Astronautics and Aeronautics, 1967 - NASA's History Office

October 4 ASTRONAUTICS AND AERONAUTICS, 1967
wrote in the Washington Post under dateline, “Oct. 4,2007”: “It is now
a half century since the first man-made satellite went into orbit around
the earth, and an opportune time to examine how space technology and
exploration have contributed to the economic development of the United
States and to human welfare generally. The effects have been subtle
none of the early spectacular predictions have come to pass: the planets
have been explored but not colonized; rockets have become more power-
ful but rocket transportation has not replaced aircraft and ramjet ve-
hicles.” He cited three major technological changes as a result of space
program: increased reliance on electronic computer and data processor;
a managerial revolution which created highly trained technologist-man-
agers; and increased understanding of natural environment. (Singer,
W Post, 10/1/67, F1)
U.S.S.R.’s Academician Dr. Anatoli A. Blagonravov, chairman of Soviet
[Commission for Exploration and Use of Outer Space, reviewed first
decade in space in AP article: “The Space Era is not a chance phenom-
enon in the development of natural sciences. It is a legitimate and in-
dispensable stage in the history of development of human society.”
(Blagonravov, AP, W Star, 10/1/67, C3)
* NASA test pilot William H. Dana flew X-15 No. 3 to 250,000-ft altitude
and 3,886 mph (mach 5.35) at Edwards AFB. Purpose of test flight was
to check : ultraviolet exhaust plume; solar spectrum measurement;
micrometeoroid collection; air density; x-ray air density; ARC boost
guidance; and tip-pod camera. (NASA Proj Off)
* Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara’s decision to go ahead with
“thin” Nike-X antiballistic missile (ABM) system was criticized by Rep.
W. J. Bryan Dorn (D.S.C.) on floor of House: “. . . the best defense
is an offense. Command of the skies, space, and the seas is the way to
keep war and destruction from the shores of our homeland.” He
recommended use of “sea-based anti-ballistic missile intercept system.”
(CR, 10/4/67, A4923)
MSFC used AEDC facilities to investigate preparation of spent rocket stage
for human occupancy in space by dumping. 840 gal of super-cold liquid
nitroeen through “dead” or inactive J-2 rocket engine. Simulating
100,000-ft altitude, dumping experiment would pave way for astronauts
to move inside orbiting stage and use tanks as living quarters for space
station. ( MSFC Release 67-203)
Static launch from motionless rocket sled of F-111 aircraft’s crew escape
module at Air Force Missile Development Center (AFMDC) was suc-
cessful. Under severe conditions pilot might encounter in emergency
before takeoff, module would allow crew to escape. (Av Wk, 10/16/67,
19)
* For the Saturn V program NASA purchased nine S-IVB stages from
McDonnell Douglas Corp. for $146.5 million, fulfilling requirements
for currently approved 15 Saturn V and 12 Uprated Saturn I launch
vehicles. Delivery would begin in April 1968 and end in May 1970.
Purchase brought total S-IVB contract for both vehicles to $957,-
182,093.
McDonnell Douglas also received a $24-million, cost-plus-fixed-fee
contract extension for S-IVB launch services at KSC, which increased
total value of contract to $34 million. Included were stage receipt,
checkout, launch, and launch evaluation. (NASA Releases 67-258, 67-
259)
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