogen -- when p r e s s u r i z e d
t o a p r e s c r i b e d v a l u e and t h e n forGed o u t o f t h e t a n k s with-
o u t any a d d i t i o n a l p r e s s u r i z i n g gas -- remains i n t h e b o i l i n g
l i q u i d c o n d i t i o n which i s d e s i r e d f o r maintenance o f pres-
sure.

SOLID-PROPELLANT ROCKETS
High Performance Rocket Motors
During t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d , two c o n t r a c t s f o r h i g h per-
formance r o c k e t motors l e t i n 1959 were completed and
a n o t h e r was extended. New c o n t r a c t s were signed f o r f i v e
more p r o j e c t s . Work a u t h o r i z e d should b e completed i n 1960.
Upper S t a g e Rockets -- Grand C e n t r a l Rocket Company
of Redlands, Calif., i s c o n t i n u i n g work under i t s c o n t r a c t
t o develop an e x p e r i m e n t a l r o c k e t engine with a v e r y high
p r o p o r t i o n of weight of p r o p e l l a n t t o t h a t o f i n e r t p a r t s .
The two 500-pound e n g i n e s t h u s f a r t e s t - f i r e d f a i l e d , s o o n
a f t e r i g n i t i o n ; t h e s e e n g i n e s w i l l b e modified i n a n e f f o r t
t o c o r r e c t d e f i c i e n c e s , t h e n f i r e d i n f u r t h e r t e s t s . Other
phases o f t h e program are b e i n g extended.
N e g o t i a t i o n s are i n p r o g r e s s on a c o n t r a c t t o i n v e s t i -
g a t e t h e p o t e n t i a l weight-saving c a p a b i l i t i e s o f a n o z z l e
cooled by l i q u i d metal. The large heat-absorbing, c a p a c i t y
o f a l i q u i d metal may a l l o w t h e ’ u s e o f v e r y t h i n metal noz-
z l e cones, i f t h e l i q u i d metal can b e k e p t ‘in uniform con-
t a c t w i t h t h e c o n e ” t o absorb t h e heat g e n e r a t e d by t h e
e x h a u s t gases. C a l c u l a t i o n s show t h a t such a nozzle can
l i g h t e r i n weight -- e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e larger s i z e s --
one u s i n g c u r r e n t a b l a t i o n * materials such a s p o l y e t h y l
plastic.
A c o n t r a c t t o i n v e s t i g a t e t h e combination of s e v e r a l
modern d e s i g n f e a t u r e s i n a s i n g l e sounding r o c k e t i s being
n e g o t i a t e d . Weighing abouB 200 pounds, such a r o c k e t could
be b u i l t t o go 40 p e r c e n t h i g h t h a n p r e s e n t r o c k e t s with-
o u t t h e need f o r developing a s i n g l e new concept.
The performance p o t e n t i a l of a r o c k e t engine having no
c o n v e n t i o n a l nozzle w i l l be i n v e s t i g a t e d under a c o n t r a c t
now being n e g o t i a t e d . Although n o t a s e f f i c i e n t a s nozzle
u n i t s , t h e low weight, s i m p l i c i t y , reduced c o s t , and i m -
proved r e l i a b i l i t y may make t h i s r a d i c a l l y differerbt design
a t t r a c t i v e f o r some a p p l i c a t i o n s ,
The u t i l i z a t i o n of s e v e r a l c o n c e n t r i c l a y e r s of d i f -
f e r e n t s o l i d p r o p e l l a n t s t o a l l o w a simple i n t e r n a l shape,
r e q u i r i n g almost no chamber i n s u l a t i o n , w i l l be e v a l u a t e d .
The t e s t u n i t w i l l weigh about 600 pounds and i n c l u d e a
p l a s t i c chamber made i n two h a l v e s . C o n t r a c t i n g f o r t h i s
program was i n i t i a t e d i n March 1960.
N e g o t i a t i o n s are a l s o i n p r o c e s s on a c o n t r a c t t o i n -
v e s t i g a t e t h e p o t e n t i a l of-end-burning p r o p e l l a n t charges
i n upper-stage r o c k e t s of low weight. Because end-burning
c h a r g e s have no c e n t r a l p e r f o r a t i o n , a l l t h e chamber volume
i s used, g i v i n g added e f f i c i e n c y . They a l s o a l l o w more
f l e x i b i l i t y of r o c k e t burning time.
Large Boosters
F i n a l r e p o r t s were r e c e i v e d on two 1959 c o n t r a c t s t o
determine p o t e n t i a l advantages of large s o l i d r o c k e t s a s
i n i t i a l stages. The programs, conducted by t h e Lockheed
A i r c r a f t Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif., and t h e Aero-
n u t r o n i c D i v i s i o n o f t h e Ford Motor Company, showed t h a t --
on t h e b a s i s of; o v e r - a l l v e h i c l e d e s i g n --
a solid fuel
b o o s t e r can be more e f f i c i e n t t h a n a l i q u i d b o o s t e r . S o l i d
u n i t s can r e a d i l y be designed t o d e l i v e r maximum t h r u s t f o r
a g i v e n t o t a l v e h i c l e weight, while l i q u i d r o c k e t s are more
l i m i t e d because of t h e s i z e of t h e f u e l - f e e d i n g machinery
r e q u i r e d . By developing a h i g h e r thrust-to-weight r a t i o ,

*A method of c o o l i n g i n which a surface c o a t i n g of material

- f o r example, c e r t a i n p l a s t i c s
p r o t e c t i n g t h e s u r f a c e beneath i t .
-melts and v a p o r i z e s ,

- 117 -
t h e s o l i d u n i t a t t a i n s f u l l v e l o c i t y more q u i c k l y , and mini-
mizes v e l o c i t y loss due t o g r a v i t y . For a g i v e n t o t a l vehi-
c l e weight, it h a s a l s o been found more e f f i c i e n t t o use a
s o l i d b o o s t e r , which, being smaller t h a n t h e corresponding
l i q u i d b o o s t e r , p e r m i t s more weight t o - b e c o n c e n t r a t e d i n
t h e upper stages.
J

During e a r l y 1960, N SA r e q u e s t e d b i d s f o r d e s i g n s and

t e s t of a n experimental v e h i c l e s t e e r i n g and v e l o c i t y con-
t r o l u n i t . O f f o u r t e e n p r o p o s a l s receiv,ed, two, r e p r e s e n t i n g
d i f f e r e n t approaches, were chosen, each having advantages i n
d i f f e r e n t l o c a t i o n s on a m u l t i s t a g e v e h i c l e . N e g o t i a t i o n s
w i t h t h e s e c o n t r a c t o r s w i l l be complete i n t h e n e a r f u t u r e ,
These systems w i l l b e developed t h i s y e a r and adapted l a t e r
t o actual vehicle stages.
I n March 1960 a c o n t r a c t was l e t t o t h e Naval Ordnance
Test S t a t i o n , Inyokern, Calif,, t o blt;udy t h e f e a s i b i l i t y o f
c o n t r o l l i n g t h e d i r e c t i o n of t h r u s t from a n o z z l e by ino
j e c t i n g g a s o r l i q u i d i n t o t h e nosrtle expansion cone, T h i s
i n j e c t i o n c a u s e s a shock wave t o form i n t h e cone, d e f l e c t -
i n g t h e main exhaust by s e v e r a l degrees, It should t h u s be
p o s s i b l e t o s t e e r a v e h i c l e by i n j e c t i n g on command a t d i f -
f e r e n t cone l o c a t i o n s . Although i n i t i a l t e s t s w i l l be made
w i t h 500-pound rocke 9 method may prove Parti-
c u l a r l y u s e f u l i n st n i t i a l stag- r e q u i r i n g
g r e a t forces.
Thrust Modulation
od of c o n t i n u o u s l y
1 rocket. I n
Acoustica Associatea,
i n e i f t h r u s t could
d waves) t o t h e

g e n e r a t e c o n t r o l l e d en
and apply it t o p r o p e l
A series o f t e s t s we
a closed pressur
small r o c k e t eng
l e v e l v a r i a t i o n of about
s o u r c e used was a h i g h l y
o v e r 150 d e c i b e l s i n a i r a
c y c l e s p e r second ( c
after designs
rate.
a t t empt i n g t o
ren o r whistle
de with propellant strands i n
no n o t i c e a b l e r e s u l t s , Later,
d, i n which an induced t h r u s t
s noted. The s o n i c
i e n t whistle t h a t generates
frequency of about 10,000
t f i r i n g s w i l l b 8 made
ase t h e effect on burning
M a t e r i a l s and Manufacturing Techniques
S e v e r a l f a c t o r s could l i m i t t h e use of s o l i d - p r o p e l l a n t
r o c k e t s . For example, nozzle materials must resist temper-
a t u r e s of more t h a n 6000°F. (See Chapter 1 2 , "Materials and
S t r u c t u r e s " , p . 128.) Also, if s o l i d r o c k e t s are t o be u t i -
l i z e d a s multi-hundred-thousand-pound b o o s t e r s , new means of
making them must be developed.
The c o n t r a c t i n i t i a t e d i n 1959 w i t h t h e Arde-Portland
Corp., Newark, N. J., t o s t u d y t h e p r o p e r t i e s of s e v e r a l
materials s u i t a b l e f o r Cobgtructing h i g h temperature nozzles
i s s t i l l i n p r o g r e s s . Me l l i c c a r b i d e s and o t h e r s u b s t a n c e s
t o be e v a l u a t e d have been d i f f i c u l t t o f a b r i G a t e i n t h e s i z e
r e q u i r e d , and o n l y two t e s t r o c k e t f i r i n g s have been c a r r i e d
o u t , one o f which was simply t o prove t h e equipment and
i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n . I n t h e second t e s t , a nozzle t h r o a t s e c t i o n
o f h i g h d e n s i t y m e t a l l i c c a r b i d e withstood exhaust c o n d i t i o n s
c o n s i d e r a b l y more s e v e r e t h a n any produced i n even t h e most
advanced of present-day r o c k e t s . The t h e o r e t i c a l temperature
o f t h e flame was 67000F, and d u r i n g t h e 39-second burning
t i m e , t h e 3/4-inch-diameter t h r o a t i n c r e a s e d o n l y .Ob i n c h .

ELECTRIC ROCKETS
E l e c t r i c r o c k e t - p r o p u l s i o n systems y i e l d extremely
weak t h r u s t but can o b t a i n almost u n l i m i t e d j e t v e l o c i t i e s
without consuming much p r o p e l l a n t . For m i s s i o n s i n space
where g r a v i t y f o r c e s are small, t h e y o f f e r a number of
advantages, s i n c e t h e y are compact and can g e n e r a t e t h r u s t
f o r long p e r i o d s o f time. There are s e v e r a l t y p e s of e l e c -
t r i c r o c k e t s now under s t u d y by NASA. These i n c l u d e i o n
r o c k e t s , plasma r o c k e t s , and e l e c t r o - t h e r m a l r o c k e t s ( d i s -
cussed i n more d e t a i l under i n d i v i d u a l headings below).
Developmen4 of E l e c t r i c a l P r o p u l s i o n Systems
P r o p o s a l s 'have been r e q u e s t e d from i n d u s t r y on competi-
t i v e b i d s t o develop a 30-kw e l e c t r o t h e r m a l a r c j e t f o r s a t e l -
l i t e p r o p u l s i o n , a 1-kw a r c j e t f o r s a t e l l i t e s t a b i l i z a t i o n ,
and a 30-kw i o n r o c k e t f o r p r o p u l s i o n of i n t e r p l a n e t a r y
probes. , P r o p o s a l s f o r t h e s e p r o j e c t s have been r e c e i v e d and
a r e now being t e c h n i c a l l y e v a l u a t e d . C o n t r a c t s w i l l be
awarded i n t h e n e a r f u t u r e .
F u t u r e e l e c t r i c a l p r o p u l s i o n development a c t i v i t i e s
w i l l i n c l u d e f u r t h e r support of t h e s e t h r e e development
p r o j e c t s , t o g e t h e r w i t h s u p p o r t i n g s t u d i e s d i r e c t e d toward
s p e c i a l problem areas such a s power g e n e r a t i o n . (For
d e t a i l s see "SNAP-€? Development," p . 126. )

.. 119 -
 E l e c t r i c Rocket Test F a c i l i t i e s -- Since i o n , a n d
plasma r o c k e t s can o p e r a t e o n l y i n a n e a r vacuum. t e s t f a c i l -
i t i e s f o r experimental r e s e a r c h and development k u s t b e
b u i l t so t h a t v i r t u a l l y a l l a i r can b e pumped o u t
t o about one b i l l i o n t h of normal atmospheric p r e s s u r e . The
-- down
problem i s made even more d i f f i c u l t because t h e f a c i l i t i e s
must c o n t i n u e t o m a i n t a i n t h e s e extremely low p r e s s u r e s
even when a n e l e c t r i c r o c k e t engine under t e s t i s exhausting
i t s p r o p e l l a n t c o n t i n u o u s l y i n t o t h e t e s t tank,
Three vacuum f a c i l i t i e s o f t h i s t y p e have become f u l l y
o p e r a t i o n a l a t NASA's Lewis Research Center s i n c e t h e l a s t
p r o g r e s s r e p o r t , b r i n g i n g t h e t o t a l t o f o u r . Experience
with t h e s e d e v i c e s , first of t h e i r kind i n t h e United S t a t e s ,
h a s been used as t h e b a s i s f o r d e s i g n of a much l a r g e r f a c i l -
i t y f o r developing f u l l - s c a l e e l e c t r i c r o c k e t s . Construc-
t i o n of t h e new f a c i l i t y w i l l begin s h o r t l y .
Experimental r e s e a r c h on e l e c t r i c r o c k e t engine con-
c e p t s has been g r e a t l y i n c r e a s e d i n r e c e n t months; a t pres-
e n t f o u r i o n r o c k e t engine d e s i g n s a r e b e i n g i n v e s t i g a t e d , a
plasma r o c k e t engine experiment i s under way, and two e l e c -
t r o t h e r m a l r o c k e t e n g i n e s a r e being developed by t h e o r e t i c a l
a n a l y s i s and s m a l l - s c a l e experiments, Analyses of i n t e r -
p l a n e t a r y v e h i c l e m i s s i o n s p r o p e l l e d by e l e c t r i c r o c k e t s
are also continuing.
Ion Rockets
Ion p r o p u l s i o n employs a p r o p e l l a n t c o n s i s t i n g of a
stream o f p o s i t i v e l y charged i o n s -- t h a t is, atoms which
have been g i v e n a p o s i t i v e e l e c t r i c a l charge by removing
one e l e a t r o n from each. The a l k a l i n e element cesium is
w e l l s u i t e d a s t h e b a s i c p r o p e l l a n t f o r such a system, s i n c e
a cesium atom becomes i o n i g e d when it comes i n c o n t a c t w i t h
a h o t s u r f a c e of t u n g s t e n o r rhenium, Known t o s c i e n c e f o r
almost h a l f a century, t h i s i o n i z a t i o n method i s 99 p e r c e n t
e f f i c i e n t , and i s simple and r e a d i l y a d a p t a b l e t o a l i g h t ,
compact d e s i g n ,
A stream of cesium i o n s can be shaped i n t o a beam and
a c a e l e r a t e d i n much t h e same way t h e cathode r a y ltgun" i n
a t e l e v i s i o n p i c t u r e t u b e s h o o t s a beam o f e l e c t r o n s t o ac-
t i v a t e t h e luminescent screen. I n space p r o p u l s i o n systems
t h e beam of i o n s i s e m i t t e d t o produce t h r u s t ; t h e mass f l o w
i s extremely low, b u t t h e i o n exhaust v e l o c i t y can r e a c h
hundreds of miles p e r second. The f i n a l s t e p , a s t h e i o n s
leave t h e rocket, is t o re-inject e l e c t r o n s t o n e u t r a l i z e
t h e charge, T h i s p r e v e n t s a n e g a t i v e e l e c t r i c a l charge from
b u i l d i n g up on t h e space v e h i c l e . A t t h e same time, it
n e u t r a l i z e s t h e p o s i t i v e charge i n t h e j e t area, which would
o t h e r w i s e i n t e r f e r e .with o t h e r p o s i t i v e i o n s moving o u t of
t h e jet.

.
I 120 -
 Experiments i n p r o g r e s s a t Lewis a r e e v a l u a t i n g four
i o n rocke6 engine d e s i g n s based on widely d i f f e r i n g con-
c e p t s , and designed f o r m i s s i o n s r a n g i n g from c o r r e c t i n g
t h e o r b i t s of communications s a t e l l i t e s t o supplying pro-
pulsion f o r interplanetary flight. I n preliminary tests,
f a i r l y good power e n e r g i e s have been o b t a i n e d ( a s high a s
58 p e r c e n t o f t h e power t h e o r e t i c a l l y p o s s i b l e ) , and with
'knowledge g a i n e d t o date, it i s expected t h a t t h i s e f f i c i e n c y
can be g r e a t l y improved.
Many of t h e p r o c e s s e s t h a t t a k e p l a c e i n i o n e n g i n e s
are b e i n g analyzed i n d e t a i l , u s i n g t h e experimental e n g i n e s
and 'auxiliary apparatus. New i n s t r u m e n t s are b e i n g devel-
oped t o p e r m i t a c q u i s i t i o n o f b e t t e r and more complete data
i n t h e near future.
Plasma Rockets
Plasma p r o p u l s i o n makes use o f many o f t h e same p r i n -
c i p l e s and t e c h n i q u e s t h a t are b e i n g s t u d i e d i n t h e s e a r c h
f o r c o n t r o l l e d thermonuclear f u s i o n . A plasma i s a body of
i o n i z e d g a s ( p o s i t i v e i o n s and n e g a t i v e e l e c t r o n s ) a t v e r y
high temperature. A plasma r o c k e t d i f f e r s from a n i o n
t i n t h a t t h e i o n s and e l e c t r o n s are n o t s e p a r a t e d and
e j e c t e d i n two s e p a r a t e beams, b u t are i n t e r m i n g l e d and
e j e c t e d t o g e t h e r i n a common beam. Also, an i o n beam is
a c c e l e r a t e d e l e c t r o s t a t i c a l l y , a plasma beam, electromag-
netically.
Experimental r e s u l t s i n d i c a t e t h a t some plasma d e v i c e s
p r e v i o u s l y proposed have l i t t l e promise f o r p r o p u l s i o n ap-
plications. Consequently, t h e plasma r o c k e t r e s e a r c h pro-
gram has been r e a l i g n e d t o p l a c e more emphasis on a c c e l e r a -
t i o n systems o f demonstrated promise. The program a l s o con-
t i n u e s i n v e s t i g a t i o n s o f a few systems f o r which t h e limita-
t i o n s have n o t as y e t been determined even approximately.
One system o f t h e l a t t e r v a r i e t y i n v o l v e s a c c e l e r a t i n g a
plasma by means o f a magnetic f i e l d o s c i l l a t i n g a t r a d i o
f r e q u e n c i e s (150 t o 4.50 kc.). A c r i t i c a l experiment, us-
i n g a n a c c e l e r a t o r designed f o r continuous o p e r a t i o n , i s
under way i n an e f f o r t t o determine t h e p o t e n t i a l o f t h i s
t y p e of device.
Other t y p e s of plasma a c c e l e r a t o r s are b e i n g evalu-
ated, i n c l u d i n g c a p a c i t o r - d i s c h a r g e d e v i c e s t h a t produce
repeated pulses. I n i t i a l experiments i n d i c a t e t h a t v e l o c i -
t i e s can be a t t a i n e d s u i t a b l e f o r p r o p u l s i o n a p p l i c a t i o n s ,
b u t t h e a c c e l e r a t i o n f o r c e drops r a p i d l y a s t h e plasma
f l o w s away from i t s s t a r t i n g p o i n t . This r e q u i r e s t h a t t h e
system have a s h o r t "time c o n s t a n t " -- i n o t h e r words, t h e
p u l s e s must be r e p e a t e d extremely r a p i d l y , so t h a t t h e
energy s t o r e d i n t h e c a p a c i t o r s w i l l be q u i c k l y r e p l a c e d
and as q u i c k l y a g a i n discharged.

' - 121 -
 Work i s a l s o going forward on s e v e r a l plasma genera-
t i o n systems t h a t would, i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h a plasma ac-
c e l e r a t o r , make up a complete engine.
E l e c t r o t h e r m a l Rockets
E l e c t r o t h e r m a l r o c k e t s d i f f e r from i o n and plasma
r o c k e t s i n t h a t a p r o p e l l a n t gas is heated e l e c t r i c a l l y and
p e r m i t t e d t o expand through a n o z z l e t o form a high v e l o c i t y
j e t without b e i n g a c c e l e r a t e d by e x t e r n a l e l e c t r i c o r mag-
netic fields.
Lewis i s i n v e s t i g a t i n g s e v e r a l such d e v i c e s , one of
which u s e s an e l e c t r i c a r c d i s c h a r g e t o produce sudden
h e a t i n g o f t h e p r o p e l l a n t gas,
Use of S o l a r R a d i a t i o n ' f o r P r o p u l s i o n
NASA i s c o n t i n u i n g i t s i n v e s t i g a t i o n o f s o l a r energy
t o heat hydrogen and t h u s produce r o c k e t t h r u s t . The s t u d y
'

so f a r h a s shown t h a t s p e c i f i c impulses from 900 .to 1500

seconds may b e o b t a i n e d f n engines t h a t c a n . l a c c e l e r a t e 0.3
f o o t p e r second. Such a system, a p p l i e d t o a'manned Moon
mission o r Mars mission, might reduce w e i g h t , o f t h e upper
s t a g e s enough t o permit t h e i r u s e with a S a t u r n launch
vehicle.
The c h i e f problem i s t o c u t down t h e weight of t h e
s o l a r c o l l e c t o r t o 1/40 of a .pound p e r s q u a r e f o o t , This
weight requiremGnt a p p e a r s p o s s i b l e t o achieve.

NUCLEAR ENERGY APPLICATIONS FOR SPACE

Power from c o n t r o l l e d n u c l e a r f i s s i o n , a l t h o u g h first
achieved i n p r a c t i c a l measure d u r i n g t h e l a s t decade, has
now grown familiar and almost commonplace. E l e c t r i c i t y pro-
duced by n u c l e a r power r e a c t o r s has been l i g h t i n g homes and
t u r n i n g t h e wheels o f i n d u s t r y i n t h e United S t a t e s and
abroad f o r s e v e r a l y e a r s , But t h e a p p l i c a t i o n of t h i s enor-
mous, almost u n l i m i t e d s o u r c e of energy, t o thrust-producing
d e v i c e s f o r d r i v i n g launch v e h i c l e s and s p a c e c r a f t on mis=
s i o n s t h a t are now i m p o s s i b l e i s a c h a l l e n g e t o space
s c i e n t i s t s and r o c k e t e n g i n e e r s ,
NASA i s i n e a r l y stages of developing two t y p e s of
n u c l e a r systems f o r space propulsion: 1) n u c l e a r h e a t t r a n s -
f e r r o c k e t s , and 2 ) n u c l e a r e l e c t r i c g e n e r a t i n g systems.
The l a t t e r are i n t e n d e d t o produce enough e l e c t r i c i t y t o
power a n e l e c t r i c r o c k e t engine (see " E l e c t r i c Rocketsn,
pp. 119 - 122. )

- 122 -
Nuclear Heat T r a n s f e r Rockets
The p o t e n t i a l of t h e n u c l e a r r o c k e t l i e s i n its high ape-
c i f i o impulrse. Thiar f a r o u t s t r i p s today's most powerful chensi-
cal rooketa. The n u c l e a r r o c k e t w i l l c o n s i s t of t h e f o l l o w i n g
baaric components: 1) a p r o p e l l a n t tank, c o n t a i n i n g l i q u i d
hydrogen a t approximately -43CPF; 2) a pump and i t s a s s o c i a t e d
d r i v e system, t o f o r c e t h e l i q u i d F u e l t o 3 ) a n u c l e a r r e a c t o r
which heat8 it and t r a n s f o r m s it t o h o t gas; and 4) a nozzle
through which t h e gas is e x p e l l e d t o p r o v i d e t h r u s t . Vehicle
and m i s s i o n s t u d i e s are b e i n g conducted which i n d i c a t e t h a t
comparatively small and simple n u c l e a r r o c k e t s would be desir-
able fer h i g h energy missions.
The n u c l e a r r o c k e t program is a J o i n t e f f o r t of NASA and
t h e Atomic Energy Commission. NASA s u p p o r t s AECVs r e a c t o r
t e s t program by developing t h e non-nuclear components r e q u i r e d ,
and supplying the necessary hydrogen p r o p e l l a n t s . Among these
~ o ~ ~ o n e are n t s t h e hydrogen pump, t u r b i n e , and r o c k e t noszle.
In p r o p e r time phase w i t h A E C t s r e a c t o r t e s t program, a f t e r
completion through a working model engine demonstration, NASA
w i l l have developed a f l y a b l e engine Bystem i n t e g r t e d i n t o a
n u c l e a r r o a k e t v e h i c l e . Most probable first a p p l i c a t i o n would
be aa, a t o p e t a g e of a ahemibal rooket launch v e h i c l e ; t h e
n u c l e a r r o c k e t s would s t a r t t o o p e r a t e after having been
launched by t h e chemical lower stages i n t o an earth orbit.
Mosgle Cooling Problems --
needed f o r an e f f i c i e n t n u c l e a r r o c k e t-
A high&eraperature r e a c t o r is
t h e hinher t h e tem-
p e r a t u r e , t h e more t h r u s t is o b t a i n e d from t h e hzated hydrogen
p r o p e l l a n t p a s s i n g through t h e noszle. However, t h e nozzle
c o o l i n g problem, a l r e a d y d i f f i c u l t i n chemical systems, is in-
t e n s i f ied. S e v e r a l r e s e a r c h programs are a c c o r d i n g l y being
conducted on n o z z l e c o o l i n g a t t h e Lewis Research Center. A
r e c e n t l y completed p r e l i m i n a r y a n a l y s i s i n d i c a t e s t h a t wall
temperatures higher t h a n t h o s e gener 1 l y used i n nozzle desi
w i l l almost undoubtedly have t o be o
Data on heat t r a n s f e r rates from h o t gas t o n o s z l e walls
are being e x p e r i m e n t a l l y determined i n s e v e r a l chemical
r o c k e t s ; c o r r e l a t i o n s of these data should a l s o be a p p l i c a b l e
t o n u c l e a r r o c k e t s . Data on rates o f heat t r a n s f e r from t h e
noosle wall are a l s o being gathered, u s i n g a n e l e c t r i c a l l y
heated t u b e t h r o u g h which t h e hydrogen c o o l a n t f l o w s a t ranges
.
o f pressures and temperatures comparable t o t h o s e encountered
i n nuc lear no z z 1es
Pump and Turbodrive Systems -- Like chemical r o c k e t s ,
large n u c l e a r r o c k e t s w i l l r e q u i r e a pump and t u r b o d r i v e sys-
tem t o move t h e hydrogen f u e l from t h e s t o r a g e t a n k s t o t h e
reactor. C a v i t a t i o n problems are similar t o t h o s e mentioned
f o r chemical r o a k e t engines u t i l i z i n g l i q u i d hydrogen, except

- 123 -
t h a t additional d i f f i c u l t i e s are posed by r a d i a t i o n heating.
Axial (straight-through) flow, multi-stage pumps may be used
t o o b t a i n t h e high p r e s s u r e s r e q u i r e d , and systems of t h i s
t y p e are under study.
Problems a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t u r b i n e d r i v e systems s u i t a b l e
t o n u c l e a r r o c k e t a p p l i c a t i o n s are being i n v e s t i g a t e d experi-
mentally. The first system s t u d i e d is of t h e bleed t y p e in
which a small f r a c t i o n of t h e pump d i s c h a r g e by-passea t h e
t h r u s t chamber a f t e r some h e a t i n g , and a f t e r expanding through
t h e t u r b i n e i s d i s c h a r g e d overbo rd. The t u r b i n e , s i a e d i n
t h e g e n e r a l r a n g e s u i t a b l e f o r n u c l e a r o e k e t s of t h e Rover
t y p e d i s c u s s e d i n p r e v i o u s r e p o r t s , is u n i t w i t h eight f u l l
s t a g e s . The complete t u r b i n e i s now being f a b r i c a t e d and is
t o be tested i n t h e main t u r b i n e t e s t f a c i l i t y a t Plm Brook-,
The first two stages a r e a l r e a d y ~ d e r g o i n gt i n the tur-
b i n e p i l o t f a c i l i t y ( a small--scale f a c i l i t y t i d s the ds-
s i g n and c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e larger one laenti
Plum Brook u s i n g b o t h -hydrogen and n i t r o g e n
fluids. (An e l a b o r a t i o n of these tesrts i n v a r i o u s a i n g l e -
s t a g e t u r b i n e s has i n d i c a t e d t h a t there i s p r a c t i c a l 1 no d i f -
f e r e n c e i n performance between hydrogen and n i t r o g e n . I
discueeed . i n the Second
Semi
pump f e e d system f o r t h e Rover
supplying t h e hydrogen r e q u i r e d i n a1
n u c l e a r r o c k e t program. Among flow s components involved
is $he l i q u i d hydrogen pump (and a aix-atage t u r b i n e t o d r i v e
it), being developed under c o n t r a c t with t h e Rocketdyne Divi-
s i o n of North American Aviation, Inc. C u r r e n t l y , t e s t pumps
are being tested under v a r i e d pressures and f l o w rates.
NASA is also i n v e s t i g a t i n g ways of c o n t r o l l i n g t h e flow
syatems of n u c l e a r rock 8. Under a c o n t r a o t i t h t h e A e r o j e t
General Corp., Amsa, C if., s t a r t i n g c h a r a e t i s t i c s of s a e h
a system are being s t u d d o Experi e n t a l work as been corn-
p l e t e d ; a n a l y t i c a l work i s continuing.
Arrangements are i n p r o ress t o suppo work a t the
N a t i o n a l Bureau of standard^ Cryogenics E i n e e r i n g Labor
t o r y , Boulder, Colo., on t h e b a s i c p r o p e r t s of hydrogen
reqvired f o r f l o w system d8sign. Work w i l l also i n c l u d e in-
s t r u m e n t a t i o n r e q u i r e d i n hydrogen f l o w aystems.
c a l and experimental work a t
e methods o f e v a l u a t i n g
rid e ~ u i p 5 e n tfrom r e d i -
a t i o n s emitted by n u c l e a r r e a c t o r powerplants and from radia-
t i o n s i n space. Any p e ~ i s ~ i b rleed u c t i o n i n weight of t h e
s h i e l d i n g w i l l reduce the p r o p u l s i o n e f f o r t o f getting a vehi-
c l e i n t o o r b i t ; it i s e s t i m a t e d t h a t each pound of s h i e l d i n g
may i n c r e a s e g r o s s wei h t of t h e v e h i c l e by t e n pounds,

- 124 .
 I

Ea,
u
W
h
v1

F:
0
.4
W
d
9
a
0
k
a
u
.A
k
c,
u
a,
d
Q)
k
td
a,
d

2F:
a
Q)
W
0
a
0
k
CL
94
0
a
c,
Eao'

- 125 -
I
 n t a n a l y t i c a l method of determining s h i e l d i n g
based on a n p p l i c a t i o n of t h e "Monte Carlon
t h o d ) is cap l e of a c c u r a t e r e s u l t s b u t re-
f c a l c u l a t i o n s . Work is i n p r o g r e s s
g r e a t l y reduce t h e number of calcu-
u a t e accuracy. Values e s t a b l i s h e d by
b o t h these methods and t h e "Monte Carlo" t e c h n i q u e are b e i n g
checked a g a i n s t experiments conducted i n a %wimming pool"
t e s t r e a c t o r u s i n g gama r a y s o u r c e s and v a r i o u s s h i e l d con-
figurations.
NASA is n e g o t i a t i n g a c o n t r a c t with t h e Technical Re-
search Group, Inc., of Syosset, New Pork, f o r r e s e a r c h and
development of r a d i a t i o n s h i e l d i n g for s p a c e f l i g h t a p p l i -
c a t i o n s which h o l d s promise of b e i n g l i g h t e r t h a n conven-
t i o n a l s h i e l d i n g , An a n a l y s i s w i l l be made o f t h e u s e of a
s e p a r a t e d d i s c which w i l l s c a t t e r r a d i a t i o n away from pay-
l o a d o r crew compartments and o u t i n t o space.
Power Generation

.
II.
SNAP-8 Development - The SNAP-8 (System f o r Nuclear
A u x i l i a r y Power} r e a c t o r h o l d s promise f o r a p p l i c a z i o n t o
coming g e n z r a t i o n s of long-lived s a t e l l i t e s and space probes.
The small atomic r e a c t o r w i l l heat a c l o s e d l o o p of p i p i n g
t h a t c o n t a i n s a l i q u i d sodium-potassium a l l o y and p a s s e s through
a b o i l e r through which a second loop c o n t a i n i n g mercury a l s o
passes. The l i q u i d metals i n t h e two l o o p s are h e r m e t i c a l l y
sealed from each o t h e r , b u t r e a c t o r heat from t h e molten sodium-
potassium p a s s e s i n t o t h e mercury loop. The mercury t h e n va-
p o r i z e s and d r i v e s a m i n i a t u r e t u r b i n e - g e n e r a t o r s e t t h a t gem-
g e n e r a t e s 30,000 watts of e l e c t r i c i t y .
The SNAP-8 r e a c t o r w i l l be t h e first i n t h e SNAP series
powerful enough t o g e n e r a t e e l e c t r i c i t y f o r propulsion, besides
s e r v i n g as t h e s o u r c e of e l e c t r i c i t y for payload instrumenta-
t i o n . On March 25, NASA announced t h e s e l e c t i o n of Aerojet-
General Corp., a s u b s i d i a r y of General T i r e and Rubber Coo,
f o r c o n t r a c t n e g o t i a t i o n s t o b u i l d t h e power conversion equip-
ment and t o i n t e g r a t e t h e r e a c t o r i n t o an o p e r a t i o n a l system,
Atomics I n t e r n a t i o n a l , a d i v i s i o n o f North American Aviation,
Ine., is c o n t r a c t o r f o r t h e SNAP-8 r e a c t o r under c o n t r a c t t o
t h e Atomic Energy Commission. SNAP-8 is P j o i n t NASA-AEC pro-
ject.

- 126 -
f
 CHAPTER I2
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES

PROBLEMS OF EXTREME TEMPERATURES

Space technology h a s made it n e c e s s a r y t o write new
d e f i n i t i o n s f o r "high-temperature" and "low-temperature"
mater.ials a s t e m p e r a t u r e s g e n e r a t e d , u t i l i z e d , and en-
countered i n space f l i g h t range t o g r e a t e r and g r e a t e r
extremes .
Only a few y e a r s ago, 15000F was c o n s i d e r e d rrhightl
temperature, Now NASA e n g i n e e r s and c o n t r a c t o r s who d e s i g n
r o c k e t s and s p a c e c r a f t must d e a l w i t h t e m p e r a t u r e s of 50000F
and h i g h e r , and it i s l i k e l y t h a t development o f p r o p e l l a n t s
w i t h h i g h e r energy w i l l extend t h e upper l i m i t s t o 8000oF
and beyond, By way of comparison, t h e gases o f a b l a s t
furnace
about 3OOOOF.
-- f o r y e a r s considered t h e u l t i m a t e i n h e a t -- are

Demands a t t h e o t h e r end o f t h e s c a l e a r e f u l l y a s
severe . Hydrogen, t h e most promising of p r e s e n t chemical
f u e l s , boil's at!-l+23°F. Liquid oxygen (LOX) and f l u o r i n e ,
two important o x i d i z e r s , b o i l a t -297OF and -350°F respec-
t i v e l y . And t h e environment i n which t h e s e chemical r o c k e t s
--
w i l l be o p e r a t i n g space i t s e l f --
approaches a b s o l u t e
zero .
With environmental c o n d i t i o n s o f t h e s e two r a d i c a l
extremes t o be met, t h e r e i s no s i n g l e material known t o
s c i e n c e t h a t p o s s e s s e s t h e combination o f complex p r o p e r t i e s
t o meet more t h a n a small f r a c t i o n o f t h e demands.
Ceramics, f o r example, resist h e a t f a i r l y w e l l and are
good i n s u l a t o r s , b u t most break o r c r a c k e a s i l y , and are f a r
t o o b r i t t l e f o r many a p p l i c a t i o n s . Various nickel-based
a l l o s and s t a i n l e s s s t e e l s w i l l withstand t e m p e r a t u r e s up t o
18006F, but i f t h i s i s exceeded t o o f a r , even f o r a r e l a t i v e l y
s h o r t p e r i o d , t h e material b e g i n s t o s o f t e n .
A l l o y s f o r High-Temperature A p p l i c a t i o n s
A t NASA's L e w i s Research Center, a major e f f o r t i s
devoted t o t h e development o f s u p e r a l l o y s t h a t can w i t h s t a n d
h i g h stresses a t high t e m p e r a t u r e s , even i n t h e presence of

- 127 -
J
c o r r o s i v e f l u i d s o r gases. Such materials a r e needed f o r
s p e c i a l a p p l i c a t i o n s such a s t h e turbopwnp systems o f l i q u i d -
p r o p e l l a n t r o c k e t motors which employ f l u o r i n e , a chemical
t h a t w i l l s t r o n g l y a t t a c k most known metals and p l a s t i c s .
Liquid metals a r e o f i n t e r e s t a s heat t r a n s f e r f l u i d s f o r
space powerplants . Since " l i k e d i s s o l v e s l i k e
tainment by o t h e r metals i s a l s o a s e r i o u s r e s
on-
r-
taking.
Exploratory work a t L e w i s i s developing a s e r i e s o f new
n i c k e l - and cobalt-based a l l o y s having e x c e l l e n t s t r e n g t h a t
t e m p e r a t u r e s above 18000F. Future r e s e a r c h w i l l be d i r e c t e d
c h i e f l y toward i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e m a l l e a b i l i t y , o r "workabil-
i t y " o f t h e s e a l l o y s , while m a i n t a i n i n g t h e s t r e n g t h a l r e a d y
achieved. These are of c o n s i d e r a b l e p o t e n t i a l f o r a u x i l i a r y
turbines i n liquid rockets.
Ref r a c t o r y Me t a 1s
The r e f r a c t o r y ("hard t o melt") metals -- tungsten,
tantalum, molybdenum, and columbium -- are among t h e most
promising m a t e r i a l s f o r many a p p l i c a t i o n s , ( s u c h a s r o c k e t
n o z z l e s , f o r example, ) a t t e m p e r a t u r e s above 20000F. However,
t h e y o x i d i z e v e r y r a p i d l y , which r e s t r i c t s t h e i r u s e f u l n e s s
except i n non-oxidizing environments. F o r t u n a t e l y , t h e near-
vacuum o f space f a l l s i n t h i s category.
A t L e w i s Research Center, work h a s been c e n t e r e d on
t u n g s t e n , t h e r e f r a c t o r y metal with t h e h i g h e s t m e l t i n g p o i n t
-- about 61500~.. A most promising material f o r s o l i d -
p r o p e l l a n t r o c k e t nozzles, t u n g s t e n a l s o o f f e r s p o s s i b i l i t i e s
a s a high-temperature s t r u c t u r a l and s h i e l d i n g material f o r
space-propulsion systems o f t h e f u t u r e
The c h i e f drawback of t u n g s t e n i s i t s b r i t t l e n e s s ; it i s
d i f f i c u l t t o bend o r f a b r i c a t e , a t o r d i n a r y t e m p e r a t u r e s .
Research a t Lewis i s aimed toward understanding and overcom-
i n g t h e f a c t o r s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e b r i t t l e n e s s , Since it
i s b e l i e v e d t h a t v e r y small amounts o f i m p u r i t i e s i n t h e
t u n g s t e n may make i t b r i t t l e , one r e s e a r c h o b j e c t i v e i s t o
produce t u n g s t e n of u l t r a - h i g h p u r i t y , t o f i n d i f it w i l l
be e a s i e r t o bend and "work". To d a t e , v e r y pure tungsten
h a s been prepared by melting i n high vacuum, The material
h a s shown good band d u c t i l i t y a t room temperature; r e s e a r c h
is c o n t i n u i n g t o e s t a b l i s h more d e f i n i t e l y t h e f a c t o r s
involved.
Another s t u d y i n p r o g r e s s a t Lewis i n d i c a t e s that t h e
s t r e n g t h of tungsten i s a f f e c t e d by surface flaws =- even
minute surface s c r a t c h e s . It was found t h a t by e l e c t r o -
p o l i s h i n g t o remove surface roughness, t h e bend d u c t i l i t y
o f t u n g s t e n r o d s a t room temperature could be i n c r e a s e d

- 128 -
sevenfold. These r e s u l t s should be o f immediate i n t e r e s t
t o o r g a n i z a t i o n s t h a t f a b r i c a t e e x p e r i m e n t a l shapes from
tungsten sheet.
R e s e a r c h p i s a l s o b e i n g conducted w i t h t h e g o a l of pro-
ducing a l l o y s , based on t u n g s t e n b u t more d u c t i l e t h a n t h e
pure material a t room t e m p e r a t u r e s and s t r o n g e r a t h i g h
tempera t w e s . Tungste n-t a n t a lum and t u n g s t e n-mo 1ybde num
a l l o y s have been s u c c e s s f u l l y -melted e x p e r i m e n t a l l y , and
a t t e m p t s t o l e a r n more a b o u t t h e g r a i n s t r u c t u r e are under
way.
A t Langley Rese'arch, Center t h e r e f r a c t o r y metal molyb-
denum, i s b e i n g i n v e s t i g a t e d f o r s t r u c t u r a l a p p l i c a t i o n s .
One o f t h e c h i e f shortcomings of t h i s material i s t h a t it
i s d i f f i c u l t t o work and weld i n t o s t r u c t u r a l e n t i t i e s .
The s t r e n g t h o f s p o t welds and f u s i o n w e l d s i n molybdenum
s h e e t were determined; t h e compressive s t r e n g t h of "sand-
wich" s t r u c t u r e s was measured a t t e m p e r a t u r e s a s h i g h a s
3000°F, and s t u d i e s were made of t h e mechanical p r o p e r t i e s
o f s h e e t t h a t had been c o a t e d w i t h a n o t h e r material t o pro-
t e c t it a g a i n s t o x i d a t i o n . F i n d i n g s i n d i c a t e t h a t c o a t e d
molybdenum a l l o y s h e e t can be p r o f i t a b l y employed i n e n t r y
vehicle structures.
Refract o r y Ceramics
S e v e r a l of t h e r e f r a c t o r y ceramics under s t u d y a t L e w i s
have even h i g h e r m e l t i n g p o i n t s t h a n t u n g s t e n , and w i l l un-
doubtedly f i n 7 u s e where t h e v e r y h i g h e s t o p e r a t i n g temper-
a t u r e s a r e r e q u i r e d . Very pure hafnium c a r b i d e ( m e l t i n g
p o i n t , o v e r 7000OF) i s b e i n g prepared, and a d e n s i t y o f
b e t t e r t h a n 96 p e r c e n t o f t h a t t h e o r e t i c a l l y o b t a i n a b l e h a s
been a c h i e v e d -- a h i g h e r d e n s i t y t h a n a n y r e p o r t e d before.*
P r o p e r t i e s o f t h e material a r e ndw b e i n g e v a l u a t e d . The
work may e v e n t u a l l y y i e l d i n f o r m a t i o n much more promising
f o r s t r u c t u r e s t h a t must o p e r a t e a t e x t r e m e l y h i g h tempera-
tures.
The p r o p e r t i e s o f a n o t h e r promising r e f r a c t o r y ceramic --
t a n t a l u m c a r b i d e ( m e l t i n g p o i n t 70000F) are being s t u d i e d t o
determine t h e e f f e c t o f v a r y i n g t h e carbon c o n t e n t . I n f o r -
mation g a i n e d w i l l a i d i n t a i l o r i n g t h e compositi.on of t h e
.
c a r b i d e t o o b t a i n g r e a t l y improved p h y s i c a l and mechanical
properties
Improving Heat-Resistant A l l o y s and R e f r a c t o r y Metals
Aluminum powders can be put t h r o u g h a s e r i e s o f chemical
o p e r a t i o n s ("compacting,tt o r packing v e r y t i g h t l y ; " s i n t e r i n g , "

* C o k e r c i a l l y a v a i l a b l e hafnium c a r b i d e , f o r example, h a s
a d e n s i t y o f a b o u t 80 p e r c e n t .
- 129 -
f
o r t u r n i n g i n t o a s o l i d mass without a c t u a l l y m e l t i n g ; and
n e x t r u d i n g , n o r f o r c i n g through d i e s under p r e s s u r e ) t o form
materials with unusual s t r e n g t h and s t a b i l i t y a t h i g h temper-
a t u r e s , The improved q u a l i t i e s r e s u l t from t h e f a c t t h a t t h e
t h i n f i l m of s t a b l e oxide which forms on t h e surface of
aluminum by natural p r o c e s s becomes d i s t r i b u t e d i n t h e form
o f f i n e p a r t i c l e s a l l through t h e material.
If a n analogous s t r u c t u r e could be produced i n metals
o t h e r t h a n aluminum, s t r e n g t h and use t e m p e r a t u r e s could be
i n c r e a s e d , However, o t h e r materials by n a t u r e do not o x i -
d i z e a t t h e s u r f a c e i n t h e same way o r degree t h a t aluminum B

does; o x i d e s must be added t o t h e p r o d u c t s a r t i f i c i a l l y .

The p o t e n t i a l of t h e method h a s s t i m u l a t e d hundreds of exper-
iments i n l a b o r a t o r i e s throughout t h e world, b u t improve-
ments a c h i e v e d have been minor i n comparison w i t h t h e theo-
retical possibilities.
A t L e w i s Research Center, t h e approach h a s been t o s t u d y
t h e s t a b i l i t i e s of v a r i o u s t y p e s of o x i d e s i n d i f f e r e n t met-
a l s , and t o t r y d i f f e r e n t d i s p e r s i o n s and degrees of f i n e n e s s .
R e s u l t s have improved g r a d u a l l y , b u t a r e s t i l l a long way from
achieving the t h e o r e t i c a l W t e n t i a l .
F i n e r and f i n e r d i s p e r s a l s of o x i d e s i n metal have been
produced i n experiments by reducing t h e s i z e s of t h e m e t a l l i c \

p a r t i c l e s . Methods have been evolved f o r reducing p a r t i c l e

s i z e s i n many k i n d s of m e t a l s , u s i n g s e v e r a l t y p e s of g r i n d e r s .
Work i n t h i s f i e l d i s c o n t i n u i n g , and i n t h e f u t u r e w i l l be
expanded t o materials t h a t a l r e a d y show good s t r e n g t h a t h i g h
t e m p e r a t u r e s , where it i s f e l t t h a t powder m e t a l l u r g y methods
developed t o d a t e can b e s t be c a p i t a l i z e d ,
Nozzle Materials f o r S o l i d - P r o p e l l a n t Rockets
The n o z z l e s of r o c k e t s powered by s o l i d f u e l s must with-
s t a n d n o t o n l y h i g h t e m p e r a t u r e s ( 5000°-60000F and h i g h e r )
b u t a l s o t h e extremely c o r r o s i v e e f f e c t s of t h e r o c k e t exhaust
gases. Developing s u i t a b l e materials f o r t h i s a p p l i c a t i o n i s
a major problem. t .

L e w i s Research Center h a s i n s t a l l e d and t e s t - f i r e d a

small, s o l i d - p r o p e l l a n t r o c k e t engine designed t o s i m u l a t e
t h e composition and temperature of exhaust gases of f u l l - s c a l e
engines. The device w i l l be used t o s t u d y t h e m e t a l l u r g y ! o f
nozzle materials and t o l e a r n how and why t h e y f a i l . This
i n v e s t i g a t i o n should provide a b e t t e r s c i e n t i f i c b a s i s on
which t o s e l e c t and develop promising materials.
The f a c i l i t y proved s a t i s f a c t o r y i n t h e i n i t i a l t e s t s
a t t e m p e r a t u r e s of 48000F. I n f u t u r e f i r i n g s , p r o p e l l a n t s
- w i l l c o n t a i n powdered aluminum, which burns with a n e x t r e m e l y

- 130
f
i n t e n s e h e a t , t o g i v e h i g h e r exhaust gas t e m p e r a t u r e s --
f i r s t , 5600°F, t h e n , more t h a n 60000F.
Bearings f o r Use a t Cryogenic Temperatures
The use o f cryogenic p r o p e l l a n t s (-200'F and below)
such a s l i q u i d hydrogen, l i q u i d oxygen, and f l u o r i n e a s
rocket propellants involves d i f f i c u l t i e s i n lubricating
moving p a r t s of a n a t u r e never b e f o r e encountered. Problem
areas i n c l u d e b e a r i n g s , seals, gears, and many o t h e r mechani- ,
.
c a l components of r o c k e t e n g i n e pumps and t u r b i n e s t h a t make
sliding or rolling contacts
b e a r i n g m a t e r i a l s a r e almost t o t a l l y u n s u i t a b l e .
Conventional l u b r i c a n t s and
For example,
o r d i n a r y g r e a s e w i l l explode i n t h e presence o f l i q u i d oxygen.
I n p r e s e n t d e s i g n concepts, t o keep turbopump systems
a s l i g h t and simple a s p o s s i b l e , t h e f l u i d t h a t i s pumped
does double duty a s a b e a r i n g l u b r i c a n t . Lewis Research
Center h a s conducted experiments w i t h b e a r i n g s o p e r a t i n g i n
l i q u i d fuels and l i q u i d o x i d a n t s a t cryogenic t e m p e r a t u r e s .
B a l l b e a r i n g s have been o p e r a t e d s u c c e s s f u l l y i n l i q u i d
h y d r o g e n Z t shaft speeds of up t o 30,000 r e v o l u t i o n s p e r
minute. S l i d i n g b e a r i n g s w i l l a l s o be t e s t e d f o r p o s s i b l e
application w i t h oxidants.

OTHER MATERIALS STUDIES

E f f e c t s of Nuclear R a d i a t i o n on Metals
I n a n o t h e r phase of t h e e f f o r t t o produce materials
capable of w i t h s t a n d i n g s e v e r e c o n d i t i o n s , L e w i s i s inves-
t i g a t i n g t h e e f f e c t s of n u c l e a r r a d i a t i o n on metals.
Work i s c o n c e n t r a t e d l a r g e l y on t h e s o - c a l l e d " d i f f u s i o n
process," i n which i n d i v i d u a l atoms i n metals and a l l o y s
move o r m i g r a t e , producing v o i d s o r weakening gaps i n t h e
atomic s t r u c t u r e . Most p r e s e n t t h e o r y i s based on s t u d i e s
of d i f f u s i o n -caused by i n t e r n a l s t r a i n s produced mechani-
c a l l y . I n experiments t o d a t e , t h e r a t e s a t which v o i d s
grow i n s i l v e r are being measured, and t h e magnetic proper-
t i e s o f nickel-palladium a l l o y s are being compared b e f o r e
and a f t e r mechanical stress and/or n u c l e a r r a d i a t i o n . Void
growth s t u d y i s producing r e s u l t s t h a t are i n good a c c o r d
w i t h e a r l i e r t h e o r y . The nickel-palladium work shows t h a t
i n t e r n a l s t r a i n s a f f e c t magnetic p r o p e r t i e s a p p r e c i a b l y .
Techniques developed s o f a r w i l l be developed and used i n
further studies .
S t u d i e s of F a t i g u e S t r e n g t h
During t h e l i f e t i m e of a n a i r c r a f t o r missile, many
s t r u c t u r a l components a r e s u b j e c t e d t o g u s t s o f wind,

- 131
b u f f e t s , n o i s e of great i n t e n s i t y , aerodynamic h e a t i n g and
p r e s s u r e , and o t h e r l o a d s and stresses. Cumulative e f f e c t s
ma$ keep b u i l d i n g u n t i & s t r u c t u r e s are weakened, and even-
t u a l l y f a i l . It i s d i f f i c u l t t o p r e d i c t t h i s kind of
"fatigue*' damage by e x p e r i m e n t a l means.
I n p a s t i n v e s t i g a t i o n s , stresses of a p a r t i c u l a r t y p e
have been r e p e a t e d u n t i l t h e t e s t s t r u c t u r e f a i l e d . Recent-
l y , however, t h e Langley Research Center h a s completed a
s e r i e s of t e s t s i n which s t r u c t u r e s were s u b j e c t e d t o much
more complicated stresses t o s i m u l a t e t h e t y p i c a l l o a d s of
transport a i r c r a f t These t e s t s i n d i c a t e d t h a t a simple
h y p o t h e s i s , based on cumulative damage, can be employed t o
make r e a s o n a b l y a c c u r a t e f o r e c a s t s o f how long a s t r u c t u r e
can r e s i s t f a t i g u e .
A b l a t i o n Materials
T h e o r e t i c a l and experimental s t u d i e s of t h e a b l a t i o n
p r o c e s s ( d e s c r i b e d i n NASA's "Second Semiannual Report t o
Congress") are being c a r r i e d out a t Langley Research Center.
I n wind t u n n e l s employing e l e c t r i c a r c s t o h e a t t h e airstream,
v a r i o u s materials a r e s u b j e c t e d t o c o n d i t i o n s of severe h e a t
similar t o t h o s e encountered when a v e h i c l e e n t e r s t h e atmos-
phere. The work i s y i e l d i n g information t h a t i s u s e f u l n o t
o n l y i n determining t h e e f f e c t i v e n e s s of a wide v a r i e t y of
a b l a t i o n materials, but a l s o i n p r o v i d i n g i n s i g h t i n t o t h e
n a t u r e of t h e a b l a t i o n process.
Recent a n a l y s e s show t h a t a water-cooling system i n t h e
v e h i c l e s t r u c t u r e on t h e back s u r f a c e o f a n a b l a t i n g h e a t
s h i e l d w i l l g i v e good r e s u l t s and -- more important -- w i l l
permit t h e o v e r - a l l weight of t h e v e h i c l e t o be reduced
significantly .
Materials f o r Winged E n t r y V e h i c l e s -- Another method
of r e d u c i n g aerodynamic h e a t i n g on t h e s u r f a c e s of a v e h i c l e
e n t e r i n g t h e atmosphere i s t o use wings t o r e t a r d t h e descent
and t h u s t o d e c e l e r a t e a t high a l t i t u d e s . The i n t e n s i t y o f
h e a t i n g i s l e s s e n e d , but it l a s t s f o r a l o n g e r time, i n com-
p a r i s o n w i t h a wingless v e h i c l e . Also, t h e l e a d i n g edge --
t h e p a r t of t h e wing t h a t meets t h e a i r f i r s t -- s t i l l under-
g o e s t e m p e r a t u r e s o f 30000 t o 40000F: t o o high f o r most
materials b u t not unreasonable f o r some r e f r a c t o r y materials,
such a s g r a p h i t e .
Langley i s i n v e s t i g a t i n g g r a p h i t e t o determine i f it can
w i t h s t a n d t h e great h e a t encountered by l e a d i n g edges.
Graphite i s unusual i n t h a t o v e r c e r t a i n r a n g e s o f tempera-
t u r e it grows s t r o n g e r a s temperature i n c r e a s e s , and shows
e x c e l l e n t r e s i s t a n c e t o h e a t shock.

- 132 -
 Leading edges of v a r i o u s d e s i g n s c o n s t r u c t e d from two
t y p e s o f g r a - p h k e were exposed t o a 9OOOoF airstream f o r
p e r i o d s a s l o n g a s f i v e minutes, t o determine how much t h e
material would o x i d i z e and wear away. Because much of t h e
surface h e a t i s r a d i a t e d t o t h e atmosphere, t h e maximum
temperature t h e l e a d i n g edges a c t u a l l y experienced was
about 3500°F, t y p i c a l of t h e temperature expected d u r i n g
e n t r y . The t e s t s i n d i c a t e t h a t g r a p h i t e can w i t h s t a n d such
t e m p e r a t u r e s s t r u c t u r a l l y , but that i t s r e s i s t a n c e t o oxi-
d a t i o n must be improved.

- 133 -
.!
MECHANICS OF SPACEFLIGHT

EXTREME CONDITIONS INVOLVED

F l i g h t c o n t r o l of space v e h i c l e s and advanced a i r c r a f t
poses many new problems o r i g i n a t i n g i n t h e extreme c o n d i t i o n s
of time, space, and speed a t which t h e s e v e h i c l e s o p e r a t e .
I n space, t h e f o r c e s a f f e c t i n g a v e h i c l e are extremely small.
I n t h e atmosphere, f o r c e s a f f e c t i n g f l i g h t may be extremely
l a r g e . C o n t r o l and s t a b i l i z a t i o n systems, whether f o r un-
manned o r manned s p a c e c r a f t , must cope w i t h both extremes.
I n space, v e h i c l e s undergo zero o r n e a r - z e r o g r a v i t y , On
e n t e r i n g t h e atmosphere, t h e y a r e s u b j e c t e d t o f o r c e s many
t i m e s g r e a t e r t h a n the. f o r c e of g r a v i t y .
High-speed f l i g h t s i n t h e atmosphere o r i n near-ypace
and f l i g h t s i n t o space r e q u i r e novel n a v i g a t i o n , guidance,
c o n t r o l , and s t a b i l i z a t i o n t e c h n i q u e s a n d d e t a i l e d under-
s t a n d i n g of f l i g h t t r a j e c t o r i e s a s i n f l u e n c e d by t h e e a r t h q s
g r a v i t a t i o n a l a t t r a c t i o n . I n some c a s e s , t h e a t t r a c t i o n of
t h e moon, sun, and p l a n e t s must also be t a k e n i n t o account.
These and many o t h e r f a c t o r s i n t e r a c t t o c r e a t e problems
t h a t must be s o l v e d b e f o r e h i g h l y r e l i a b l e s p a c e c r a f t , un-
manned and manned, and advanced a i r c r a f t can become r e a l i t i e s ,
Work t y p i c a l of NASA r e s e a r c h i n s p a c e f l i g h t mechanics i s
h i g h l i g h t e d be low .
CONTROL AND STABILIZATION
P i l o t e d Space V e h i c l e s
During more t h a n 50 y e a r s of powered f l i g h t , h i g h l y e f -
f i c i e n t aerodynamic s u r f a c e s have been developed t o meet a
m u l t i p l i c i t y of climb, t u r n , speed, l a n d i n g , and t a k e - o f f
r e q u i r e m e n t s . The p i l o t h a s a t h i s command t h e rudder, t r i m -
ming t a b s , e l e v a t o r s , s t a b i l i z e r s , a i l e r o n s , f l a p s , e t c . ,
which he p i t s a g a i n s t t h e flowing mass of t h e atmosphere t o
t r i m and maneuver t h e a i r p l a n e . I n a d d i t i o n , he u t i l i z e s
atmospheric f o r c e s t o slow o r damp a i r c r a f t g y r a t i o n s .
Wholly d i f f e r e n t are t h e f o r c e s w i t h which a space p i l o t
w i l l have t o cope d u r i n g o r b i t a l f l i g h t and e n t r y i n t o t h e
atmosphere. To c o n t r o l and a d j u s t h i s c r a f t , he must use
b u i l t - i n reaction sources -- f o r example, t h r u s t from small
r o c k e t s . Nor i n space can he r e l y on n a t u r a l damping e f f e c t s ,
because i n t h e v o i d t h e r e i s n o t h i n g s u b s t a n t i a l t o r e s i s t
f l i g h t motions. For p r a c t i c a l purposes, v i s u a l p e r s p e c t i v e
i s a l s o n o n - e x i s t e n t because space h a s no s u c c e s s i o n o f land-
marks a t n e a r i n t e r v a l s upon which t o take s i g h t i n g s and
m a i n t a i n o r c o r r e c t f l i g h t c o u r s e s . The p i l o t w i l l t h e r e f o r e
have t o r e l y t o t a l l y on i n s t r u m e n t s t o keep him informed a s
t o t h e p o s i t i o n and o r i e n t a t i o n of h i s v e h i c l e .

t ec
-- Simulation, a u s e f u l r e s e a r c h
i s becoming even more important as
Y

we p r o g r e s s w i t h t h e d e s i g n of s p a c e c r a f t and h y p e r v e l o c i t y
v e h i c l e s t o be flown by human p i l o t s . C l e a r l y , we cannot
simply b u i l d a v e h i c l e from a n u n t r i e d d e s i g n and ask a man
t o a t t e m p t f l i g h t i n i t . Hence, many i n g e n i o u s r e s e a r c h
t o o l s have been developed i n which most of t h e characteristius
o f a c t u a l f l i g h t can be reproduced i n t h e safety of t h e labo-
ratory.
The Langley, s, and F l i g h t Research C e n t e r s have i n
use and a r e b u i l d i n g s e v e r a l advanced s i m u l a t o r s t o t e s t
p i l o t c a p a b i l i t i e s i n v a r i o u s t y p e s of s p a c e c r a f t .
Ames Five-Degree-of-Freedom Simulator --Nearing com-
p l e t i o n i s a s i m u l a t i o n f a c i l i t y more h i g- h l-y developed t h a n
any of i t s p r e d e c e s s o r s i n c r e a t i n g f o r a p i l o t t h e - i l l u s i o n
o f genuine f l i g h t . The s i m u l a t o r c o n s i s t s of a n e n c l o s e d
c o c k p i t o r cab mounted on t r i p l e gimbals. It w i l l be capable
of impressing t h r e e a n g u l a r motions on t h e p i l o t - s u b j e c t .
The cab i s mounted on a n arm 30 feet i n r a d i u s i n such a way
t h a t i t can move v e r t i c a l l y while t h e arm i s r o t a t i n g . I n
t h i s way, f i v e mechanical d e g r e e s o f freedom are provided --
t h r e e a n g u l a r and two l i n e a r .
The p i l o t will be e n c l o s e d i n t h e c o c k p i t and provided
w i t h c o n t r o l s and f l i g h t i n s t r u m e n t s a p p r o p r i a t e t o t h e ve-
h i c l e being s i m u l a t e d . The c o n t r o l s are connected t o a n
a n a l o g computer i n h i c h t h e r e s p o n s e s of t h e v e h i c l e t o t h e
p i l o t ' s a c t i o n s are c a l c u l a t e d . S i g n a l s from t h e computer
a r e t h e n used t o d r i v e t h e c o c k p i t e l e c t r i c a l l y , t h u s t r a n s -
l a t i n g t h e a n a l o g v a l u e s i n t o motions. Cockpit i n s t r u m e n t s
f u r n i s h t h e p i l o t t h e same i n f o r m a t i o n he would r e c e i v e i n
a c t u a l f l i g h t . Thus he can be given t h e motion s t i m u l i and
t h e v i s u a l instrument r e a d i n g p e r t i n e n t t o t h e v e h i c l e
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s and t h e f l i g h t c o n d i t i o n s under study.
0 - A t Langley, one ap-
proa n problems employs a simu-
i a t o r c o n s i s t i n g of a fixed c o c k p i t equipped w i t h c o n t r o l s
and i n s t r u m e n t d i s p l a y s i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h a n a n a l o g compu-
t e r . Encouraging p r o g r e s s h a s been made i n s e v e r a l problem
a r e a s , i n c l u d i n g t h a t of c o n t r o l l i n g a s p a c e c r a f t d u r i n g t h e

i - 136 -
s t r o n g d i s t u r b a n c e s caused when r e t a r d i n
are f i r e d t o break o u t o f o r b i t and s t a r t d e s c e n t i n t o t h e
atmosphere . After s e v e r a l c o n t r o l arrangements and i n s t r u -
ment d i s p l a y s were s t u d i e d , a system s devised t h a t p e r m i t s
t h e p i l o t t o control t h e simulated vehicle s a t i s f a c t o r i l y .
S i m i l a r means are being ernplo t o develop t e c h n i q u e s
f o r t h e rendezvous of two v e h i c l e s i n space.
The
-0

atti inclination
of i t s axis t o some frame of r e f e r e n c e . Usually t h e frame
of r e f e r e n c e is c o o r d i n a t e s o f t h e e a r t h , a l t h o u g h c o o r d i n a t e s
of t h e moon, sun, o r a p l a n e t could be used. For most m i s -
s i o n s s p a c e c r a f t a t t i t u d e must be known and c o n t r o l l e d pre-
c i s e l y . Observations for n a v i g a t i o n and guidance depend upon
p r o p e r s e t t i n g and m o n i t o r i n g of a t t i t u d e , F l i g h t p a t h con-
t r o l depends on c o r r e c t a t t i t u d e c o n t r o l s o t h a t r e t r o r o c k e t s
can be f i r e d i n p r e c i s e l y t h e r i g h t d i r e c t i o n and r i g h t dura-
t i o n f o r adjustments.
S o l i d r o c k e t s w i l l n o t be s u i t a b l e f o r c o n t r o l l i n g s a t e l -
l i t e s t h a t demand p r e c i s e and continuous a t t i t u d e t r i m i n
e a r t h o r b i t s , o r f o r s p a c e c r a f t on m i s s i o n s t o f a r - o f f d e s t i -
n a t i o n s . I n both c a s e s , a d j u s t m e n t s may have t o be made a g a i n
and a g a i n , and t h u s schemes t h a t can provide long-term c o n t r o l
a r e required.
Langley i s i n v e s t i g a t i n g a promising a t t i t u d e - c o n t r o l
system. It employs t h e r e a c t i o n from a small a c c e l e r a t i n g
f l y w h e e l t o swivel a v e h i c l e t o t h e d e s i r e d a t t i t u d e , and
u s e s t h e flywheel i n c o n c e r t with permanent b a r magnets t h a t
a l l o w t h e flywheel t o d e s p i n and s o m a i n t a i n a t t i t u d e t r i m
o v e r e x t e n s i v e p e r i o d s . A bench-test model has performed w e l l
i n t e s t s . An a n a l y t i c a l s t u d y of t h e system i n d i c a t e s t h a t
it can be developed t o meet illany of t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r
s a t e l l i t e - b o r n e a s t r o n o m i c a l t e l e s c o p e s and f o r i n t e r m e d i a t e
guidance of s p a c e c r a f t on long voyages .
Based on r e s u l t s from t h i s model, Langley i s completing
a three-axis e l a b o r a t i o n of flywheel-magnet c o n t r o l The
equipment w i l l be employed t o i n v e s t i g a t e many o p e r a t i o n a l
.
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e system.
Vehicle C o n t r o l w i t h i n t h e Atmosphere --
Ultra-swift
h i g h - f l y i n g a i r c r a f t V e r t i c a l Take-Off and Landing a i r -
c r a f t , and-manned s p a c e c r a f t e n t e r i n g t h e atmosphere share
s e v e r a l t y p e s of c o n t r o l problems which NASA i s c o n t i n u i n g
t o investigate .
Because modern c r a f t o p e r a t e a t extreme v e l o c i t i e s and
a l t i t u d e s and are maneuvered under a number of new circwn-
s t a n c e s , mechanically powered c o n t r o l s and s p e c i a l f l i g h t
d a t a i n s t r u m e n t s are r e q u i r e d . I n t e r p l a y o f t h e s e and o t h e r

- 137 -
3
f a c t o r s s t r a n g e t o n a t u r a l human c o n d i t i o n i n g make it i n -
c r e a s i n g l y d i f f i c u l t f o r t h e p i l o t t o i n t e r p r e t cues from
t h e c o n t r o l s and f l i g h t d a t a i n s t r u m e n t s a c c u r a t e l y and t o
a c t upon them s w i f t l y and c o r r e c t l y .
NASA r e s e a r c h c e n t e r s h ve undertaken a number o f
s t u d i e s concerned w i t h t h e t t f e e l f t of manual c o n t r o l s , t h e
e f f e c t s of v e h i c l e dynamics, and t h e s i g n i f i c a n c e of cock-
p i t f l i g h t - c o n t r o l i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n on man's a b i l i t y t o con-
t r o l v a r i o u s c l a s s e s of a i r c r a f t and space v e h i c l e s .
One phase i s n e a r l y complete. T h i s i s a f l i g h t - t e s t
program t o i n v e s t i g a t e t h e e f f e c t s of using v a r y i n g degreecs
of induced feedback t o supply c o n t r o l wfeelg* t o p i l o t s , and
i s a n a l y z i n g t h e r e s u l t s . The a n a l y s i s should provide
guidance f o r d e s i g n i n g d i r e c t - c o n t r o l systems a s well a s
power-operated c o n t r o l systems e
Another NASA i n v e s t i g a t i o n r e l a t e d t o p i l o t c o n t r o l has
found t h a t a i r c r a f t and i n a l l l i k e l i h o o d , manned space-
--
-9

c r a f t t o come can be more p r e c i s e l y c o n t r o l l e d , p a r t i c u -

l a r l y d u r i n g high a c c e l e r a t i o n by t h e use of a f"side-arrn
c o n t r o l l e r " i n p l a c e of c o n v e n t i o n a l s t i c k s o r wheels and
r u d d e r p e d a l s . The d e v i c e c o n s i s t s o f a n armrest b e s i d e t h e
p i l o t , w i t h a small c o n t r o l s t i c k o r knob a c t u a t e d by f i n g e r
o r wrist motions. A t p r e s e n t , NASA i s s e e k i n g c o n f i g u r a t i o n s
w i t h which c o n t r o l movements can be b e t t e r confined t o t h e
d e s i r e d d i r e c t i o n , i n which f o r c e - f e e l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s are
possible .
s u i t a b l e , and i n which hand movements can be as n a t u r a l a s
The i n v e s t i g a t i o n i s employing a s i m u l a t o r , i n -
corporating a p i l o t w sc h a i r , instrument displays of control
r e a c t i o n s , and t h e v a r i o u s c o n t r o l l e r t y p e s under study.
-- Fac-
tors vanced
t y p e s o f v e h i c l e s by r e f e r e n c e t o i n s t r u m e n t s have been
s t u d i e d a t Langley. Conventionally, speed r a t e s and v e h i c l e
a t t i t u d e s i g n a l s are f e d t o s e p a r a t e d i s p l a y i n s t r u m e n t s i n
t h e cockpite This p i l o t c o n s t a n t l y comparing two
i n s t r u m e n t rea d i n g s t o m a i n t a i n speed and a t t i t u d e
i n correct r e l a t i o n om t h e Langley work, a s u c c e s s f u l
method h a s been dev l a y i n g b o t h types of informa-
t i o n on a s i n g l e i n ltaneously.
--To cope w i t h t h e wide range
y modern a i r c r a f t and space ve-
l y t i c a l s t u d y of a n a d a p t i v e
y, t h i s system s e n s e s changes
i n f l y i n g circumstances and makes a d j u s t m e n t s t o t h e c o n t r o l
system s o t h a t t h e v e h i c l e w i l l respond e f f i c i e n t l y t o con-
t r o l i n p u t over i t s t o t a l range o f o p e r a t i o n . Adaptive
c o n t r o l s promise t o be r e a s o n a b l y uncomplicated and t o pro-
v i d e v e r s a t i l i t y t o manned a s w e l l as unmanned v e h i c l e s .

* - 138 -
3
 n effective, natural
loyed, may e l i m i n a t e
need f o r r e t r o m s on e n t e r i n g s p a c e c r a f t .
.
This, i n t u r n , would reduce t h e t a k e o f f weight of a space
vehicle
A t kmes Research Cente , a c o n t i n u i n g s t u d y of e n t r y
o r b i t s from l u n a r f l i g h t ha d i s c l o s e d a p a r t i c u l a r segment
o f t h e e a r t h ' s atmosphe t h a t may permit e n t r y without use
of r e t r o r o c k e t s e This ion is called an e n t r y corridor.
Should a r e t u r n i n g c r a f t e n t e r t h e atmosphere t o o
h i g h t o come w i t h i n t h e e d c o r r i d o r , t h e v e h i c l e may
d e p a r t from t h e atmosphe nd t r a v e l over a d i s t a n t o r b i t
before r e t u r n i n g again t e v i c i n i t y of t h e e a r t h . An
e n t r y t o o low t o f i n d t h o r could well s u b j e c t t h e
s p a c e c r a f t and i t s paylo celeration forces intolerable
t o human beings o r damag he s t r u c t u r e . I d e a l l y , a
r e t u r n i n g space c r a f t wo ided i n t o the precise corridor
t h a t would permit t h e drag o r r e t a r d i n g e f f e c t of t h e atmos-
phere t o slow t h e v e h i c l e j u s t enough that it -would remain
i n s i d e t h e atmosphere once i t s d e s c e n t i s begun.
--
Selection of a p r e c i s e return-
ing t e c r i t i c a l if atmospheric braking
i s t o be used f o r d e c e l e r a t i n g a space v e h i c l e . An a n a l y t i -
c a l method f o r c a l c u l a t i n g such t r a j e c t o r i e s has been d e r i v e d
by Ames s c i e n t i s t of mathematical f u n c t i o n s a r e
being compiled f o o n e The t a b l e s w i l l permit
hout drawn-out c a l c u l a t i o n s .
analysis applies t o vehicles
i z e e n t e r i n g t h e atmosphere
of t h e e a r t h o r o p l a n e t t h a t i s b l a n k e t e d with
gases.
-- Studies applying t h e
t h a t the safe entry corri-
t h e e n t e r i n g v e h i c l e i s able
aerodynamic l i f t . I n a t y p i -
i n c r e a s e d from seven m i l e s
l e of a one-to-one l i f t - t o -
rn transport airplanes
c u s t o m a r i l y f l y a% l i f t - t o - d r a g r a t i o s of 1 5 o r more.

Before a s p a c e c r a f t can be designed f o r a mission and

a n o p e r a t i o n a l schedule planned, t h e t r a j e c t o r y and a s s o c i -
a t e d energy r e q u i r e m e n t s must be worked o u t w i t h p r e c i s i o n .
A t L e w i s Research Center, N utilizing lar electronic
computing machines f o r p l o t pace voyages i t r a j e c t o r i e s
t h a t compensate f o r g r a v i t a t i o a t t r a c t i o n e x e r t e d on t h e
v e h i c l e by t h e sun, t o g e t h e r w i t h t h a t o f any f i v e p l a n e t s i n
t h e s o l a r system i c t i o n t o t h e sun and f i v e p l a n e t s
arises f r o Lions of t h e computer.)
It i s conven o speak of a space ve-
h i c l e a s wescapi P I n r e a l i t y , every
s i n g l e body i n space i s a d t o some e x t e n t by
a l l other bodies i n t h e arthqs gravitational
p u l l , f o r i n s t a n c e , exte y, becoming weaker, w i t h
d i s t a n c e but never a l t o g e t h e r c e a s i n g . If t h e s e forces could
d resemble a giant c a t ' s c r a d l e of
a t t r a c t i o n s from large b o d i e s i n
uld be cross-hatched by c o u n t l e s s
ravitat i o n a l f o r c e s a t t e n u a t e d
h t y e a r s from o t h e r solar syatems
f a i n t , o v e r - s i m p l i f i e d i d e a of
nging r e l a t i o n s h i p --
e n t a r s are c o n s t a n t l y i n motion
through which
craft# must be c a l c u l a t e d t o t h r e a d
w i t h great accuracy.
-- I n NASAts t r a j e c t o r y program, s.uch
g programmed f o r a n IBM 704 d i g i t a l corn-
he computer h a s been employed t o determine
how t h e o b l a t e n e s s (pear-shape) o f t h e e a r t h and s o l a r and
lunar perturbations w i l l a f f e c t b a l l i s t i c f l i g h t s t o the
moon. C u r r e n t l y , t h e computer program
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of L e w i s Research Center
---- largely the
i s determining
t h e e f f e c t s o f multibody p e r t u r b a t i o n s on s t e e r i n g f o r low-
t h r u s t (that i s , ion and plasma j e t ) space v e h i c l e s on
i n t e r p l a n e t a r y missions .
in c
-- A major problem
he l e n g t h of t i m e it
takes a computer t o handle t h e m u l t i p l i c i t y o f f a c t o r s i n -
volved. The t i m e element, p l u s expense, makes i t i m p r a c t i c a l
t o u t i l i a s the p r e c i s i o program t o survey large groups o f
p o s s i b l e t a j e c t o r i e s f r d i f f e r e n t m i s s i o n s . Such surveys
can be conducted economically and s w i f t l y by u s i n g approxi-
mate s o l u t i o n s which i n d i c a t e areas of greatest promise f o r
s p a c e f l i g h t , T r a j e c t o r i e s i n t h e s e areas can t h e n be checked
w i t h t h e p r e c i s i o n program.

that
-- D i g i t a l computer programs
s f o r l u n a r and i n t e r -
p l a n e t a r y m i s s i o n s are i n - p r o g r e s s a t Lewis. I n c l u d e d are
c a l c u l a t i o n s of t r i p s t o Mars and Venus. The s t u d i e s i n c l u d e
b o t h minimum-energy t r i p s , u s i n g l o n g c o a s t i n g t r a j e c t o r i e s ,
and maximum-energy m i s s i o n s i n which f l i g h t times may be
halved by p r o v i d i n g more f u e l f o r l o n g e r engine use.

- 140 -
 l a n s t o use an
Atlas- Centa

...

must be n e u t r a l -

Research Ce began i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e s e and re-

lems i n Sept I' 1959. F i r s t came a n e n g i n e e r i n g
a n a l y s i s and d e s i g n of a n unmanned l u n a r s o f t - l a n d i n g re-
s e a r c h v e h i c l e (compatible w i t h t h e boost c a p a b i l i t i e s of
Atlas-Centaur 1, capable of s t u d y i n g d e t a i l s of systems f o r
s t a b i l i z i n g a t t i t u d e , and f o r measuring a l t i t u d e , a t t i t u d e ,
velocity, an direction of t i o n with respect t o t h e surface
o f t h e moon,
ss, c o n s i s t s o f a series of
o r problems f a c i n g t h e de-

s e r i e s of t e s t s i
.
i c l e , and d e s i g n i n g and
Work w i l l culminate i n a
i c h t h e v e h i c l e , weighing about a t o n ,
d brought down t o s o f t
t h e usel o f r e t r o r o c k e t s .
11 be s i m u l a t e d ,
r t h t s surface,
r the vehicle
o d i f i e d , and re-
used.
reas t o be s t u d i e d
ntrol of i t s a t t i -
000-pound t h r u s t ) i s burning
he t a n k s move t h e c e n t e r o f
.
o t a t e 600 i n about
stem r e s t r a i n s it.
e t e s t v e h i c l e to'
ems. For example,
used t o h o l d
- 141 -
d
a t t i t u d e , o r t h e main engine may be b a l l e d t o permit
swiveling. The small j e k s may d i s c e c o l d gas from a
p r e s s u r e b o t t l e , o r h o t gas from ro
I n o t h e r areas, such a s c o n t r o l of t h r u s t and d u r a t i o n
of t h r u s t of t h e r e t r o r o c k e t s , t h e t i t h t h i s vehicle
w i l l be used t o s t u d y t h e a l t e r n a t i v e s , and i f p o s s i b l e , i m -
prove t h e p r e c i s i o n of the one s e l e c t e d . Work on t h e s e and
o t h e r problems r e l a t e d t o l u n a r s o f t l a n d i n g s are under w ~ y
a t the other research centgrs.
Mid-Course T r a j e c t o r y C o r r e c t i o n s -- As p a r t of t h e
long-range o b j e c t i v e t o ,land large payloads on t h e moon and
p l a n e t s . NASA h a s undertaken a number o f s t u d i e s o f guidance
& r i n g mid-course f l i g h t . A t L e w i s a s t u d y o f requirements
f o r c o r r e c t i n g t h e course of s p a c e c r a f t e n r o u t e i s i n pro-
gress. This s t u d y w i l l have two phases: 1) t o s t u d y t h e
amount of c o r r e c t i o n n e c e s s a r y f o r v a r i o u s i n i t i a l e r r o r s
and where t h i s c o r r e c t i o n can b e s t be a p p l i e d ; 2 ) t o supply
some of t h e i n f o r m a t i o n n e c e s s a r y f o r developing t h e r o c k e t
o r o t h e r system needed t o provide t h e c o r r e c t i o n . For t h e
l a t t e r purpose, p r e l i m i n a r y e x p e r i m e n t a l work i n t h e L e w i s
A l t i t u d e Wind Tunnel is under way on small r o c k e t s employing
s t o r a b l e - l i q u i d , h y p e r g o l i c p r o p e l l a n t ( b u r s t i n g i n t o spon-
t a n e o u s combustion when i t s e l e m e n t s are combined)..

- 142 -
 CHAPTER 14
AERODYNAMICS, FLUID MECHANICS, A N D ENVIRONMENTAL
- - PHYSICS

AIRCRAFT AERODYNAMICS
The s t u d y of conventiona1:aircraft t h a t f l y w i t h i n t h e
atmosphere c o n t i n u e s t o b e a n important p a r t of t h e work
c a r r i e d on a t NASA's Langley and Ames Research Centers.
It might b e thought t h a t t h e s p a c e e f f o r t h a s tended
t o push work on c o n v e n t i o n a l a i r c r a f t i n t o t h e background,
b u t NASA i s c o n t i n u i n g t h e r e s e a r c h f u n c t i o n t h a t NACA, i t s
p r e d e c e s s o r , performed f o r more t h a n 40 years. Furthermore,
many o f t h e s t u d i e s of problems r e l a t i n g t o a i r c r a f t can b e
c a r r i e d over and a p p l i e d t o s p a c e c r a f t -- particularly those
r e l a t i n g t o s u p e r s o n i c and hypersonic speeds. S p a c e c r a f t
plunging i n t o t h e atmosphere e x p e r i e n c e t h e same kind of
aerodynamic h e a t i n g -- d i f f e r e n t o n l y i n degree
high-speed c o n v e n t i o n a l a i r c r a f t .
-- as do

The s c i e n c e of f l u i d mechanics (which i s 'concerned w i t h

t h e motion of b o t h gases and l i q u i d s ) i s d i r e c t l y a p p l i c a b l e
t o a i r c r a f t and s p a c e c r a f t problems a l i k e , and g e n e r a l l y
p r e c e d e s advanced a p p l i e d r e s e a r c h on t h e aerodynamics of
a i r c r a f t , missiles, and space v e h i c l e s . The C e n t e r s are
t h e r e f o r e c o n t i n u o u s l y involved i n a n across-the-board ef-
f o r t i n fluid-mechanics f i e l d s d e a l i n g w i t h t h e p r o p e r t i e s
o f g a s e s a t high t e m p e r a t u r e s , boundary-layer and heat-
t r a n s f e r c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s , low-density gasdynamics, and mag-
netogasdynamic and plasma p h y s i c s ( t h e l a t t e r f i e l d s per-
.
t a i n i n g t o t h e s t u d y of e l e c t r i c a l l y conducting g a s e s and
t h e i r i n t e r a c t i o n w i t h magnetic f i e l d s )
NASA is engaged i n r e s e a r c h a c r o s s t h e e n t i r e speed
r a n g e of a i r c r a f t , from VTOL ( V e r t i c a l Take-Off and Landing)
a i r c r a f t t h a t can take o f f and-land a t z e r o Torward :peed
t o t h e rocket-boosted Dyna-Soar g l i d e r w i t h which t h e U. S.
A i r Force p l a n s t o e x p l o r e t h e range between about 4,000
mph and s a t e l l i t e speeds of about 18,000 mph.
Some of t h e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e programs under way i n NASA
r e s e a r c h c e n t e r s a r e summarized i n t h e s e c t i o n s t h a t follow.
F l y i n g Q u a l i t i e s of H e l i c o p t e r s and VTOL A i r c r a f t
Strong emphasis i s b e i n g g i v e n a t t h e Ames and Langley
Research C e n t e r s t o developing h e l i c o p t e r s , VTOL (Vertical
- - -
Take-Off and Landing), and STOL ( S h o r t - ana Landing) -
- 1k3
J
a i r c r a f t having safe h a n d l i n g q u a l i t i e s . F l i g h t t e s t s a r e
under way a t Ames on two VTOL a i r p l a n e s u t i l i z i n g t h e tilt-
r o t o r and d e f l e c t e d - j e t p r o p u l s i o n - l i f t concepts; a t Langl
t e s t s a r e i n p r o g r e s s on a t i l t - w i n g a i r c r a f t , and prepara-
t i o n s a r e being made f o r f l i g h t t e s t s o f a t i l t i n g ducted-
fan aircraft.
The Langley program w i t h t h e v a r i a b l e - s t a b i l i t y h e l i -
c o p t e r ( i n which t h e c o n t r o l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s can be v a r i e d r

t o simulate those of o t h e r a i r c r a f t ) is providing infoma-

t i o n u s e f u l i n t h e d e s i g n and development of b o t h helicop-
t e r s and o t h e r VTOL/STOL a i r c r a f t , ,Additional i n f o r m a t i o n
of t h i s t y p e w i l l b e o b t a i n e d from t h e ' v a r i a b l e - s t a b i l i t y
VTOL v e h i c l e now b e i n g prepared a t Ames. Wind-tunnel and
ground-based s i m u l a t i o n s t u d i e s have a l s o been made t o pro-
v i d e i n f o r m a t i o n on some of t h e s e a i r c r a f t , R e s u l t s make it
p o s s i b l e t o p r e d i c t and c o r r e c t a d v e r s e C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s
p r i o r t o f l i g h t , and t o e v a l u a t e c o n f i g u r a t i o n s t h a t have
n o t y e t reached f l y i n g s t a t u s , Information o b t a i n e d from
such s t u d i e s should be of g r e a t v a l u e i n determining t h e
r e l a t i v e e f f e c t i v e n e s s of t h e v a r i o u s VTOL/STOL concepts
and i n f o r m u l a t i n g g e n e r a l f l y i n g - q u a l i t y r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r
t h i s c l a s s of a i r c r a f t .
Supersonic-Transport A i r c r a f t
Wind-tunnel i n v e s t i g a t i o n of r e p r e s e n t a t i v e supersonic-
transport configurations
sweep wings -- -- i n c l u d i n g t h o s e 'with v a r i a b l e -
has continued a t .Langley; s p e c i a l a t t e n t i o n
has been g i v e n t o o b t a i n i n g g e n e r a l i n f o r m a t i o n on ways of
improving f l a p e f f e c t i v e n e s s i n l a n d i n g and t a k e o f f . I n
p r e p a r i n g f o r a f u l l - s c a l e wind-tunnel i n v e s t i g a t i o n o f a
s u p e r s o n i c t r a n s p o r t c o n f i g u r a t i o n t o be conducted a t Ames,
s t a f f members v i s i t e d v a r i o u s a i r c r a f t companies t o i n s u r e
t h a t t h e model would i n c o r p o r a t e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e components.
Multi-Mission A i r c r a f t
The Langley Research Center has devoted e x t e n s i v e ef-
f o r t d u r i n g t h e l a s t few months t o t h e development of a .
multi-mission m i l i t a r y a i r c r a f t . A v a r i e t y o f c o n f i g u r a t i o n s
have been i n v e s t i g a t e d i n subsonic, t r a n s o n i c , and super-
s o n i c wind t u n n e l s . These s t u d i e s were based on t h e as-
sumption t h a t , from t h e s t a n d p o i n t o f b o t h economic and
m i l i t a r y e f f e c t i v e n e s s , it would be h i g h l y d e s i r a b l e t o com-
b i n e l o n g subsonic r a n g e f o r f e r r y and " l o i t e r " purposes,
e f f i c i e n t s u p e r s o n i c performance f o r h i g h - a l t i t u d e a t t a c k
m i s s i o n s , and good l a n d i n g and take-off c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s f o r
c a r r i e r a i r c r a f t o r s h o r t - f i e l d o p e r a t i o n . Inasmuch as it
seems improbable t h a t a fixed-wing a i r c r a f t c a n accomplish
a l l t h e s e missions s a t i s f a c t o r i l y , research i s being d i r e c t e d '
toward variable-sweep c o n f i g u r a t i o n s .

- 144 -
Research on J e t Exhaust E f f e c t s
The shape of t h e j e t exhaust emitted from high-speed
a i r c r a f t and space v e h i c l e s i s important i n analyzing t h e
t e m p e r a t u r e s and p r e s s u r e s on t h e base and a f t e r b o d y , Using
a mathematical approach9 Lewis s c i e n t i s t s have worked o u t
simple e x p r e s s i o n s f o r e s t i m a t i n g t h e shape o r contour of a
j e t exhausting i n t o a supersonic a i r s t r e a m , and f o r compari-
son, i n t o q u i e t a i r ,
The e f f e c t s of j e t "billowing" of t h e exhaust g a s e s a t
high a l t i t u d e on t h e s t a b i l i t y of two missile-shaped bodies
were i n v e s t i g a t e d experimentally a t Lewis, A t a Mach number
of 3.85 r e s u l t s i n d i c a t e d t h a t t h e s t a b i l i t y of t h e bodies,
which had no wings o r t a i l s u r f a c e s , was not a d v e r s e l y af-
f e c t e d by t h e i n t e r f e r e n c e e f f e c t s , On an a i r p l a n e , such
a s t h e X-15 f o r example, t h e i n t e r f e r e n c e was shown t o be
detrimental,
A mathematical formula was a l s o developed t o determine
how much p r e s s u r e t h e j e t and t h e supersonic stream around
it w i l l apply on t a i l and c o n t r o l s u r f a c e s of t h e v e h i c l e ,
The formula was t e s t e d experimentally by measuring t h e
p r e s s u r e i n f l u e n c e of t h e j e t on a f l a t metal p l a t e .

FLUID MECHANICS
Physics and Chemistry of Gases a t High Temperatures
Heat t r a n s f e r experiments a r e being c a r r i e d o u t a t
L e w i s i n a flow t u b e and i n a shock tube. From t h e s e ex-
periments comes information about p r o c e s s e s t h a t occur on
a molecular s c a l e , such as t h e exchange of energy between
molecules, and t h e e f f e c t s of chemical r e a c t i o n on h e a t
transfer.
Recently completed were s t u d i e s of t h e thermal con-
d u c t i v i t y of a r e a c t i n g g a s and measurements of h e a t t r a n s -
f e r where a l a r g e temperature d i f f e r e n c e e x i s t s between a
h o t g a s and an o b j e c t being heated -- such a s a r o c k e t
nozzle. The knowledge gained can be a p p l i e d t o problems of
c o o l i n g o r of e s t i m a t i n g t h e h e a t i n g of r o c k e t engines,
hypersonic v e h i c l e s , and s p a c e c r a f t e n t e r i n g t h e atmosphere,
High-temperature chemical r e a c t i o n s a r e b e i n g s t u d i e d
d i r e c t l y i n a s p e c i a l kind of shock tube, The l a s t s i x
months have been devoted t o improving i t s performance, and
data a r e now being c o l l e c t e d . T h i s d e v i c e i s a b l e t o h e a t
a mixture of g a s e s t o extreme temperatures i n a very s h o r t

- 145
time, h o l d it a t high t e m p e r a t u r e f o r a known time while
r e a c t i o n occurs, and t h e n c o o l t h e m i x t u r e almost as q u i c k l y ,
t h u s s t o p p i n g t h e r e a c t i o n a b r u p t l y . R e a c t i o n s among carbon
d i o x i d e , carbon monoxide, water vapor, and oxygen a r e being
s t u d i e d . These p r o c e s s e s a r e important i n t h e f l o w of gas
from a chemical r o c k e t thrpugh t h e exhaust nozzle.
Another f a c e t o f high-temperature r e a c t i o n s is b e i n g
seudied by means o f n d e t o n a t i o n waves" which c o n s i s t of a
ahemical r e a c t i o n and a shock wave coupled c l o s e l y t o g e t h e r
and t r a v e l i n g a t s u p e r s o n i c speed. The c o n d i t i o n s under
which t h e waves can e x i a t are b e i n g determined, and r e s u l t s
are b e i n g analyzed t h e o r e t i c a l l y .
I n t e r a c t i o n s of I o n i z e d Gases
' A f l u i d t h a t is raised t o v e r y high t e m p e r a t u r e s , o r is
i n t h e presence of s t r o n g e l e c t r i c and magnetic f i e l d s , be-
ctomes i o n i z e d , and a a a r e s u l t conducts e l e c t r i c i t y . Ionized
f l u i d s ' c a n be g r e a t l y i n f l u e n c e d by e x t e r n a l e l e c t r i c and
magnetic f i e l d s a n d , a r e important i n connection with space
p r o p u l s i o n and thermonuclear devices. S e v e r a l r e s e a r c h
problems i n which t h e i n t e r a c t i o n s of i o n i z e d g a s e s w i t h ex-
t e r n a l f i e l d s a r e b e i n g i n v e s t i g a t e d are d e s c r i b e d below,
E l e c t r i c a l l y Conducting F l u i d Flows Around a Body
If an e l e c t r i c a l l y conducting f l u i d f lO W about ~
--
a body, a
magnetic f i e l d s e t up by a p p a r a t u s w i t h i n t h e body can
modify t h e flow, T h i s phenomenon i s o f p a r t i c u l a r i n t e r e s t
because a s p a c e c r a f t e n t e r i n g t h e atmosphere e n c o u n t e r s such
c o n d i t i o n s , t h e a i r p o s s e s s i n g t h e a t t r i b u t e s o f a weakly
conducting f l u i d . A p r a c t i c a l a p p l i c a t i o n of t h i s p r i n c i p l e
could r e s u l t i n changing t h e p r e s s u r e d i s t r i b u t i o n on t h e
s u r f a c e of a n e n t e r i n g v e h i c l e , a l t e r i n g both t h e t o t a l d r a g
and t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f t h e boundary l a y e r .
L e w i s Research Center is c a r r y i n g o u t a p r o j e c t t o de-
t e r m i n e t h e changes of p r e s s u r e d i s t r i b u t i o n on s e v e r a l
body shapes, c y l i n d e r s and s p h e r e s , i n uniform streams,
when magnetic f i e l d $ are emanated from t h e body. Tests so'
f a r have c o n s i s t e d o f simple c i r c u l a r o r "dipole" magnetic
f i e l d s , and t h e i r e f f e c t s on d r a g c o n t r o l and s u r f a c e cool-
i n g (boundary l a y e r c o n t r o l ) . Work on t h i s p r o j e c t i s con-
tinuing.
Other r e l a t e d s t u d i e s i n c l u d e mathematical a n a l y s e s of
t h e way magnetic-field changes i n t h e boundary layer w i l l
a f f e c t t h e t o t a l drag o f t h e body and t h e amount of h e a t
t r a n s f e r r e d t o t h e body's s u r f a c e . ( P r e v i o u s s t u d i e s have
been concerned o n l y with t h e h o t t e s t p o r t i o n , o r " s t a g n a t i o n
point.'?) These a n a l y s e s w i l l t r a c e ,how t h e boundary l a y e r
develops around t h e body. A large d i g i t a l computer i s b e i n g
employed f o r t h e work.
 SPACE ENVIRONMENT PHYSICS
Micrometeoroid Impacts Studied
Many U. S. s a t e l l i t e s and space probes have c a r r i e d
d e v i c e s t o measure micrometeoroid ( o r cosmic d u s t ) impacts.
Impacts of small m i c r o - p a r t i c l e s on t h i n , m u l t i p l e -
s k i n s t r u c t u r e s a r e being i n v e s t i g a t e d a t Ames. The t a r g e t s
c o n s i s t of s h e e t s of metal, spaced a p a r t , and i n some tests,
i n t e r l e a v e d with i n s u l a t i n g m a t e r i a l .
Under s t u d y a r e r e s i s t a n c e t o p e n e t r a t i o n of v a r i o u s
t y p e s of m a t e r i a l , s k i n t h i c k n e s s e s and spacings, and in-
s u l a t i n g material, P r o j e c t i l e s are chosen t o s i m u l a t e
micrometeoroids; g l a s s spheres, one-eighth-inch i n diameter,
a r e used i n many of t h e ' t e s t s .
Some r e s u l t s from f i r i n g t h e s e s p h e r e s i n t o aluminum
a l l o y s h e e t a r e now a v a i l a b l e . The combined t h i c k n e s s of
a l l s h e e t s was h e l d t o one s i x t e e n t h of an inch. Spacing
and number of s h e e t s were varied. I n one t e s t , t h e space
between a two-sheet t a r g e t was f i l l e d w i t h f i b e r g l a s s in-
s u l a t i o n . V e l o c i t i e s of p r o j e c t i l e s were i n c r e a s e d u n t i l
t h e y p e r f o r a t e d t h e t a r g e t . The v e l o c i t y a t t h i s p o i n t i s
called the " b a l l i s t i c l i m i t . " During t e s t s , ' t h e p r o j e c t i l e
i t s e l f always s h a t t e r e d on impact w i t h t h e . f i r s t s h e e t of
the target.
It was found t h a t t h e b a l l i s t i c l i m i t of two sheets,
spaced h a l f an inch a p a r t , was almost double t h a t of a
s i n g l e s h e e t of double t h i c k n e s s -- 4,100 f e e t p e r second
f o r t h e two s h e e t s a s a g a i n s t 2,200 f e e t p e r second f o r
t h e s i n g l e s h e e t , I n c r e a s i n g t h e spacing of two sheets
from one-half i n c h t o one inch i n c r e a s e d t h e b a l l i s t i c
l i m i t by 35 p e r c e n t , t o 5,500 f e e t p e r second. However, f o r
a given spacing, i n c r e a s i n g t h e number of sheets from two
t o f o u r gave only a small i n c r e a s e i n t h e b a l l i s t i c l i m i t .
(from 4,100 t o 4,300 f e e t p e r second a t one-half i n c h spac-
.
ing, and from 5,500 t o 6,000 f e e t per second a t one-.inch
spacing)
A substantial additional increase i n b a l l i s t i c l i m i t s
(10,000 f e e t p e r second) was produced by f i l l i n g t h e space
between t h e sheets of a two-sheet, one-inch space t a r g e t
w i t h two l a y e r s of fiberglass i n s u l a t i o n . The f i b e r g l a s s
i n c r e a s e d t h e t o t a l weight by 20 p e r c e n t , so t h a t it i s n o t

* By way of comparison, t h i s is approximately t h e same bal-

l i s t i c l i m i t as t h a t of a s h e e t of aluminum a l l o y three
t i m e s t h i c k e r (3/16 i n c h ) t h a n t h o s e used i n t h e tests.

- 147 I.
s t r i c t l y comparable t o t h e o t h e r t a r g e t s employed. However,
it i s r e a s o n a b l e t o a n t i c i p a t e t h a t t h e covering of a
s p a c e c r a f t b u i l t a s a double h u l l , w i t h f i b e r g l a s s i n s u l a -
t i o n f i l l i n g t h e space between t h e h u l l s , w i l l weigh o n l y
about a t h i r d as much a s a s i n g l e s k i n g i v i n g e q u a l protec-
t i o n from micrometeoroid impact.
Photochemistry of Upper Atmosphere Gases
Although t h e d e n s i t y of t h e earth's upper atmosphere
is b e i n g determined from sounding r o c k e t and s a t e l l i t e data,
t h e n a t u r e of i t s composition i s y i e l d i n g t o measurement
much more slowly. The d i f f i c u l t y stems c h i e f l y from lack '
o f knowledge of t h e r a t e a t which oxygen atoms recombine t o
form molecules a f t e r b e i n g s p l i t a p a r t by u l t r a v i o l e t r a y s
from t h e sun.
A m e s Research Center has assembled and o p e r a t e d ap-
p a r a t u s t o measure t h i s r a t e by means of oxygen atoms and
e x c i t e d molecules produced by e l e c t r i c a l d i s c h a r g e s i n a
low-pressure tank.*
Ion Beam Experiments
The n e c e s s i t y f o r understanding t h e environment i n
which s p a c e c r a f t w i l l o p e r a t e have c a l l e d f o r t h new, un-
conventional research t o o l s t o a i d t h e laboratory s c i e n t i s t .
One such d e v i c e a t Ames i s t h e Ion A c c e l e r a t o r . An atom
t h a t l o s e s one o r more of i t s e l e c t r o n s i s known a s an ion.
It p o s s e s s e s a p o s i t i v e e l e c t r i c a l charge. The A m e s Ion
a c c e l e r a t o r , which produces a stream of i o n s a t v e r y low
d e n s i t y and h i g h v e l o c i t y , has y i e l d e d u s e f u l r e s u l t s i n
s t u d y i n g t h e e r o s i o n o f m e t a l s u r f a c e s under bombardment
by a stream o f i o n i z e d ( n i t r o g e n ) gas.
Erosion r a t e s f o r common metals -- f o r example, copper
-- have been determined under "bombardment" by i o n beams
head-on, a t a 4 5 O a n g l e , and a t e n e r g i e s r a n g i n g from 200
t o 8,000 e l e c t r o n v o l t s . The r a n g e w i l l be extended down-
ward t o about 10 e l e c t r o n v o l t s , and oxygen, hydrogen, and
helium w i l l be used i n a d d i t i o n t o nitrogen. Also planned
are i n v e s t i g a t i o n s of e m i s s i v i t y changes, s u r f a c e r e a c t i o n
r a t e s , c r y s t a l s t r u c t u r e e f f e c t s , and a n g u l a r d i s t r i b u t i o n s
o f r e f l e c t e d and emitted p a r t i c l e s .

b
.
-P A d e v i c e t h a t s i m u l a t e s t h e low d e n s i t i e s of t h e upper
atmosphere.
 CHAPTER 15

OPERATIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

The number and s i z e of a i r p l a n e s , and t h e speeds a t
which t h e y f l y , are s t e a d i l y i n c r e a s i n g . Problems o f main-
t a i n i n g f l i g h t s a f e t y under crowded and complex t r a f f i c con-
d i t i o n s are i n c r e a s i n g even f a s t e r . Research on s a f e t y
problems, t h e r e f o r e , c o n s t i t u t e s a d e s e r v e d l y important p a r t
of NASA's o v e r a l l program, and t h i s r e s e a r c h i s n e c e s s a r i l y
of a widely v a r i e d n a t u r e . T y p i c a l programs are h i g h l i g h t e d
below:
S t u d i e s of A l t i m e t r y Problems i n Airplane Operations
The degree of a c c u r a c y t o which a p i l o t knows h i s a l t i -
t u d e , and h i s performance i n s t a y i n g w i t h i n h i s a s s i g n e d
a l t i t u d e l e v e l s , l a r g e l y determines t h e nominal v e r t i c a l
s e p a r a t i o n t h a t must be maintained between h i s f l i g h t p a t h
and t h o s e of o t h e r a i r p l a n e s on t h e same airwa-y. To a con-
s i d e r a b l e degree, t h i s a s s i g n e d s e p a r a t i o n determines how
much t r a f f i c t h e a i r w a y can handle.
As a i r t r a f f i c h a s grown heavier,and f a s t e r , t h e need
h a s become p r e s s i n g t o re-examine t h e a c c u r a c y of altitude
measurements and maintenance o f p r e s c r i b e d f l i g h t paths t o
a v o i d c o l l i s i o n s and a t t h e same t i m e a s s u r e t h a t airways
c a p a c i t y i s n o t unduly l i m i t e d . Langley Research Center i s
i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e s e problems.
Nearing completion i s a s t u d y on t h e a c c u r a c y t h a t a l t i -
meters m a i n t a i n o v e r long p e r i o d s of s e r v i c e . Regulations
c-all f o r a n altimeter t o be c a l i b r a t e d f o r a c c u r a c y o n l y
once. Altimeters of f o u r t y p e s now i n use are being -bested
t o check long-term s t a b i l i t y of c a l i b r a t i o n under c o n d i t i o n s
t h a t simulate t h o s e of u s u a l f l i g h t o p e r a t i o n s .
-
Convent i o n a 1 p r e ssure s e n s i n g a1t i m e t e r s be come l e ss
accurate a t h i g h a l t i t u d e s . Accordingly, p i l o t s o f j e t a i r -
c r a f t must m a i n t a i n greater v e r t i c a l s e p a r a t i o n a t t h e s e
a l t i t u d e s . NASA i s surveying a l l known a l t i m e t r y systems,
and t h o s e having promise f o r improvement w i l l be s t u d i e d
further.

- 149 ..
 Altimeter accuracy i s a l s o a c r i t i c a l f a c t o r i n i n s t r u -
a
ment l a n d i n s when v i s i b i l i t y i s poor. The p i l o t g e n e r a l l y
r e l i e s on t e a l t i m e t e r i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h guidance from a
ground-based r a d i o beam known a s t h e Instrument Landing
System (ILS) . Obviously, t h e a c c u r a c y of both t h e altimeter
r e a d i n g s and t h e ILS g l i d e s l o p e determine %he minimum con-
d i t i o n s of v i s i b i l i t y and 99ceiling9tunder which instrument
l a n d i n g s can be made s a f e l y .
Langley i s t e s t i n g t h e a c c u r a c y of altimeters a n d t h e ILS
t o e s t a b l i s h minimum safe v i s i b i l i t y s t a n d a r d s . True h e i g h t
i s being measured f o r d i f f e r e n t t y p e s of a i r p l a n e s i n many
l a n d i n g s f o r which p i l o t ' s r e a d i n g s of altimeter and ILS
i n d i c a t i o n s a r e r e c o r d e d f o r comparison.
Another Langley i n v e s t i g a t i o n i s determining how c l o s e l y
p i l o t s o r a u t o p i l o t s maintain assigned a l t i t u d e l e v e l s --
the so-called " f l i g h t technical errors." Now i n i t s f i r s t
s t a g e s , t h e s t u d y c o n s i s t s of a s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s of
a l t i t u d e r e c o r d s from NASA f l i g h t r e c o r d e r s i n s t a l l e d i n
commercial t r a n s p o r t and m i l i t a r y a i r p l a n e s . E f f e c t s of
such f a c t o r s a s a i r p l a n e t y p e , c r u i s e a l t i t u d e ( a s h i g h a s
4.0,OOO f e e t ) , and atmospheric t u r b u l e n c e w i l l be a s s e s s e d .
Dswnwash E f f e c t s on VTOL A i r c r a f t
An i n h e r e n t problem of VTOL ( V e r t i c a l Take-Off. and
-Landing) a i r c r a f t i s t h e s t r o n g ftdownwash" They produce. It
i s powerful enough t o h u r l l o o s e m a t e r i a l from t h e ground
i n t o t h e a i r . A c r a f t w i t h large r o t o r s w i l l h u r l sand and
dust . P r o p e l l o r - d r i v e n machines w i l l p i c k up g r a v e l
e n g i n e s w i l l throw even h e a v i e r o b j e c t s . Effe-cts may range
.Jet
from m i l d l y impaired v i s i b i l i t y t o s e r i o u s damage t o t h e
a i r c r a f t o r i t s e n g i n e s . The problem could s e v e r e l y r e s t r i c t
VTOL o p e r a t i o n s , p a r t i c u l a r l y w i t h m i l i t a r y c r a f t whose use-
f u l n e s s w i l l depend t o a large e x t e n t on being a b l e t o take
o f f from o r l a n d on unprepared t e r r a i n .
Langley i s i n v e s t i g a t i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f VTOL down-
wash flows. By t a k i n g p r e s s u r e measurements and u s i n g smoke
o r o t h e r f l o w v i s u a l i z a t i o n t e c h n i q u e s , c h a r a c t e r i s t i c down-
f l o w s are being determined; r e s u l t s should permit p r e d i c t i n g
t h e e f f e c t s of t h e downwash and a i d i n developing o p e r a t i n g
t e c h n i q u e s t o reduce o r c o u n t e r a c t them.
Noise Sources on Supersonic T r a n s p o r t s
Although 2,000-mph s u p e r s o n i c t r a n s p o r t s , capable o f
whisking p a s s e n g e r s from New York t o London i n two hours,
are s t i l l i n t h e concept stage, r e s e a r c h problems con-
n e c t e d w i t h such p l a n e s a r e under i n t e n s i v e study. The
s e r i o u s problem o f n o i s e --
a l r e a d y familiar from o p e r a t i o n
 --
supersonic c r a f t .
o f modern j e t a i r c r a f t w i l l become much more s e v e r e w i t h
The shock wave e x t e n d i n g downward from
p l a n e s f l y i n g beyond t h e speed of sound causes n o i s e l i k e
a r t i l l e r y f i r e , i n some cases c r a c k i n g windown panes and
o t h e r w i s e damaging p r o p e r t y .
The main s o u r c e s of n o i s e from t h e s u p e r s o n i c t r a n s p o r t
w i l l be t h r e e f o l d : t h e e n g i n e s , t h e aerodynamic boundary
l a y e r ( t h e extremely t h i n , " s t i c k y t t l a y e r of a i r next t o t h e
s k i n of t h e a i r c r a f t , which behaves l i k e a v i s c o u s , - f r i c t i o n -
c r e a t i n g f l u i d a t t h e speeds and t e m p e r a t u r e s i n v o l v e d ) , and
shock waves, which produce t h e now well-known " s o n i c boom."
Engine noise-of p a r t i c u l a r concern because o f i t s
a d v e r s e e f f e c t s on t h e a i r p l a n e s t r u c t u r e , ground crews, and
surrounding communities -- w i l l pose problems s i m i l a r t o
t h o s e encountered i n p r e s e n t j e t t r a n s p o r t o p e r a t i o n . These
problems must be c o n s i d e r e d i n e a r l y design stages, s i n c e
t h e y w i l l have important b e a r i n g on t h e choice of s t r u c t u r e ,
power p l a n t , aerodynamic c o n f i g u r a t i o n o r shape, and oper-
ating practices .
S e v e r a l thousand pounds of soundproofing material are
needed t o keep n o i s e l e v e l s down i n t h e passenger compart-
ments of p r e s e n t commercial j e t s . Supersonic t r a n s p o r t w i l l
undoubtedly r e q u i r e c o n s i d e r a b l y more i n s u l a z i o n , c h i e f l y ,
because o f t h e g r e a t r i s e i n boundary-layer n o i s e a s speed
i n c r e a s es.
One t y p e of j e t engine, c a l l e d t h e "turbofan," shows
consPderable promise by a combination o f g r e a t e r j e t e f f i -
c i e n c y , lower-pitched, less harmful n o i s e 8 and i n c r e a s e d
power t h a t permits s t e e p e r and f a s t e r climbs t o move up and
away from r e s i d e n t i a l areas,
Research t o d a t e shows t h a t sonic-boom i n t e n s i t i e s can-
n o t be s i g n i f i c a n t l y reduced by changing t h e e x t e r n a l shape
of a n a i r c r a f t f o r a g i v e n weight. The only p r a c t i c a l solu-
t i o n t o t h e problem seems t o l i e i n c o n t r o l l i n g speed and
a l t i t u d e i n r e l a t i o n t o a n g l e of climb. One method.--
d e s c r i b e d i n NASA's "Second Semiannual. Report" -- i n v o l v e s
climbing a t subsonic speeds t o about 35,000 f e e t b e f o r e
a c c e l e r a t i n g t o s u p e r s o n i c c r u i s e speed; t h i s e l i m i n a t e s t h e
danger of shock wave damage on t h e ground and keeps annoy-
a n c e r e l a t i v e l y low. Using a " v a r i a b l e sweep" wing would
g r e a t l y i n c r e a s e f l i g h t e f f i c i e n c y d u r i n g t h e climb.
Another method c o n s i d e r e d promising can be used i f t h e
p l a n e h a s a h i g h enough t h r u s t - t o - w e i g h t r a t i o t o enable i t
t o a c c e l e r a t e whT-le it i s climbing a t s u p e r s o n i c speeds.
Employing a v e r y s t e e p climb-angle can reduce t h e shock
w a v e ' s f o r c e on t h e ground. The procedure, however, can be
a f f e c t e d g r e a t l y by wind changes.

- 151 -
 From r e c e n t r e s e a r c h two o t h e r procedures have emerged
t h a t may h e l p c u t down n o i s e on t h e ground. Supersonic
c r a f t should d e c e l e r a t e from c r u i s i n g speeds t o subsonic
speeds while s t i l l a t a v e r y high a l t i t u d e (perhaps 60,000
t o 70,000 f e e t ) , and t h e y should not t u r n o r o t h e r i s e m n e u -
v e r a t s u p e r s o n i c speeds, because t h i s c o n c e n t r a t e s s t r o n g
p r e s s u r e waves from t h e a i r c r a f t on small ground areas.

The s t r o n g , eddying a i r c u r r e n t s , o r tfwakett o f large

a i r p l a n e s such a s t r a n s p o r t s can s e v e r e l y b u f f e t and stress
smaller, l i g h t e r a i r c r a f t c r o s s i n g t h e f l i g h t p a t h , A theo-
r e t i c a l s t u d y has been made a t Langley of t h e stresses and
l o a d s produced i n a l i g h t a i r p l a n e by t h e w h i r l i n g washes
g e n e r a t e d by a l a r g e , f a s t t r a n s p o r t , S t r e s s e s were calcu-
l a t e d t o be s o s e v e r e t h a t t h e e f f o r t s of a l i g h t e r plane
p i l o t t o master t h e v i o l e n t motions of h i s a i r c r a f t could
i n c r e a s e t h e s t r a i n s u n t i l s t r u c t u r a l f a i l u r e s would r e s u l t .
It seems c l e a r t h a t t h e o n l y s o l u t i o n i s t o make sure t h a t
l i g h t p l a n e s keep w e l l c l e a r of t h e wakes of l a r g e r a i r c r a f t .
Fuel S l o s h i n g Dampers
Liquid f u e l s 8gsloshingt8i n v e h i c l e t a n k s can have bad
e f f e c t s upon f l i g h t c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s , Ames Research Center
h a s i n v e s t i g a t e d ways of tvdampingtf o r c o n t r o l l i n g l i q u i d
motions. E f f e c t i v e n e s s of v a r i o u s t y p e s o f b a f f l e s has been
measured f o r d i f f e r e n t d e p t h s of l i q u i d , and f o r d i f f e r e n t
speeds and amounts of o s c i l l a t i o n ,

be of t y p e s having wings t h a t produce r e l a t i v e l y low l i f t i n

comparison t o t h e d r a g e n c o ~ n t e r ~Hence, it is d i f f i -
c u l t f o r p i l o t s t o judg h t p a t h t o p o s i t i o n such
c r a f t precisely a t the r o a c h , It i s a l s o d i f f i c u l t
t o judge t h e c o r r e c t s p nd a l t i t u d f o r l e v e l i n g o f f from
t h e s t e e p g l i d e a n g l e s t y p i c a l of a i r c r a f t having l o w l i f t -
drag r a t i o s .
An unpowered l a n d i n g t e c h n such v e h i c l e s has
been developed a n new t e c h n i q u e
provides a n e x p l i the pilot.
The f i r s t p a r t of t h e p a t t e r n i s a c o n s t a n t d e s c e n t a t high
speed a l o n g a s t r a i g h t l i n e aimed a t a ground r e f e r e n c e
p o i n t s h o r t o f t h e b e ~ i n n i n gof t h e r u ye At'a specified
a l t i t u d e , and a t a speed corresponding t h e programmed
a n g l e of d e s c e n t , t h e p l a n e i s p u l l e d o u t a t a c o n s t a n t r a t e
i n t o a shallow f l i g h t h i d e then
d e c e l e r a t e s t o touchdo

- 152 -
1 F l i g h t t r i a l s of t h e technique were made with a tilt-
wing t e s t a i r p l a n e . Using two d i f f e r e n t c o n f i g u r a t i o n s ,
both w i t h low l i f t - d r a g r a t i o s (4.0 and 2.8 r e s p e c t i v e l y ) ,
t h e approach p a t t e r n s a s computed from a v a i l a b l e l i f t and
d r a g d a t a f o r t h e t e s t a i r p l a n e prosed completely satisfac-
t o r y . F o r t y - f i v e l a n d i n g s were made.by s i x p i l o t s while
motors were i d l i n g . Touchdown p o i n t s of p l u s o r minus 600
f e e t and a i r s p e e d a c c u r a c i e s of p l u s o r minus 10 miles p e r
hour i n r e l a t i o n t o t h e p r e d i c t e d c o n d i t i o n s were o b t a i n e d .
P i l o t o p i n i o n s of t h e t e c h n i q u e were uniformly f a v o r a b l e .
These s i g n i f i c a n t c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e l a n d i n g t e c h -
nique were demonstrated by o r deduced from t h e f l i g h t tests:
1) I n d i v i d u a l t a s k s are compatible w i t h t h e average
p i l o t ' s f l y i n g experience.
2) The technique r e q u i r e s l i t t l e o r no p r a c t i c e .
3) The technique r e d u c e s t h e number o f v a r i a b l e s
r e q u i r i n g p i l o t judgment, and t h u s l a n d i n g
depends more on aerodynamic l i m i t a t i o n s o f t h e
v e h i c l e and l e s s on p i l o t s k i l l .
4 ) A missed approach is e v i d e n t a s soon a s t h e
p l a n e l e v e l s o f f , a t a speed well above t h a t
f o r touchdown, and t h e p i l o t has time t o
e j e c t himself i f necessary.
5 ) The p a t t e r n , s i n c e it i s composed of s t r a i g h t -
l i n e elements, i s e s p e c i a l l y compatible w i t h
.
p r a c t i c a l schemes f o r e l e c t r o n i c guidance o r
automatic c o n t r o l
6 ) A t t h e h i g h i n i t i a l approach speeds c h a r a c t e r -
i s t i c of t h e t e c h n i q u e , speed b r a k e s (high-drag
s t r u c t u r a l s e c t i o n s , extended i n t o t h e airstream)
are a n e f f e c t i v e speed c o n t r o l , reducing t h e need
f o r a precise i n i t i a l glide angle.
7) The i n i t i a l g l i d e p a t h may be e n t e r e d a t any
a l t i t u d e above t h a t r e q u i r e d t o s t a b i l i z e speed,
t h e r e b y s i m p l i f y i n g t h e problem of n a v i g a t i n g
t o t h e p o i n t a t which t h e d e s c e n t p a t t e r n i s
entered .
Measuring P h y s i o l o g i c a l Conditions of P i l o t s
S c i e n t i s t s of A m e s Research Center, i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n
with a U. S. Navy F l i g h t Surgeon, have developed a small,
simple, instrument package t o r e c o r d c e r t a i n v i t a l physi-
o l o g i c a l f u n c t i o n s of a p i l o t i n a s i m u l a t o r cockpit o r

- 153 -
d
f l y i n g a n a i r c r a f t . I n p r e v i o u s r e s e a r c h on a b i l i t y of a
p i l o t t o c o n t r o l a n a i r c r a f t , p h y s i o l o g i c a l c o n d i t i o n was
of secondary concern. I n s u p e r s o n i c f l i g h t o r s p a c e f l i g h t ,
however, environmental stresses -- such a s h i g h g f o r c e s ,
--
w e i g h t l e s s n e s s , and h i g h t e m p e r a t u r e s cannot %e ignored.
It i s now n e c e s s a r y t o monitor ( f o r s a f e t y ) and s t u d y t h e
p h y s i o l o g i c a l r e a c t i o n s of t h e p i l o t a s ' w e l l a s h i s perform-
ance of a c o n t r o l t a s k .
The A m e s p h y s i o l o g i c a l instrument package c o n t a i n s
t h r e e t y p e s of measuring d e v i c e s . The f i r s t two monitor
blood p r e s s u r e and h e a r t a c t i o n . The t h i r d i n d i c a t e s a
b r e a t h i n g r a t e and t h e amount, of oxygen consumed, g i v i n g a
measure of t h e energy expended by t h e p i l o t .
The instrument package, designed t o cause a s l i t t l e
discomfort a s p o s s i b l e , h a s been demonstrated i n f l i g h t
It w i l l next be a p p l i e d t o :
.
1) A f l i g h t - t e s t s t u d y o f t h e e f f e c t s o f zero
g r a v i t y , o r w e i g h t l e s s n e s s , on a p i l o t ' s
a b i l i t y t o s o l v e a c o n t r o l problem, and
2) S a f e t y monitoring of s u b j e c t s i n t h e Ames
"five-degree-of-freedom" f l i g h t s i m u l a t o r .
Measurements of Winds and Wind Shears
The winds and wind s h e a r s ( h i g h a l t i t u d e a i r c u r r e n t s
moving i n t h e same or d i f f e r e n t d i r e c t i o n s a t v a r y i n g s p e e d s )
encountered by r o c k e t v e h i c l e s can be hazardous t o large,
f l e x i b l e , b o o s t e r combinations. Such c u r r e n t s can s e t iup
s t r u c t u r a l v i b r a t i o n s t h a t can wreck the v e h i c l e o r a l t e r
i t s f l i g h t p a t h . These c o n d i t i o n s become c r i t i c a l a t t h e
upper l i m i t s of t h e t r o p o s p h e r e , where t h e combination of
t h e h i g h dynamic p r e s s u r e s of t h e r o c k e t a s it b u i l d s up
speed and t h e i n t e n s e wind s h e a r s o f t h e j e t stream* l e a d
t o s e v e r e l o a d s and stresses. (Aircraft are a l s o s u b j e c t t o
these effects.)
I n f o r m a t i o n on t h e d e t a i l e d wind s t r u c t u r e a l o n g a c t u a l
r o c k e t f l i g h t p a t h s t o a l t i t u d e s of about 100,000 f e e t i s
being o b t a i n e d by Langley Research Center, through a n a l y z i n g
photographic r e c o r d s of r o c k e t exhaust o r smoke t r a i l s .
S t u d i e s of t r a i l s from r o c k e t s launched a t Wallops S t a t i o n
have i n d i c a t e d t h a t wind s t r u c t u r e a l o n g t h e f l i g h t p a t h is
a random d i s t u r b a n c e , w i t h s h e a r l a y e r s 300 o r 4.00 f e e t
t h i c k moving i n v a r i o u s d i r e c t i o n s through t h e larger p r s -
v a i l i n g wind f i e l d s , which have been measured from b a l l o o n

*A t o r r e n t of a i r t h a t f l o w s from west t o e a s t a t a l t i t u d e s
of between 20,000 and 50,000 f e e t .

J
- 144 -
soundings. Wind, temperature, and a i r d e n s i t y measurements
a t a l t i t u d e s of 100,000 t o 250,000 f e e t are a l s o being
o b t a i n e d by u s i n g r a d a r t r a c k i n g s o f "chaff" ( c o n f e t t i - l i k e
r e f l e c t i n g m a t e r i a l ) o r parachute payloads from s p e c i a l
r o c k e t f i r i n g s a t Wallops. T h i s work i s i n c o o p e r a t i o n with
o t h e r rocket-launching ranges i n t h e United S t a t e s and
Canada
Other S t u d i e s
NASA i s c o n t i n u i n g t o s t u d y s p a c e c r a f t l a n d i n g problems,
i n f l a t e d - s p h e r e s o f t - l a n d i n g t e c h n i q u e s , and p i l o t perform-
ance -- a l l r e p o r t e d i n c o n s i d e r a b l e d e t a i l i n NASA's
'*Second Semiannual Report t o Congress.*'

3
 CHAPTER 16
THE NASA O R G A N I Z A T I ~ N

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
During t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d , NASA e n t e r e d upon s e v e r a l
important expanded o r new assignments, These included
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r developing a l l h i g h - t h r u s t launch vehi-
c l e s f o r t h e Nation's space program; a key r o l e i n t h e pro-
j e c t e d United N a t i o n t s conference on p e a c e f u l uses of space;
and e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f a l i f e - s c i e n c e s program.
S p a c e f l i g h t F u n c t i o n s Reassigned
Launch V e h i c l e Program Broadened -- On October 21, 1959,
t h e P r e s i d e n t announced h i s i n t e n t i o n t o t r a n s f e r t h e Devel-
opment Operat i o n s D i v i s i o n , Army B a l l i s t i c Missile Agency
( A B M A ) , H u n t s v i l l e , Ala,, t o NASA, u n l e s s Congress should
d i s a p p r o v e w i t h i n 60 days as provided i n S e c t i o n 302 ( c ) of
t h e N a t i o n a l Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. The
P r e s i d e n t t s message was d e l i v e r e d t o Congress on January 14,
1960, and took e f f e c t on March 14, w i t h NASA g r a d u a l l y assum-
i n g r e s p o n s i b i l i t y . The a c t u a l o f f i c i a l t r a n s f e r of person-
n e l and p r o p e r t y w i l l t a k e p l a c e on J u l y 1.
NASA was a l s o a s s i g n e d r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r developing ,
a l l h i g h - t h r u s t l a u n c h v e h i c l e s f o r b o t h m i l i t a r y and scien-
t i f i c s p a c e programs. I n c r e a s e d NASA emphasis on launch
v e h i c l e development was r e f l e c t e d on January 1, 1960, when
a new Headquarters O f f i c e was e s t a b l i s h e d t o d i r e c t t h i s
program, and s p a c e f l i g h t r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s were r e a l i g n e d as
follows:
* -- The new O f f i c e i s
resp s i o n systems; ' 2 ) de-
s i g n i n g and p r o c u r i n g launch v e h i c l e s and a s s o c i a t e d c o n t r o l s ;
and 3 ) NASA l a u n c h i n g o p e r a t i o n s a t t h e A t l a n t i c Missile
Range, Cape Canaveral, Fla., a t t h e P a c i f i c Missile Range,
P o i n t Arguello, Calif,, and o t h e r s i t e s . It d i r e c t s and
c o o r d i n a t e s o p e r a t i o n s o f t h e George C, Marshall Space F l i g h t
Center and t h e NASA-Atlantic Missile Range O p e r a t i o n s O f f i c e ,
The O f f i c e of Launch V e h i c l e Programs i s organized w i t h
a s s i s t a n t d i r e c t o r s f o r p r o p u l s i o n , v e h i c l e s , and launch
operations,
4: D i r e c t o r s o f NASA O f f i c e s are listed i n the O r g a n i z a t i o n
Chart, p . 161.

i
of s
-- Formerly t h e Office
f i c e is responsible for:
1) planning s a t e l l i t e and space probe missions; 2) payload
d e s i g n and develo ment; 3 ) i n - f l i g h t o p e r a t i o n of probes
P
and s a t e l l i t e s ; 4 t r a c k i n g , and s e c u r i n g information from,
s a t e l l i t e s and probes; and 5) launching sounding r o c k e t s
and a c q u i r i n g and i n t e r p r e t i n g data from them. The O f f i c e
d i r e c t s and c o o r d i n a t e s t h e a c t i v i t i e s of t h e Goddard Space
F l i g h t Center, Greenbelt, Md. ; t h e J e t Propulsion Laboratory,
Pasadena, Calif.; and Wallops S t a t i o n , Va. It d i r e c t s
P r o j e c t Mercury, and i s i n charge o f e s t a b l i s h i n g and main-
t a i n i n g t h e worldwide Minitrack, Mercury, and Deep Space
t r a c k i n g and d a t a a c q u i s i t i o n networks. The O f f i c e was
reorganized, w i t h a s s i s t a n t d i r e c t o r s appointed f o r : 1)
A p p l i c a t i o n s and Manned F l i h t Programs; 2 ) S a t e l l i t e and
Sounding Rocket Programs; 3f Lunar and P l a n e t a r y Programs;
4) Space F l i g h t Operations; and 5 ) Program Planning and
Coordination.
Off i c e of A e r o n a u t i c a l and Space Research Reorganized
The O f f i c e of A e r o n a u t i c a l and Space Research, renamed
t h e O f f i c e of Advanced Research Programs on January 1, re-
organized i n t e r n a l l y i n o r d e r t o conduct a more i n t e n s i v e
in-house e f f o r t i n r e s e a r c h and development of m a t e r i a l s
r e q u i r e d f u r aerospace programs. A Materials D i v i s i o n t o
s p e c i a l i z e i n t h i s work was organized under t h e A s s i s t a n t
D i r e c t o r f o r S t r u c t u r e s and Operating Problems. The O f f i c e
of Advanced Research Programs d i r e c t s and c o o r d i n a t e s opera-
t i o n s o f Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.; Ames Re-
s e a r c h Center, M o f f e t t F i e l d , Calif.; L e w i s Research Center,
Cleveland, 0 h i o ; ' a n d F l i g h t Research Center, Edwards, C a l i f .

I n a r e p o r t ( s e e Appendix K ) submitted on January 25,

1960, t o Administrator Glennan, t h e NASA Bioscience Advisory
Committee recommended o r g a n i z a t i o n of an O f f i c e of L i f e
S c i e n c e s Programs, Among t h e Committee's o b s e r v a t i o n s :
"Somewhat p a r a d o x i c a l l y , NASA, which does have a c l e a r l y
d e f i n e d mission t o p u t and m a i n t a i n men i n space, h a s e s s e n -
t i a l l y no e x i s t i n g c a p a b i l i t y f o r s t u d y i n g t h e b i o l o g i c a l and
medical problems involved,"
On March 1, 1960, a n O f f i c e o f L i f e Sciences Programs
was e s t a b l i s h e d i n Headquarters t o plan, o r g a n i z e , and oper-
a t e a program of r e s e a r c h and development i n t h e biomedical
a s p e c t s o f space f l i g h t and space environment and t o s t u d y
p o s s i b i l i t i e s of l i f e e x i s t i n g elsewhere t h a n on e a r t h .
The O f f i c e w i l l d i r e c t r e s e a r c h i n biotechnology ( i n t e g r a t i o n

J
- 158 -
o f men and machines), space i o r a l sciences,
and space b i o l o g y c a r r i e d o h c e n t e r s and
by c o n t r a c t s w i t h o t h e r Gov
i n d u s t r y , and non-profit i n
oping p l a n s f o r a NASA l i f e
These p l a n s w i l l provide i n t e r
S c i e n c e s p a r t i c i p a t i o n and p r o
NASA p h y s i c a l and e n g i n e e r i
a s p e c t s of P r o j e c t Mercury
Task Group of Goddard Space

nce was e s t a b -

gram b a l a n c e , and p r o g r e s

e cut i v e Order,
SA f a c i l i t i e s a t

t i o n . The C e n t e r , w e l l
t i s t s and e n g i n e e r s who
velopment, and launching o
( E x p l o r e r I ) on January 31, 1958, i s developing t h e 1.5-
million-pound-thrust S a t u r n launch
-- Under a
Memo ASA Associate
A d m i n i s t r a t o r and t h e D i r e c t o r of Defense Research and Engi-
n e e r i n g , DOD, NASA began t e c h n i c a l d i r e c t i o n of P r o j e c t

- 159 -
S a t u r n on November 18, 1959. Other p r o v i s i o n s of' t h e agree-
ment, which i s e f f e c t i v e u n t i l t h e formal t r a n s f e r of
M a r s h a l l on J u l y 1, 1960, a r e :
1) A S a t u r n Committee, c o n s i s t i n g of r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s
of NASA, t h e Advanced Research P r o j e c t Agency ( A R P A ) , t h e
Army B a l l i s t i c M i s s i l e Agency, and t h e Department o f t h e
A i r Force, w i l l assist and a d v i s e t h e NASA a d m i n i s t r a t o r .
2 ) The D i r e c t o r of ARPA w i l l c o n t i n u e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n
of t h e p r o j e c t , conducting it through e x i s t i n g ARPA t a s k
orders.
3 ) The D i r e c t o r , Defense Research and Engineering,
w i l l p r o v i d e t h e NASA A d m i n i s t r a t o r a s t a t e m e n t of m i l i t a r y
i n t e r e s t as a g u i d e i n t e c h n i c a l d i r e c t i o n .
4) P u b l i c i n f o r m a t i o n a c t i v i t i e s w i l l b e coordinated.
Marshall F u n c t i o n s a f t e r T r a n s f e r -- When f o r m a l l y
t r a n s f e r r e d t o NASA, Marshall w i l l have major f i e l d r e s p o n s i -
b i l i t y f o r launch v e h i c l e design, development, and f i r i i g .
Thus, i t s t a s k s w i l l i n c l u d e n o t o n l y t h e S a t u r n p r o j e c t ,
but also development of t h e Centaur launch v e h i c l e , adapta-
t i o n o f t h e A i r Force Thor-Agena B and Atlas-Agena.B b o o s t e r s
t o NASA m i s s i o n s , and t e c h n i c a l d i r e c t i o n o f t h e F-1, a 1.5-
m i l l i o n - pound-t h r u s t s i n g l e - chamber engine under de ve 1opme n t
by Rocketdyne D i v i s i o n o f North American Aviation, I n c , I n
a d d i t i o n , t h e Center w i l l engage i n advanced r o c k e t engine
and p r o p u l s i o n s t u d i e s .

A c q u i s i t i o n o f t h e Marshall Center has made p o s s i b l e

t h e f o l l o w i n g d i v i s i o n of primary space f l i g h t r e s p o n s i b i l i -
ties: I

1) Marshall -- Design and development of launch v e h i c l e s ,

and s u p e r v i s i o n of NASA launch o p e r a t i o n s a t t h e A t l a n t i c .and
P a c i f i c M i s s i l e Ranges,
2) Goddard -- P r o j e c t Mercury and e a r t h s a t e l l i t e pro-
grams.

- --
3 ) JPL Mission planning and development of payloads
f o r l u n a r and i n t e r p l a n e t a r y e x p l o r a t i o n .

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS

The o r g a n i z a t i o n o f NASA on A p r i l 1, 1960, is shown i n
t h e accompanying c h a r t . F u n c t i o n s of some Headquarters

- 160 -
 - 161 -
f
o f f i c e s have been d e s c r i b e d i n t h e f o r e g o i n g " O r g a n i z a t i o n a l
Development" and t h o s e of o t h e r s a r e apparent from t h e i r
t i t l e s o r from t h o s e of t h e i r s u b d i v i s i o n s , Memberships of
t h e Research Advisory Committees, which assist t h e Adminis-
t r a t o r i n f o r m u l a t i n g programs of s t u d y i n a e r o n a u t i c a l and
s p a c e f i e l d s , a r e g i v e n i n Appendix J. A c t i v i t i e s of f i e l d
i n s t a l l a t i o n s d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d , summarized below,
serve t o highlight t h e i r functions.
Langley Research Center
The Center engages p r i m a r i l y i n r e s e a r c h i n aerodynamics,
f l u i d mechanics, s t r u c t u r a l and materials a p p l i c a t i o n s , and
l a u n c h i n g problems caused by h e a t i n g and flow of a i r and
r a r i f i e d gases,
During t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d , Langley experimented with
i n f l a t a b l e s p a c e c r a f t ; v e r t i c a l and s h o r t take-off and land-
i n g (V/STOL) a i r c r a f t ; supersonic a i r t r a n s p o r t s ; and simu-
l a t e d o r b i t a l rendezvous of space v e h i c l e s , Langley was
a l s o p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n development o f t h e Scout launch vehi-
c l e s t h e p a s s i v e communications s a t e l l i t e ( P r o j e c t Echo), a
micrometeoroid s a t e l l i t e experiment, and P r o j e c t Mercury,
t h e f i r s t s t e p i n manned space f l i g h t . Langley i s r e s p o n s i -
b l e f o r e s t a b l i s h i n g t h e Mercury t r a c k i n g network, -which
w i l l m a i n t a i n communication with t h e Mercury c a p s u l e , and
f o r s u p p o r t i n g t h e Space Task Group i n t r a i n i n g t h e a s t r o n a u t s
t o c o n t r o l t h e c a p s u l e ; checking r e l i a b i l i t y of t h e c a p s u l e
systems; t e s t i n g - i t s h e a t s h i e l d , n o i s e environment, and
aerodynamic c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s ; and s t u d y i n g methods t o minimize
c a p s u l e l a n d i n g shock.
A m e s Research Center
The Center i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r r e s e a r c h , b o t h b a s i c and
a p p l i e d , p r i m a r i l y i n h y p e r v e l o c i t y dynamics and f l i g h t
mechanics -- i n c l u d i n g heat t r a n s f e r , f l o w phenomena, and
s t a b i l i z a t i o n , c o n t r o l , and o r i e n t a t i o n of s p a c e c r a f t , Ames
a l s o engages i n s e l e c t e d r e s e a r c h s t u d i e s r e l a t i n g t o f l u i d
mechanics, s t a b i l i t y and c o n t r o l , and v i b r a t i o n and f l u t t e r .
Among r e s e a r c h and development p r o j e c t s d u r i n g t h e p e r i o d
were: o r b i t a l a t t i t u d e s t a b i l i z a t i o n o f t h e m e t e o r o l o g i c a l
s a t e l l i t e ( P r o j e c t Nimbus); a t t i t u d e c o n t r o l systems, o p t i c a l
s e n s o r s , and power s u p p l i e s f o r an o r b i t i n g a s t r o n o m i c a l
o b s e r v a t o r y ; d e f i n i n g o f t h e dynamic s t a b i l i t y of t h e Mercury
c a p s u l e ; e n t r y , hypersonic, and s u p e r s o n i c aerodynamics of
s p a c e v e h i c l e s ; V/STOL a i r c r a f t ; missiles and s u p e r s o n i c air-
c r a f t ; and e f f e c t s of micrometeoroid impacts on materials,
I n a d d i t i o n , s t u d i e s were made on human c a p a b i l i t y f o r con-
t r o l , guidance, and n a v i g a t i o n of m u l t i - s t a g e launch vehi-
cles.

- 162 -
 3l
c

Y
0

w
r

- 163 -
L e w i s Research Center
The C e n t e r r s research is p r i m a r i l y i n p r o p u l s i o n , power
g e n e r a t i o n , materials, and aerodynamics of s p a c e c r a f t f o r
l u n a r and deep s p a c e missions. It u t i l i z e s t h e Plum Brook
i n s t a l l a t i o n a t Sandusky, Ohio, f o r n u c l e a r systems r e s e a r c h
and c e r t a i n r o c k e t system s t u d i e s i n c l u d i n g g a s g e n e r a t o r
systems, turbopumps, f u e l systems, and dynamics of complete
s p a c e c r a f t systems. During t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d , Lewis oper-
ated s e v e r a l p r o t o t y p e i o n and plasma r o c k e t engines t o
determine problems, t o i n d i c a t e t h e d i r e c t i o n o f r e s e a r c h ,
and t o t e s t a p p l i c a b i l i t y o f r e s e a r c h data. To improve
l i q u i d - f u e l e d r o c k e t s , t h e c e n t e r conducted advanced re-
s e a r c h on nozzles, f u e l s (hydrogen-fluorine, hydrogen-
oxygen), i g n i t i o n and combustion o f p r o p e l l a n t s , and on
complete r o c k e t engine systems.
F l i g h t Research Center
The C e n t e r r s primary mission is research i n high-speed
a i r c r a f t f l i g h t s t a b i l i t y and c o n t r o l , handling q u a l i t i e s ,
performance, loads, p r o p u l s i o n aerodynamics, and aerodynamic
h e a t i n g , The Center i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r o p e r a t i n g and t e s t i n g
t h e X-15 r e s e a r c h a i r p l a n e s t h a t a r e expected t o r e a c h ve-
l o c i t i e s of G,OOO miles p e r hour and a l t i t u d e s n e a r 50 miles.
One X-15 a i r p l a n e h a s been accepted from t h e c o n t r a c t o r , and
NASA p i l o t s are making f a m i l i a r i z a t i o n f l i g h t s p r i o r t o
u t i l i z i n g it i n i t s d e s i g n m i s s i o n -- r e s e a r c h i n high a l t i -
t u d e , hypersonic, manned f l i g h t , w i t h emphasis on such areas
a s v e h i c l e c o n t r o l , aerodynamic h e a t i n g , and t h e e f f e c t s of
w e i g h t l e s s n e s s on t h e p i l o t s . Two o t h e r c r a f t w i l l be
t r a n s f e r r e d upon s a t i s f a c t o r y completion of t h e c o n t r a c t o r ' s
demonstration f l i g h t s .
The Center w i l l be p r i m a r i l y r e s p o n s i b l e f o r r e s e a r c h
and development of l a r g e launch v e h i c l e systems, i n c l u d i n g
development of guidance systems, t e s t i n g , and m o d i f i c a t i o n
t o a s s u r e t h e i r r e l i a b l e o p e r a t i o n . Marshall w i l l a l s o be
r e s p o n s i b l e f o r l a u n c h i n g NASA s p a c e v e h i c l e s and f o r re-
s e a r c h and development i n such areas a s advanced p r o p u l s i o n
and guidance systems,

T h i s Office c o o r d i n a t e s and s c h e d u l e s use of AMR f a c i l i -

t i e s f o r NASA programs, S u c c e s s f u l NASA l a u n c h i n g s from AMR
d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d i n c l u d e t h e E x p l o r e r V I 1 and TIROS I
s a t e l l i t e s and t h e P i o n e e r V space probe ( s e e Chapter 3,
"Experimental Missions,'8 pp. 1 3 - 37).
Western Operations O f f i c e
I n a d d i t i o n t o p r o v i d i n g a d m i n i s t r a t i v e and management
s u p p o r t t o NASA a c t i v i t i e s west o f Denver, Colo., t h
Office provides l i a i s o n with industry, s c i e n t i f i c i n
t u t i o n s , and u n i v e r s i t i e s i n t h e Far West. It f u r n i s h e s
t e c h n i c a l s u p e r v i s i o n , / c o n t r a c t a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , l e g a l and
p a t e n t counsel, s e c u r i t y , a u d i t i n g , i n f o r m a t i o n , and f i s c a l
management s e r v i c e s t o t h e Ames and F l i g h t Research C e n t e r s
and i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r a d m i n i s t e r i n g t h e J e t Propulsion
Laboratory c o n t r a c t . It h a s been a c t i v e i n t h e Delta,
Centaur, Atlas-Agena B, and Thor-Ggena B launch v e h i c l e
development programs and i n t h e F-1 r o c k e t engine develop-
me n t program e
Goddard Space F l i g h t Center
The Center h a s primary r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r e a r t h satel-
l i t e , g e o p h y s i c a l sounding r o c k e t , and P r o j e c t Mercury pro-
grams. Its f u n c t i o n s i n c l u d e mission planning, develop-
ment o f payloads and i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n , and a n a l y s i s of data
from s a t e l l i t e s and sounding r o c k e t s . During t h e r e p o r t
p e r i o d , Goddard developed, p r e p a r e d programs f o r , and ana-
l y z e d d a t a from such o p e r a t i o n a l missions a s t h e Explorer
V I 1 and TIROS I s a t e l l i t e s and t h e Pioneer V space probe;
d i r e c t e d sounding r o c k e t programs c a r r i e d o u t a t Wallops
S t a t i o n , Va.; was expanding t h e M i n i t r a c k t r a c k i n g and d a t a
p r e p a r i n g t o o p e r a t e the Mercury network [ s e e Chapter 10,
p. 103) and made s u b s t a n t i a l p r o g r e s s i n P r o j e c t Mercury
(see Chapter 5, pp. 5 1 -
66).
Wallops S t a t i o n
The f u n c t i o n a l a c t i v i t i e s of Wallops S t a t i o n are
d e s c r i b e d i n Chapter 10, "Tracking and Data Acquisition,"
pp. 103 - 105,
1
A Government-owned f a c i l i t y o p e r a t e d f o r NASA under
c o n t r a c t by t h e C a l i f o r n i a I n s t i t u t e o f Technology, JPL h a s
been a s s i g n e d r e p o n s i b i l i t y f o r m i s s i o n p l a n n i n g and devel-
opment of s p a c e c r a f t f o r lunar and i n t e r p l a n e t a r y explora-
t i o n . I n performing i t s mission, J P L worked w i t h i n d u s t r y
on t h e Atlas-Agena B and Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle pro-
grams, conducted t h e o r e t i c a l s t u d i e s i n space s c i e n c e s ,
developed i n s t r u m e n t s f o r g a t h e r i n g space data, and a s s i s t e d
t h e s c i e n t i f i c community i n i n t e g r a t i n g experiments i n t o t h e
l u n a r and i n t e r p l a n e t a r y f l i g h t programs. As t e c h n i c a l
d i r e c t o r and c o n t r a c t monitor f o r NASA's deep space t r a c k i n 5
network, J P L s u p e r v i s e d i n s t a l l a t i o n o f a X r a n s m i t t i n g sys-
t e m a t Goldstone, Calif. , and planned r e c e i v i n g systems f o r
overseas stations.
 JPL a l s o conducted advanced r e s e a r c h and development i n
physics, gas dynamics, p r o p u l s i o n , materials, and e l e c t r o n i c s ,
I n a d d i t i o n , it d i r e c t e d development of t h e Sergeant weapon
system f o r t h e Army and t e s t e d s e v e r a l Army and A i r Force
missile models i n wind t u n n e l s .

NASA RELATIONS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Work performed by NASA i n t h e t e c h n o l o g i e s of aero-
n a u t i c s and space i s i n t e r r e l a t e d w i t h many a c t i v i t i e s t a k i n g
p l a c e i n o t h e r Government o r g a n i z a t i o n s w i t h which NASA
c o o p e r a t e s and c o o r d i n a t e s i t s programs. For example, t h e
SNAP-8 p r o j e c t , mentioned elsewhere i n t h i s r e p o r t , i s a
j o i n t endeavor of NASA and t h e Atomic Energy Commission;
TIROS I, t h e weather s a t e l l i t e experiment, involved NASA
c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h t h e Weather Bureau of t h e Department of
Commerce and a number of o t h e r Government a g e n c i e s , m i l i t a r y
and c i v i l i a n .
Agencies and f i e l d s i n which t h e r e a r e c o o r d i n a t e d and
c o o p e r a t i v e a c t i v i t i e s are l i s t e d i n NASA's "Second Semi-
a n n u a l Report -- -
A p r i l 1 September 30, 1959."
 CHAPTER 17
PERSONNEL

COMPOSITION AND GROWTH OF NASA STAFF

On March 31, 1960, NASA was staffed by 9,691 c i v i l i a n
employees, o f which 27.5 p e r c e n t were r e s e a r c h s c i e n t i s t s ;
8 p e r c e n t , r e s e a r c h f a c i l i t y e n g i n e e r s ; 8.6 p e r c e n t , d r a f t s -
men, d e s i g n e r s , and a i d e s ; 38,7 p e r c e n t , trades and c r a f t s ;
and 17.1 p e r c e n t , p r o f e s s i o n a l , a d m i n i s t r a t i v e , and c l e r i c a l
personnel. G e n e r a l Schedule (GS) employees t o t a l e d 5,733;
Wage Board ( W B ) , 3,741; and Excepted and S t a t u t o r y , 218.
NASA employs 18 f o r e i g n s c i e n t i s t s ; t h e C i v i l S e r v i c e Com-
mission has a u t h o r i z e d h i r i n g of 50. The f i g u r e s do n o t
i n c l u d e 2,667 employees of t h e J e t P r o p u l s i o n Laboratory
( J P L ) , under c o n t r a c t t o NASA, o r t h e approximately 5,500
p o s i t i o n s e s t a b l i s h e d f o r t h e George C. Marshall Space
F l i g h t Center,
NASA employment i s expected t o t o t a l 9,988 by June 30,
1960, excluding J P L and Marshall. T h i s i n c r e a s e i s primar-
i l y due t o s t a f f i n g of t h e new Goddard Space F l i g h t Center.
D i s t r i b u t i o n of p e r s o n n e l among o r g a n i z a t i o n a l elements i s
shown i n Table 2.

RECRUITING, EXAMINING, AND T R A I N I N G

R e c r u i t i n g and Examining
R e c r u i t i n g remains a major problem because r e l a t i v e l y
few q u a l i f i e d a p p l i c a n t s a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r NASA s c i e n t i f i c
p o s i t i o n s . NASA seeks q u a l i f i e d a p p l i c a n t s through con-
t a c t s w i t h more t h a n 120 i n s t i t u t i o n s of h i g h e r l e a r n i n g ;
a d v e r t i s e m e n t s i n s c i e n t i f i c j o u r n a l s and t r a d e publica-
t i o n s ; and d i s t r i b u t i o n of p u b l i c a t i o n s d e s c r i b i n g employ-
ment and t r a i n i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s . I n a d d i t i o n t o d i s t r i b u t i n g
material emanating from h e a d q u a r t e r s , f i e l d c e n t e r s p r e p a r e
and d i s t r i b u t e p u b l i c a t i o n s i l l u s t r a t i n g employment advan-
tages a t t h e i r i n s t a l l a t i o n s .
The advent of space programs h a s c r e a t e d many new
f i e l d s of s c i e n c e and engineering. To r e c r u i t for t h e s e
new f i e l d s , NASA i s i s s u i n g a nationwide examination f o r
m
m
rl

cv k
0 '.I4
m d
~
M

m a 0 I 3 m
rlrlm I \o

r-l
m
cr\
7x3

n
m
cu
0 a
*I4 r-l
k 6)
*I4
a 0 crr
k
m m m rl
*da c m
Pa a 4J
0 0 0
2c3 !3

- 168 -
I
t h e r e c r u i t m e n t and s e l e c t i o n of s c i e n t i s t s and e n g i n e e r s
which e v a l u a t e s and s e l e c t s i n d i v i d u a l s c i e n t i s t s and engi-
n e e r s on t h e basis of t h e i r r e s e a r c h s p e c i a l t y e x p e r i e n c e
r a t h e r t h a n t h e academic degrees t h e y h o l d -- t h e usual
method of s e l e c t i o n i n t h e p a s t , T h i s a l l o w s more f l e x i -
b i l i t y i n s e l e c t i o n and a much b e t t e r a p p r a i s a l of t h e
i n d i v i d u a l ' s q u a l i f i c a t i o n ; i n terms of t h e new and d i f f e r e n t
f i e l d s of work he w i l l be expected t o perform,
T r a i n i n g Programs
NASA develops employee a b i l i t i e s through t h r e e f o r m a l
t r a i n i n g programs. It i s p l a n n i n g o t h e r s .
Graduate Study T r a i n i n g Program --Approximately 750
employees a r e e n r o l l e d i n g r a d u a t e c o u r s e s a t 10 c o l l e g e s
and u n i v e r s i t i e s under t h e NASA Graduate Study T r a i n i n g
Program, Employees are t a k i n g c o u r s e s d i r e c t l y a p p l i c a b l e
t o t h e i r work o r t o p o s i t i o n s f o r which t h e y a r e p r e p a r i n g ,
T u i t i o n and f e e s a r e p a i d by t h e Government,
College Cooperative System --Approximately 175 univer-
s i t y s t u d e n t s a l t e r n a t e work and study each year under NASA's
College Cooperative System. When t h e - s t u d e n t s r e c e i v e t h e i r
degrees, u s u a l l y a f t e r f i v e years, t h e y have a l s o worked
approximately two y e a r s f o r NASA. No commitments a r e made,
b u t approximately 80 p e r c e n t o f t h e s t u d e n t s j o i n NASA a f t e r
graduation.
Apprentice Program --
NASA develops h i g h l y - s k i l l e d
craftsmen through an Apprentice T r a i n i n g Program, i n which
367 employees a r e e n r o l l e d . A f t e r a minimum o f f o u r y e a r s
of classwork and on-the-job t r a i n i n g , p e r s o n n e l r e c e i v e
journeymen's c e r t i f i c a t e s approved by t h e United S t a t e s
Department of Labor and a c c r e d i t e d by t h e s t a t e i n which
t h e t r a i n i n g i s given.

H I G H SCHOOL LIAISON

Approximately 200,000 c o p i e s of f o u r b o o k l e t s on aero-

n a u t i c s and space, w r i t t e n t o a p p e a l t o high s c h o o l s c i e n c e
s t u d e n t s , were d i s t r i b u t e d by NASA d u r i n g t h e p a s t s i x months
through t h e N a t i o n a l Science Teachers A s s o c i a t i o n and t h e
N a t i o n a l A v i a t i o n Education Council. I n a d d i t i o n , NASA
f i l l e d numerous i n d i v i d u a l r e q u e s t s f o r t h e p u b l i c a t i o n s and
r e p l i e d t o many i n q u i r i e s concerning e d u c a t i o n a l p r e r e q u i -
s i t e s f o r c a r e e r s i n a e r o n a u t i c s and space.
P r o v i s i o n of t h e booklets t o h i g h s c h o o l s conforms w i t h
t h e d i r e c t i o n f o r wide d i s s e m i n a t i o n of i n f o r m a t i o n set f o r t h

f
i n t h e N a t i o n a l Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 and may
m o t i v a t e p o t e n t i a l u n i v e r s i t y s c i e n c e s t u d e n t s t o f a v o r NASA
employment a f t e r c o l l e g e g r a d u a t i o n ,

EMPLOYEES HONORED
NASA s t a f f members won t h r e e n a t i o n a l awards f o r Govern-
ment s e r v i c e d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t i n g period:
Hugh L, Dryden, A s s o c i a t e Administrator, r e c e i v e d t h e
P r e s i d e n t ' s Award f o r D i s t i n g u i s h e d F e d e r a l C i v i l i a n S e r v i c e ,
t h e h i g h e s t honor bestowed on c a r e e r c i v i l s e r v a n t s . D r ,
Dryden was c i t e d f o r " s c i e n t i f i c and a d m i n i s t r a t i v e l e a d e r -
s h i p i n p l a n n i n g and o r g a n i z i n g American space e x p l o r a t i o n . ))
Maxime A. Faget, Chief, F l i g h t Systems D i v i s i o n , Space
Task Group, r e c e i v e d t h e Arthur S. Flemming Award of t h e
J u n i o r Chamber of Commerce. T h i s award i s p r e s e n t e d a n n u a l l y
t o t e n o u t s t a n d i n g Government p e r s o n n e l 2 1 t o 40 y e a r s of
age.
Eugene S, Love, A s s i s t a n t Chief of t h e Aerophysics
D i v i s i o n , Langley Research Center, was named by t h e N a t i o n a l
C i v i l S e r v i c e League a s one of t h e t e n t o p c a r e e r employees
i n t h e F e d e r a l Government, The League a n n u a l l y g i v e s such
awards on t h e b a s i s of "competence, c h a r a c t e r , and achieve-
ment a s r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e h i g h e s t s t a n d a r d s i n t h e c a r e e r
c i v i l service."

-U 170 -
 CHAPTER 18
OTHER ACTIVITIES

NEW AND CONTINUING WORK

T h i s c h a p t e r gives developments i n a v a r i e t y of continu-
i n g and new NASA a c t i v i t i e s d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d . In-
cluded a r e d e t a i l s of: 1) NASA procurement and c o n t r a c t i n g ;
2) t h e p a t e n t program; 3 ) i n v e n t i o n s and c o n t r i b u t i o n s ; 4 )
new c o n s t r u c t i o n and equipment a t NASA c e n t e r s and launching
s i t e s ; 5 ) f i n a n c i a l information; and 6 ) a c t i v i t i e s i n t h e
d i s s e m i n a t i o n of p u b l i c and t e c h n i c a l i n f o r m a t i o n .

PROCUREWNT AND CONTRACTING

Realignment i n O r g a n i z a t i o n
The e s s e n t i a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c o f t h e NASA procurement
o r g a n i z a t i o n i s a system of d e c e n t r a l i z e d o p e r a t i o n s under
c e n t r a l p o l i c y d i r e c t i o n and guidance of NASA Headquarters.
With some e x c e p t i o n s -- n o t a b l y c o n t r a c t s f o r s p e c i a l pro-
grams and p r o j e c t s i n i t i a t e d by t h e O f f i c e of t h e Adminis-
trator -- p u r c h a s e s and c o n t r a c t s are made by procurement
personnel a t t h e f i e l d c e n t e r s o r f i e l d o f f i c e s .
The Procurement and Supply D i v i s i o n a t NASA Headquarters
h a s t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r developing p o l i c i e s and procedures,
c o o r d i n a t i n g procurement and supply a c t i v i t i e s , and reviewing
and approving major c o n t r a c t s ( g e n e r a l l y n e g o t i a t e d c o n t r a c t s
i n e x c e s s of $100,000). The D i v i s i o n a l s o e v a l u a t e s t h e per-
formance of a l l f i e l d procurement o f f i c e s , and p r o v i d e s pro-
curement a s s i s t a n c e t o f i e l d p e r s o n n e l i n such s p e c i a l i z e d
areas a s t r a n s p o r t a t i o n and t r a f f i c management, u t i l i t y
.
s e r v i c e s , and c o n t r a c t s w i t h i n s t r u m e n t a l i t i e s of f o r e i g n
governments
Decentralization Progress -- During t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d ,
a procurement group was organized a t t h e Goddard Space F l i g h t
Center and d e l e g a t e d a u t h o r i t y t o n e g o t i a t e and award c o n t r a c t s
i n support o f t h e Goddard mission. I n a d d i t i o n , t h e newly
o r g a n i z e d Western O p e r a t i o n s O f f i c e a t S a n t a Monica, Calif
was d e l e g a t e d a u t h o r i t y t o a d m i n i s t e r c o n t r a c t s i n t h e area
.,
l o c a t e d a t o r west o f Denver, i n c l u d i n g t h e c o n t r a c t between
NASA and t h e C a l i f o P n i a I n s t i t u t e o f Technology f o r o p e r a t i n g
t h e J e t P r o p u l s i o n Laboratory, p r e v i o u s l y a d m i n i s t e r e d by t h e

- 171 -
Los Angeles Ordnance D i s t r i c t . On March 28, 1940, a procure-
ment o f f i c e was organized a t t h e George C . Marshall Space
F l i g h t Center, H u n t s v i l l e , Ala. It w i l l be r e s p o n s i b l e f o r
procurement and c o n t r a c t i n g f u n c t i o n s i n support of t h e
r e s e a r c h and development e f f o r t of t h e Marshall Center.
Agreement was reached between NASA and t h e Army Ordnance
Missile Command f o r c o n t i n u a t i o n of procurement and supply
support o f Marshall through June 30, 1960.
Small Business Program -- I n f u r t h e r a n c e of t h e NASA
small b u s i n e s s program, s p e c i a l i s t s a t each NASA procure-
ment o f f i c e , working c l o s e l y w i t h r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s of t h e
Small Business Administration, s c r e e n proposed procurements
t o determine whether t h e work i s s u i t a b l e f o r small b u s i n e s s
p a r t i c i p a t i o n . Along w i t h NASA c o n t r a c t i n g o f f i c e r s , t h e y
a l s o review t h e l a r g e r r e s e a r c h and development c o n t r a c t s t o
a s c e r t a i n s u b c o n t r a c t i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r small b u s i n e s s
concerns . During c a l e n d a r y e a r 1959, NASA awarded c o n t r a c t s
t o t a l i n g $25,195,000 t o small b u s i n e s s f i r m s , about 18 p e r
c e n t of t h e d o l l a r v a l u e o f Procurement awarded d i r e c t l y t o
b u s i n e s s firms .
Types of C o n t r a c t s --
NASA u s u a l l y c o n t r a c t s f o r s u p p l i e s
and s e r v i c e s , i’ncluding c o n s t r u c t i o n , by a d v e r t i s i n g f o r
c o m p e t i t i v e b i d s and awarding a f i x e d p r i c e c o n t r a c t t o t h e
lowest r e s p o n s i b l e b i d d e r .
Research and development c o n t r a c t s ,
on t h e o t h e r hand, are u s u a l l y awarded by n e g o t i a t i o n , s i n c e
it i s seldom p o s s i b l e t o f o r m u l a t e p r e c i s e s p e c i f i c a t i o n s
upon which p r o s p e c t i v e c o n t r a c t o r s can b i d a g a i n s t one a n o t h e r .
NASA s e e k s and encourages wide competition f o r r e s e a r c h
and development pro S e c t s . It d i s t r i b u t e s r e q u e s t s f o r pro-
p o s a l s on such work t o a l l known competent s o u r c e s . The
d e t a i l e d t e c h n i c a l and c o s t p r o p o s a l s submitted are e v a l u a t e d
by both t e c h n i c a l and procurement s t a f f s t o determine t h e
b e s t over-all proposal . Research and development c o n t r a c t s
awarded d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d are shown i n Appendix N.
Cooperative Procurement Agreements -- NASA and t h e
Department of Defense have a number o f agreements f o r cooper-
a t i v e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n of c o n t r a c t s . The m i l i t a r y department
having j u r i s d i c t i o n over a p l a n t working on a NASA c o n t r a c t
may provide NASA w i t h c o n t r a c t a d m i n i s t r a t i on, a u d i t , and
other services as required.
Procurement R e g u l a t i o n s Promulgated - -- During t h i s
r e p o r t p e r i o d , NASA i s s u e d procurement r e g u l a t i o n s on t h e
f o l l o w i n g s u b j e c t s : p o l i c i e s and procedures r e l a t i n g t o
a d v e r t i s e d and n e g o t i a t e d procurement, s i m p l i f i e d methods
of making small purchases, r e v i s i o n s t o e x i s t i n g procedures
i n t h e s e l e c t i o n o f s o u r c e s f o r r e s e a r c h and development
c o n t r a c t s i n e x c e s s of $1,000,000, and bonds and insurance.

- 172 -
f
 P r o g r e s s was made i n d r a f t i n g procurement r e g u l a t i o n s f o r
f o r e i g n purchases, c o n t r a c t c l a u s e s and forms, and F e d e r a l ,
S t a t e and l o c a l taxes. Because NASA and t h e Department of
Defense are b o t h governed by t h e Armed S e r v i c e s Procurement
Act and d e a l l a r g e l y w i t h t h e same segment of i n d u s t r y ,
NASA% p o l i c y i s t o adopt, when p r a c t i c a b l e , procurement
r e g u l a t i o n s c o n s i s t e n t with p o l i c i e s and procedures i n t h e
Armed S e r v i c e s Procurement R e g u l a t i o n s (ASPR) .
Research Grants and C o n t r a c t s
Sixty-Eight Awards -- NASA was c o n s i d e r i n g 297 r e s e a r c h
p r o p o s a l s from u n i v e r s i t i e s , r e s e a r c h i n s t i t u t e s , and indus-
t r i a l l a b o r a t o r i e s on October 1, 1959, and r e c e i v e d 354
a d d i t i o n a l p r o p o s a l s between t h e n and A p r i l 1, 1960. The
agency awarded 68 r e s e a r c h g r a n t s and c o n t r a c t s t o e d u c a t i o n a l
i n s t i t u t i o n s and n o n - p r o f i t s c i e n t i f i c o r g a n i z a t i o n s , t o t a l -
i n g $5,135,163, d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d . O f 298 p r o p o s a l s
d e c l i n e d , s e v e r a l s t i m u l a t e d o r i n f l u e n c e d subse uent competi-
-
2
t i v e c o n t r a c t s . As t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d c l o s e d , 27 r e s e a r c h
p r o p o s a l s were under review.
Description -- Work sponsored under t h i s program r e l a t e s
t o space f l i g h t development o r t o advanced a e r o n a u t i c a l and
space r e s e a r c h . Although p r o p o s a l s are u s u a l l y u n s o l i c i t e d ,
NASA encourages and c a r e f u l l y c o n s i d e r s s u g g e s t i o n s from t h e
s c i e n t i f i c community. The program i s a d m i n i s t e r e d by t h e
O f f i c e of Research Grants and C o n t r a c t s , NASA Headquarters.
NASA s c i e n t i s t s engaged i n r e l e v a n t f i e l d s review t h e pro-
p o s a l s . C o n t r a c t s and g r a n t s awarded o r approved d u r i n g t h e
p e r i o d o f t h i s r e p o r t are l i s t e d by s t a t e i n Appendix L.

PATENT PROGRAM
P a t e n t Waiver R e g u l a t i o n s
NASA P a t e n t Waiver Regulations, f i r s t published i n t h e
F e d e r a l Register, March 5, 1959 ( 2 4 F.R. 1644-1649) and t h e
s u b j e c t of p u b l i c h e a r i n g s on March 18, 1959, were published
October 29, 1959, i n t h e F e d e r a l Register ( 2 4 F.R. 8777-8790).
The Waiver R e g u l a t i o n s s e t f o r t h p o l i c y on g r a n t i n g waivers,
and t h e procedure by which c o n t r a c t o r s may r e q u e s t t h e Admin-
i s t r a t o r t o waive r i g h t s i n i n v e n t i o n s made under NASA con-
tracts.
Establishment of P a t e n t Counsel f o r Research C e n t e r s
A p a t e n t counsel h a s been a s s i g n e d t o NASAts Western
O p e r a t i o n s O f f i c e and w i l l a l s o a d v i s e t h e Ames and F l i g h t
Research Centers. The c o u n s e l p r e p a r e s p a t e n t a p p l i c a t i o n s ,
a d v i s e s on matters p e r t a i n i n g t o p a t e n t s and i n v e n t i o n s , and
a d m i n i s t e r s t h e p a t e n t c l a u s e s i n NASA c o n t r a c t s .
Patent
- 173 -
csunael w$r@ p r e y i Q u a l y wwigned t o t h e Langley and L e w i s
Rclaaarcla CfanG;ara and to NASA Headquarters. While a l l f i e l d
pat~rmt counsel IPQ n a a p s n a i b l e t o t h e GeneraL Counsel, Head-
. under
g u a r t ~ r a ,%orp r o f b a i i o n a l p e r f o r w n c e , t h e y ,-
juriadfcCion a f lTiabd O n s t a l b a t i o n d i r s c t a r l a ,
P r o t e c t i o n of NASA Lrrven.t;ions
During t h i s r e p o r t p e r i o d , NASA employees d i s c l o s e d 60
i n v e n t i o n s t o t h e Office o f Fatsnr; Counaal. T
i n v e n t i o n d i s c l o s u r e s w w ( f recenivsd from NABA
f o r p r e p a r a t i o n of p a t e n t a p p l i c a t i o n s e Fatent applications
were a u t h o r i z e d f a r 39 i n v e n t i o n s ! 28 application8 were3 pre-
parad; and 21, patonto were islsued t o the Bove~nm~nnt.
P a t e n t I nfringqmant
One new a d m i n i s t r a t i v e claim f o r p a t e n t infringement
was r e c e i v e d b u t was denied by NASA a s being based on a n
i n v a l i d p a t e n t . A s u i t f o r p a t e n t infringement was f i l e d
a g a i n s t NASA and o t h e r Government a g e n c i e s i n t h e Court o f
Claims. NASA continutits t o i n v e s t i g a t e one infringement
c l a i m , and s e t t l e m e n t of' a n o t h e r i s pending.
Revtew of P a t e n t Ap&QatiQn$
S e c t i o n 3 0 5 ( c ) of t h e N a t i o n a l Aeronautics and Space
Act p r o v i d e s f o r review by t h e Administrator of p a t e n t a p p l i -
c a t i o n s having s i g n i f i c a n t u t i l i t i n a e r o n a u t i c a l and space
'I
a c t i v i t i e s . Under s e c t i o n s 30>(d and ( e ) , t i h ~Administrator
h a s t h e p r e r o g a t i v e of r e q u e s t i n g t h a t a n y patent having such
s i g n i f i c a n c e be i s s u e d t o him on b e h a l f of t h e United S t a t e s .
I n accordance w i t h t h e s e p r o v i s i o n s , the Commissioner of
P a t e n t s t r a n s m i t t e d t o NASA 39 c o p i e s o f p a t e n t a p p l i c a t i o n s .
T h i s s u b s t a n t i a l decrease from t h e 644 a p p l i c a t i o n s t r a n s m i t t e d
d u r i n g t h e l a s t r e p o r t p e r i o d was due t o a d m i n i s t r a t i v e
arrangements with t h e Commissioner o f P a t e n t s which p e r m i t t e d
a more a p p r o p r i a t e s e l e c t i o n of a p l i c a t i o n s , batssd on NASA
c o n t r a c t a c t i v i t i e s . Review of t ese a p p l i c a t i o n s i n d i c a t e d
t h a t none involved i n v e n t i o n s made under NASA c o n t r a c t s . The
A d m i n i s t r a t o r a d v i s e d t h e Commissioner o f P a t e n t s t h a t he
would n o t r e q u e s t t h a t any o f these p a t e n t s be isetued t o him.
Reporting o f I n v e n t i o n s by C o n t r a c t o r s
I

NASA c o n t r a c t o r s must promptly f u r n i s h t o t h e Adminis-

t r a t o r a f u l l , w r i t t e n r e p o r t of any i n v e n t i o n s made i n t h e
performance o f work under a c 6 n t r a c t . During t h e p e r i o d ,
c o n t r a c t o r s r e p o r t e d 28 i n v e n t i o n s . O f these, NASA assumed
t i t l e t o 21. T i t l e s o f f i v e a r e being determined, and two
a r e s u b j e c t t o a p p r ~ v a lof p e t i t i o n s f o r waivers of r i g h t s
f i l e d by c o n t r a c t o r s.
- 174 -
f
 INVENTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
/

F u n c t i o n s of t h e I n v e n t i o n s and C o n t r i b u t i o n s Board
The I n v e n t i o n s and C o n t r i b u t i o n s Board c o n s i d e r s p e t i - '
t i o n s from NASA c o n t r a c t o r s r e q u e s t i n g waiver of United
S t a t e s p a t e n t r i g h t s f o r i n v e n t i o n s made under NASA con-
t r a c t s , and recornmends t o t h e A d m i n i s t r a t o r f o r o r a g a i n s t
g r a n t i n g them. The Board a l s o e v a l u a t e s s c i e n t i f i c and
t e c h n i c a l c o n t r i b u t i o n s , and recommends t o t h e A d m i n i s t r a t o r
whether monetary awards should be g r a n t e d . Oral h e a r i n g s are
g r a n t e d by t h e Board t o p e t i t i o n e r s f o r waiver of p a t e n t
r i g h t s , and t o a p p l i c a n t s f o r awards.
The Board o p e r a t e s under t h e a u t h o r i t o f , and i n accord-
]I
ance with, t h e p r o v i s i o n s of S e c t i o n 305(f and S e c t i o n 306
of t h e N a t i o n a l Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958. Its member-
s h i p i s shown i n Appendix H.
C o n t r i b u t i o n s Awards
Permanent Rules and Regulations r e l a t i n g t o Awards f o r
S c i e n t i f i c and Technical C o n t r i b u t i o n s , a s r e q u i r e d by
.
S e c t i o n 306 of t h e Act, were p u b l i s h e d on February 13 i n t h e
F e d e r a l R e g i s t e r ( 2 5 Fed. Reg. 1312, 1313, 1960)
During t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d , t h e Board r e c e i v e d 821 pro-
posed c o n t r i b u t i o n s , determined 624 d i d not have a s i g n i f i -
c a n t v a l u e t o warrant recommendation f o r a n award, and was
s v a l u a t i r i g 197 a s t h e p e r i o d c l o s e d .
Waiver P e t i t i o n s Granted
The It'irst p e t i t i o n f o r waiver o f r i g h t s i n a n i n v e n t i o n
made under a NASA c o n t r a c t was submitted by t h e Pratt &
Whitney D i v i s i o n of United A i r c r a f t Corp, East Hartford, Corn.,
on J u l y 27, 1959. On t h e recommendation of t h e Board, t h e
A d m i n i s t r a t o r g r a n t e d t h e waiver on August 3 , 1959.
Bell A i r c r a f t Corp., Buffalo, N. Y., submitted t h e second
such p e t i t i o n on November 18, 1959. The c o n t r a c t o r e x p l a i n e d
t h e commercial u s e s of t h e i n v e n t i o n a t a n o r a l h e a r i n g before
t h e Board on March 9, 1960. On March 16, t h e Board recom-
mended t o t h e A d m i n i s t r a t o r t h a t waiver of t i t l e be g r a n t e d .
Action on t h e t h i r d p e t i t i o n f o r waiver of r i g h t s , r e c e i v e d
from McDonnell A i r c r a f t Corp., S t . Louis, Mo., on February 5 ,
1960, was pending a s t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d c l o s e d .
CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT
P r o g r e s s i n a e r o n a u t i c a l and space technology h a s c r e a t e d
a demand f o r new and modernized f a c i l i t i e s . To meet t h i s

- 175 -
a
requirement NASA i s c o n t i n u i n g i t s program of c o n s t r u c t i o n ,
l a b o r a t o r y modernization, and equipment a c q u i s i
t u r e s d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d have t o t a l e d abo
e x c l u s i v e of t h e M i n i t r a c k and Mercury t r a c
T h i s i n c l u d e s $1,850,000 f o r t h e Ge
F l i g h t Center, H u n t s v i l l e , Ala
from t h e Army B a l l i s t i c Missile
J u l y 1. D e s c r i p t i o n s of new f a c i l i
c o n s t r u c t i o n , o r planned d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t i n g p e r i o d are
p r e e e n t e d below f o r each f i e l d i n s t a l l a t i o n ,
,Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va.
Taxi S t r i p -- The c e n t e r is w i t h i n t h e grounds of
Langley A i r Force Base. When t h e A i r Force r e c e n t l y com-
p l e t e d a new runway e x t e n s i o n , t h e c e n t e r c o n s t r u c t e d a t a
c o s t of $662,000 a connecting t a x i s t r i p , i n c l u d i n g run-up
and approach aprons, from i t s F l i g h t Research Laboratory i n
o r d e r t o t i e i n t o t h e runway system.
C e n t r a l Heating -- NASA f a c i l i t i e s i n t h e East Area had
been h e a t e d by seven i n d i v i d u a l u n i t s . These were r e p l a c e d
by a c e n t r a l steam g e n e r a t i o n and d i s t r i b u t i o n system. No
b u i l d i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n was r e q u i r e d a s NASA u t i l i z e d space i n
and A i r Force h e a t i n g p l a n t f o r i n s t a l l a t i o n o f b o i l e r s .
Repairs -- Replacements were made f o r cracked s h a f t s i n
t h e f a n - d r i v e system of t h e 16-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel and
f o r component p a r t s of e uipment i n t h e Gas Dynamics Labora-
2
t o r y . The r o t o r - o f t h e 3,333-ho~sepower main d r i v e motor of
the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel was r e p a i r e d .

lowin
-- C o n s t r u c t i o n on t h e f o l -
age where t h e f a c i l i t i e s can
be pe i c a t i o n s and improvements t o
t h e l g - f o o t p r e s s u r e t u n n e l and t o t h e e i g h t - f o o t Transonic
Tunnel; 2) A 20-inch V a r i a b l e Mach Number F a c i l i t y ; 3 ) An
I n c r e a s e d Power Supply fo:. t h e S t r u c t u r e s Research Laboratory;
4 ) A Hypersonic Physics Test Area t o a n a l y z e a b i l i t i e s of
materials t o w i t h s t a n d h i g h t e m p e r a t u r e s and o t h e r environ-
mental f a c t o r s ; and 5) A Data Reduction Center c o n t a i n i n g .
high-speed e l e c t r o n i c computing equipment t o f a c i l i t a t e
a n a l y s i s of r e s e a r c h d a t a .
A m e s Research Center, Mo,ffett F i e l d , C a l i f .
-- A 3.5-foot Hypersonic
Wind which i s $11 m i l l i o n )
i s 93 p e r c e n t complete and instrument c a l i b r a t i o n i s scheduled
f o r June 1, 1960. Designed p r i m a r i l y t o s t u d y p r e s s u r e s and
temperatures in s t e a d y l e v e l f l i g h t a t hypersonic speeds, t h e
tunnel can g e n e r a t e p r e s s u r e s t o 3,000 pounds p e r square

- 176 -
f
i n c h and t e m p e r a t u r e s t o 3,000oF. Experiments with s c a l e d
.
d u p l i c a t i o n s of a i r c r a f t s t r u c t u r a l components w i l l e v a l u a t e
aerodynamic e f f e c t s due t o s t r u c t u r a l d i s t o r t i o n s
Helium Wind Tunnel -- A 12-inch Hypersonic Helium Wind
Tunnel i s 90 p e r c e n t complete, w i t h instrument c a l i b r a t i o n
scheduled f o r June 1 5 , 1960. The t u n n e l i s of t h e blow-down
t y p e (which releases helium under h i g h p r e s s u r e t o a c h i e v e
high v e l o c i t i e s ) w i t h p r o v i s i o n t o r e c o v e r t h e helium a f t e r
e a c h run. It w i l l s i m u l a t e speeds from Mach 1210: t o Mach 20
up t o f o u r minutes, f u r n i s h i n g d e t a i l e d t e s t data o f extended
d u r a t i o n . Aggregate c o s t w i l l be about $1,585,000.
F l i g h t Research Laboratory 0- Extensions t o t h e F l i g h t
Research Laboratory, which w i l l c o s t about $990,000, a r e
approximately 85 p e r c e n t complete . T h i s p r o j e c t also i n c l u d e s
c o n s t r u c t i o n of a t h r e e - d e g r e e - a n d a five-degree-of-motion
s i m u l a t o r f o r study of human and a u t o m a t i c c o n t r o l problems
i n space f l i g h t s and atmospheric f l i g h t s .
Hypervelocity Research Laboratory -- Approximately 80
p e r c e n t of a Hypervelocity Research Laboratory, t o t a l e s t i -
mated c o s t $1,145,000, h a s been c o n s t r u c t e d . Problems of
high-temper3ture gases, magneto-hydrodynamic e f f e c t s of f l o w
c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of f l u i d s , i n t e r a c t i o n between h i g h - v e l o c i t y
p a r t i c l e s , and matter i n s o l i d and l i q u i d s t a k e w i l l be
investigated i n t h i s laboratory.
Mass T r a n s f e r Cooling and Aerodynamics F a c i l i t y --
Designs and s p e c i f i c a t i o n s a r e being d r a w n , f o r a Mass-
T r a n s f e r Cooling and Aerodynamics F a c i l i t y , estimated c o s t of
which i s $4 m i l l i o n . C o n s t r u c t i o n i s scheduled t o begin i n
J u l y 1960. T h i s e l e c t r i c - a r c heated wind t u n n e l w i l l s i m u l a t e
h e a t i n g r a t e s (18,000OF) and a i r e n e r g y l e v e l s encountered
d u r i n g e n t r y f o r a s l o n a s 10 minutes, p e r m i t t i n g d e t a i l e d
7
s t u d y of m a s s - t r a n s f e r a b l a t i n g ) c o o l i n g s y s t e m s .
Data Reduction Center -- Engineering and d e s i n of a
Data h e d u c t i o n Center m i l d i n g are 50 p e r c e n t comp e t e . f
T h i s b u i l d i n g t s 43,500 s q u a r e f e e t of f l o o r space w i l l house
a large c a p a c i t y , high-speed d i g i t a l computer system f o r
r e d u c i n g r e s e a r c h d a t a and f o r s o l v i n g complex t h e o r e t i c a l
problems . T o t a l e s t i m a t e d c o s t o f t h i s Center, i n c l u d i n g
equipment, is $2,350,000.
L e w i s Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio ( i n c l u d i n g Plum Brook
F a c i l i t i e s , Sandusky, Ohio)
Nuclear F a c i l i t i e s --
M o d i f i c a t i o n s t o t h e Component
Research F a c i l i t y f o r Nuclear Propulsion are 90 p e r c e n t

Mach 1 i s t h e speed of sound, 1,117 f e e t p e r second a t 59

f
degrees Fahrenheit .
complete. This f a c i l i t y , p a r t of t h e Nuclear Test Reactor
l o c a t e d i n Plum Brook, w i l l be used f o r d e t a i l e d s t u d y of
problems a s s o c i a t e d with nuclear r o c k e t p r o p u l s i o n systems
f o r l o n g space Journeys; f o r r e a c t o r and s h i e l d i n g problems
a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e g e n e r a t i n p l a n t f o r e l e c t r i c propulsion
and a u x i l i a r y power equipment and f o r , a l l i e d problems of
nuclear r o c k e t , r a d i a t i o n , and f l u i d f l o w . An almost-complete
a d d i t i o n t o t h e Materials and S t r e $ 6 8 Building w i l l house a
zero-power r e a c t o r which w i l l be used f o r experiments con-
cerning c r i t i c a l p o i n t s of nuclear p r o p u l s i o n a c t i v i t i e s ,
measurement of b a s i c p r o p e r t i e s of neutron sources and reac-
t i v i t y e f f e c t s , and r e s e a r c h i n s e l f - s h i e l d i n g .
Propulsion System Laboratory -- Modifications t o t h e
Propulsion Systems Laboratory f o r t e s t i n g high-energy r o c k e t
e n g i n e s f o r space p r o p u l s i o n a r e e s s e n t i a l l y complete.
Rocket Systems Research F a c i l i t y -- About 74 p e r c e n t o f
t h e Rocket Systems Research F a c i l i t y l o c a t e d a t Plum Brook
h a s been c o n s t r u c t e d . It w i l l be used f o r s t u d i e s of pro-
p e l l a n t c o n t r o l and pumping, m u l t i - s t a g e hydrogen pumps, and
turbopumps; and t e s t s on large-scale models and instrumenta-
t i o n f o r research vibration tests.
Supersonic Wind Tunnel -- An a i r h e a t e r f o r t h e 10 x' 10
f o o t Supersonic Wind Tunnel i s 45 p e r c e n t complete. I t s j e t
o f hot compressed a i r , s i m u l a t i n g t h e exhaust b l a s t o f a
r o c k e t engine model, w i l l e l i m i n a t e t h e need f o r h e a t i n g t h e
t u n n e l f s e n t i r e a i r supply. The h e a t e r makes p o s s i b l e s t u d i e s
o f t h e i n t e r a c t i o n of t h e r o c k e t j e t and e x t e r n a l flow; and
i n c r e a s e s t h e t u n n e l f s s i m u l a t e d a l t i t u d e from l50,OOO f e e t
t o 250,000 f e e t .
Hypersonic Missile Propulsion F a c i l i t y -- S i x t y percent
of a Hypersonic Missile Propulsion F a c i l i t y i s complete. I t s
2-square-foot t e s t s e c t i o n , f i l l e d w i t h super-heated gas
(10,000oF t o 15,000°F), w i l l be used i n aerodynamic r e s e a r c h
and p r e l i m i n a r y s t u d i e s of j e t p r o p u l s i o n systems housing
e l e c t r i c - a r c o r ionized-gas streams e

Materials Research Laboratory -- M o d i f i c a t i o n of t h e

Materials Research Laboratory, t o i n c l u d e c r e e p and t e n s i l e
t e s t i n g machines t o s t u d y t h e - m e c h a n i c a l p r o p e p t i e s of
m a t e r i a l s a t cryogenic ( i n t e n s e l y c o l d ) t e m p e r a t u r e s and
vacuum-metallizing equipment f o r t h e development and a p p l i -
c a t i o n o f c o a t i n g s f o r r e f r a c t o r y materials i s 89 p e r c e n t
complete . T o t a l c o s t , i n c l u d i n g equipment, i s $2,120,000.
Rocket Engine Research F a c i l i t
+ -- The High Energy
Rocket Engine Research F a c i l i t y , 1 p e r c e n t complete, con-
sists of t h r e e new t e s t cells f o r s t u d i e s o f new high-energy
r o c k e t - p r o p e l l a n t systems. One c e l l , a t L e w i s , c o n t a i n s
 \

t h r e e 5,000-pound t h r u s t c a p a c i t y t e s t s t a n d s f o r horiaon-
tally/ f i r i n g e n g i n e s u t i l i z i n g nontoxic p r o p e l l a n t s . Two,
as fluorine .
a t Plum Brook, are f o r r e s e a r c h w i t h t o x i c p r o p e l l a n t s , such
T o t a l c o s t , i n c l u d i n g equipment, isk&f$5,OQQ.
Contemplated C o n s t r u c t i o n -- -Major p r o j e c t s i n t h e '
d e s i g n s t a g e are: a n Ion and Plasma Jet F a c i l i t y f o r large-
s c a l e r e s e a r c h on e l e c t r i c p r o p u l s i o n systems; a Zero-Power
Reactor (See "Nuclear F a c i T i t i e s , " a b o v e ) , ' t o be i n s t a l l e d
i n t h e Component Research F a c i l i t y f o r Nucleay Propulsion
f o r p r e l i m i n a r y t e s t i n g of materials b e f o r e t h e y a r e r a d i a t e d
i n t h e powerful P l y Brook r e a c t o r ; , a n d a n I n - P i l e Loop f o r
t h e same f a c i l i t y t o observe h e a t t r a n s f e r and f l o w o f h e a t -
r e s i s t a n t materials under r a d i a t i o n .
F l i g h t Research Center, Edwards, C a l i f .
X - 1 5 Research Airplane F a c i l i t i e s -; I n s t a l l a t i o n of
a n a l o g computing equipment t o o p e r a t e t h e X-15 F l i g h t Guid-
ance Simulator i s w e l l under way. The equipment and simu-
l a t o r a r e scheduled t o be d e l i v e r e d by J u l y 1960. Aggregate
e s t i m a t e d cost,of t h e computer equipment i s $350,000. A
t e r m i n a l guidance f a c i l i t y , p r o v i d i n g a microwave data l i n k
t o t r a n s m i t r a d a r d a t a r e q u i r e d d u r i n g X-15 f l i g h t s , i s
b e i n g i n s t a l l e d j o i n t l y by t h e A i r Force and NASA. E x i s t i n g
b u i l d i n g s w i l l be modified t o house t h e s e f a c i l i t i e s .
Test Stand f o r F-1 -- A t e s t s t a n d f o r t h e 1.5-million-
pound-thrust r o c k e t engine, c o n s t r u c t e d f o r NASA by t h e A i r
Force a t a n e s t i m a t e d c o s t of $15 m i l l i o n , i s approximately
60 p e r c e n t complete. The A i r Force i s a l s o c o n s t r u c t i n g a
2000-ton liquid-oxygen s t o r a g e and t r a n s f e r f a c i l i t y f o r t h e
t e s t - s t a n d , and f u n d s i n t h e amount o f $1,340,220 w i l l be
f u r n i s h e d t o t h e A i r Force by NASA.
J e t P r o p u l s i o n Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif .
Goldstone T r a n s m i t t e r Completed -- The Goldstone, C a l i f
t r a n s m i t t e r was c o n s t r u c t e d a t a c o s t of $1,005,000. The
.,
f a c i l i t y c o n s i s t s o f a 10-kw t r a n s m i t t e r , a n 85-foot antenna,
o t h e r e l e c t r o n i c equipment, a l a b o r a t o r y , and a n o f f i c e .
Goldstone p r e v i o u s l y had o n l y a r e c e i v i n g system. The
Goldstone s t a t i o n i s t h e f i r s t of NASA's t h r e e - s t a t i o n Deep
Space Network. (See Chapter 10, "Tracking and Data Acquisi-
t i o n . " pp. 103 - 104.)
Other P r o j e c t s -- C u r r e n t l y under d e s i g n are:
1) A S u b s t a t i o n and Transformer Bank f o r use i n
t h e s o u t h area o f J P L t o provide power f o r
f a c i l i t i e s a u t h o r i z e d i n FY 1959.

- 179 -
 2) An a d d i t i o n t o Guidance Laboratory 161 --
46,000 square f e e t of l a b o r a t o r y and con-
.
f e r e n c e space f o r t h e r e s e a r c h and develop-
ment d i v i s i o n s
3) An a d d i t i o n t o A d m i n i s t r a t i v e S e r v i c e s
Building --
15,000 square f e e t f o r Purchas-
i n g , Accounting, B IM and S t o r e s A c t i v i t i e s .
4 ) A P l a n t S e r v i c e s Engineering and Shop
Building --
16,000 square f e e t f o r d r a f t i n g
room, o f f i c e s , mechanical and e l e c t r i c a l
shops.
5 ) A Vehicle Assembly Building and Environmental
( T e s t i n g ) Laboratory --
37,500 square f e e t of
.
open hanger space w i t h l a b o r a t o r y , o f f i c e and
workshop a r e a s
6 ) A Reports and P e r i o d i c a l s Building --
17,000
square f e e t o f a d m i n i s t r a t i v e , workshop and
l a b o r a t o r y space .
7 ) U t i l i t i e s f o r South Area t o accommodate con-
s t r u c t i o n a u t h o r i z e d i n FY 1959.
8) U t i l i t i e s i n New Area (60 a c r e s ) t o accommodate
c o n s t r u c t i o n of f a c i l i t i e s f o r S o l i d and Liquid
P r o p e l l a n t D i v i s i o n s a u t h o r i z e d i n FP 1959.
9) S o l i d - P r o p e l l a n t Hazardous-Material Storage
Magazines, Test Cell and C o n t r o l Building, and
Processing Laboratory -- twenty s t r u c t u r e s ,
r a n g i n g i n s i z e from 936 square f e e t t o 7,450
square f e e t , i n t h e new area (60 a c r e s ) .
10) Liquid P r o p e l l a n t Test Cell and C o n t r o l Build-
i n g -- i n new area (60 a c r e s ) .
Gadda-rd Space F l i g h t Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Personnel of t h e Goddard Space F l i g h t Center are cur-
r e n t l y u t i l i z i n g nborrowed" f a c i l i t i e s i n t h e D i s t r i c t of
Columbia. A permanent i n s t a l l a t i o n f o r t h e Center i s being
c o n s t r u c t e d a t Greenbelt, Md., on l a n d a c q u i r e d from t h e
Government's A g r i c u l t u r a l Experiment S t a t i o n . P r o g r e s s un
and contemplated use of t h e s i x planned Goddard b u i l d i n g s
are d e s c r i b e d below.
Building No. 1 -- T h i s Space P r o j e c t s Building, which
i s 70 p e r c e n t complete, w i l l have computer equipment and t h e
t e c h n i c a l l i b r a r y , and w i l l house a d m i n i s t r a t i v e , s c i e n t i f i c ,
and t e c h n i c a l personnel.

- 180 -
i
which-
B u i l d i n g No. 2 -- T h i s Research P r o j e c t s Laboratory,
e used by a p o r t i o n of t h e Space S c i e n c e s and
S a t e l l i t e A p p l i c a t i o n s Group, i s a l s o 70 p e r c e n t complete.

==xl!Y -- C o n s t r u c t i o n i s 20 p e r c e n t complete
on t h e Centra F i g h t C o n t r o l and Range Operations Building
which w i l l house t h e Mercury and M i n i t r a c k c o n t r o l c e n t e r s .
Building Group No. --
Plans and s p e c i f i c a t i o n s have
been drawn f o r t h e C e n t r h Power P l a n t and S e r v i c e Shops,
.
comprising t h e b o i l e r room, c e n t r a l a i r - c o n d i t i o n i n g and
r e f r i g e r a t i o n , maintenance shops, and s t o r a g e
B u i l d i n g s No. 5 and 6 -- Designs are being drawn f o r
t h e Instrument C o n s t r u c t i o n and I n s t a l l a t i o n Laboratory and
t h e Space S c i e n c e s Laboratory. The former w i l l be used f o r
i n s t r u m e n t assembly and t h e l a t t e r by t h e d i v i s i o n s of t h e
Space S c i e n c e s and S a t e l l i t e A p p l i c a t i o n s Group.
Wallops S t a t i o n , Wallops I s l a n d , Va .
Launch F a c i l i t i e s-- F a c i l i t i e s f o r t h e Scout launch
v e h i c l e includi'ng launch pads, tower, blockhouse, terminal
b u i l d i n g s , a f i r e - f i g h t i n g water deluge system and power and
communication systems a r e 90 percent complete. Aerobee
sounding r o c k e t launch f a c i l i t i e s have been c o n s t r u c t e d and
a l r e a d y u t i l i z e d . Launch i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n h a s been improved.
The Scout system i s being checked o u t with a dummy v e h i c l e .
T o t a l c o s t of t h e s e f a c i l i t i e s i s estimated a t $1,923,000.
Causeway --The causeway and b r i d g e between Wallops
I s l a n d and t h e mainland is 80 p e r c e n t complete and i s i n
use. S u r f a c i n g of t h e roadwaylis i n p r o g r e s s . Cost of t h e
causeway i s e s t i m a t e d a t $1,467,000.

i n g completion.
-- The Erosion C o n t r o l P r o j e c t i s near-
Other Pro e c t s -- Modification of t h e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n
T---aa;L--.
Build ng a n angar,, and t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of a t e l e m e t r y
b u i l d i n g , a command-destruct b u i l d i n g , and s e v e r a l small
s t r u c t u r e s are 75 p e r c e n t complete. These p r o j e c t s are
e s t i m a t e d t o t o t a l about $1,500,000.
Radar -- A b u i l d i n g , , tower, and 60-foot antenna have
been c o n s t r u c t e d f o r t h e h i g h p r e c i s i o n t r a c k i n g radar on
t h e mainland.
M a r s h a l l Space FliRht C e n t e r , H u n t s v i l l e , Ala .*
A l l c o n s t r u c t i o n a t Marshall was i n support of P r o j e c t
.
S a t u r n , t h e development of a c l u s t e r e d 1 5-million-pound-

* T r a n s f e r t o NASA e f f e c t i v e J u l y 1, 1960
- 181 -
t h r u s t launch v e h i c l e . The East S t a t i c Test Tower was modi-
f i e d a t a t o t a l c o s t of $1,020,000 t o t e s t t h e Saturn.
Various f a b r i c a t i o n and checkout b u i l d i n g s were modified.
Roadways i n t h e C e n t e r ' s I n d u s t r i a l Area were s t r e n g t h e n e d
and o b s t r u c t i o n s removed t o f a c i l i t a t e i n t r a - a r e a t r a n s p o r t
of Saturn,
The d e s i g n s f o r t h e l o a d i n g s i t e on t h e Tennessee River
and f o r road m o d i f i c a t i o n between t h e t e s t tower and t h e
l o a d i n g s i t e were made, and c o n s t r u c t i o n b i d s i n v i t e d . These
f a c i l i t i e s w i l l e n a b l e t h e S a t u r n v e h i c l e t o be t r a n s p o r t e d
by barge between Marshall and Cape Canaveral, Fla., v i a t h e
Tennessee River, M i s s i s s i p p i River, Gulf o f Mexico, and
A t l a n t i c Ocean. Other major p r o j e c t s were a n a d d i t i o n t o
t h e S t r u c t u r e s and Mechanics Laboratory t o house a v i b r a t o r
t o t e s t component p a r t s of launch v e h i c l e s and $he modifica-
t i o n o f t h e Fuel Test Area which .was 30 p e r c e n t complete.
AMR, Cape Canaveral, F l a
The blockhouse f o r t h e S a t u r n t e s t f i r i n g s , e s t i m a t e d
c o s t $1,028,000, i s about 90 p e r c e n t complete; and t h e
launch pad complex, e s t i m a t e d c o s t $4,767,000, about 25 per-
c e n t complete, Under d e s i g n are a l l i e d f a c i l i t i e s c o n s i s t -
i n g of t h e unloading s i t e and t h e a u x i l i a r y support b u i l d i n g .
P r e p a r a t i o n of a s i t e and by-pass r o a d f o r S a t u r n i s i n
process . E s t i m a t e d e x p e n d i t u r e i s $314.,000.
o f Hangar S i n support o f P r o j e c t Mercury t o provide s p e c i a l
Modification
shops and l a b o r a t o r i e s , e s t i m a t e d t o c o s t $123,500, i s about
75 p e r c e n t complete . C o n s t r u c t i o n 0-f t r a c k i n g and equipment
s t o r a g e b u i l d i n g s t o s u p p o r t t h e Delta p r o j e c t are i n
progress .
Tracking and Data A c q u i s i t i o n S t a t i o n s
NASA's worldwide t r a c k i n g and d a t a a c q u i s i t i o n networks
are d e s c r i b e d i n Chapter 10, pp. 99 106. -
Minitrack -- The new F o r t Myers, F l a . , s t a t i o n became
o p e r a t i o n a l d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t p e r i o d . The 136-mc a n t e n n a s ,
which w i l l r e p l a c e t h e 108-mc antenna a s s i g n e d t o M i n i t r a c k
d u r i n g I G Y , have been i n s t a l l e d a t t h e Blossom P o i n t , Md.,
s t a t i o n . Four new s t a t i o n s are being c o n s t r u c t e d a t
F a i r b a n k s , Alaska; Winkfield, England; S t . Johns, Newfoundland;
and East Grand Forks, Minn. A l l are expected t o be o p e r a t i o n a l
by l a t e 1960, Ir
Mercury --
C o n s t r u c t i o n i s i n p r o g r e s s a t Cape Canaveral,*
Grand Canary I s l a n d , and a n o t h e r i s l a n d i n t h e A t l a n t i c . A
-* F a c i l i t i e s f o r t h e S a t u r n launch v e h i c l e are a l s o being
prepared .

- 183 -
x
construction contract i s being negotiated f o r t h e s t a t i o n i n
East Africa. Designs and s p e c i f i c a t i o n s are being drawn f o r
t h e o t h e r f a c i l i t i e s . The Mercury network i s scheduled t o
become o p e r a t i o n a l i n e a r l y 1961.
Deep Space -- The t r a n s m i t t i n g system f o r t h e Goldstone
s t a t i o n h a s been completed. The s i t e s e l e c t e d f o r t h e Deep
Space s t a t i o n i n Australia i s I s l a n d Lagoon, near Woomera.
C o n s t r u c t i o n h a s begun and i s scheduled t o be completed i n
t h e f a l l o f 1960. NASA h a s purchased t h e 85-foot antenna
and t r a c k i n g equipment f o r t h e s t a t i o n from t h e Department
of Defense. As t h e p e r i o d closed, n e g o t i a t i o n s and t e c h n i -
c a l d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h t h e Government of t h e Union of South
A f r i c a f o r a t h i r d Deep Space s t a t i o n were under way.

PUBLIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Public Information
P r i n c i p a l Media -- NASA f u r n i s h e d i n f o r m a t i o n on i t s
a c t i v i t i e s through a v a r i e t y of media during t h e r e p o r t
p e r i o d . P r i n c i p a l l y , t h i s was done by p r e s s r e l e a s e t o t h e
news media -- newspapers, newsweeklies, r a d i o , t e l e v i s i o n ,
and t r a d e and p r o f e s s i o n a l j o u r n a l s ; p r e s s b r i e f i n g s and
conferences such a s t h o s e h e l d on Explorer V I 1 on October
13 and December 31, and on P i o n e e r V on March 11 and 18;
c o n t r i b u t i o n s of NASA s c i e n t i s t s t o p r o f e s s i o n a l j o u r n a l s ;
a d d r e s s e s of NASA o f f i c i a l s b e f o r e s c i e n t i f i c , b u s i n e s s ,
and c i v i c a s s o c i a t i o n s both i n t h i s country and abroad; and
symposiums.
Lunar Science Symposium -- Typical of t h e symposiums
was t h a t on l u n a r s c i e n c e h e l d December 1. Four prominent
s c i e n t i s t s d i s c u s s e d t h e importance of l u n a r r e s e a r c h and
d e s c r i b e d p l a n s f o r l u n a r experiments. A l l members of NASAfs
Lunar Science Group, t h e s c i e n t i s t s were: Nobel P r i z e
winner Harold Urey, S c r i p p s I n s t i t u t e of Oceanography;
Thomas Gold, C o r n e l l U n i v e r s i t y ; Harrison Brown, C a l i f o r n i a
I n s t i t u t e of Technology; and Robert Jastrow, Chairman o f .
NASATs Lunar Science Group (membership i s i n Appendix D ) .
Inquiries -- NASA f i l l e d a growing demand f o r informa-
t i o n from i n d i v i d u a l s and o r g a n i z a t i o n s , b o t h i n t h i s c o u n t r y
and abroad. I n q u i r i e s came from such d i v e r s e s o u r c e s a s
s t u d e n t s , e d u c a t o r s , p u b l i s h e r s , and l e a d e r s o f i n d u s t r y .
Some o f t h e i n f o r m a t i o n was f o r e v e n t u a l use i n encylopedias
and p u b l i c a t i o n s o f o t h e r Government a g e n c i e s . I n a d d i t i o n ,
a n average of about 100 mail r e q u e s t s p e r week f o r miscel-
l a n e o u s NASA i n f o r m a t i o n ' w a s r e c e i v e d and f i l l e d d u r i n g t h e
p e r i o d of t h i s r e p o r t .
- 184 -
 Other Media -- Information was a l s o disseminated through
such p u b l i c a t i o n s a s t h e "NASA Second Semiannual Report t o
t h e Congress, A p r i l 1, 1959 -- September 3 0 , 1959"; through
motion p i c t u r e and t e l e v i s i o n productions; t h e NASA inspec-
t i o n and open house a t Langley Research Center; and e x h i b i t s .
Film i s Honored -- "Chemistry of Meteor Vaporization,"
a n animated, l i v e a c t i o n , c o l o r f i l m , one of several produced
by NASA d u r i n g t h e r e p o r t period, r e c e i v e d s e v e r a l honors.
The Government I n t e r d e p a r t m e n t a l Committee on Visual and
Auditory Materials f o r D i s t r i b u t i o n Abroad recommended t h e
f i l m f o r p o s s i b l e e n t r y i n t h e 1960 Venice Film F e s t i v a l .
The committee a l s o recommended t h e f i l m f o r e x h i b i t i o n before
t h e Organizing Committee of t h e American Science Film Asso-
ciation.
Langley I n s p e c t i o n and Open House -- More t h a n 2,000
r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f i n d u s t r y , Government, and t h e p r e s s
a t t e n d e d t h e NASA i n s p e c t i o n , a t Langley Research Center,
Hampton, Va., October 1 2 through 16. Among t h e g u e s t s were
s c i e n t i f i c a t t a c h 6 s o f 14. f o r e i g n n a t i o n s . More t h a n 15,000
v i s i t o r s a t t e n d e d a Langley open house, first i n t h e Center's
f o r t y - y e a r e x i s t e n c e , on Saturday, October 17.
Exhibits -- NASA designed and c o n s t r u c t e d two i d e n t i c a l
P r o j e c t Mercury e x h i b i t s and 1 2 i d e n t i c a l Pioneer V e x h i d i t s
t o show i n t h i s c o u n t r y and abroad. The Mercury e x h i b i t
c o n s i s t s of a f u l l - s i z e model of t h e Mercury capsule and 32
p a n e l s of copy, photographs, and drawings d e s c r i b i n g t h e
Mercury program. The Pioneer V e x h i b i t i n c l u d e s a l i f e - s i z e
f i b e r g l a s s model of Pioneer V with o p e r a t i n g s o l a r c e l l s and
a 20-foot panel of i l l u s t r a t i o n s and models. The O f f i c e of
I n t e r n a t i o n a l Trade F a i r s (OITF), Department o f Commerce,
borrowed one P r o j e c t Mercury e x h i b i t f o r showing a t a s e r i e s
of o v e r s e a s e x p o s i t i o n s . OITF and t h e United S t a t e Inforrna-
t i o n Agency a l s o borrowed a l l but two of t h e Pioneer V
e x h i b i t s f o r o v e r s e a s p r e s e n t a t i o n . The Mercury e x h i b i t i s
scheduled f o r d i s p l a y a t t h e Aerospace Medical Symposium t o
be h e l d May 9 t o 11 i n M i a m i , F l a ,
Tec hni c a l I n f orrnat i o n
New Aeronautical D i c t i o n a r y -- The "NASA Aeronautical
Dictionary,'! d e f i n i n g 4,000 terms, was published during t h e
r e p o r t p e r i o d . The 200-page volume was prepared i n response
t o many r e q u e s t s f o r a n up-to-date d i c t i o n a r y t o r e p l a c e
NASA Report No 474, "Nomenclature f o r Aeronautics," l a s t
.
r e v i s e d i n 1933 The "Aeronautical Dictionary" may be
purchased f o r $1.75 from t h e Superintendent of Documents,
United S t a t e s Government P r i n t i n g O f f i c e , Washington, D. C .

- 185
i
 Announcement I s s u a n c e Now Bi-Weekly -- NASA began b i -
weekly i s s u a n c e , on a l t e r n a t e Thursdays, of "NASA Technical
P u b l i c a t i o n s Announcements," l i s t i n g new NASA p u b l i c a t i o n s
f o r which NASA i s d e p o s i t o r y and d i s t r i b u t o r . The announce-
ments are d i s t r i b u t e d p r i n c i p a l l y t h r o u g h m a i l i n g lists.
P r e v i o u s l y , t h e y were i s s u e d a t i r r e g u l a r i n t e r v a l s
Release of T e c h n i c a l I n f o r m a t i o n -- NASA r e l e a s e d 207
u h c l a s s i f i e d and 153 new s e c u r i t y - c l a s s i f i e d t e c h n i c a l pub1.i-
c a t i o n s f o r d i s t r i b u t i o n t o a u t h o r i z e d addrt3ss8esD I n addi-
t i o n , it f i l l e d 13,815 i n d i v i d u a l r e q u e s t s f o r s p e c i f i c
documents and o t h e r t e c h n i c a l i n f o r m a t i o n .

- 186 -
 APPENDIX A

MENBEFSHIPS OF C0NC;RESSIONA.LCOMMITTEES
(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

c Senate Conmdttee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences

Lyndon B. Johnson, Tex., Styles Bridges, N. H.

Chairman Alexander Wiley, Wis.
Richard B. Russell, Ga. Margaret Chase Smith, Maine
Warren G. hgnuson, Wash. Thomas E. Martin, Iowa
Clinton P. Anderson, N. M a . Clifford P. Case, N. J.
Robert S. Kerr, Okla
Stuart Symington, Mo.
John Stennis, Niss.
Stephen M. Young, Ohio
Thomas J. Dodd, Conn.
Howard W. Cannon, Nev.

House Committee on Science and Astronautics

Overton Brooks, La., Chairman Joseph W. Martin, Jr., Mass.

John W e MCCOmck, Mass. James G. M t o n , Pa.
George Po Miller, Calif. Gordon L. McDonough, C a l i f .
Olin E. Teague, Tex. J. Edgar Chenoweth, Colo.
Victor L. Anfuso, N. Y. Frank C. Osmers, Jr., N. J.
B e F. Sisk, C a l i f . W i l l i a m K. Van P e l t , Us.
Erwin Ititchell, Gao A. D. humhart, Jr., Ohio
James M. Quigley, Pa. Perkins Bass, N. H.
*David M. Hall, N. C. R. Walter Riehlman, N. Y.
Leonard G. Wolfe, Iowa
Joseph E. Karth, Minn.
Hen Hechler, W. Va.
I3niU.o G. Daddario, Conn.
Walter H. Moeller, Ohio
David S. King, Utah
J. Edward Raush, Ind.
m o m a s G. Morris, N. M.

med on January 29, 1960

=Assigned February 10, 1960

- 187 -
APPENDIX B

NMBERSHIP OF THE
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE COUNCIL
(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

President M g h t D. Ei.senhaJer, Chairman

Christian A. Herter D e t l e v W. Bronk

Secretary of State ,
President National
Academy of Sciences
Thomas S. Gates, Jr.
Secretary of D e f e n s e Alan T. Waterman
Director, National
John A. McCone Science Foundation
Chairman, Atoadc
Energy C d s s i o n John T. Rettaliata
President, I l l i n o i s
TI K d t h Glennan I n s t i t u t e of Technology,
Admirbstrator, National Chicago; 111..
Aeronautics and Space
Administration *

Acting Secretary

*F’ranklyn W. Phillips
++David 2. Beckler

* Mr. Beckler replaced Mr. Phillips on February 28, 1960

* One vacancy - member from private l i f e ,
- 189 -
 APPENDIX C
MENBERSHIP OF THE CIVILIAN-MILITARY LIAISON COMMIT!LEE
(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

W i l l i a m M. Holaday,* Chairman

W i l l i a m J. Underwood, Assistant t o t h e Chairman and Secretary

NASA MEIMBERS

Hugh L. Dryden, Deputy Administrator

Abe Silverstein, Director of Space Flight Programs
Homer J. Stewart, Director of Program Planning and Evaluation
Ira H. Abbott, Director of Advanced Research Programs

NASA ALTEEWATES

DeMarquis D. Wyatt, Assistant Director, Program manning and

Coordination
Abraham Hyatt, Deputy Director, Launch Vehicle Programs

D E P A R m T OF DEFENSE (DOD) MEMBERS

M Roy W. Johnson, OSD, Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency
* John B. Macauley, Deputy Director of Research and Engineering
Maj. Gen. W. W. Dick, Army, Director of Special Weapons, Office
Chief of Research and Development, Dept. of Army
Vice Adm. R. B. Pirie, Navy, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air)
Brig. Gen. Homer A. Boushey, Air Force, Assistant f o r Advanced
Technology, Deputy Chief of Staff, Development

DOD ALTERNATES

*John B. Macauley, OSD, Deputy Director of Defense Research and

Engineering
M A . G. Waggoner, Special Assistant f o r Hssiles and Space Operations,
Office, Defense Research and Ehgineering
Col. Charles G. Patterson, Deputy Director of Special Weapons Office,
Chief of Research and Development, Department of the Army
Rear Adm. K. S. Masterson, Director Guided Missiles, Office, Chief
of Naval Operations
Col. John L. Martin, Jr., Air Force, Deputy Assistant f o r Advanced
Technology, Deputy Chief of Staff, Development

* Resigned April30, 1960.

* U n t i l December 7,
1959.
Assigned December 7, 1959. c-
- 191 -
a
 APPENDIX D

MEMBERSHIP OF LUNAR SCZENCE GROUP

(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

Robert Jastraw, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA, Greenbelt, Md.,

Zhairman
,- Harrison Brown, California I n s t i t u t e of Technology, Pasadena, C a l i f .

Maurice Mng, Lamont Geological. Laboratory, Palisades, New York

Thomas Gold, Cornell University, Ithaca, N e w York
Am Re Hibbs, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA, Pasadena, Calif.

Joshua Lederberg, Stanford University, Department of Genetics,

Stanford, C a l i f .

Gordon MacDonald, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA, Greenbelt, Md.

Bank Press, California I n s t i t u t e of Technology, Pasadena, C a l i f .

Bruno Rossi, Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.

Ernst Stuhlinger, Army Ballistic Missile Agency, HuntsVille, Ala.
Harold Urey, Scripps I n s t i t u t e of Oceanography, University of
Califorda, La Jolla, Calif.

- 193 -
APPENDIX E

MEMBERSHIP OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LIFE SCIENCES

(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

W. Randolph Lovelace 11, Chairman

Director of t h e Lovelace Foundation f o r Medical Education and
Research, Albuquerque, N. M.

Brig. Gen. Donald D. F l i c k i n g e r (MC), USAF, Vice Chairman

Surgeon and A s s i s t a n t Deputy Comander f o r Research Headquarters,
Air Research and Development Command, Andrews Air Force Base,
Washington, D. C.

Capt. G. D. Smith, S e c r e t a r y
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

MEMBERS

Lt. Commander John H. Ebersole (MC)

U. S. Naval Hospital ( S t a f f ) , National Naval Medical‘ Center,
Bethesda, Md.

Col. Robert H. Holmes (MC)

Chief, Forensic and Aviation Pathology Branch, Armed Forces
I n s t i t u t e of Pathology, Washington, D. C.

Wright H. Langham
Los Alamos S c i e n t i f i c Laboratory, University of C a l i f o r n i a ,
LOS U ~ ~ NOe S
Me ,

Robert B. U v i n g s t o n
Director of Basic Research i n Mental Health and Neurological
Diseases,’ National I n s t i t u t e s of Health, Bethesda, Md.

O r r Reynolds
Director of Science, Office of t h e A s s i s t a n t S e c r e t a r y of Defense
f o r Research and Engineering, Washington, D. C.

- 195 -
x
APPENDIX F

MEMBERSHIP OF JOINT (AEC-DOD-NASA)

C Q M M I m ON HAZARDS OF SPACE NUCLEAR S B m
(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

Robert E. English, L0d.s Research Center, NASA, Cleveland, O.,

ad.-
Wright U g h , Los .Alamns Scientific Laboratory, University of
California, U s Alamos, N. M.

Nathan W. Snyder, Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department

of Def m e
Spurgeon Keeny, Office of the Special Assistant t o the President
for Science and Technology

197 -
J
L
APPENDIX G

MEMBERSHIP OF
NASA COMMITTEE ON LONG RANGE STUDIES
(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

John A. Johnson, General Counsel, Chairman

Arnold W. Frutkin, M r e c t o r of I n t e r n a t i o n a l Programs

Homer J. Stewart, D i r e c t o r of Program Planning and Evdluation

Wesley J. Hjornevik, Deputy M r e c t o r of Business Administration

Jack C. Oppenheimer, Ekecutive S e c r e t a r y

a
APPENDIX H

MEMBERSHIP OF
NASA INVENTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS BOARD
(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

Rbbert E. U t t e l l , Assistant t o the Director of Advanced Research

Programs, Chairman

Paul Go D a b l i n g , Assistant General Counsel, Vice-chairman

E l l i o t t Mitchell, Assistant Mrector f o r Propulsi'on, Office of

Launch Vehicle Programs, Member

J. Allen Crocker, Chief, Program Coordination, Lunar and Planetary

Programs, Office of Space Flight Programs, Member

C. Guy Ferguson, Assistant Classification and Organization Officer,

Personnel Division, Office of Business Administration, Member
James A. Hootman, Secretary

- 201 -
APPENDIX I

MEMBERSHIP OF THE
NASA-DOD SPACE SCIENCE COMMITTEE
(October 1, 1959 through March 31, 1960)

Homer E. Newell, Chairman Frank C. Hoyt

NASA Headquarters Advanced Research P r o j e c t s
Division, I n s t i t u t e f o r
John F. Clark Defense Analyses
NASA Headquarters Washington, De C.

Richard W. Davies W. J. OfSullivan, Jr.

J e t Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Langley Research Center, NASA
Pasadena, C a l i f . Hampton, Virginia

James Bo Edson John We Townsend, Jr,

Chief S c i e n t i s t f o r M i s s i l e s Goddard Space F l i g h t Center, NASA
Office, Assistant Chief of Greenbelt, Md,
S t a f f I n t e l l i g e n c e, Depart-
ment of t h e Army Stanley M. Greenfield
Washington, Do C. S c i e n t i f i c Adviser D i r e c t o r a t e
of Research and Development,
Herbert Friedman Office, Oeputy Chief of
Superintendent, Atmosphere and Staff, Development, Department
Astrophysics Division of t h e Air Force
Naval Research Laboratory Washington, D. C.
Washington, D. C.

John T. Holloway
Chief, Physical Sciences
O f f i c e of t h e Director of
Defense, Research ani
Engineering
Washington, D. C.

Geoffrey K e l l e r
Program Director f o r Astronomy
National Science Foundation
Washington, D. C.

Q NK MOT FILMED

- 203 -
 APPENDIX J

NASA RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEES

(As of March 31. 1960)

.
Name Paga

Committee on Fluid
sci.ceM ......................................... 206
Committee on Aircraft
sc.doreA ................................... 207
Committee on Missile and Spacecraft A e r o d ~ c s ..................... 208
Committee on Control. Guidance. and Navigation ....................... 209
Committee on Chemical Ehergy Processes ............................... 210
Committee on Nuclear Energy Processes ................................ 211
Committee on Mechanical Power Plant SYstems .......................... 212
Committee on Electrical Power Plant Systems .......................... 213
Committee on Structural Iloads........................................ 214
Committee on Structural Design....................................... 215
Committee on Structural Dynamics..................................... 216
Committee on .terials ............................................... 217
Committee on Aircraft Operating .oblems ............................. 218

.205 .
 Research Advisory Committee-on Fluid Mechanics

William R. Sears, Chairman Head e. c. Lin

Graduate School of Aeronautical School of Mathematics
Engineering The Institute f o r Advanced Study
Cornell Univer sits Princeton, N. J.
Ithaca, N. Y.
Robert W. Perry
Keith Boyer Chief, Re-&try Simulation Laboratory
Associate J Division Leader Republic Aviation Corporation
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Farmingdale, Long Island, No Y.
Los A ~ W O S , N. M.
Harry E. Petschek
Antonio Ferri Principal Reaearch Scientist
Professor of Aeronautical Fzgineering and Avco Research Laboratory
Director of Aerodynamics Laboratory Avco Manyfacturing Corporation
Polytechnic I n s t i t u t e of Brooklyn Etrerett, Mass.
Freeport, N. Y.
S. A. Schaaf
Wayland C. Griffith Chairman f o r Aeronautical Sciences
Assistant Director of Research College of Engineering
Missiles and Space Division University of California
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Berkeley, C a l i f .
Sunnyvale, C a l i f
Joseph Sternberg
A. Hertzberg Chief, Exterior Ballistic Laboratory
Head, Aerodynamic Research Department Ballistic Research Laboratories
Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, Inc. Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
Buffalo, N. Y.
H. H. Kurzweg
Otto Laporte Associate Technical Director f o r
Professor of Physics Aeroballistic Research
University of Michigan U. S. Navq Ordnance Laboratory
Ann Arbor, Mich. White Oak
Silver Spring, Md.
Hans W. Liepmann
Professor of Aeronautics C a r l bplan

Pasadena , Calif .
California I n s t i t u t e of Technology Chief Scientist
A i r Force Office of Scientific
Research, SRR
Washington, D. C.

G. B. Schubauer
Chief, Fluid Mechanics Section
National Bureau of Standards
Washington, Do C.

Clinton E. Brown, -ley Research Center

Robert T. Jones, Ames Research Center
Wolfgang E. Moeckel, L e w i s Research Center
John Laufer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Alfred Gessow, Headquarters, Secretary

- 206 -
 Research Advisory Committee f o r Aircraft Aerodynamic s

R. Richard Heppe, Chairman Frank W. Kolk

Chief Preliminary Design Engineer Director,. Equipment Research
California Division American Airlines, Ine.
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation LsGuardia Airport Station
Burbank, C a l i f . Flushing, N. Y.
L. L. Douglas Conrad A. Lau
Vice President -
Engineering
Vertol Aircraft Corporation
Chief of Advanced Aircraft
Chance Vought Aircraft, Inc.
Morton, Pa. Dallas, Tex.
,

Orville R. D u n n John G. Lee

Assistant Chief , Aerodynamics Section Director of Research
Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc. United Aircraft Corporation
Santa Monica, C a l i f . East Hartford, Conn.

Alexander H. Flax W i l l i a m J. OfDonneU.

Chief Scientist Chief Ehgineer, Applied Research and
Office of the Chief of Staff Development
U. S. A i r Force Republic Aviation Corporation
Washington, D e C. Farmingdale, Long Island, N. Y.
Charles W. Frick, Jr. W i l l i a m M. Zarkowsky
Chief Technical Engineer Program Manager
San Diego Division Grumman Aircraft W i n e e r i n g Corp.
Convair Bethpage, Lon& Island, N. Y.
Division of General Dynamics Corp.
San Diego, Calif. D. M. Thompson
Chief
L. P. Greene A i r Research and Development Division
Manager , Research and Development Office of t h e Chief of Transportation
Los Angeles Division Department of the Army
North American Aviation, Inc
International Airport
. Washington, D. C.

Los Argeles, Calif. G. L. Desmond

Airframe Design Division
W i l l i a m T. Hamilton Office of Assistant Chief f o r Research,
Chief of Flight Technology Development, Test, and Evaluation
Seattle Division Bureau of Naval Weapons
Being Airplane Company Department of the Navy
Seattle, Wash. Washington, D. C.
Ezra Kotcher
Technical Director
NASA Staff Representatives: Directorate of Advanced Systems
Technology
John Stack, Langley Research Center Wright A i r Division
R. Go Robinson, Ames Research Center Wright-Patterson A i r Force Base, Ohio
Carl F. Schueller, L e w i s Research Center
D. E. Beeler, Flight Research Center
A. J. Evans, Headquarters, Secretary

- 207 -
 Research Advisory Committee on I&
s s i l e and Spacecraft Aerodynamic s

H. Guyford Stever, Chairman Otto K l i m a , Jr.

Associate Dean of Engineering Manager, Aerodynamics and Space
Massac huset t s Institute of Technology Mechanics
Cambridge, Mass. Missile and Space Vehicle Dept.
General Electric Company
Mac C. AdmS . Philadelphia, Pa.
Deputy Director
Avco Research Laboratory C. J. Koch
Avco Manufacturing Corporation Director, Systems Dynamics and Control
Everett, Mass. The Martin Company
Baltimore, Md.
H. W. Bell
Assistant Director Lester b e e
Aero-Space Laboratories Professor of AeronGutics
Missile Division
North American Aviation, Inc
Downey, Calif.
. California I n s t i t u t e of Technology
Pasadena, C a l i f .

Ronald Smelt
Seymour M. Bogdonoff Director, Research
Professor of Aeronautical Engineering Missiles and Space Divison
and Head of Gas Dynamics Laboratory

.
Princeton University
Princeton, N. J
Sunnyvale, Calif .
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation

Ernst D. Geissler
K. J. Bossart Director, Aeroballistics Laboratory
Assistant t o the Vice President
Engineering
- Development Operations Division
Army Ballistic Missile Agency,
Convair ORDAEDA

.
Division of General Dynamics Corp&ation
San Diego, Calif
Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Captain b i n G. Peters, USN

George S. Graff Astronautics Programs Officer
Chief Aeromechanic s Engineer Office of Assistant Chief f o r
McDonnell Aircraft Corporation Program Management
Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport Bureau of Naval Weapons
St. Louis, Mo. Department of the Navy
Washington, D. C.
Robert B. Hildebrand
Chief, Advanced Research Systems Section Colonel J. L. Martin, Jr.
Flight Technology Department Deputy Director of Advanced Technology
Aero Space Division Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff,
Boeing Airplane Company Development
Seattle, Wash. Department of the A i r Force
Washington, D. C.
Maxwell W. Hunter
Assistant Chief Ehgineer, Space Systems
.
Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc.
Santa Monica, Calif
NASA Staff Representatives:
John Becker, Langley Research Center
H. Julian Allen, Ames Research Center
Eugene J. Manganiello, L e w i s Research Center
Hubert M. Drake, Flight Research Center
M. Eimer, J e t Propulsion Laboratory
Ralph W. May, Headquarters, Secretary

- 208 -
 Research Advisors CommPittee on Control, Guidance. and Navigation

Allen E. Puckett, Chairman Wifuam J. Jacobi

Vice President and Director of Systems
Development Laboratories
Hughe saAircraft Company
Culver City, C a l i f .
Gene L. Armstrong
Senior Project Engineer
-
Convair Astronautic8
Division of General Dynamics Corp.
San Diego, C a l i f .
Rudolph Bodemuller
Manager, Systems Development Section
Bsndix Products Division
Bendix Aviation Corporation
South e n d , Ind.
C. Stark Draper
Head, Department of Aeronautics and
Astronautics
Cambridge, Mass .
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
D. B e Duncan
General Operations Manager
Space Technology Operations
Aeronutr onic
Division of Ford Motor Company
Ford Road
Newport Beach, C a l i f .
Emanuel Fthenakis
Manager, Navigation and Control
Engineering
Missile and Ordnance Systems Department
General Electric Company
Philadelphia, Pa.
H. R. Hegbar
Manager, Avionics and Electronics
Goodyear Aircraft Corporation
Akron,i Ohio
Director, Advanced Sgstems m i n e e r i n g
Litton Industries
Beverly H i l l s , Calif.
Donald Po Ling
Director of Military Analysis
Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc
Whip-, N e J.
.
W i l l i a m T. Russell
Director, Electromechanical Systems
Laboratory
Space Technology Laboratories, Inc.
Ins Angeles, C a l i f .
0. He Schuck
Director of Research
Military Products Group,
M.Lnneapolis=Honeywell Regulator Co.
Minneapolis, Mnn.
Walter Haeussermann
Director, Guidance and Control
Development Operations Division
Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
W. B. McLean
Technical Director
Naval Ordnance Test Station
China Lake, C a l i f .
F. M e Box, USAF'
A i r Force Ballistic Missile Division
Headquarters ARDC
United States A i r Force
A i r Force U n i t Post Office
Los Angeles, Calif.

NASA Staff Representatives:

Leonard Sternfield, Langley Research Center
Howard F. ktthews, Ames Research Center
A. S. Boksenbom, Lewis Research Center
Joseph W e i l , Flight Research Center
C. R. Gates, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Bernard Maggin, Headquarters, Secretary

- 209 -
a
 Research Advisory C o d t t e e on Chemical Eneras Processes

James A. Reid, Chairman Johri P. Inngwell

Director of Research Head, Special. Projects U n i t

,
Bartlesville Okla .
Phillips Petroleum Compam ESBO RsBeWh and & g i n e e r a GO*
Lhden, N. J.

David fitanan Re J. Thompson

United Research Corporation of Menlo Park Manager of Research
1944 University ‘Avenue Rocketdyne Division
c
Palo Alto, C a l i f . North American Aviation, Inc.
Canoga Park, C a l i f .
A. L. Antonio
Vice President - Chemical Division
Aero jet-General Corporation
C. M. Hudson
Technical Assistant
AZUSB, C a l i f . Guided Missile Systems Ganch
Ordnance Research and Development
W. H. Avery Divi &.on
Supervisor, Applied Research Office of the Chief of chdriance
Applied Physics Laboratory Department of the Army
The Johns Hopkins University Washington, D. C.
Silver Spring, Md.
Frank I. Tanczos
Farrington Daniels Assistant f o r Supporting Research
Chairman, Department of Chemistry Missile Office
University of Wisconsin Office of Assistant Chief f o r
Madison, W i s e ,
Re seam h Development, I Test,
and Jkaluation
Allen R. Deschere Bureau of Naval Weapons
General Manager Department of the Navy
Redstone Arsenal Research Division Washirigton, D. C.
Rohm & Haas Company
Huntsville, Ala. Marc P. Dunnam
Chief, Fuel and Oil Branch
John A. Drake Propulsion Laboratory
3610 Valley Meadow Road Wright Ur Development Division
Sherman Oaks, C a l i f . Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Ohio
J. E. Froehlich
Vice President -
Alpha Corporation
Special Projects

Richardson, Tex.

NASA Staff Representatives :

.
W. T. Olson, Lewis Research Center
John I Shaf er, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Harold F. Hipsher, Headquarters, Secretary

- 210 -
 Research Advisors Committee on Nuclear Fherr?;g Processes

Walter H. Jordan, Chairman Joseph Wetch

Assistant Director Group Leader, Compact Power Plant
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Group
Union Carbide Nuclear Company Atomics Tnternational Division
Oak Ridge, Tenn. North American Aviation, Inc.
Canoga Park, Calif.
c
Arthur T. Biehl
Aero jet General Nucleonic 8 Russell D. Shelton
SanRamon, C a l i f . Supervisory Nuclear Physicist
Research Projects Laboratory
Edward A. Frieman Army Ballistic Missile Agency
The Jaxnes Forrestal Research Center Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
Princeton University
Princeton, N. J. Captain Edward W. Hribar, USN
Head, Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion
Miles C. Leverett Design Office
Manager, Development Laboratories Office of Assistant Chief f o r Research,
ANP Department Development, Test, and Evaluation
General Electric Company Bureau of Naval Weapons
Cincinnati, Ohio Department of the Navy
Washington, D. C.
P. H. U l e r , Jr.
General Atomic Lt. Colonel John H. Anderson, USAF
Division of General Dynamics Corp. Chief of Applications Division
San Diego, C a l i f . Assistant Deputy. Commander/Weapon
Systems, Nuclear Programs
Richard F. Post A i r Research and Development
Radiation Laboratory command
University of California Andrews A i r Force Base
Livermore, C a l i f . Washington, D. C.
R. E. Schreiber Colonel J. L. Armstrong
N Division Leader Deputy Assistant Director
Los Blamos Scientific Laboratory (Aircraft Reactors)
Lo6 Alam~s,N. M e Division of Reactor Development
Atomic Energy Commission
Me A. SchultZ Washington, D. C.
Engineering Manager, Testing Reactor ~

.
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Pittsburgh, Pa
MSchael F. Valerino
Associate Director
Physics Department
General Nuclear w i n e s r i n g Corp.
Dunedin, Fla.
=,

NASA Staff Representatives:

Leroy V. Humble, Lewis Research Center

R. V. Meghreblian, J e t Propulsion Laboratory
David Novik, Headquarters, Secretary
 Research Advisory Committee on Mechanical Power Plant Systems

Gordon Banerian, Chairman T. F, Nagey

Vice President
Aero jet-General
-- Engineering
Nucleonics
Director of Research
Allison Division
San Ramon, C a l i f . General Motors Corporation
Indianapolis, Ind.
D. Cochran
General Manager, Flight Propulsion George P. Townsend, Jr.
Laboratory Department Chief Design Engineer
General Electric Company Sundstrand Aviation
Cincinnati, Ohio Rockford, m.

Merrell R. Fenske Paul R. Vogt

Director Chief Engineer
Petroleum Refining Laboratory Liquid Propellant Engines
College of Chemistry and Physics Rocketdyne Division
The Pennsylvania State University North American Aviation, Inc.
University Park, Pa. Canoga Park, Calif.

John R. Foley George F. Wislicenus

Technical and Research P r o j e 3 Engineer
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
United A i r c r a f t Corporation
East Hartford, Conn.
Cecil G. Martin
Assistant Manager, Engineer- Department Hans C. Paul
Staff Research and Development
Thompson Products Divisions
Thompson F&mo Wooldridge Ine.
Cleveland, Ohio
Director
Garfield Thomas Water Tunael
c/o Ordnance Research Laborat0i.y
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pa.
Chief, Propulsion and Mechanics
Branch
Amny Ballistic Misails Agency
Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

John L. Mason Robert W o P-8

Chief of Preliminary Design Systems Analysis Division
AiResearch Mmufacturing Company office Of A88ist&nt Chief f o r
The Garrett Corporation Research, Development, Test, and
Loa AngeleB, Calif. Evaluation
Bureau of Naval Weapon6
Clyde McKinley Department of the Navy
Director, Research and DanrelopmrJnt Washington, D. C.
Air Product$, I[no e
Allentown, Pa. Ernest C. Simpson
Chief, TUFbojet and Ramjet mine
Branch
Propulsion Laboratory
Wright Air Development Dryision
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

NASA Staff Representatives t

Bruce T. Lundin, Lewis Research Center

D. R. Barts, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Herbert D. Rochen, Headquarters, Secretary

- 212_-
 Research Advisory Committee on Electrical Power Plant Systems
Krafft A. Ehricke, Chairman John S o L U C ~
Program Director Oak Ridge National Laboratory
-
Comrair Astronautics
Division of General Dynamics Cow.
Union Carbide Nuclear Company
Oak Ridge, Tenn.
San Diego, C a l i f .
Paul Rappaport
Bobert H. Boden Physicist, Research Physics
Program Engineer RCA Laboratories, Inc.
Rocketdyne Division Radio Corporation of America
North American Aviation, Inc. Princeton, N. J.
Canoga Park, C a l i f .
W F l l i a m Shockley
W. He Bostick Shockley Trans3 s t o r Corporation
George Wade Bond Professor of Physics Mountain View, C a l i f .
Stevens I n s t i t u t e of Technology
Hoboken, N. J. V. C. Wilson
Physical Electronics Section
Milton U. Clauser Research Laboratory
Vice President and Director, Physical General Electric Company
Research Laboratory Schenectady, N. Y.
Space Technology Laboratories, Inc.
Los Angeles, C a l i f . E r n s t Stuhlinger
Director of Research Projects
A. John Gale Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Vice President and Director, Applied Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
Physics
High Voltage Engineering Corporation Wayne C. Hall .
Burlington, Mass. Associate Director of Research f o r
Nucleonics
Siegfried Hansen Naval Research Laboratory
Technical Director, Space Research Washington, D. C.
Laboratories
Litton Industries, Inc
Beverly H Q l s , Calif.
. Hans J. P. von O h a i n
Aeronautical Research Laboratory
Wright A i r Development Division
John H. HUth Wright-Patterson A i r Force Fkise,
Aeronautics Department Ohio
The RAND Corporation
Santa Monica, Calif.

NASA Staff Representatives:

Joseph M. Hallissy, Jr., Langley Research Center

John C. Eward, L e w i s Research Center
R. C. Hamilton, J e t Propulsion Laboratory
J-s Lazar, Headquarters, Secretary

- 213 -
J
 Research Advisory C o d t t e e on Struct&al Loads

E. 2. Gray, Chairman We A. Stauffer

Systems- h i n e e r i n g Director Basic Inads Department Manager
Boeing Airplane Company Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
Seattle, Wash. Burbank, C a l i f .
Raymond L. Bisplinghoff Melvin Stone
Professor of. Aeronautical. Engineering Chief of Strength and Dynamic
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics S t a b i l i t y Section
Massachusetts, Institute of Technology Long Beach Division
Cambridge , Mass. Douglas Aircraft Company, a c .
Long Beach, Calif.
W i l l i a m M. Duke
Vice President - .
Director of Research
Space Technology Laboratories, Inc
Los Angeles, Calif.
Leo stoolman
Manager , Aerodynamics Dept .
Systems Development Laboratories
Hughes Aircraft Cornpang:
H. J. Hoge Culver City, Calif.
Section Head -
Structures
North American Aviation, Inc?. Emil A. Hellebrand
International Airport Chief , Structures Branch
Los Angeles, Calif. Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
Albert J. Kullas
Manager ,. Flight Vehicle Design Dept
The Martin Company
. Clinton T. Newby
Airframe Design Division
Baltimore, Md. Office of Assistant Chief f o r
Research, Development, Test, and
George D. Ray Evaluation
Chief E;ngineer, Aircraft Division Bureau of Naval. Weapons
Bell Aircraft Corporation Department of the Navy
Buffalo, N. Y. Washington, D. C.
Alfred I. Sibila Carl E. Reichert
Manager of Space Science Structures Branch
Vought -
Astronautics Aircraft Laboratory
Division of Chance Vought Aircraft, Lnc. Wright A i r Development Division
Dallas, Tex. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Ohio
Howard W. Smith
Assistant Chief of Techn’ical Staff Robert Rosenbauu
Transport Division Supervisor, Dynamic Loads
Renton , Wash .
Boeing Airplane Company Aircraft Engineering Division
Federal Aviation Agency
Washington, D. C.
NASA Staff Representatives:

Philip Donely, Langley Research Center

John F. Parsons, Ames Research Center
Thomas V. Cooney, Flight Research Center
Herman Bank, J e t Propulsion Laboratory
R. Fabian Goranson, Headquarters, Secretary

- 214 -
 Research Advisory Committee on Structural Design

E. E. Sechler, Chairman John C. Moise

F’rofessor of Aeronautics
California I n s t i t u t e of Technology
Pasadena, C a l i f .
L e w i s H. Abraham
,
Chief Strength Section Paul E. Sandorff
Missiles and Space Systems
Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc.
Santa Monica, C a l i f .
Head, Preliminary Design Dept.
Liquid Rocket Plant, Aero jet-
General Corporation
Sacramento, Calif .
Associate Professor of Aeronautics
and Astronautics
Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e of Tech-

Norris F. Dow
Specialist -
Structural Systems
nology
Cambridge, Mass .
Missile and Space Vehicle Department Robert S. Shorey
General Electric Company -
Structures Group Engineering
Philadelphia , Pa. -
Convair Astronautics
Division of General Dynamics Corp.
Mr. Lester K. Fero San Diego, C a l i f .
Project Manager
Advanced Design Division E. H. Spaulding
The Martin Company Chief Technical Engineer
Baltimore, I4i. California Division
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
Mr. Christian M. Frey Burbank, Calif.
United Research Corporation
Menlo Park, Calif. Erich E. Goerner
Special Assistant t o Chief,
Mr. David Lee G r i m e s Structures Branch
President, Narmco Industries, Inc. Army Ballistic Missile Agency
San Diego, C a l i f . Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Dr. Nicholas J. Hoff Ralph L. Creel

Head, Division of Aeronautical Airframe Design Division
Engineering Office of Assistant Chief f o r
Stanford University Research, Development, Test, and
Stanford, Calif. Evaluation
Bureau of Naval Weapons
Mr. W i l l i a m R. Micks Department of the Navy
Head, Structures and Materials Washington, D. C.
Aeronautics Department
The RAND Corporation William B. Miller
Santa Monica, C a l i f . Structures Branch
Aircraft Laboratory
Wright A i r Development Division
Wright-Patterson A i r Force Base,
NASA Staff Representatives t Ohio
Richard R. Heldenfels, Langley Research Center
Glen Goodwin, Ames &search Center
Jack B. Esgar, L e w i s Research Center
J. D. Burke, J e t Propulsion Laboratory
* Melvin G. Rosche, Headquarters, Secretary
 Research Advisory Committee' on Structural Dsnarm'cs

Martin Goland, Chairman ' Raymond D. Mindlin

Director Professor of Civil Engineering
Southwest Research I n s t i t u t e Columbia University
San Antonio, Tex. New York, N. Y.

Holt Ashley John E. Stevens

Associate Professor, Aeronautics and Assistant Chief of Structures
Astronautics Chance Vought Aircraft, Inc.
Massachuset t s Institute of Technology Dallas, Tex.
Cambridge , Mass.
M. J. Turner
Michael Dublin Dynamics Staff Engineer
Chief of Dynamics Being Airplane Company
Convair Seattle, Wash.
Division of General Dynamics Corp.
San Diego, C a l i f . Helmut F. 3auer
Chief, Vibration and Flutter Section
Walter Gerstenberger Aeroballistics Laboratory
Chief of Dynamics Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Sikorsky Aircraft Division Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
United Aircraft Corporation
Stratford, Corn. Douglas Michel
Airframe Design Division
Warren T. Hunter O f f ice of Assistant Chief f o r
Chief, Guidance and Control Section Research, Development, Test, and
Missile and Space Systems Engineering Evaluation
Department
Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc
Santa Monica, C a l i f .
. Bureau of Naval Weapons
Department of the Navy
Washington, D. C,

H. Clay Johnson M. J. Mywow

Configuration Manager Assistant Chief, Dynamics Branch
The Martin Company Aircraft Laboratory
Orlando, Fla. Wright Air Development Division
Wright-Patterson A i r Force Base ,
Robert G. Loewy Ohio
Chief Technical Engineer
Vertol Aircraft Corporation
Morton, Pa.

John W. Miles
Professor of Engineering
University of California
Los Angeles, Calif.

NASA Staff Representatives :

I. E. Garrick, Langley Research Center

Albert Erickson, Ames Research Center
John C. Sanders, b w i s Research Center
Marshall E, Alper, J e t Propulsion Laboratory
Harvey H. Brown, Headquarters, Secretary

* 216 -
 Research Advisory C o a t t e e on Materials

R. H. Thielemann, Chairman E. N. Skinner

Chairma,n, Department of Metallurgy Manager, Application Engineering
Research I n s t i t u t e International Nickel Company
Menlo Park, C a l i f . New York, N, Y.
Richard D. Baker Wolfgang H. Stewer
CMB Division Leader Chief of Engineering Materials
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories comrair
Los Alamos, N. M. Division of General Dynamics Corp.
San Diego, C a l F f .
L. L. Gilbert
Head, Materials Department Hans T h m u e r
Azusa Operations Head, Ceramics Section
Aerojet-General Corporation Central Research Department
Azusa, Calif. Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.
St, Paul, Minn.
Nicholas J. G r a n t
Professor of Metallurgy E. J. Zeilberger
Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e of Technology
Cambridge, Mass.
-
Supervisor Materials Engineering
Rocketdyne Division
North Ammican Aviation, Inc.
L. R. Jackson Canoga Park, C a l i f .
Coordination Director
Battelle Memorial I n s t i t u t e Clarence Zener
Columbus, Ohio Director, Research Laboratories
Louis P. Jahnke Pittsburgh , Pa .
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Manager, Metallurgical Engineer
Flight Propulsion Laboratory Dept
General Electric Company
. James L. Martin
Director, Ordnance Materials
Cincinnati, Ohio Research O f f i c e
Watertown Arsenal
J. C. McDonald Watertown, Mass.
Missiles and Space Division
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation Nathan E. Promisel
Sunnyvale, C a l i f . Director, Materials Division
Office of Assistant Chief f o r
E. Scala Research, Development, Test, and
Chief, Materials Section Evaluation
Research and Advanced Development Div. Bureau of Naval Weapons
Avco Manufacturing Corporation Department of the Navy,
Wilmington, Massachusetts Washington, D, C.

Colonel J. V. Hearn, Jr., USAF

Chief, Research Division
NASA Staff Representatives: Directorate of Research and
Development
Paul Kuhn, Langley Research Center U. S. A i r Force
Robert M. Crane, Axnes Research Center Washington, D. C.
S. S. Manson, L e w i s Research Center
L. D. Jaffe, J e t Propulsion Laboratory
Richard H. Raring, Headquarters, Secretary

- 217 -
 Research Advisory Committee on Aircraft 0perati.w Problems

w i l l i a m Littlewod, chairman Arnold M. Small

Vice President - Esuipment Remarch h g e r , Reliability and Qualtt9
b r i c a n Airlinse, ulla. Assurmce Laboratory
Washington, D. C. Engineer- Laboratories
Hughes dircraft Company
John G. Borger F U l e r t o n , CEilbf.
Chief Project Engineer
Pan American World Airways a t e m Re L. Thoren
Long Island City, New York Chief Flight Test Engineer
California Division
Carl M. Christenson Lockheed AircrsPt Corporation
Assistant Vice President Flight
Operations Captain John Sinkankas, USN
United A i r Lines, b c . Director, Airbsme Equipment
Denver, Colorado Diviaion
Qffice of Assistant Chief f o r
Warren T. Dickinson
Assistant Chief Engineer
Administration
- Research, Development, Test, and
Evaluation
Bureau of Naval Weapons
Santa Monica Division Department of the Navy
Douglas Aircraft Company, b c . Mshinpston, I). C.
Santa Monica, Calif'ornia
Robert D. Fletcher
Jerome Lederer Director, Scientific Services
Managing Director A i r Weather Sewice
Flight Safety Foundation Scott A ~ PForce Bise, U h o i s
New Yo*, N. Y.
Honorable James T. Pgle
Perry W. Pratt Deputy BdmSnistXatOP
Vice President and Chief Scientist Federal Aviation Agency
United Aircraft Corporation Washington, D. C.
East Hartford, Connecticut
Harry Wexler
Clarence N. Sayen Director o f Meteorological Research
President U. S. Weather Bureau
A i r Line P i l o t s Association Washington, D. C.
Chicago, I L l h o i s
George S. Schairer
-
Vice President Research and
Development
B e i n g Airplane Company
Seattle, Washington
NASA Staff Representatives:
H, A. Soule, Langley Research Center
L. A. Clousing, Ames Research Center
I. Irving Pinkel, Lewis Research Center
Joseph A. Walker, Flight Research Center
George P. Bates, Headquarters, Secretary

- 218 9
APPENDIX K

EPORT OF THE NASA BIOSCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(January 25, 1960)

Membership of the Bioscience Advisory Committee

(October 1, 1959 through January 25, 1960)*

Seymour S. Kety, Director of Clinical Science Laboratory, National

I n s t i t u t e s of Health, Bethesda, Md., Chairman

Clark T. Randt, Director of U f e Science Programs, NASA Headquarters,

Washington, D. C., Executive Secretary

Wallace 0. Fenn, Professor of Physiology, University of Rochester,

Rochester, L Y.

David R. Goddard, Director of t h e Division of Biology, Udversity of

Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Donald G. Marquis, Professor of Psychology, Massachusetts I n s t i t u t e
of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.

Robert S. Morison, Mrector of Natural. and Medical ScfenceEs,

Rockefeller Foundation, New York, N. Y.
Cornelius A. Tobias, Professor of Medical Physics, Urdversity of
California, Berkeley, Calif

Whis ad hoc committee dissolved after submitting i t s report t o t h e

NASA Administrator.
- 219 -
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
and ndationso ooo ea0 0 0 e 0 e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 e0 0 0 0 0 0 0 e 221
_.
Ie The Role of Life Sciences in the National
space Effort. e o e e 0 e 0e 0 e e m e 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 eee ee0 eeee 0 eee0 222
IIe Ae Present Status of Life Sciences A c t i ~ i t i e se~ e. m~e e e e e . 225
B e Advisory Committees f o r Space-Oriented Life
Sciences. eoee 0.e
. eee e.
e O.OO.e
0 0 0 0 0.. . e O O e O e e. eee 226
111. Present Weedseo e o ee 0 ee0e 0 e . 00 e eee eeeo e ee eo e o eo. eeo e . 227
I V e R e c o ~ ~ ~ t i foo rn as NASA Program i n t h e L i f e Sciences: 232
b e Orfganizration of the Office of L i f e Sciencesee..e.eeeo.e 232

B e Intmmuml Program of the NASA Office of Life Sciences. 233

I

C e E=rct of the NASA Office of Life Sciences. 238

Relationship of the NASA Office of Life Sciences t o
D e
Existing Programs i n the Military Services. e o e e e ... 239
E. eeeee0e e 0 e ee e 0 ee e 0 em 0 0 e 0 0 ee00eeeeeeeeeeeee 0 eeeo 243
Fe Conammioation and Informatione ee
. eeeeo e..e eoeo e .ee 243
0. NASA Life iences F a c i l i t i e s as a Public Trust. e. . e e 244

- 220 -
a
 Summary and Recommmdations

The r o l e of t h e l i f e sciences i n the National Aeronautics and

Space Administration Program was evaluated by t h e Btoscience Advisory
Committee a t t h e request of t h e Administrator.

The objectives of space research i n t h e l i f e sciences a r e twofold:

(1)investigation of t h e effects of extraterrestrial environments on
l i v i n g organisms including the search f o r e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l l i f e ; (2)
s c i e n t i f i c and technologfc advances related t o manned space f l i g h t and
exploration.
The same reasons which prompted the establishment of NASA and gave
it responsibility f o r a l l space research and developnent devoted t o
peaceful purposes require t h a t NASA assume responsibility f o r leader-
ship, coordination and operation of t h e biomedical. aspects of t h e
national. space program.
Present and future needs were considered i n three broad categories:

1. &sic biologic effects of e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l environments, with

particular emphasis on those phenomena associated with weightlessness,
ionizing radiation, and alterations i n l i f e rhythms or periodicity a s
w e l l a s t h e identification of complex organic o r other molecules i n
planetary atmospheres and surfaces which might be precursors o r evidence
of &rat w r e s t r i a l l i f e .

2. Applied or technologic aspects of medicine and biology as they

r e l a t e t o manned space f l i g h t including the effects of weightlessness
on human performance, radiation hazards, tolerance of force stresses,
and maht enance of l i f e-sustaining a r t i f i c i a l environments .
3. Medical and behavioral s c i e n t i f i c problems concerned with more
f'undamental investigation of metabolism, nutrition, blood circulation,
respiration, and t h e nervous system control of bodily functions and
performance i n space equivalent situations.

The BLoscience Advisory Committee makes t h e following recommenda-

tions:

1. That NASA establish an Office of Life Sciences having the

responsibility and authority f o r planning, organizing, and operating a
l i f e sciences program including intramural and extramural research,
development, and training.

2. "hat a Director of Life Sciences be appointed who i s directly

responsible t o the Administrator of NASA i n the same manner and a t the
same directional l e v e l a s t h e other program directors.

- 221 -
 3. That the i n t e r n a l o r g d s a t i o n of t h e Office of Life Sciences
include Assistant Directors f o r Basic BLology, Applied Medicine and
R i o l o ~ ,Medical and Behavioral Sciences, and the U f e Sciences EKtra-
I B l l r a l pragram.

4. That an intramural l i f e sciences program and f a c i l i t y be estab-

lished With three sections:
8. Basic Biology
b. Applied Medicine and Biology
C. Medical and Behavioral Sciences

5. That the Mrector of Ufe Sciences recornend advisory committees

made up of consultants outside of NASA t o be appointed by t h e Administrator.

6. That mcudmum integration of t h e personnel and f a c i l i t i e s appli-

cable t o t h e space-oriented l i f e sciences i n the Military Services and
other a0vwnment agencies be arranged i n t h e most appropriate manner
indicated by t h e nature and extent of t h e specific problem a t hand.

7. That t h e Office of Life Sciences assume proper responsibility

f o r education and training i n t h e space-oriented lif-9 sciences through
post+-graduate fellowships, training grants t o i n ~ t i t u t i o n s ,and short-
term d s i t i n g s c i e n t i s t appointments t o be integrated with other NASA
efforts i n this area.

8. That t h e NASA U f e Sciencets Program place special emphasis on

t h e f r e e exchange of s c i e n t i f i c findings, information, and criticism
among a l l scientists.

9. That security regulations be exercised with great caution and

limited t o matters i n which national security is clearly involved.

10, That t h e NASA life sciences f a c i l i t i e s be considered a public

trust i n implementing national and international cooperative efforts.

I, The Role of t h e Life Sciences i n t h e

National Space E f f o r t .

The Congress of t h e United States has given t o the National

Aeronautics and Space Administration t h e responsibility f o r all space
research and development devoted t o peaceful purposes. NASA has begun
t h e fulfillment of this responsibilitywith an emphasis on the physical
and engineering sciences which occupy a fundamental position by virtue
of t h e i r pertinence t o the design, launching and control of a l l vehicles,
whatever t h e i r ultimate scientific purpose. With this aspect of t h e
t o t a l program w e l l under way, attention i s properly being directed t o
other disciplines which, though dependent on the engineering sciences,
w i l l i n t u r n give s c i e n t i f i c meaning t o t h e national effort. The biolog-
i c a l , medical and behavioral sciences a r e among these disciplines. The
BLoscience Advisory Committee has been appointed t o a i d i n representing
them adequately within t h e NASA program.

1
- 222 -
 The reasons wfiich prompted t h e Congress t o create NASA as a
c i v i l i a n space agency and t o give it responsibility f o r achieving the
peaceful purpose of t h e national e f f o r t i n space argue equally strongly
f o r t h e creation i n NASA of a strong division of l i f e sciences. A s
set f o r t h below, two major areas represent the r o l e of t h e biolo@cal
sciences i n t h e national space effort and should form t h e core of t h e
proposed program i n t h e l i f e sciences of NASA. These are t h e finda-
mental biological questions r e l a t i v e t o e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l environments
and the s c i e n t i f i c and technologic aspects of manned space flight.

It i s altogether f i t t i n g t h a t these matters, both of which involve

mants curiosity about himself and his environment i n t h e i r broadest and
most fundamental sense, should be placed i n the hands of an agency
broadly representative of society as a whole. The military agencies
which have so soundly l a i d t h e groundwork f o r mch of exLsting space
technology must properly give primary attention t o t h e development of
weapons systems and t h e national defense. Although the military effort
i n astronautics should not be a r b i t r a r i l y r e s t r i c t e d by narrm defini-
t i o n s of military relevance, t h e broader implications of extraterres-
t r i a l exploration demand t h e attention of an organization unhampered by
such predetermined objectives.
Space exploration has captured t h e imagination of men t h e world
over t o an extent which was not, perhaps, anticipated. These a c t i d t i e s
have become representative of technological superiodty among nations.
The United States must maintain i t s international r o l e ‘ a s a strong and
self-confident but basically peaceful and benevolent power. This
requires t h a t t h e first of her citizens who enter space do so as repre-
sentatives of t h e scientific aspirations of a l l men and not as a symbol
of military strength.

The basic study of eortraterrestrial environments i s ultimately

l i k e l y t o be most productive i n furthering an understanding of the
fundamental laws of nature. Among t h e most perplexing questions which
have challenged ments minds a r e t h e nature a n d , o r i g h of l i f e and t h e
possibility of i t s presence elsewhere i n t h e universe than on t h e e a r t h
alone. For t h e first time i n history, p a r t i a l answers t o these questions
a r e within reach. Limited knawledge acquired over t h e past century con-
cerning atmospheric and climatic conditions on other planets, t h e topo-
graphical and seasonal variety i n color of t h e surface of Wrs; t h e
spectroscopic similarities between scattered sunlight from portions of
that planet and those demonstrable from algae and lichens on earth have
suggested t h e presence of e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l envbonments suitable f o r
l i f e and perndtted t h e formulation of hypotheses f o r t h e existence there
of some forms of l i f e a t present or i n t h e past. These hypotheses may,
within t h e foreseeable future, be tested, a t f i r s t indirectly by astro-
nomical observations made beyond t h e interference of t h e earth?s atmos-
phere and by samplings taken mechanically from various c e l e s t i a l bodies,
and finally, by direct human exploration. The discovery of extrater-
r e s t r i a l l i f e and a description of i t s various forms, knmledge of the
presence and types of complex molecules based on carbon or other elements,
or conversely, t h e absence of l i v i n g organisms or of t h e i r traces i n
environments conducive t o l i f e will have important implications toward
an ultimate understanding of biological phenomena.
- 223 -
 These studies w i l l not be complete u n t i l t h e scientist himself is
able t o make m&iculous investigations on t h e spot. T h i s i s true, not
only f o r t h e biological, but, also, f o r many other physical, chemical
and geologilcal problems which are involved. Although significant
engineering achievements i n automation, sensing, recording, programing
and telemetering have been reallzed and considerable future developent
i s i n prospect, t h e indispensability of t h e human observer i n much of
space exploration i s well established. Man's v e r s a t i l i t y and selectivity,
his a b i l i t y t o perceive t h e significance of unexpected and unprogramed
findings or t o react i n t e l l i g e n t l y t o unanticipated situations have not
been simulated by any combination of physical devices, however complex,
which have been developed o r a r e even contemplated. Human intelligence
and manual skill i n servicing t h e complicated mechadsms of space
vehicles o r repairing breakdowns i n f l i g h t a r e not readily dispensed
with or replaced. When along with these a t t r i b u t e s a r e considered his
weight of 70 kg., his total. resting power requirements of 100 watts,
his a b i l i t y t o function f o r years without maintenance or breakdown,
then even t h e most elaborate provisions f o r his sustenance, welfare
and safety are amply j u s t i f i e d simplyin terms of engineering efficiency.
A national program i n space science which does not recognize t h e essen-
t i a l i t y of t h e human observer and does not plan t o u t i l i z e h i m most
effectively8mayw a i t indefinitely f o r t h e automatic devices t o replace
him or be limited t o incomplete and opportunistic observations.
Putting a man i n t o space, especially i f he i s t o stay f o r long
periods, i s a task which involves considerable attention and effort
from a wide variety of biological, psychological and medical specialties.
It w i l l require careful planning and extensive basic and developmental
research. Together with t h e effort i n astrobiology it should constitute
a substantial part of t h e t o t a l space research and developnent enter-
prise.

It comes as no surprise t o find t h a t the early stages of space

research have been primarily concerned with engineering matters. To
many responsible people it seems premature i f not actually presumfluous
t o think about what man will do i n space u n t i l we a r e sure t h a t we can
actually put him there. But t h e v a l i d i t y of even t h e earliest of
engineering decisions mst be continually appraised i n terms of t h e i r
capacity t o maintain man comfortably and effectively i n spa0.e and .
increase his knowledge of i t s properties. Failure t o meet the numerous
and often subtle physiological and psychological needs of %e human
organism, o r premature decisions t o send man off i n t o an unknown universe
can have disastrous effects not only on t h e individuals concerned, but
on t h e nation's p o l i t i c a l and moral position i n the eyes of t h e world.
The s c i e n t i f i c objectives of t h e program and especially t h e determina-
t i o n of t h e nature of e r a t e r r e s t r i a l l i f e may be forever rendered
impossible i f vehicles containing complex organic molecules a r e care-
l e s s l y allowed t o contaminate c e l e s t i a l bodies before sicence has had
a chance t o study the original conditions. Nor can we simply ignore t h e
perhaps remote possibility t h a t infective organisms brought back from
space t o earth may cause human disease or destroy food crops essential
t o human life. H& i s t h e necessary biological. wisdom t o b e brought t o
bear i n planning-the space effort?
- 224 -
f
 A s pointed aut l a t e r i n this report, t h e nationfs best s c i e n t i f i c
brains a r e already organized i n t h e form of advisory committees t o study
and consult on every d e t a i l of the space problem. However, such outside
bodies, no matter how soundly constituted, cannot have effective impact
on day-to-day decisions within the space agency unless t h e agency i t s e l f
i s provided with a sensitive and powerful administrative mechanism f o r
receiving the advice and translating i t i n t o t h e energy of decision.

To implement this program i n t h e l i f e sciences, appropriate i n

s i z e and importance t o i t s responsibilities, it i s essential t o have
i n NASA a Director of Life Sciences reporting directly t o t h e A d m i n i s -
t r a t o r of NASA so that the biomedical i n t e r e s t s and skills w i l l have
adequate representation i n important decisions. The director of t h e
l i f e sciences program, therefore, must have broad biological training
and interests. He must be able t o understand t h e physicists and
engineers a s w e l l as have t h e a b i l i t y t o present biomedical aspects of
combined problem areas effectively t o his colleagues s o t h a t he can
have appropriate influence on comprehensive policies ami decisions.

These reasons compel t h e c o d t t e e t o emphasize that the NASA Ufe

Sciences Program requires and deserves strong financial support and
adequate administrative representation.

11. A. Present Status of Life Sciences Activities.

The present status of a c t i v i t i e s in t h e space-oriented l i f e sciences

may be considered under t h e general headings of: basic biology; medical
and behavioral sciences; and applied medicine and biology. Current activ-
i t i e s are predominantly i n the t h i r d category which includes research and
development i n manned space f l i g h t technology f o r f i v e major programst

a. The NASA-Air Force-Navy X-15 rocket-powered research a i r c r a f t

project begun i n 1954 u t i l i z e s a "near space" vehicle expected t o reach
altitudes of about 100 miles. The f i r s t powered f l i g h t t o approximately
60,000 feet has recently been accompllshed.

b. Project Mercury was orgadmd by NASA i n October 195s t o (1)

place a manned space capsule i n o r b i t a l f l i g h t around t h e earth; (2)
investigate manfs reactions and capabilities i n this environment; and
( 3 ) recover t h e capsule and p i l o t safely. The NASA Space Task Group
responsible f o r Project Mercury includes military medical personnel
and p i l o t s on temporary duty with NASA a t Langley Research Center.

C. The Air Force Discoverer Project is concerned with recoverable

polar orbiting e a r t h s a t e l l i t e s , one of which contained mice, and l a t e r ,
w i l l include monkeys t o t e s t l i f e support systems and t h e effects of
space f l i g h t on animdls as w e l l a s t e s t i n g techniques f o r recovery of t h e
capsule and occupants.

d. Contracts have been l e t recently by t h e Air Force t o implement

t h e Dyna-Soar Program f o r developent of a manned maneuverable boost
glide vehicle t o explore ,hypersonic performance up t o o r b i t a l speeds
and t o investigate t h e accompanying re-entry problems.
- 225 -
 e. Supporting medical research and development i n applied meciicine
and biology i s b d n g carried out i n existing military aviation medical
f a c i l i t i e s . Among 40 service biomedical laboratories, 15 have note-
worthy bioastronautics cspabil,$ties. The cost of these f a c i l i t i e s i s
roughly estimated t o be,about 80 million dollars. The 1960 Department
of Defense budget f o r l i f e s c i k c e s research and development i s $47
million dollars, including approxLmately $10,million dollars f o r bio-
astronautics. The NASA Research Centers a r e continuing stu$ibs u t i -
l i z i n g fixed base f l i g h t simulators and variable s t a b i l i t y a i r c r a f t t o
further delineate man's function i n a i r c r a f t operating probl'&s.
Several dynamic f l i g h t simulators capable of reproducing some portions
of space f l i g h t mission profiles are now being developed a t the Langley
and Ames Research Centers. Biomedical participation i n these projects
is, a t present, insufficient.. The larger aimraft campanies a r e invest-
i n g several aLUfon dollars i n space f l i g h t technology this year. The

.
l a t t e r e f f o r t i s mainly concerned with bioengineerixq and technical
development

I n addition t o t h e considerable amount of work specifically

designed t o solve recognized biotechnical problems connected with space
f l i g h t , there i s an even larger amaunt of work w h h h although nominally
carried on f o r o t h e r purposes contributeiir t o t h e f i e l d of space medical.
and behavioral science. One may c i t e , f o r example, those studies now
being carried out i n universities, medical schools, t h e National
I n s t i t u t e s of Health and under t h e auspices of t h e Atomic Energy Com-
mission dealing with physical stress, including ionizing radiation;
environment id. physiology# and behavior.
In contrast t o the large amount of work bearing on practical
problems o f space medicine, space-oriented basic biological research
has received l i t t l e attention t o date. A relatively small group of
university biochemists and biophysicists have recognized t h a t space
exploration offers a unique opportunity t o study t h e origin of l i f e and
t h e effects of extraterrestrial environments on living organisms and they
have t r i e d t o fornailate some definite plans fop appropriate research.

Bo Advisory Committees f o r Space-Oriented

Life Sciences.

Senior representatives of t h e Army, Navy, and Ur Force recommended

l a t e i n 1957 that t h e National Academy of Sciences provide, through t h e
National Research Council, an advisory c a m i t t e e in t h e l i f e sciences
covering all biological and psychological f i e l d s of i n t e r e s t i n t h e space
environment. This led t o t h e establishment of the Armed Forces-National
Research Council Committee on Bio-Astronautics under t h e M v i d o n of
Medical Sciences of t h e National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Otto Schmitt
was appointed chairman. This group includes 180 individuals from civil-
i a n i n s t i t u t i o n s , t h e military services, and government agencies. The
Committee on Bo-Astronautics i s m r e comprehensively represented i n t h e
man-in-space problem areas although there is conaidarable basic biologic
biologic representation a s w e l l .

Dr. W. Randolph Lovelace 11, was appointed chairman of t h e NASA

Special Committee on t h e Life Sciences by Dr, Glennan i n October 1958.
- 226 -
J
Its r o l e has been essentially t h a t of an advisory panel for Project
Mercury.

The Space Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences was

established i n 1958. Of t h e 12 committees of this Board, o n l y one has
particular relevance i n t h e biological area, the Committee on Psycholog-
i c a l and Biological Research. Dr. H. K. Hartline i s chairman o f t h i s
Committee which has expressed general i n t e r e s t i n t h e man-in-space
program but has found i t s principal concern i n basic biology, particu-
l a r l y the areas related t o problems of e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l c'ontamination
and t h e detection of e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l l i f e . To focus attention of
biologists on these problems, Dr. Hartline's Comrrdttee joined with the
long-range planning committee of t h e Space Science Board t o set up two
additional groups designated EASTEX and WESTEX, chaired by D r . Bruno
Rossi and Dr. Joshua Lederberg, respectively. The names of these l a t t e r
two committees derive from a committee, (CETEX), established by t h e
International Council of Scientific Unions t o explore problems of
e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l contamination.

The functions of this l a t t e r organization have now been absorbed

by t h e Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) within t h e International
Council of Scientific Unions.
Liaison between these planning and advisory groups has been
established by appointing a number of individuals as members of t w o o r
more groups. The effectiveness of these committees has- been limited by
t h e lack of an o v e r d l l operational l i f e sciences program which would
implement the suggestions of t h e committees t o make the best use of t h e
unprecedented opportunities provided by space exploration.

111. Present Needs.

a. Basic Biolo-

I n order t o a t t a i n over-all objectives i n t h e space-oriented l i f e

sciences, an imaginative and long-range program i n the broad f i e l d of
astrobiology i s required. This should include t h e further development
of hypotheses relating t o the origin of complex organic molecules and
of l i v i n g matter, further observation, both fromthe earth and from
a r t i f i c i a l s a t e l l i t e s , of t h e su5face environments of neighboring
c e l e s t i a l bodies, studies on t h e adaptive effects of simulated e r a -
terrestrial. environments on various forms of l i f e i n successive gener-
ations, t h e study of meteorites and ttcosm;lc dust?', and, eventually, t h e
exploration by man of lunar and planetary surfaces f o r complax molecules,
organic substances, or evidence of forms of life. Indeed, one of t h e
most important justifications f o r an extensive effort i n space explora-
t i o n i s t h e promise which it offers of substantial advance i n our under-
standing of these baslc problems i n biology and astrophysics. ,Fromthis
point [of v i e w t h e biomedical and engineering task of achieving human
space travel i s but a means t o t h a t end.

With this i n ndnd, a program should be i n i t i a t e d shortly and

projected indefinitely i n t o t h e future i n which a significant number
227 -
J
of payloads would be dedicated primarily t o biomedical purposes. These
should be engineered from t h e i r inception with biological purposes i n
mind as opposed t o t h e present opportunistic "space availableft--f*non-
interference" provision. The payloads should be engineeredto biological
specifications. The trajectory should be carefully chosen f o r each
experiment with regard t o specific biological objectives. All worthy
experimental investigations proposed by members of t h e scientific com-
murdty should be given Consideration f o r available biomedical payloads.

b. Applied Medicine and EKoloay

The present program i n this area appears t o be c a t e r e d on Project

Mercury, the a i m of which i s t o put a man safely i n t o space f o r several
o r b i t a l f l i g h t s about the e a r t h before return and recovery. There i s
need t h a t this worthwhile phase of space research and development be
adequately supported but also that it be integrated with proper per-
spective i n t o a long-range biomedical program with respect t o i t s
s c i e n t i f i c objectives, i t s timing and i t s budgeting. For reasons which
have been outlined e a r l i e r i n this report, t h e Committee believes t h a t
human observers, properly trained i n t h e appropriate s c i e n t i f i c disci-
plines are indispensable components of space research. Project Mercury,
by marshaling a wedth of engineering and biomedical effort on one step
toward t h a t goal, i s f u l f i l l i n g an important and necessary first objec-
tive. This Project a l s o has certain values i n terms of technical. and
s c i e n t i f i c achievement and prestige on a national and internationd. scale.
It i s even more important that the thought and effort which have been
devoted t o cpestions of human safety he continued and emphasized, t h a t
t h e peaceful s c i e n t i f i c objectives'be clearly delineated, augmented and
stressed, t h a t attention be given t o increasing the s c i e n t i f i c informa-
t i o n t o be obtained fromthe Project, and t h a t these data be made
wlidely available; i n order t h a t this great effort be perceived a s a
sober s c i e n t i f i c mission rather t h a n a tour de force.

Problems relevant t o manned space f l i g h t which require and a r e

presently receiving attention a r e many i n number. Several major groups
a r e discussed below and a summary of t h e various problem areas i n
various disciplines which a r e relevant t o space bioscience a r e given
i n Table I (p. 13).
1. Weightlessness
The effect of weightlessness i s an unusual one i n t h a t i t s
simulation f o r prolonged periods can only be achieved i n s a t e l l i t e s '
or space ships. A number of consequences a r e possible. Certain
physical properties of matter i n t h e solid, l i q u i d and vapor s t a t e s
may be significantly affected. The method of heat convection and
diffusion may be radically altered. It i s possible t h a t intracel-
lular events could occur i n different time sequence. Plants and
other l i v i n g forms, which normally grow against gravity, may take
on peculiar morphological characteristics. Many physiological
variables may undergo change, f o r example, neural and cardiac
function, circulation and metabolism. The sensory basis f o r
normal bodily orientation w i l l be profoundly altered. The effects
of gravity-free s t a t e s and various low-gravity conditions should
be investigated i n a variety of l i v i n g forms i n s a t e U t e s on both
short and long flights.
- 228 -
2. Force Stresses

I n space f l i g h t many mechanical factors and forces occur

t h a t are encountered only i n small measure a t ground level.
Great forces pin down t h e astronaut during i n i t i a l acceleration
and re-entry a s well a s during emergency escape. Spinrdng,
tumbling, vibration and noise present environmental stresses
which require further study. The Armed Forces Laboratodes have
made significant advances i n studies of the physiological effects
of such forces, but further information could be provided by new
centrifuges and other simulators with more degrees of freedom of
motion a d combinations of stresses.

3. Radiation

Radiation i n space presents a great challenge t o physical

as well as biological scientists. There are intense and not
f u l l y explored radiation b e l t s i n t h e magnetic f i e l d surround-
ing the earth. I n addition, many particles arrive on t h e sur-
face of t h e earth from space and from t h e sun. Some of these
have not as yet been f u l l y explored and only part of t h e radia-
t i o n spectrum has been reproduced a t ground l e v e l i n accelera-
t o r s t o date. Among the cosrnFc radiations, there a r e large
streams of t h e nuclei of l i g h t and heavy atoms which can produce
untoward biological. effects. Their study, u t i l i z i n g the tools
of radiobiology, will provide more information about living
processes. Such studies should include additional physical
measurements and biological assay of t h e radiations i n space,
t h e i r simulation a t ground level, and f i n a l l y direct experi-
ments on l i v i n g material of all types i n s a t e l l i t e s t o provide
quantitative empirical information on various biological effects
not only on immediate metabolism and function but also on sur-
vival, longevity, carcinogenesis and mutations.

4. Closed Environment
If man is t o explore space, he w i l l need t o l i v e i n t h e
closed and isolated environments of t h e space vehicles and
stations. Even a f t e r t h e first landings on planets, he will
probably have t o be constarkly maintained i n an a r t i f i c i a l
environment compatible with functional effectiveness as w e l l
a s survival. Storage and supply of oxygen, water and nutrients
and t h e disposal of carbon dioxide and wastes are problems t o
which a number of p a r t i a l l y satisfactory solutions have already
been obtained. For long-term missions, biological o r chemical
systems f o r regenerating t h e essential r e N r e m e n t s of human
metabolism from i t s products !are presently i n t h e early stages of
development. Certain psychological concomitants of confinement,
isolation, and diminution of sensory input a r e of far-reaching
consequences and t h e i r investigation i s relatively new.

Because many of these problems are a l s o encountered i n

present military operations most of t h e recent and current
progress i n these areas has come fromthe Armed Services.
- 229 -
 5. Changes i n Ambient Time Cycles’
On earth, l i v i n g organisms a r e geared t o a 24-hour cycle.
It i s possible t o detect diurnal periodicity i n most biological
variables. Space ships or planetary stations will provide
e n t i r e l y different periods t o which t h e organism will adjust with
varying degrees of success. The problems of physiological arid
psychological adaptation a r e broad ones which can be studied i n
t e r r e s t r i a l as well as e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l laboratories.

6. Toxicity and Contamination

B i o l o g i s t s and medical s c i e n t i s t s a & ?interested i n con-

t d n a t i o n carried by us i n t o space, i n /the form of viruses and
microorganisms, a s radioactive matter Men reactor or nuclear
explosions occur, or i n t h e form of ch&ca% compounds which
might profoundly modify our cvwn atmosphere t o t h e eurtent t h a t
they become health hazards. The poloniwn battery and fluorine-
containing rocket fuels a r e examples of gravely toxic materials.
NASA should maintain a competent s t a f f t o deal w i t h such health
hazards, and future engineering planning should be subject t o
c r i t i c a l review and necessary limitations f o r public health
protection.

I n closed space vehicles, atmospheric contaminants ordi-

n a r i l y of negligible importance may achieve toxic concentrations
and require special attention.

C. Basic Medical and Behavioral Sciences

Solutions t o immediate, practical problems such as those exem-
plified above depend upon a broad base of information obtained i n more
fundamental aspects of medicine and behavioral sciences. Although
much of t h a t information i s being accumulated i n t h e course of the
extensive research i n these fields i n universities and medical i n s t i -
tutions, t h e needs of space science a r e especially dependent upon a
number of specific area;, examples of which may be outlined a s follows:

1. Respiratory physiology--including t h e control,

mechanics and physical chemistry of maanahan respiration;
gaseous diffusion an3 exchange; effects of alterations i n
ambient conditions of pressure and temperature.

2. Circulatory physiology-including circulatory

reflexes, the control of t h e circulation, i t s response
t o gravitational. and accelerative stress, t o alterations
i n oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions and temperature
change.

3. Metabolism-including energetics, nutrition,

hibernation, digestion, excretion.
- 230 -

J
- 231 -
 .
4 Neurophysiology-including postural and righting
reflexes, physiology of vision, audition, proprioception,
and orientation; central control of metabolism, temperature,
endocrines, circulation and respiration; circulation and
metabolism of brain.

5 .
Behavioral science--including perception, m o t i v a -
tion, and performance under stress, emotional s t a b i l i t y ,
fatigue, social and sensory isolation, psychological assess-
ment arrl training f o r special missions.

TV. Recommendations f o r a NASA &omam

i n t h e Life Sciences.
A. Organization of t h e Office of Life Sciences

This office should-have t h e responsibility and authority f o r

planning, organizing and operating t h e IXfe Sciences bogram of NASA,
including intramural and extramural research, development and training.
T h i s office would also advise and consult with t h e other divisions of
NASA and with the Administrator i n matters involving biology, medicine,
and psychology. It should have t h e responsibility f o r safeearding the
welfare of human subjects and the public health as well a s definitive
participation i n those projects which might jeopardize satisfactory
investigation of possible e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l l i f e .

1. The Mrector of Life Sciences would be vested

with the responsibility and authority of t h e office of
U f e Sciences and should be responsible d i r e c t l y t o t h e
Administrator of NASA i n t h e same manner and a t t h e same
directional level as the other program directors. The
calibre of t h e incumbent i s obviously of fundamental
importance. He should be a man of high s c i e n t i f i c stat-
ure, a n able administrator with demonstrated capability
i n t h e selection and direction of staff. L t i s probable
t h a t t h e Mrector dll be found among physicians who have
had considerable experience i n t h e basic medical sciences,
although there a r e others who a r e not physicians who might
have t h e requisite baclgground.

2. The Internal Organization of t h e

Office of Life Sciences
The Committee proposes t h a t the Office be organized
i n four Sections, each with an Assistant Mrector respon-
s i b l e t o t h e Mrector of U f e sciences.
a. Section on Basic Biology
b. Section on Medical and Behavioral Sciences
C. Section on Applied Medicine and Biology
The substantive nature of t h e program of each of these
three sections i s indicated under t h e respective heading i n
Section I11 of this r e p o r t , although considerable l a t i t u d e
i n planning should be given t o each assistant director.
- 232 -
a
 d. Section on Ektramural Program

This section should be responsible f o r t h e administration

and i n collaboration with t h e other assistant directors, and t h e
Mrector of Life Sciences, t h e planning of the extramural program.

3. Advisory Committees

The Mrector of U f e Sciences may desire an advisory com-

m i t t e e made up of consultants autside t h e NASA, recommended by
him and appointed by t h e Administrator. Such a committee would
normally report t o t h e Director of Life Sciences or on accasion
d i r e c t l y t o t h e .Administrator of t h e NASA.

The assistant directors of the four sections may w e l l need

advisory committees f o r t h e i r activities. These could be made
up of NASA personnel plus outside consultants.

For a number of cogent reasons, an intramural program i n t h e

l i f e sciences of signifLCant size, diversity, and excellence should be
established by the NASA. It i s urgent that this program be i n i t i a t e d
without delay.

1. Objectives
The present research effort i n this f i e l d within NASA
appears t o be concentrated upon a single specific .goal, exem-
plified by Project Mercury, a t t h e possible apense of broader,
more remote, but fundamental aims. It i s important t h a t the
biomedical aspects of t h e Project Mercury be placed squarely
under t h e jurisdiction of the Office of Life Sciences and t h a t
it be coordinated with other aspects of t h e Ufe Sciences Pro-
gram. The remainder of t h e national space biomedical effort,
as found i n military, industrial and academic laboratories, i s
sporadic and incidental t o other primary i n t e r e s t s or respon-
s i b i l i t i e s . These efforts are, on t h e whole, of excellent
quality and should be maintained and supported; there i s 'need,
however, i n addition t o these and coordinated with them, f o r a
broad and thoughtfully planned biomedical program of research
extending from t h e most fltndamental aspects t o t h e i r most practi-
c a l applications. The nucleus of such a national undertaking
should be t h e NASA intramural program i n biology, medicine, and
p ~ hOlOgY.y ~

The number of competent biological, medical and psychological

s c i e n t i s t s motivated toward space research and sldlled i n i t s
special problems and techniques is, a t present, seriously limited.
It i s necessary t o create a number of career opportunities i n
these f i e l d s on a long-term, full-time basis and t o increase t h e
number of laboratories and facilities i n which post-graduate
training f o r such careers may be accomplished.
- 234 -
 An important i edient of a productive and creative research
effort i s t h e opportunity f o r interaction among s c i e n t i s t s i n a l l
t h e relevant disciplines; between those whose i n t e r e s t s a r e i n
t h e fundamental areas and those working i n the applied aspects of
t h e problem, The need f o r interaction has become essential i n
r e c m t years a s t h e result of t h e high degree of specialization
which modern science and technology demands and t h e accelerating
rate a t which new knowledge i s accumulating. The older formula
f o r c r e a t i v i t y which depended upon t h e accumulation by a single
mind of a l l the information necessary t o a new concept i s becoming
increasingly d i f f i c u l t t o achieve; it may, p a r t i a l l y a t least, be
replaced by t h e daily contact and collaboration among s c i e n t i s t s
within a single i n s t i t u t e ,

An active and distinguished research program i n t h e biological,

behavioral and medical sciences within NASA should provide an atmosphere
of knowledge and responsibility i n which t h e national effort i n these
fields can best be planned, administered and coordinated, It should be
represented a t the highest administrative levels within NASA and should
participate i n t h e p l a d n g and direction of the entire space program.
Its members should be available f o r consultation and should be given
appropriate responsibility and authority i n all of NASA a c t i v i t i e s which
involve biology, medicine o r psychology.

2. Scope of Intramural Life Sciences F a c i l i t i e s

To fulfill these objectives t h e Committee recommends an

intramural research program whose ultimate dimensions may be
envisioned as follows:
a. A broad central f a c i l i t y w i t h laboratories
ranging fromthe most basic biological, behavioral and
medical disciplines t hrough t h e i r highly applied aspects
A s i t e a t Goddard Space Flight Center a t Greenbelt,
.
firgland, or adjacent t o t h e National I n s t i t u t e s of Health
recormnena themselves, each f o r somewhat different reasons.
The l a t t e r would offer t h e advantages of the unsurpassed
f a c i l i t i e s of the National Library of Medicine and of
interaction with basic and c l i n i c a l medical, behavioral
and biological s c i e n t i s t s a t t h e National I n s t i t u t e s of
Health, t h e adjacent Naval Medical Center, and t h e
Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Armed Forces Insti-
t u t e of Pathology which a r e only a few miles away. A l l
of these opportunities would make the N I H site especially
advantageous and a t t r a c t i v e t o s c i e n t i s t s i n t h e medical,
biomedical, and behavioral fields. The Greenbelt site,
on t h e other hand, would offer active interfaces both
with t h e space sciences and space technologies and a l s o
with t h e basic biological sciences represented i n t h e
laboratories of t h e Department of Agriculture. This
s i t e has a further advantage i n t h e potential f o r expan-
sion as a national space center which t h e greater con-
gestion and t h e different orientation of t h e N I H could
- 235 -
inot make possible. Further plans regarding the f a c i l i t y
should be t h e responsibility of t h e Mrector of I i f e
Sciences and his s t a f f who will’make specific recornen-
dations t o t h e Administrator.

b. A limited number of additional f a c i l i t i e s

situated a t some of the present o r futyre NASA i n s t a l -
l a t i o n s and possibly an i n s t i t u t e a t one or two univer-
s i t i e s . Each of these accessory groups would be some-
what differently oriented depending on the special
functions and t h e variety of competences represented
i n t h e i r environs. Thus, an i n s t i t u t e located at a
university with an important biological tradition should
be more heavily weighted toward basic astrobiology,
while one situated where astronomy and physics were
emphasized should reflect an orientation toward astro-
physics. The groups t o be incorporated.into NASA i n s t a l -
lations, on t h e other hard, should be primarily repre-
sentative of t h e technolo&cal and engineering aspects
of biology and medicine. They would thus be i n a posi-
t i o n t o u t i l i z e t h e unique f a c u l t i e s of these i n s t a l l a -
ations i n t h e furtherance of astronautical research and,
conversely, this would ensure t h a t enginsezd.ng develop-
ment of space,vehicles would be carried out, with due
regard f o r t h e requirements of future occupants.

The C o a t t e e i s reluctant t o s t i p u l a t e t h e dimen-

sions which these f a c i l i t i e s should a t t a i n o r t o indi-
cate more precisely t h e i r s c i e n t i f i c complex3.on. It
would suggest, however, t h a t the directors would give
p r i o r consideration t o high quality rather than quantity,
realizing t h a t excellence i s not necessarily proportionate
t o size.

It would emphasizie, however, t h a t a t l e a s t some of

t h e peripheral uxiits, as w e l l a s each of the three u d t s
of t h e central. f a c i l i t y , be planned i n t e r n of a mini-
mum c r i t i c a l mass, defined as an adequate variety of
disciplines and number of professional personnel and
t h e i r necessary supporting staff and physical f a c i l i t i e s
,
t o constitute a self-sufficient mutually interacting
and sustaining unit. It i s of i n t e r e s t t h a t t h e varied
experience of t h e Committee members converged on an
estimate of 20 s c i e n t i s t s and 30 t o 35 supporting person-
nel as constituting such a minimal staff. An annual
budget of $800,000, exclusive of permanent equipment but
including overhead or reimbursement, would probably be
required t o support such a minimum unit, and a f a c i l i t y
of 30,000 square feet, over-all, t o house it, based upon
acceptable standards of biomedical research i n other
fields. This would indicate therefore an annual budget
f o r t h e central f a c i l i t y of t h e order of 2.4 million
dollars and a t o t a l of 90,000 square feet.
 Even where t h e program of a unit were oriented t o
one or another aspect of t h e f i e l d as would be t h e case
i n t h e accessory laboratories, t h e scientific staff
should be representative of numerous disciplines, basic
as w e l l as applied.
3. Develoment of t h e Intramural ProRram

The r a t e of growth toward an intramural program of t h e scope

outlined above w i l l perforce be limited by t h e t o t a l budget ard
t h e competitive needs of t h e parent agency. More important,
perhaps, may be t h e limLtation, self-imposed by t h e program's
directors i n recognition of t h e paucity of adequately trained
personnel and t h e other national needs for such individuals,
including the needs by the military departments f o r national
defense and security and the needs of academic and other i n s t i -
tutions f o r teaching and research.

The Committee recommends, therefore, that the development of

t h e intramural program be deliberate and gradual with cooperative
u t i l i z a t i o n of presently available manpower and f a c i l i t i e s which
a r e outside of NASA and t h e i r judicious duplication or replace-
ment by the intranrural NASA program as those f a c i l i t i e s become
obsolete or over-utilized and as the t o t a l resource of competent
and motivated s c i e n t i s t s i s augmented by a training program which
NASA i t s e l f w i l l substantially support.

The immediate and most pressing need of t h e program i s t h e

appointment of a Director of Life Sciences and, on his recommenda-
-
tion, the Assistant Mrectors. (See Section I V A. Organization.)
It should be t h e responsibility of t h e Director and his Assistant
Mrectors, i n consultation w i t h an Advisory Council, should one
be appointed, t o plan a national program f o r NASA i n the Life
Sciences, t o determine i t s complexlon, establish i t s philosophy,
recruit i t s senior personnel, and guide i t s development.

The Committee recommends t h a t the Director of I i f e Sciences

and his staff i n t h e i r i n i t i a l planning select those segments of
the national program which a r e currently being carried' out by
existing f a c i l i t i e s i n t h e military services, i n universities i d
research i n s t i t u t e s , and by industry, o r which certain of these
f a c i l i t i e s are capable of carrying out i n t h e immediate future.
By appropriate contracts, transfer of funds, construction grants
or other mechanisms of support, participation of these existing
f a c i l i t i e s i n a coordinated n a t i o n a l program should be invited
and made feasible.

A t a very early date, t h e Mrector of Life Sciences and his

staff should begin t h e planning, construction and organization
of the central and certain of t h e auxiliary f a c i l i t i e s , concen-
t r a t i n g on those areas of basic and applied science not adequately
provided f o r i n existing programs.

- 237 -
 As major physical f a c i l i t i e s u t i l i s e d by the NASA biomedical
program on a cooperative basis and of primary concern t o t h a t
program (i. e. centrifuge and controlled env5ronmental chambers)
become obsolete o r over-utilized, or, a8 completely new designs
become necessary and feasible, these m y be constructed by NASA
within i t s intramural program and maintained a s national and
international f a c i l i t i e s . This should not prevent t h e construc-

t h e execution of t h e i r respective responsibilities .

t i o n of sindlar f a c i l i t i e s by other agencies where necessarxto

cooperative arrangements a r e a f i t t i n g precedent f o r the contin-

Present

uance of t h e concept that these expensive f a c i l i t i e s should be ..

shared wherever possible both i n cost and usage, but t h a t t h e
i n i t i a t i v e and responsibility f o r t h e construction of any one
of them should l i e with the agency which has the greatest need.

C. Ektramural Promam of t h e NASA

Office of Life Sciences

Investigations i n e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l biology and resolution of

problems related t o manned space f l i g h t provide an area f o r research
and development necessitating many diversified contributions An
optimum r a t e of achievement w i l l require further cooperation Hith
other government agencies, Important contributions are expected t o
come from s c i e n t i s t s working i n universities, research i n s t i t u t e s , and
industry. Thus a strong extramural program i s an essential aspect of
t h e a c t i v i t i e s of NASA i n t h e Life Sciences: (1)t o mobilize t h e
relevant research talent; (2) t o obtain ideas, information and parti-
cipation essential t o the a c t i v i t i e s of NASA from t h e best qualified
available sources; (3) t o generate among the s c i e n t i f i c and industrial
communities a n awareness of t h e a c t i v i t i e s of NASA and t o secure support
of i t s programs.

1. Grants
NASA should set up a system of research grants f o r individ-
ual s c i e n t i s t s or groups of s c i e n t i s t s working i n universities
or nonprofit research i n s t i t u t e s based on original research
proposals and with appopriate means f o r t h e i r review and approval.
.Such
. grants should be f o r t h e support of basic or applied research
i n areas of i n t e r e s t t o NASA. These areas of i t s i n t e r e s t should
be broadly interpreted. Proposals from well qualified interdisci-
plinary groups should be encouraged.

2. ,Contracts h

We believe t h a t t h e NASA should enter i n t o contracts with

i n d u s t r i a l corporations and governmental agencies for specific
research needs, particularly i n t h e f i e l d of technology but also
i n fundamental research. Such research contracts a r e particularly
favorable f o r t h e solution of short-term problems which might be
i n e f f i c i e n t l y studied i n an intramural program and which might
require t h e hiring of specialized s c i e n t i s t s or t h e building of
particular equipment t h a t would have no long-term value t o t h e
agency.
- 238 -
d
 3. Tyming

The Committee strongly r commends t h a t the grant program

and perhaps research contracts s
i s available t o t h e
The i n i t i a t i o n of t
t h e permanent organiza
able t o borrow an a c p
Public Health Service
National Science Fou
natdly, t h e NASA could
t h e National Research C
s o r t of study s e c t i
Health Service could serve a s an excellent model.
e i n i t i a t e d so that money
a r l i e s t practicable date.
await the s e t t i n g up of
Sciences. The NASA may be
from the United States
Research, or t h e
ogram under way. Alter-
of such grants t o
of Sciences. The
ted States Public

D.

The e f f o r t t o put living animals a men i n t o space and t o main-

t a i n theanthere f o r considerable periods of time requires t h e develop-
ment of many new techniques f o r protection from u n f d l i a r stresses.
The nature of these stresses i s reviewed e l s ere i n this report.
Study of the physical, chemical, biological, and psychological stresses
of space f l i g h t requires an exten y of apparatus and a large
staff of trained s c i e n t i s t s and technicianss Additional f a c i l i t i e s and
close l i a i s o n with t h e physical s e i ists and engineers engagedin
vehicle research and development a ssential t o provide proper l i f e
support systems and protection f o r passengers i n this new form of
transportation.

almost entirely i n t h e military s

compades, c i v i l i a n agencies hav
.
The existin$ capability f o r studies of this character i s found
Ekcept for a few a i r c r a f t
e need t o develop studies on
high altitude, high speed f l i g h t If has so f a r concentrated

.
almost entirely on t h e physical
lems
aspects of flight prob-

The H l i t a r y Medical Servic other hand haeve been con-

tinuously engaged since the F i r s t World War i n developing f a c i l i t i e s
and personnel f o r aeromedical studies. No attempt w i l l be made .here
t o draw up a l i s t of t h e f a c i l i t i e s now available. It i s only necessary
t o note t h a t taken together, these installations provide (9. variety and
quantity of controlled environment chambers, centrifuges, acceleration
tracks, and o t h e r relevant apparatus which may not be equalled anywhere
else i n t h e world. The Committee was especially impressed with t h e
quality of t h e personnel availabl f o r work i n these laboratories and
t h e i r enthusiastic dedication t o e job. It i s d i f f i c u l t t o measure
t h e d s t i n g capability i n terms of mo t t h e investment i n men and
macMnes must represent a t l e a s t $8O,O and perhaps a good deal
more. More important is t h e time which d be required t o build
similar i n s t a l l a t i o n s or t r a i n compara sonnel f o r use elsewhere.

It appears t h a t t h i n aeromedicine is, a t

present, not f u l l y u t i l i this a r e somewhat compli-
cated and recjpire a t l e a s position, I n the first place many
- 239 -
of t h e biomedical problems of conventional high a l t i t u d e f l i g h t a r e now
reasonably w e l l solved. Furthermore, t h e military requirement f o r con-
ventional a i r c r a f t i s increasingly uncertain. Fewer such vehicles are
planned f o r t h e future and there appears t o be a declining need f o r t h e
use.of d s t i n g aeromedical f a c i l i t i e s f o r t h e training and indoctrtna-
t i o n of conventional pilots. Current military plans ermphasim t h e use
of unmanned b a l l i s t i c missiles. Although cdrtain forward-looldng
elements a t various points i n t h e military establishment foresee a
t a c t i c a l need f o r manned vehicles i n space, such weapons s y s t h s do not
form a major part of current operational plans. The military budgets
f o r aeromedical;research a r e not therefore defended a t present on t h e
basis of a clearly defined existing military objective or requirement.
They depend f o r the most part on the declining momgntum of t h e conven-
t i o n a l a i r c r a f t program, and the existence of a few experimental
projects of which t h e X-15 and DynaSoar vehicle series are examplese
For completeness, it may be noted also, t h a t understanding of aerospace
medicine benefits i n d i r e c t l y by research funded for other reasons. For
example, work on hot, hoisy environments desired by t h e tank corps may
help i n understanding some of t h e biological problems involved i n satel-
l i t e launchings; closed ecological systems under dovelopent f o r use
i n submarines may be adapted t o space vehicles; and so on.

Somewhat paradoxically, NASA, which does have a clearly defined

mission t o put and maintain men i n space, has essentially no existing
capability f o r studying the biological and medical problams'involved.
Faced w i t h t h e necessity f o r selecting a group of astronauts f o r
Project Mercury and providing f o r t h e i r safety during this series of
missions, t h e Agency turned f o r assistance t o the military services.
The services, i n turn, have$responded d t h enthusiasm and good will
t o this new challenge. In s p i t e of t h e apparent success of t h e arrange-
ment, t h e f a c t remains t h a t authority f o r ensuring t h e health, safety,
and effective functioning of t h e astronauts j,s not firmly i n t h e hands
of the agency responsible f o r t h e success of t h e project a s a whole.
The medical personnel were not selected by t h e NASA but by representa-
t i v e s of the military services which provided them on a loan basis f o r
this particular task. Their continued presence i n t h e project i s as
much a matter of continuing good w i l l as it i s a clear contractual
agreement, and t h e individuals themselves must of necessity f e e l a
primary loyalty t o t h e services i n which they have elected t o develop
t h e i r entire careers.

The establishment of an Office of Ufe Sciences i n NASA w i l l .

greatly improve i t s capability f o r discharging i t s biomedical respon-
sibilities. Even though the Agency w i l l probably wish t o continue t o
d r a w on many other sources f o r help i n solving i t s biological problems,
t h e presence of a t l e a s t a small staff of highly qualified biologists
and medical men i s essential. f o r t h e formulation of over-all policy,
t h e direction of research and operations within t h e NASA, and t h e
negotiation of satisfactory working agrements with other government
agencies and t h e military services.

For t h e n& few years, and possibly indefinitely, t h e NASA

w i l l need t o r e l y heavily on the military services f o r help i n t h e
- 240 -
technology or applied aspects of aeromedicine. For reasons outlined
above, t h e military services presently appear t o possess a capability
i n Bxoess of t h e i r own need and a r e arudous t o cooperate i n every pos-
sible way. The Committee was impressed by t h e ease with which NASA
has arranged cooperative research between individual and small groups
of workers i n t h e military laboratories. It i s apparent t h a t personnel
may be l e n t from one agency t o another, apparatus may be transferred
or time made available a t military installations with a m i n i m of
administrative d i f f i c u l t y so long as t h e scale of t h e operation i s kept
reasonably small.. A l l those who provided information f o r the Committee
were un&ous on this point.

The situation i s f a r more dubious with respect t o large or long-

continued programs involving extensive transfer of personnel, f a c i l i t i e s ,
or funds. Complex contracts of this character would doubtless have t o
be channeled t o rather high levels i n t h e Department of Defense with
concomitant delays and uncertainties. A more serious question involves
t h e o v e r a l l government policy i n relation t o t h e budget. To what
d e n t will o r should t h e Bureau of t h e Budget or t h e Congress permit
t h e transfer of segments of t h e NASA budget t o other agencies f o r the
execution of NASA directed and supervised objectives? To put the
question another way, how f a r can t h e military services go i n justifying
the salaries and allowance of military personnel a substantial part of
whose time i s spent on c i v i l i a n missions?
Another d i f f i c u l t y arises from t h e f a c t t h a t t h e apparent excess
of space medical capability now available i n military establishments
may be temporary. How f a r the present cordial cooperativeness of
military personnel i s dependent on this temporary excess i s d i f f i c u l t
t o determine, but the possibility cannot be ignored. The present
situation i s a t best an unstable one. Either of two things may happen.
The military decision t o r e l y heavily on unmanned b a l l i s t i c o r guided
vehicles may become more firmly established. This d11 load t o a
further decline i n military requirements f o r aeromedicine with con-
comitant budget cuts f o r t h e support of aeromedical installations.
Conversely, and i n the opinion of t h e C o d t t e e more probable, present
skepticism i n regard t o the u t i l i t y of manned military vehicles w i l l
gradually disappear and the services w i l l be provided w i t h increased
funds f o r research i n space medicine. I n either case, the excess

.
military capability now available t o NASA i s l i k e l y t o decline i f not
complet ely disappear

Faced by these considerations t h e Committee makes t h e following

recommendations:

1. The Applied Medicine and Eliology Section of t h e proposed

Office of t h e Life Sciences should, i n t h e immediate future, make
t h e flrllest possible use of t h e excellent f a c i l i t i e s and personnel
f o r biomedical research now available i n t h e military services.
The exact mechanisms f o r this cooperation must be worked out i n
large part by t h e Administrator, the Director of t h e U f e Sciences,
and his s t a f f together with t h e proposed section on Extramural
Research. I n maw cases, the necessary arrangements can be based
- 241 -
on informal agreements t o assign personnel o r make f a c i l i t i e s
available. I n others, formal contracts guaranteeing d e f i n i t e
sums of money over stated periods of time w i l l be necessary.
I n order t o f a c i l i t a t e the negotiating of such arrangements, addi-
t i o n a l l i a i s o n machinery should be s e t up between t h e Department
of Defense and NASA i n t h e Life Sciences. T h i s might well be a
committee composed of t h e directors of bioastronautics of t h e
Air Force and Navy, the Director of t h e Office of U f e Sciences,
and t h e Assistant Director f o r t h e Applied Medicine and Biology
Programs of NASA. This committee should be empowered by general
directives from t h e Department of Defense and NASA t o work out
contractual and other arrangements f o r the conduct of research
and development i n aerospace medicine.

arrange for cooperative interagency undertakings .

A Civilian-Military Liaison Comnrittee i s i n existence t o
It i s f e l t ,
however, t h a t astro-medical matters involve @ t e different con-
siderations from those regularly dealt w i t h by the Civilian
Military Maison Committee. The amounts of money involved a r e
m c h smaller and other factors i n situation are such as t o make
it unlikely t h a t t h e human problems of space f l i g h t will get the
attention t h e i r importance merits unless they a r e dealt with by
a sgecially constituted group.
2. A s soon a s possible the NASA Applied Medicine and Biology
Section should develop an in-house capability for research and
development a s part of t h e intramural program recomended i n
Section I V B.-
The exact extent of in-house capability cannot be foreseen
a t t h i s time. I n v i e w of the uncertain availability of military
f a c i l i t i e s i n which much of t h e immediate research program must
be developed, it seems wise t o recommend t h a t the long-term program
include f a c i l i t i e s for t h e study of every aspect of bioastronautics
except those which involve heavy expenditures for special items
of equipment.

3. The provision of adequate access t o large and expensive

apparatus raises speciaLproblems. A t t h e present time, t h e most ,

notable example i s t h e human centrifuge for simulating space

f l i g h t problems a t Johnsville. In most instances, one such instal.-
l a t i o n should be enough t o serve t h e n a t i o n a l i n t e r e s t , if proper
arrangements are made i n advance f o r i t s construction and u t i l i -
zation. The present practice i s that one o r another of t h e
services develops a given i n s t a l l a t i o n t o meet i t s own needs and
then invites o r allows t h e other services t o use it on t h e basis
of ad hoc agreements. The Committee wishes t o recommend that i n
t h e future such f a c i l i t i e s be planned and operated on an explicit
NASA-interservice basis. Various administrative patterns may be
thought of t o achieve this end. I n some cases the f a c i l i t y might
be s e t up a s an independent authority w i t h i t s own budget t o
provide research service t o other government agencies mch as
the Bureau of Standards does now. I n other instances the f a c i l i t y
could be held and operated by a NASA-interservice committee with
- 242 -
i
 a budget provided by one o r more of these services represented
on t h e committee. This pattern has worked w e l l f o r t h e Armed
Forces I n s t i t u t e of Pathology.

E. Training:

I n common with every agency of government and industry which

u t i l i z e s and depends upon s c i e n t i f i c and technical specialists, NASA
has a stake and responsibility i n t h e education and training of such
men arid i n t h e continued supply of s c i e n t i f i c manpower generally. An
agency which attempts completely t o fulfill i t s responsibilities i n
t h i s area may recognize a dual nature i n these responsibilities. It i s ,
of course, necessary t o create and maintain a cadre of s c i e n t i s t s prop-
e r l y equipped with t h e specialized knowledge, skills, motivation, and
philosophy which a r e required f o r t h e particular mission, but it i s
also important t h a t this be done without depletion of other important
a c t i v i t i e s which include: national defense, health, aviation medicine,
and the basic biological, medical, and behavioral disciplines upon which
these areas depend.

The Committee recommends t h a t NASA take immediate steps t o i n i t i a t e

a diversified program of training and t h e support of training administered
by t h e Office of Life Sciences through the Section on Extramural Activ-
i t i e s and t h a t i n the planning of such a program attention be given t o
t h e following types of a c t i v i t i e s :
1. Post-graduate fellowships or traineeships a t NASA i n s t a l -
lations, a t space biology i n s t i t u t e s , or i n certain laboratories
of t h e Armed Forces, t h e United States Public Health Service and
other governmerrtal operations, or a t appropriate departments i n
universities here and abroad f o r individuals, including members
of NASA s t a f f , foreign s c i e n t i s t s and others, who have chosen a
career i n astrobiology, space medicine, or immediately related
fields.

2. Training grants t o appropriate i n s t i t u t e s or university

departments t o support d s t i n g teaching a c t i v i t i e s or i n i t i a t e
new ones i n areas of general o r special relevance t o the NASA
Life Sciences Division.

3 . Short-term v i s i t i n g s c i e n t i s t appointments (from two

months t o two years) t o p e d t qualified s c i e n t i s t s from this
country and abroad t o utiliBe certain of t h e special f a c i l i t i e s
of NASA o r t h e Armed Forces i n research of relevance t o t h e Life
Sciences Program.

F. Communication and Information

The Committee, i n common with s c i e n t i s t s generally, believes t h a t

the primary purpose of science, which is t o increase man's understanding
of the universe, i s best f u l f i l l e d by f r e e exchange of s c i e n t i f i c find-
ings, information, and criticism among all scientists. The Congress,
i n establishing this agency, declared "that it i s t h e policy of t h e

- 243 -
4
United States t h a t a c t i v i t i e s i n space should be devoted t o peaceful
purposes f o r t h e benefit of a l l mankind." To this end, t h e Committee
recommends t h a t NASA give serious thought t o those mechanisms and
guarantees which w i l l f a c i l i t a t e f r e e s c i e n t i f i c interchange with
respect t o t h e Life Sciences Program. Among those which t h e Committee
has considered and which it supports are t h e following:

1. Judfcious use of travel finds t o permit t h e exchange

of information between individual scientists, o r among scien-
t i s t s a t national o r international meetings and symposia with-
out a r b i t r a r y restrictions but guided by t h e value of such
interchange t o t h e advancement of knowledge.

2. The sponsorship by NASA of bulletins, journals, and

of conferences, meetings and symposia on topics o r i n f i e l d s
where such media o r opportunities f o r exchange of information
would be of value.

3. The establishment of a policy of t h e f r e e reporting

of a l l s c i e n t i f i c information obtained i n t h e Life Sciences
through t h e extramrural o r intramural operations of NASA i n t h e
open scientific literature. . Security regulations with respect
t o personnel o r publications and i n t h e areas of grants, con-
t r a c t s and fellowships must be exercised with great caution
and limited t o those specific projects where a direct relation-
ship t o national security can be clearly daonstra-ted.

G. NASA Life Sciences F a c i l i t i e s

a s a Public Trust
Although much basic research related t o problems of space can be
conducted i n appropriate f a c i l i t i e s on earth, it i s apparent t h a t many
observations must be made i n space vehicles. The study of t h e effect
of weightlessness i s an obvious example; spectrographic analysis of
t h e surface of t h e planets from platforms high above t h e disturbing
influences of t h e earth's atmosphere fs another. For some time t o come,
t h e space available f o r scientific instruments i n space vehicles i s
l i k e l y t o be s t r i c t l y limited. A t the present t i m e almost all such
space and bandwidths ' available f o r telemetry a r e being absorbed by the
equipment necessary t o monitor th'e function of t h e vehicle i t s e l f o r
t o make limited physical Qbservations of i t s immediate environment.
Prospective improvement of propulsion systems w i l l soon provide mre
comodious vehicles, but f o r years t o come t h e supply of f a c i l i t i e s i s
l i k e l y t o be far less than2the demand. Proper allocation of such space
f a c i l i t i e s will be very d i f f i c u l t t o arrange and certainly cannot much
longer be l e f t solely t o t h e good will of those responsible f o r t h e -
design and operation of launching equipment, o r t o random excitement as
t o who can i n j e c t t h e largest manrmal i n t o orbit.

Attention may be drawn t o t h e f a c t t h a t a t present two great

powers between them enjoy a monopoly on operations i n space. Although
this list may be expanded somewhat i n years t o come, t h e extensive
resources needed t o support such missions make it l i k e l y t h a t they can
be carried out only by t h e very largest nations. It i s a tradition
- 244 -
3
of long standing i n t h e United States t h a t a monopoly position carries
with it t h e obligation t o conduct a f f a i r s with due regard t o t h e public
interest. I n the present instance t h e monopoly i s essentially world-
wide, since it includes t h e control not only of t h e vehicles themselves
but of t h e most suitable launching s i t e s throughout t h e world. It
follows t h a t these f a c i l i t i e s should be administered so f a r as it i s
possible i n t h e public i n t e r e s t of t h e world a t large. The Cormnittee
i s heartened by t h e provisions which t h e NASA has made towards greater
international cooperation. As man stands before t h e moment when a t
last he may break t h e bonds which have chained him t o a single planet,
it seems fitting and proper t o ensure t h a t all mankind, and not two
.
nations alone, should have t h e opportunityto meet this momentous
challenge

- 245 -
 8
0
8 0
8*
.
I 1,
a
0
rl
m
cv m
m
rl cv
rn0
cdQ)
%VI

rn rn rn a
2 8 a 8

E0 a,
F:
Ji *ti
%
c
0
m
*ti
k
k
4
8 m
5 5

rn
0

a
9
x
VI

0- 'F; n

z a ,
 8
*
a .
)

ri
cc\
d
4
.
)

9"

m a a
0
a 8 8

4
8
P)

26
k
P)
X
d
H 55 2

0 0
\o \o
I I
P- 04
4 m
a
z
xz

3
 co
8 8
2
rl d
nl
nl

5:
O m II] m m
3c d 0
E 8 8 3
2: cf Fy

c
3
cn

E;
d

la
0
u)
B
H
I
ln
u)
G
w
 m
P m
0
a
0
E1
m
0
,El

pci

c
m
e,
a
8

- 250 -
J
 0
3
Fi

f
* - I m p m m M

2i \o
a
a a
0
B
0
B

e
3 m m 3
k
5

w
P 8 m
0
8 k
s
cn
0
=* e e
w H vl
d 4 d

I O

9
m
m
?

J
251 -
 8 8.)
82 8
0
.
)
8a

d 8 rl
s

m m
omEi i P omEl
8
m
0
El
2 o\ *
k 9a3 a
6
m
4 8 d
!i
r"
6
bo

b
k!
k
M
m
k
a
bo
s
$r P; i i

E: 5 d

k
8 r-l
P
cdc
O

0
0 \D
I

1
2
u\
a

- 252 -
 8
0
a
84

z rl

rn M m rn
a 0
Ef
0
a 0
e
3 3

k
a,
rn
8
QI
a,

UI 5

kfi
01-1

- 253 -
 a
0
d 8
d
rl
ri

0
0 0
E! E1
ri

a
Q)
c
4
d
*rl
k

- 254 -
 u\
8
v\

3
d
0
*I4
8 P P (13
0

B : El

A
cr
5
X
3
m
e
0

cr
(d

a
- 255 -
 8
0
4
4 4
v-3
cv 8
rl
m

a
P 8 P
a a

d d
d 0
5

8c d c8d

i
B

4
lj
F
C
 m m m
s 0
El
9
0
Ei
3

c
0

B
i3
I2
E P

- 257 -
 8
0

R
4
h *r;l
k
8

3
3

E
s
cd
x

$2 s
k (d.4

e
e
a

1 259 -
 Et
k
0
V
n
I

4
W
P
W
w

0
8
4

m
8
-t)m
0
0
P
H
H

5
s
0

Ln

260 -
 8
0 8 8
0
8
0,
0
\o

2
A
5
k
e,
n
e,
E
0

2
3
Frr

B
Em
z
(1
0
fi, A
a
P)

r;j P e 0, R
4
$m dvl E
l eI
e,
i
m
S a 0
U

- 261 -
 0
0 8
0,
0
\D
0,
rl
#

n n n n
20
wP)

4
0
;.
k
k 0
k

k
0

5a
u

nn I n h n

*
. *

262

4
 6
0
u

9rl
a
-f
M
0
0
0

- 263
 oz)

E !j
a,
#-

d)
M
2
0
x
El8
24

nn

3it
M
* *
* 0
*
**
0 *
e
[rl
0 a a,

3
 fi
0
ri

3
4
c
4 '

e,
% $
8
(do
e
i E
e,o
Y
0
k
3

2
(d
rn

1
6,

B)
P
8::
0
k
'b(d:
u
a
oo,
8
X
(d
u

b
m
m
0

e
e
m

1
0
4

t e,

2
co

- 265
 0 0 0
0 0 0
0, 0,
0 0 0
\o
% F *!
# 8

3
3a
k
k
0
V n

2
H

iu3

0
rl

*
*

- 266 -
 0
8 8
0, d 0"
0
n
42 A
#
Fl
#

n
3

ri'
8
*
3 :*

4
 P
I
0
0

a
0
cs

n
5c
';i
*
3n 4
0
*
*
*
*

.. 268 -P
 8
9
0
(v
43 rl
#

m
0
3
3li;
4

1
9 8

2
n
0
k
r=l

n n
w 0v
W

.
e
e

e
e
e
e
e
*
e
e
e
0
e

.
e
e

d
e
m
Q

5
3
s

a
APPENDIX
-
TABU 4

~ s Transfers for tho Fiscal Years 1959 and 1960

A ~ r o p r i a t i and

Appropria’kdoaaa t o National Advisory C

cst Independent Offlcere
Appropriation Act, 1959; Public Law 85-844
bpproprfations t o National Aeronautics and
Space AMnistration: Supplsmsntal Appro-
priation Act, 1959; Public Law 85-766..
Second Supplemental Appropriation Act,
...
1959; Public Law 86-30,. e e e e e o e e e e o e
0

Transfers from the Department of Defense

(72 Stat. 433). e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e
t 0 t ee e
0 0

:
Appropriations t o Natlonal Aeronautics and
Space Administration: Supplemental Appro-
priation Act, 1960; Public Law 86-213.. e. .
................
Transfer from research and developent t o
construction and e ~ ~ e n t

Status of 1959 Funds as of March 31, 1960

Salaries and $86,286,300 $85 838,156

 Status of 1960 Funds 8s of March 31. 1960

Allotments Obligations Expenditures

salaries snd expenses ...................... .
$65. 585 660 860.202. 758
Research and develgwmt:
Advanced research p-0gram.s. ............
.. .. $27. 630
'703 8 $18.280. 116 88,556,776
Scientific
Satellite apPUcatio. ................. 71.390.370
inveatigatAons i n space e
....................
75.a. m
ll.100. OOO
51.740. 327
6.918. 734
.
10.880. 806
w.447
Manned space f f l g h t
Vehicle praqnlsion technology .......... 44.177.
5.187.
57.467. 947
4 . a . 349
21 634p 723

Vehicle dev.1O.cmt.r .................. 57.850.

space PZ'OpUlSiOn t C ) C h I l O 1 Q ~ ~ ~ ~ . e * ~ ~ ~ ~ m ~ 31. 233plW
52.260. 630
6.220. 099
9.460. 026
Supporting activities ..................
Vehicle pro cur^^....................
Bureau of t h e Budget resorye
7.
........... 3.530.
360.m
16.238. 000
00
1.100. OOO
13.249. 222

Total research and development..... 320.350. 00 236.254. 512 63.019. 948

Construction and equipmcmt ................. $88.@5. $45.920. 682

.272 .

"l