eighth semiannual report to congress 1 jul. - 31 dec. 1962

8/7/2019 Eighth Semiannual Report to Congress 1 Jul. - 31 Dec. 1962

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N64 11421

EIGHTHSEMIANNUALREPORToCONGRESS-_ _; _, THROUGH DEC_MBE_I_ 196,I

i(_vO_ NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONWASHINGTON,D.C. _ _


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For Imle by tho Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing OfficeWudl_, D.C., _ - _ $1.25


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Tm_ WHn'B HousE, Devembev 5, 1965.To the Congress of the United States:Pursuant to the provisions of the National Aeronautics and Space

Act of 1958, as amended, I transmit herewith a report of the projectsand progress of the National Aeronautics and Space Administrationfor the period of July 1 through December 31, 196RThis report reveals the significant accomplishments that are begin-

ning to flow from our broadly-based space effort. In cooperation withot,h_r agencies and through its own increasing competence, NASA ismaking a major contribution to a maturing national space program.

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OCTOBER 25, 196_.The PRESIDENT,The White House.DEAR MR. PRESIDENT : The Eighth Semiannual Report of the National Aero-

nautics and Space Administration--July 1 through December 31, 1962--is sub-mitted for transmittal to the Congress in accordance with Section 206(a) of theNational Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958.

The report is in two parts. The first summarizes progress in NASA programs.The second discusses NASA activities in detail.

This report covers the period during which the fruits of the accelerated pro-gram President Kennedy recommended and you so consistently supported, andwhich was approved by the Congress in 1961, became evident. It was the periodduring which the fundamental decisions and plans were made, and the drivingeffort undertaken, to move the national space program to our present positionof accomplishment and strength. Given a sustained effort, this will placepreeminence in space within the nation's grasp. Moreover, the progress alreadymade has enabled us to negotiate space matters with the Soviet Union from aposition of strength.The following elements stand out during the period :

a. NASA moved rapidly to develop the basic structure for future spacepower. This included substantial progress on the mighty Saturn boostersrequired for the manned lunar mission and for other national needs. Priorto the first attempt to explore the moon, these boosters and the Gemini andApollo spacecraft for which they are intended, will have given U.S. astro-nauts about 2,000 hours of experience in orbit about the earth--operationalexperience of incalculable value for civilian space missions as well as thosewhich may be required for our national defense. Meanwhile, NASA initiatedwork on the extensive ground facilities to fabricate, assemble, test, launch,and control launch vehicles and spacecraft, which will serve the Nation'sneeds for generations to come.

b. The space agency worked out the details of the manned lunar programas to the method of reaching the moon. In addition, the hard study of thisprogram validated the assumption that the major elements of the mannedlunar landing are required as the base for the Nation's entire space effort.

c. NASA expanded its scientific program during the report period with avariety of experiments, the most notable of which--and typical of those tocome---was the invaluable Mariner II "flyby" of Venus, discussed later.d. Through a contract with the Denver Research Institute, University ofDenver, preliminary findings of which were available during the reportperiod, NASA has validated the fact that "spinoff" from aeronautics andspace technology to nonspace industry is "broader and more complex" thanis generally realized. This survey of 3,507 commercial firms has revealedthat the total contribution of aeronautics and space technology to theeconomy "is probably more significant th_n is frequently envisioned."

Among major decisions taken during the report period was that of LunarOrbital Rendezvous. After exhaustive analysis, NASA determined that LOR

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ADMINISTRATOR'S LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL V

offers the quickest, safest, and least expensive method of reaching the moon withastronauts.By the end of the period, NASA had let or was negotiating the major contracts

for the boosters and spacecraft that will serve in Projects Gemini and Apollo,the second and third phases of the United States manned space flight program.Moreover. the agency was vigorously building, on the ground, a great complex ofspaceyards, spaceports, and other facilities needed to fabricate, test, and launchthe large rocket vehicles that will be going into service over the next few years.These facilities are certain to have lasting value, beyond the space program as itis now conceived. They will constitute a permanent, multipurpose foundationfor whatever new missions may be required in the National interest as the effortto master space exploration and utilization evolves.Late in the period, NASA conducted from Cape Canaveral a third--and prac-

tically perfect--flight-test of the Saturn C-1 first stage. Developing 1.3 millionpounds of thrust, the C-1 will, later in 1963, boost into space a payload equal toseven Project Mercury capsules. Work progressed on the upper stages of thisgiant launch vehicle and on the Saturn C-5 which will be able to orbit 100 tonsaround the earth. The Saturn C-5, scheduled to be used for the manned expedi-tion to the moon, will be able to send a 45-ton payload into lunar orbit. Workalso went forward on the Centaur rocket, with its liquid-hydrogen upper stage,and on other large or specialized propulsion systems.

In mid-December occurred the climax of the flight of NASA's Mariner IIto the near-vicinity of Venus, when the deep-space probe came within 22,000 milesof the cloud-wrapped surface of our sister planet after a 109-day voyage of 182million miles. The Mariner II electronic scanning of Venus, lasting some 40minutes, revealed that the planet, apparently revolving only about once in ayear, is 800 F. hot at the surface, possesses no detectable magnetic field, andhas a den_ atmosphere extending much higher above the surface than does ourown terrestrial atmosphere. The atmosphere of Venus is largely of hydro-carbons similar to the make-up of smog in industrial areas but much thicker.

These facts seem to remove any hope that some form of life, similar to thaton earth, might exist on Venus.

In short, Mariner II information has settled several uncertainties about Venuswhich scientists have been unable to resolve in hundreds of years of earth-basedtelescopic examination. Leaders of the world scientific community have termedthe Mariner II flight "the outstanding scientific achievement" of the Space Ageto date.Progress was also made during the period in feeding back innovations arising

from the space program to the Nation's industrial community. NASA's Office ofTechnology Utilization initiated a program of gathering information on newknowledge resulting from space-oriented research and development, and dis-seminating the information to industry for the benefit of the civilian economy.This is being done so that industry can translate such innovations into newproducts, processes, techniques, devices and materials for the improvement ofthe Nation's economic life. Several nonprofit research institutes, one commer-cial research organization, and one university are participating in the evalua-tion and cataloguing of such innovations.The foregoing are but a few of the accomplishments which the Eighth NASA

Semiannual Report sets forth. Taken together, they clearly demonstrate thatthe agency is carrying out the spirit and the letter of the Aeronautics and SpaceAct of 1958. The Act charged NASA--in cooperation with the Department ofDefense and other Federal organizations--with such responsibilities as the ex-


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VI ADMINISTRATOR'S LETTER OF TRANSMITTALploration of space within and beyond the atmosphere for "the expansion ofhuman knowledge," "the preservation of the role of the United States as a leaderin aeronautical and space science and technology," with "making available toagencies directly concerned with National defense discoveries that have militaryvalue and significance," and with cooperation with other nations in peacefulspace programs "for the benefit of all mankind."Since the close of the period, many significant events have taken place in the

National Space Program while NASA activities in general have broadened inscope and accelerated. The forthcoming Ninth NASA Semiannual Report willgive accounts of such 1963 milestones as the 22-orbit flight of Astronaut LeroyGordon Cooper which successfully terminated Project Mercury, first stage inthe Nation's drive to achieve manned space flight, and the orbiting of an ad-vanced Tiros, seventh in a series of satellite hurricane hunters whose hundredsof thousands of televised cloud-pattern photos have brought the day of accurate,long-range, weather prediction over the entire globe closer to a routine service.The United States has come from a position well behind that of the Soviet

Union and has made up much lost, or neglected, ground. We have made signifi-cant progress in the scientific and practical areas of space, and I am certain thatwe wlli move on to clear preeminence in manned and unmanned space flightbefore the decade is out.Americans can take pride and confidence from what has been achieved in the

5 years since the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.The record of 1963 will strengthen our National purpose and our will to lead theway to fulfillment of the promises inherent in space, the new limitless dimensionwhich human ingenuity has opened to mankind.

Respectfully yours,JAMES E. WERS, Administrator.


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Contents_age

THE PERIOD IN REVIEW--A Summary ................................. 3-160@@00

ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS---The Details ................... 10--170CHAPTER 1--LAUNCH VEHICLES AND PROPULSION ........... 19Large Launch Vehicle Development ..................... 19

Saturn I ......................................... 20The S-I (First) Stage ......................... 20The S-IV (Second) Stage ...... ................ 22Saturn I Facilities ............................ 23

Saturn I-B ...................................... 24S-I Stage .................................... 24S-IVB Stage ................................. 24Facilities .................................. 24

Saturn V ........................................ 25First Stage (S-1C) ............................ 25Second Stage (S-II) .......................... 26Third Stage (S-IVB) .......................... 27Instrumentation Unit ......................... 27Facilities .................................... 29

Advanced Vehicles ................................ 30Engine Development .................................. 32

The RL--10 A-3 Engine ........................... 32The H-1 Engine ................................... 34The F-1 Engine .................................. 34The J-2 Engine .................................. 36M-1 Engine ..................................... 38Large Solid Propellant Motor Demonstration Program_ 39

Light and Medium Launch Vehicles .................... 39Scout ........................................... 39Thor-Delta ...................................... 41Agena ........................................... 41

Additional Lunar Launch ....................... 41Interplanetary Space Exploration Launches ...... 42Scientific Satellite Launches .................... 43Agena D .................................... 44Standard Atlas Space Booster .................. 44

Atla_Centau_ .................................... 44Gomi_i Lam_h Vehlcl_ ........................... 46

VII


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VIII CONTENTS

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Page2---MANNED SPACE FLIGHT ......................... 47

Manned Spacecraft Development ....................... 47Project Mercury .................................. 47The One-Day Mission ............................. 48Project Gemini ................................... 49Project Apollo................................... 53

Flight Mission Planning....................... 53Command Module and Service Module Develop-ment ...................................... 55

Guidance and Navigation System for the LunarMission ................................... 58

Lunar Excursion Module ...................... 59Astronaut Selection and Training ................... 59

Manned Space Flight Support .......................... 59Integration and Checkout ......................... 59Systems Studies and Systems Engineering ........... 60Space Medicine .................................. 60

3--SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN SPACE .......... 63Studies in Geophysics and Astronomy ................... 63

Explorer XIV .................................... 65Explorer XV ..................................... 66Explorer XVI .................................... 66Sounding Rockets ............ _................... 68Project High Water ............................... 68

Lunar and Planetary Programs ......................... 69Ranger .......................................... 69Surveyor Lander ................................. 69Surveyor Orbiter ................................. 69Pioneer and Mariner .............................. 70Voyager ......................................... 72

Bioscience Programs .................................. 72Ultraviolet Radiation and Infrared Studies .......... 73Upper Atmosphere Microbes ....................... 73Investigations of Extraterrestrial Life ............... 73Space Environmental Biology ...................... 75

Effects of Magnetic Fields .................... 75Water for Planetary Life Forms ................ 76Manmade Atmospheres for Spacecraft .......... 76

Bioengineering for Space Exploration ............... 76Synthetic Diets .............................. 77Advanced Instrumentation .................... 77

Behavioral Biology ............................... 774--APPLICATIONS PROGRAMS ........................ 79Meteorological Systems ............................... 79

TIROS ......................................... 79Nimbus ......................................... 81Advanced Satellite Studies ......................... 81Sounding Rockets ................................ 83

Large Meteorological Sounding Rockets ......... 83Small Meteorological Sounding Rockets ......... 83


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CONTENTS IX4--APPLICATIONS PROGRAMS--Continued Pa_e

Communications Systems .............................. 84Active Communications Satellites .................. 84

Telstar ...................................... 84Relay ....................................... 84Syncom ..................................... 86Advanced Synchronous Altitude Satellite Studies_ 87

Passive Communications Satellites .................. 88,_uFilHluui_abIoli_ o_b_ulL_ Act of "_" _^

IndustrialApplications................................ 89Future ApplicationsSatellites......................... 89

Navigation ...................................... 89Data Collection by Satellites ....................... 90

5---ADVANCED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY ..... 91Space Power Technology .............................. 91

Solar Ceils ....................................... 91Thermionic Power Converters ...................... 92Multikilowatt Solar Power System .................. 92Batteries for Space Applications .................... 93Advanced Fuel Cells_ __ ........................... 93Internal Reciprocating Engine ..................... 93Complete Power Systems .......................... 93Space Vehicle Systems ................................ 94Enwlronmental Effects ............................ 94

High-Energy Radiation Effects and Shielding .... 94The Meteoroid Hazard ........................ 95Fluid Behavior Under Zero Gravity ............. 95High-Vacuum Technology ..................... 96Thermal Radiation and Temperature Control .... 96Effects of the Space Environment on SpacecraftEngines ................................... 97

Aerothermodynamics and Related Problems ......... 97Heat Load Experienced by a Reentry Body ...... 97Stability of Spacecraft Entering Planetary Atmos-pheres ..................................... 98

Horizontal-Landing Spacecraft ................. 99Space Vehicle Advanced Concepts .................. 100Spacecraft Electronics and Control ..................... 101Communications and Tracking ..................... 101Studies of Spacecraft Attitude Control .............. 102Interplanetary Trajectory Studies .................. 102Instrumentation .................................. 103Data Processing .................................. 103

Aeronautical Research ................................ 104Aircraft Aerodynamics ............................ 104Aircraft Structures ............. : .................. 104Supersonic Commercial Air Transport ............... 105Hypersonic Vehicles .............................. 106X-15 Research Airplane Program ................... 107V/STOL Aircraft ................................. 107

Biotechnology and Human Research .................... 108


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X

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5--ADVANCED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY--Con. PageAdvanced Propulsion Systems (Nonnuclear) ............. 111

Solid Propulsion Systems .......................... 111Study Programs .............................. 111Research on Propellants ....................... 111Combustion Ignition and Fluid Dynamics ....... 112Motor Development .......................... 112Subsystems and Components ................... 112

Liquid Propulsion Systems ......................... 113Launch Vehicle Engine Technology ............. 113Advanced Liquid Propellants .................. 114General Supporting Research and Technology forLiquid Rockets ............................. 115

6---NUCLEAR PROPULSION AND POWER GENERA-TION ............................................. 117

The SNAP-8 Development Project..................... 117Nuclear ElectricPower Research and Technology ........ 118ElectricPropulsion (ElectricRocket Engine)............. 119

Large Ion Engines................................ 120Large Arc Jet Engines ............................ 121Small Ion and Arc Engines ........................ 122

The Nuclear Rocket Program .......................... 123NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Appli-cation)........................................ 124

KIWI Reactor Tests .............................. 126Advanced Research and Technology, Propulsion andVehicles ....................................... 127The RIFT (Reactor/n-Flight Test) Project......... 128

The Nuclear Rocket Development Station (NRDS)___ 1297--TRACKING AND DATA ACQUISITION ............ 131

Manned Space Flight Network ......................... 131Deep Space Network .................................. 133SatelliteNetwork ..................................... 135

8--UNIVERSITY AND BASIC RESEARCH PROGRAMS_ 137Symposia ................. -.......................... 137Sustaining University Program ......................... 138

Training......................................... 138Facilities....................................... 138Research ........................................ 139

Research Programs ................................... 139Grants and Research Contracts.................... 139

9---INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ..................... 141Cooperative Programs and Operations Support ........... 141

Australia........................................ 142Bermuda (United Kingdom) ....................... 142Brazil........................................... 142Canada ......................................... 142India........................................... 143Italy............................................ 144Japan ......_.................................... 144


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CONTENT_ XICHAPTER 9--INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS--Continued Page

Malagasy ............ _-_......................... 145Nigeria_ ......................................... 145Norway ......................................... 145Philippines ...................................... 146South Africa_ .................................... 146Soviet Union_ .................................... 146Sweden__ ........................................ 146United Kingdom ................................. 146

Cooperation Through International Organizations ........ 147Personnel Exchanges, Education, and Training_ .......... 147

CHAPTER i0-_ERVICES, MANAGEMENT, PROCUREMENT, ANDSUPPORT FUNCTIONS_ .......................... 149

Educational- Programs and Services_ .................... 149Educational Publications .......................... 151

NASA Facts_ ................................ 152Aerospace Leaflets_ ........................... 152Reprints ..................................... 152Transcript ................................... 153Motion Pictures .................................. 153Film Depository Services ...................... 154

Educational Television and Radio .................. 154Exhibits ......................................... 155Historical Program ............................... 156Scientfic and Technical Information ..................... 156Reports in Microform ............................. 156Interagency Abstract Exchanges_ ................... 157Requests for Information Services .................. 157Technical Publications ............................ 157New Announcement Journal ....................... 157

Personnel ............................................ 157Employee-Management Cooperation ................ 158Seminars and Training Programs ................... 159Conference on Lunar Exploration ................... 159Honors for NASA Employees ...................... 159Contributions Awards ............................. 160Patent Rights Waived ............................ 160Executive Personnel Changes ...................... 160

Organizational Improvements .......................... 161Office of Programs_ ................................... 162Management Systems and Reporting ................ 162Reliability and Quality Assurance .................. 162

Financial Management ................................ 163Fiscal Year 1964 Program ......................... 163Financial Report, December 31, 1962 ............... 164

Procurement and Supply Management .................. 165"Low-Sales" Inventory Control Technique ........... 165Savings From Rail Transportation .................. 165Property and Supply Survey at Cape Canaveral ...... 165


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XII CONTENTSC_rzR 10--SERVICES,ANAGEMENT,ROCUREMENTNDSUPPORTUNCTIONS---ContinuedProcurementndSupplyManagement--Continued PapNASA-DODniformFieldContractManagement___65SpecialrocurementorMannedpacelight...... 166

Exemptions From Export Control Requirements ...... 166Procurement Policies and Procedures ................ 166Contracts Awarded to Private Industry ............. 167

Awards to Business ........................... 167Competitive Bidding ......... = ................ 167Small Business Participation ................... 167Other Government Agencies Aid Procurement .... 167Major Contract Awards ....................... 169Major Contractors ............................ 170

Geographic Distribution of Subcontracts ............ 170

APPENDIXESA--Memberships of Congressional Committees on Aeronautics and

Space .................................................... 171B--Membership of the National Aeronautics and Space Council ...... 172C---Membership of the NASA-DOD Aeronautics and Astronautics

Coordinating Board and Vice Chairmen of Panels to Board ..... 173D--Membership of NASA's Inventions and Contributions Board ...... 175E--_Membership of NASA's Space Sciences Steering Committee and

Subcommittees ............................................ 176F--Membership of NASA's Industrial Applications Advisory Com-mittee .................................................... 180Cr--Patentable Inventions of NASA Employees Recognized by the

Agency's Inventions and Contributions Board ................. 181H--Major NASA Contractors ..................................... 182I--Research Grants and Contracts Initiated From July I Through

December 31, 1962 ......................................... 183

ILLUSTRATIONSApollo launch vehicles .............................................. 19Test launch of Saturn I (Block I) November 16,. 1962 .................. 21Assembly of S-I stage of fifth Saturn I ............................... 22Delivery of S-IV stage by barge ..................................... 23Artist's conception of Saturn V ...................................... 25Cutaway of SIC stage of Saturn V .................................. 26Cutaway of S-II stage .............................................. 27Cutaway of the S-IVB stage ........................................ 28Artist's conception of hydrostatic test facility, Marshal/ Space FlightCenter ......................................................... 28

Saturn V first stage test facility at Marshall Space Flight Center ........ 29Artist's conception of Michoud (Louisiana) plant ..................... 30Artist's conception of bulkhead fabrication facility, Seal Beach, Calif ..... 31S-II static text facility, Santa Susana, Callf .......................... 32


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CONTENTS XIIIPageRL--10A-3engine................................................ 33

H-1 engine ....................................................... 35F-1 engine ........................................................ 35J-2 engine ........................... _"........................... 37M-1 engine ....................................................... 38Scout launch vehicle ............................................... 40Delta launch vehicle ............................................... 42Atias-Agena launch of Mariner II ................................... 43Atlas-Centaur ..................................................... 45Astronaut Schirra being assisted into Sigma 7_ ........................ 48Gemini spacecraft ................................................. 52Titan II, Gemini launch vehicle ..................................... 52Apollo spacecraft showing three modules ............................. 53Sequence of events for the lunar mission .............................. 54Flotation testing of a command module .............................. 56Command module undergoing land impact tests ....................... 56Detailed mockup of command module ................. =.............. 57Little Joe II launch vehicle ......................................... 58Canadian-built geophysical satellite Alouette .......................... 63Alouette measures electron density 200 miles above the earth ........... 64Artist's sketch of Explorer XI_ r..................................... 65Checking out solar cells of Explorer XV_ ............................. 67Orbiting Explorer XV penetrates manmade radiation belt .............. 68Model of Surveyor Lander .......................................... 70Mariner II Venus fly-by ............................................ 71Infrared spectrophotometer ......................................... 72Telescope combined with infrared spectrophotometer ................... 74Stratosphere air sampler ............................................ 75Advanced model of radioisotope biochemical probe ..................... 76TIROS VI meteorological satellite ................................... 80Environmental tests of major subsystems of Nimbus model ............. 82Telstar I communications satellite ................................... 85Relay communications satellite ...................................... 86Syncom synchronous communications satellite ......................... 87Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif .............................. 99Twin gyro control system, Ames Research Center ..................... 102Supersonic transport model ......................................... 106Model of a VTOL aircraft, Langley Research Center ................... 108Biotechnology and human research program .......................... 109Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif ........................... 113Advanced systems--energy conversion concepts ....................... 118Electric thrust chamber program .................................... 119Three-kw. ion engine module ......................................... 121Organization of nuclear activities .................................... 123Major steps in nuclear rocket program ............................... 124NERVA mockup_ ................................................. 125KIWI-B-IB reactor ............................................... 126KIWI-B4-A reactor ............................................... 127RIFT stage ....................................................... 128Typical FPS-16 antenna for manned space flight stations ............... 132


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XIV CONTENTSPage

Telemetry ship Rose Knot ........................................... 133Deep Space Network Station, Woomera, Australia ..................... 134Canadian scientists study Alouette S-27 model ........................ 143Official inspects a Japanese experiment prior to launch ................. 145Spacemobile audience .............................................. 150Spacemobile demonstration ......................................... 151Exhibit at Seattle World's Fair ...................................... 155Organization chart, November 23, 1962 ........................ (faces p. 162)

TABLESMajor NASA launches, July 1 through December 31, 1962 .............. 15NASA launch vehicles, December 31, 1962 ............................ 46NASA budget estimates, fiscal year 1964 ............................. 163Status of NASA appropriations as of December 31, 1962 ............... 164NASA research grants and contracts initiated from July I through Decem-ber 31, 1962 (app. I) ............................................ 183


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The Period in ReviewmA Summary


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SUMMARYNASA continued its efforts to maintain leadership in overall spaceresearch and to accomplish the space missions recommended by the

President and approved by the Nation through the Congress. Theseefforts were sucr_essful in numerous areas of space activity, as evi-denced by the following specific accomplishments:

Saturn I (live first stage, dummy second stage) launch vehiclesuccessfully tested for the third time November 16;Mercury-Atlas VIII, manned six-orbit Project Mercury flightof Astronaut Walter Sehirra, was successfully completedOctober 3;

Marine_ II was launched Au_a_ 2,7 toward the planet Venusand completed a fly-by of the planet on December 14;

Alouette_ the Canadian-built satellite_ was launched on Septem-ber 28;

Explorers XIV_ XV_ and XVI were launched on October 2_October 27, and December 16_ respectively;

Telsta,_, th_ communications satellite designed and financed byA.T. & T, was successfully launched July 10;TIROS VI, a meteorological satellite, was launched onSeptember 18;

Relay_ a NASA communications satellite_ was launched onDecember 13.The following sections present a concise review of NASA_s accom-

plishments between July i and December 31_ 1962.

LAUNCH VEHICLES AND PROPULSIONDuring the period, NASA took further steps toward development

of large launch vehicles; continued its design and test work withindividual engines; gained additional experience in employing andimproving its medium launch vehicles; and acted to provide new orimproved fabrication, test, and launch facilities.On November 16, a Saturn I vehicle, having a live first stage and awater-filled dummy second stage, was launched to a maximum alti-8

706-017 CN---63------2


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4 NASA EIGHTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESStude of 104 miles. In this flight, it used a full propellant load of750,000 pounds of fuel. This two-stage launc]l vehicle now beingdeveloped will have a capability of placing an ll-ton payload in lowearth orbit. It will be used to launch the first flight-test Apollospacecraft.In static tests conducted during October and November, the SaturnI first (S-l) stage--a cluster of eight H-1 engines, each capable ofproducing 188,000 pounds of thrust--developed the full 1.5 millionpounds of thrust. The second stage (S-IV) of the Saturn I vehiclewill have a cluster of six RL--10 engines, each producing 15,000pounds of thrust. On August 7, a test firing of the stage's battle-ship version produced the full-rated thrust of 90,000 pounds for 10seconds; on October 4, it was given a full duration (7-minute) hotfiring test.In September, NASA approved development of Saturn I-B; this

vehicle, having a payload capability almost 50 percent greater thanthe Saturn I, will place the Apollo spacecraft in low earth orbit forsystems and rendezvous testing. The first stage of Saturn I-B willbe the same as that of Saturn I; the second stage (S-IVB) will havea single J-2 engine developing 200,000 pounds thrust. NASA com-pleted design criteria and early preliminary designs for both stages.Saturn V, the vehicle that will launch the Apollo spacecraft on itsjourney to the moon, will consist of a 7.5 million-pound-thrust first

stage (S-IC), a 1 million-pound-thrust second stage (S-II), and a200,000-pound-thrust third stage (S-IVB).NASA completed the technical review and evaluation of the con-tractor's cost proposal for the first stage; signed a contract for design,development, fabrication, test, and evaluation of the second stage;and amended an existing contract (the S-IVB second stage of SaturnI-B) for design, fabrication, and development test of the third stage.Saturn V facilities being constructed or modified included the hydro-

static test facility and the west area test complex at Huntsville, Ala.,and the Michoud plant, Louisiana. Also, NASA completed criteriafor the test complex of the Mississippi Test Facility.Work continued on the engines needed for the large launch vehicles.

The RL-10's string of tests was extended to about 2,000, with no fail-ures occurring in the last 156 tests; a 6-engine cluster was test fired,and approximately 60 engines were acceptance-tested and deliveredto NASA.The H-1 engine, used in the first stage of Saturn I, performed asexpected during the third Saturn test. Tests of operational trialversions of this engine showed that it would produce 188,000 poundsof thrust.


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s_Y 5The F-1 engine, designed to produce 1.5 million pounds thrust,

progressed toward operational status. Over 200 tests were completedby the end of the year; work was started to construct 76 of theseengines for the Saturn V program. Also, NASA let contracts tostart constructing three new test stands at Edwards Air Force Base.J-2 engine systems testing continued, and approximately 130 full-(about 250 seconds) in October.The M-1 engine, initially planned for rapid development, was

reoriented for a slower schedule that will produce a more advancedengine with higher performance and greater flexibility for differentmissions.The light- and medium-launch vehicles employed or being developedby NASA include Scout, Delta, Agena, Atlas-Centaur, and Titan II.In a total of four firings, Scout was successful in three, launching

three satellites into orbit; the fourth launching, a reentry experiment,was unsuccessful. To meet the requirement for Scout launches in theEast, construction of a horizontal-type launcher, similar to that atPacific Missile Range, was started at Wallops Island.Delta continued to be one of the Nation's most reliable launch ve-hicles; during the last half of 196_o it placed five more satellitesearth orbit: Telstar I, TIROS VI, Explorer XIV, Explorer XV,and Relay I. The Relay launch was Delta's 14th consecutive success-fall launch; the first Delta launch attempt (May 13, 1960) was theonly failure to date.

whl.,e was used in the successful launchhe Atlas-Agena launch --^ :__.._ "IL AF_ _.*_ __ T Jl ," 11u. z*l_rHLer I, the parually successful launch of Ranger 5, and the un-successful attempt to launch Mariner I. The Thor-Agena vehicle wasused for the successful launch of the Canadian-built Alouette. Build-ing on experience with the Agena, the Air Force and NASA agreedon the development of an advanced version, the Agena D.Centaur, planned for use with the Atlas booster, failed in its first

development launching. Even so, investigation indicated that it couldbe developed with additional contractor and NASA effort; con-sequently, project management was shifted to the Lewis ResearchCenter, which was already experienced in liquid hydrogen work. Ad-ditional ground tests were incorporated into the development program.The Atlas-Centaur is expected to launch test Surveyors in 1964 andsoft-landing Surveyors to the moon by 1965.Titan II was being modified under Air Force direction for the

Gemini project. The changes are expected to increase reliability andastronaut safety.


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6 NASA EIGHT_ SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS

MANNED SPACE FLIGHTNASA's major achievements in the manned space-flight program

included the six-orbit Project Mercury flight of Astronaut WalterSchirra; systems test, assembly, and checkout of the Mercury One-DayMission spacecraft; further design and development of the Geminispacecraft and its subsystems, including completion of a full-scalespacecraft mockup; selection of lunar orbital rendezvous techniquefor the mission to place American astronauts on the moon; placingof contracts for major Apollo subsystems and components; and otheractions designed to support the overall manned space flight effort.

On October-3, the third successful manned orbital flight in ProjectMercury was completed by Astronaut Walter Schirra in the space-craft Sigma 7. Spacecraft lift-off occurred at about 7:15 a.m., e.s.t. ;after approximately six orbits and 81_ hours of weightlessness, As-tronaut Schirra landed in the Pacific Ocean, near Midway Island,about 4 miles from the recovery ship, the aircraft carrier Kearsarge.Described as the most successful flight of the Mercury program,the Sigma 7 experience paved the way for the One-Day Mission,scheduled for the second quarter of 1963.The One-Day Mission, planned for as many as 34 hours and 22

orbits, will use a modified Mercury spacecraft. The modificationsinclude changing certain spacecraft equipment and increasing thequantity of oxygen, food, and water for the astronaut. Two space-craft were being prepared for the One-Day Mission; a third was instorage, to be used if needed.Project Gemini, second in the manned space flight sequence, will

carry a two-man crew on long-duration missions--up to a week orlonger; it will also accomplish rendezvous and docking missions.

During this period, the contractor continued designing and de-veloping the Gemini spacecraft, its subsystems, and the paraglider(to be used for landing). In August, the first full-scale mockup ofthe spacecraft was completed. Accomplishments included successfultests of the dual ejection seats and a flight test of the half-scale para-glider. Other items worked on included the pressure suits, survivalkits, bioinstrumentation, and food and waste systems. Also, assemblywork continued on three ' boilerplate spacecraft, four static test units,and two production spacecraft. The first rendezvous radar was com-pleted, two prototypes of the digital command system were deliveredto the contractor, and design of the docking equipment nearedcompletion

For the three-man Project Apollo, destined to land Americanastronauts on the moon and return them to earth during this decade,


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s_Y 7NASA selected the lunar orbit rendezvous (LOR) mission technique.The agency also selected the prime contractor to make the spacecraftcommand and service modules; preliminary design of both was com-pleted, and the first development stage command module was deliveredto NASA. A second was completed in October, and flotation and sea-worthiness tests were started. The third, completed in December,was shipped to E! Centro, Calif., for ce_ain flight tests. Also inDecember, a detailed mockup was completed and subjected to prelim-inary review by NASA.The agency received and evaluated industrial proposals for de-velopment of the lunar excursion module (LEM) and substantiallycompleted contract negotiations for development and manufactureof the module and associated equipment.In other actions: The agency selected nine additional astronautcandidates and began a Gemini training program for them. It

established an integration and checkout program to assure overallintegration, reliability assessment, and checkout of Apollo projectelements. It expanded its systems studies and systems engineeringactivities in support of the total manned space-flight program. Andit took steps to provide a new pressure suit for extravehicular wearby both Gemini and_ Apollo astronauts, to provide extravehicular lifesupport systems, and to develop a universal, integrated couch restraintsystem.

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN SPACEDuring the period, NASA recorded several successful launches in

its space science program and instituted bioscience projects to (1)investigate the possibility of extraterrestrial life forms; (2) expandknowledge of the effects of space on living organisms.The 320-pound Canadian-built geophysical satellite Alouette I was

launched by NASA in September. Alouette is the first satellite de-signed and built by a country other than the United States or theU.S.S.R. ; it is also the first satellite launched by NASA in a near-polar orbit and from the west coast. Alouette supplied valuable dataon electron density in the ionosphere to Canadian, British, and Ameri-can scientists. It is continuing to transmit data.Explorer XV, one of a series of satellites to investigate the space en-

vironment and the relationships between the earth and the sun, wasorbited in October; it studied radiation which resulted from the July 9high-level nuclear explosion and which was trapped in the earth'smagnetic fields. Explorer XVI was launched December 16_ in an


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I_ASA EIGI-ITI-/ SEM/AN2CUAL REPORT TO C01_TGRE_S

effort to determine whether micrometeoroids can penetrate the thinmetal skin of a spacecraft in earth orbit.Rangor V, one of the series of unmanned space vehicles designed to

gather data on the moon and cislunar space, was launched (October18) in a parking orbit and then injected into a lunar trajectory. How-ever, a power failure of the solar panel made midcourse guidance cor-rections impossible. As a consequence, Ranger V missed the moonby about 518 miles and went into orbit around the sun.Mariner II, launched on August 27, carried 40 pounds of instru-

men{s within 21,594 miles of Venus (on December 14) and sent signalsabout 36 million miles back to Earth, The spacecraft transmitteddata on the speed of the solar wind, on the quantity of meteoriticparticles in space, and on the surface temperatures of Venus.In other lunar and planetary studies, NASA continued developingspacecraft to transport instrumented payloads near the moon and to

make lunar landings. Among these are the Surveyor Lander, to act asa lunar research laboratory; the Surveyor Orbiter, to serve as a recon-naissance system of the Moon; the Pioneer, to monitor areas betweenthe planets during the International Quiet Sun Year; and Voyager, tofly orbiter-lander missions to Mars and Venus.NASA's bioscientists also worked to develop instruments to be car-

ried aboard Ranger, Mariner, and similar spacecraft to detect lifeforms on the Moon, Mars, Venus, and other planets. Equally im-portant were the agency's investigations of such outer space stresses asradiation and weightlessness on living organisms.Substantial progress was made during this report period in design-

ing and building several life-detection devices. Advanced instru-ments were perfected to allow more precise measurements in psy-chology, physiology, and related fields. In September, NASAbroadened its bioscience programs to include the biological science ofbehavior, which deals with such complex problems as informationstorage and retrieval in living systems.

APPLICATIONS PROGRAMNASA made substantial progress in its applications pr%oTams--

meteorological systems, communications systems, industrial applica-tions, and future applications satellites.Successes in meteorological systems continued with the sixth con-secutive launch of a TIROS satellite without a failure. TIROS VI

added considerably to the accomplishments of its predecessors bytransmitting over 156,000 meteorologically usable pictures and byobserving and tracking 10 hurricanes and 21 typhoons. Work went


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s_Y 9ahead on the l_imbus spacecraft, which is designed to provide greatercoverage than TIROS. And studies continued on (1) the feasibilityof a synchronous meteorological satellite which could keep weathersystems under essentially constant observation, and (9) advancedsystems to assure uninterrupted and worldwide coverage of atmos-pheric conditions influencing weather. The agency also extended itssounding rocket explorations of the atmosphere.In communications systems, significant milestones were reached with

the launching of the A.T. & T. Telstar and the NASA Relay activelow-altitude satellites. In addition, work continued on Syncom, theactive synchronous altitude satellite and developmental efforts pro-gressed on the Echo II passive communications satellite.NASA expanded its industrial applications program to disseminate

to industry information on new ideas and methods resulting from thespace program.The agency also undertook studies on the feasibility of employingapplications satellites to improve navigation and to collect oceano-graphic, meteorological, or other data from floating buoys, balloons orautomatic weather stations, and remote locations.

ADVANCED RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGYNASA continued its comprehensive advanced research and tech-

nology programs. These include (1) basic research, to further ourunderstanding of the natural laws which form the basis for the ad-vancement of space and aeronautical technology; (2) engineeringresearch, leading to the development of engineering de_ign pr]nclple.u;and (3) subsystems research_ using experimental subsystems to in-crease technical knowledge and skill for the design of advanced opera-tional systems. Under these advanced programs_ which employ theresources of universities_ research institutes, industry, and NASA fieldcenters_ work was conducted in space power technology, space vehiclesystems, spacecraft electronics and control, aeronautical research, bic,technology and human research_ and advanced propulsions systems(nonnuclear).The agency stepped up its space power technology program by

expanding its developmental work on solar cells_ thermionic powerconverters, a multikilowatt solar power system, batteries for spaceapplications_ advanced fuel cells_ an internal reciprocating enginesuitable for space use, and complete power systems.Efforts were intensified on space vehicle systems, particularly on

studies of the conditions space vehicles will be exposed to for longperiods of time in the hostile environments of space. To prepare forextended operations in this environment_ NASA continued advanced


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10 NASA EIGHTH SE1VIIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS

research on high-energy radiation effects and shielding, the meteoroidhazard, fluid behavior under zero gravity, high-vacuum technology,and thermal radiation and temperature control. Improvements weremade in spacecraft engine components that will enable them to betterwithstand the effects of the space environment; work progressedtoward the solution of problems created by aerodynamic heating ofspacecraft, and studies were initiated on total systems required to ac-complish various space missions.In work on spacecraft electronics and control, NASA conducted in-vestigations on the critical problems of communications blackoutoccurring when a body reenters the atmosphere at high velocity, de-veloped experiments designed to provide the basis for further exploi-tation of laser technology in communications and tracking, advancedits studies of spacecraft attitude control, continued research to analyzetrajectories, and carried on important work in instruments requiredfor space missions. The design of the first NASA automatic grounddata processing system was largely completed.Aeronautical research was centered on three challenging types ofvehicles: The hypersonic cruise vehicle, the supersonic transport, andvertical or short takeoff and landing aircraft. Each of these is po-tentially capable of greatly increasing man's ability to transportpeople and things economically and safely from place to place on theearth. In addition, the X-15 research airplane program continuedto provide data on supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics.NASA took a major step to intensify its efforts in biotechnology andhuman research: The Directorate of Biotechnology and Human Re-

search was established in the Office of Advanced Research and Tech-nology in July. Its objective: To acquire a greater understandingof man, his capabilities, and the problem of integrating him intocomplex flight systems. To meet these requirements, the Directorateinitiated or continued studies of life support and protective systemsand associated instrumentation, together with human factor andsystems analysis.Progress was made in the program to develop advanced propulsion

and space power generation systems using chemical energy. In seek-Lug solutions to problems involved in the use of these systems forfuture space missions, the agency conducted research on the formula-tion of high-energy propellants; investigated the problems of steady-and unsteady-state combustion, ignition, and the fluid dynamics oftwo-phase flow; Worked on solid motor development; and extended itsresearch and development efforts on solid propulsion subsystems andcomponents to assure a proper balance between propellant improve-ment and the system state-of-the-art.


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s_._aY 11NUCLEAR PROPULSION AND POWER GENERATIONProgress was made in research and development efforts to achieve

the utilization of nuclear energy for space applications. These effortsare conducted through the SNAP-8 project for developing a nuclearelectric generating system_ and through research and developmentprograms on nuclear electric power_ electric propulsion (the electricrocket engine), and the nuclear rocket.During the period major adjustment t_ the SNAP-8 system (being

developed jointly by NASA and the Atomic Energy Commission)improved the flexibility of the design and reduced development prob-lems-at the cost, however_ of increased system weight. The SNAP-8reactor passed its first criticality test. Boiler development testing wasalso successful.Further preliminary work, including the construction of facilities,

was undertaken on the nuclear electric power research and technologyprogram, which is aimed at developing much lighter nuclear powersystems having higher electrical power and a longer operating lifethan the SNAP-8 system.In the electric propulsion (electric rocket engine) program, work

progressed on large and small ion and arc jet engines. Laboratoryand flight models of large contact and electron bombardment ionengines were developed, and a linear strip cesium contact unit enginemodule--which may form the basic module for larger engines--wasbuilt and successfully tested. Two laboratory versions of large arejet engine concepts were c_)nstructed and tested. The electric pro-pulsion program also sponsored studies to determine the feasibility ofplasma engines for space propulsion application.The nuclear rocket program, conducted jointly by NASA and

AEC, continued toward the goal of utilizing nuclear energy as thesource of high energy required to perform difficult long-range, high-payload missions which cannot be duplicated by other systems. Workwas carried forward on the four parts of the program--the NERVApropulsion system_ the KIWI reactor test project_ advanced researchand technology, and the RIFT project, paced by progress on thereactor.A preliminary model specification of the NERVA engine was com-

pleted_ work on components progressed, and tests were conducted onan early-generation simulator of the engine. An Air Force facilityat Fort Worth, Tex., began to be used for tests of the effects of nuclearradiation on materials and components to be used for the NERVAproject.


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12 NASA EIGHTI_ SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS

The Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory continued testing two KIWIreactors, B1B and B4A, in which liquid hydrogen was used as acoolant for the first time. Liquid hydrogen pumps and regenerativelycooled nozzles were developed for the KIWI reactor.The advanced research and technology program continued its ef-forts to provide technical support for current projects and to achieve

the capability to build reactors and propulsion systems having per-refinance characteristics well beyond those now under development.Preparatory work progressed on the first phase of the design and

development of the RIFT stage. A manufacturing site was selected.In addition, preliminary design criteria were developed for RIY_rstatic test facilities at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station(NRDS) in Nevada. Extensive work was completed on three majortest facility complexes at NRDS required for static testing of reactors,engines_ and vehicles associated with the nuclear space program con-ducted by NASA and AEC.

TRACKING AND DATA ACQUISITIONTo provide tracking and data acquisition support for its space re-

search, NASA maintains the Manned Space Flight Network, theDeep Space Network, and the Satellite Network.The Manned Space Flight Network--14 land-based stations,

ships, and a central data processing center--supported the 6-orbitflight of Astronaut Schirra during the entire flight. Ships in therecovery area provided additional telemetry, radar, and spacecraftcommunications during reenCry.To augment the network for Project Gemini, "NASA made plans

to add pulse code modulation (PCM) telemetry systems at 10 selectedsites. Also, it proceeded with plans to install television cameras onboard the spacecraft so that pictures can be transmitted to receivers atCape Canaveral, Fla. ; Corpus Christi, Tex. ; Grand Canary Island,and the telemetry and communications ship in the Pacific.The Deep Space Network three permanent and two mobile sta-

tions--supported the Mariner II and Ranger V missions. During theMariner flight to the vicinity of Venus, the network provided 24-hour,7-day-a-week coverage. For Ranger V, the network obtained infor-mation on spacecraft performance during early and post launch pe-riods, tracked it to the vicinity of the moon, and determined that itmissed the target by 518 miles.NASA modified the network to meet programed spacecraft require-

ments. These included installing digital instrumentation systems atthe permanent stations, adding L-band frequency synthesizers and


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s_Y 13atomic standards to the transmitting loops, and equipping all stationswith tdemetry-to-teletype encoders.The Satellite Network--13 radio-interferometer tracking stations

and 12 Baker-Nunn camera optical tracking stations--supported the10 satellites launched during the period and 6 others that had beenpreviously launched. A mobile ground station was flown to Brazilin suppo_ of. _..,1 .... XV. Cv.str ....... _^.1._a_LIJA _Ulh &UI _eW bl_,A_hLll_and d_ta acquisitiontationscontinuedat Gilmore Creek,Alaska;Fa_rbanks,Alaska; Hiland,Nova Scotia;and Rosm_n, N.C.

UNIVERSITY AND BASIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIESTo expand and strengthen the contribution of nonprofit scientificand educational institutions to NASA's research prograa_ the agency

sponsored two symposia. The first, the Space Science Summer Study,was attended by over 100 leading scientists who studied NASA's spacesciences research programs and recommended future research. Thesecond was a 3-d_.y NASA-University Conference on the Science andTechnology of Space Exploration attended by over 900 representa-tives of 224 scientific and educational institutions. They learnedabout NASA's needs and programs and how they could participate inresearch and in the training of researchers.In another effort to increase the role of universities in the

program, NASA established the sustaining university program. Thisprogram enabled 100 predoctoral students to train under NASAgrants to 10 major universities; arrangements were completed for 800others to enter training in September, 1963. Five facilities grantswere also made to universities to improve their capability to performspace research for NASA.During this period, NASA also awarded 157 grants and researchcontracts to nonprofit scientific and educational institutions, industrial

organizations, and other Federal agencies. Total value of the spon-sored projects was $23.2 million.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMSBy the close of the report period, 61 political jurisdictions had par-

ticipated or were participating with the United States in actual flightexperiments, in ground-based activities directly supporting orbitingexperiments, in support of tracking and data acquisition operations,or in personnel exchanges.Through cooperation with the Department of State, the National

Academy of Sciences, and various international organizations (the


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14 NASA EIGHTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSEuropean Space Research Organization, for instance), NASA con-tinued to seek ways to broaden international cooperation in the uses ofouter space. Through December, new arrangements were made forflight, ground-based, or flight-support programs with Bermuda,Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, South Africa, the So-viet Union, and the United Kingdom.Representative achievements of the international programs were

the September 28 launch of the Canadian Alouette and the December5 announcement of the confirmation of a planned cooperative programwith the Soviet Union.Underscoring this effort, 1,843 foreiga nationals visited NASA

facilities, and 220 American scientists went abroad to take part ininternational conferences and symposia.Eighteen students from 8 countries were studying space sciencesat 12 universities in the United States. Seventeen foreign nationals

from eight European countries took part in Columbia University'sfirst Summer Institute in Space Science. And 30 technicians from7 countries were receiving training at NASA research centers.

SERVICES, MANAGEMENT, PROCUREMENT, ANDSUPPORT FUNCTIONSTo help achieve the widest possible dissemination of information in

space science and technology_ NASA_s educational programs andservices provided: space-related information and materials forteacher instruction and classroom use; consultation services and assist-ance in planning space science seminars, institutes, symposia, and in-service training programs for instructors; and spacemobile lecture-demonstrations in the United States and abroad.Also, the agency's contractor-operated scientific and technical infor-

mation facility reached scheduled production levels and was issuingthe biweekly Technical Publications Announcements journal of re-port literature on an accelerated basis. And NASA signed an agree-ment with the Institute of the Aerospace Sciences (now the AmericanInstitute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) to provide a single stand-ardized bibliography of published worldwide scientific informationin the aerospace sciences.NASA added over 1,000 scientists and engineers to its staff betweenJuly 1 and December 31, 1962, as it strengthened its internal organi-zation to meet the increasing demands of the country's acceleratingspace program. It also arranged seminars for its executives in suchareas as project management, procurement, and cost accounting.


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SVM_Y 15These resulted in more effective use of manpower and achieved econo-mies in operating programs.An office was set up at Cambridge, Mass., in July, to work with in-

dustrial contractors, research institutions, _md other Governmentagencies in the northeastern area.To assure that NASA's organization and management keep pace

with its research and development acti._.ties, a position of AssistaJutAdministrator for Management Development was established inAugust. Further, in October, two additional Deputy Associate Ad-ministrators were added, giving three top aides to the Associate Ad-ministrator-the agency's general manager.To save time and money, the agency completely mechanized its

methods of accumulating and reporting financial datawpermittingcompatible processes at all its installation_. Simplified inventorytechniques were also set up at six of NASA's largest field centers.These reduced administrative costs and allowed management to con-contrate on high-dollar value transactions which make up the greatestinvestment.About 92 percent of the agency's $1,307 million in procurement was

contracted to private industry during this period. Awards to smallbusiness accounted for 66 percent of the total number placed wlth 'busi-ness firms.NASA placed about 23 percent of its total procurement with or

through other Government agencies, primarily the Department of De-fense--thereby avoiding duplication and allowing the most effectiveand economical use of its own and the resources of the other agencies.

T_ 1.--Ma]or _AflA Immches, July 1-Dec. 31, 196Z

Name, date launched, mission

Telstar I, July 10. Launched byNASA for A.T. & T. To testbroadband miczowave commu-nications in space. Also, totransmit data on radiationeffects.

Mariner II, Aug. 27. To fly byVenus to gather data on theplanet and on interplanetaryspace.

TIROS VI, Sept. 18. To obtainphotographic data on earth'scloud cover.

Launch vehl_e

Delta .............

Atlas-Age_a B ....

Delta .............

See footnote at end of tabl_

Launchsite*

AMR...

AMR.;.

AMR...

Results

Demtmstrsted the feasibility of usinga low-altitude active repeater satel-lite as a communications device. Ex-tensively employed for transatlanticTV and radio broadc_te, telephonecalls, and fats/talk demonstrations.Telemetenui information on radia.tion effects.

On Dec. 14 flew by Venus at a dktancoof 21,600 miles. Recorded and tra_-mittod to Earth data on the planetand on solar wind and cosmic dust.

Transmitted over 1_6,000 meteorologi-cally usable pictures. Observed andt_ackad 10 hurricanes and 21 ty-phoon.


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16 NASA EIGHTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSTABLE 1.--Major NASA launches, July 1-Dec. 81, 1962---Con.

Name, date launched, mission

Alouette I, Sept. 28. Canadiandesigned and built satellitelaunched by NASA. To studyionosphere's free electron dis-tribution, measure galactic noisefrom outer space and in iono-sphere, and gather data oncosmic rays.

Explorer XIV, Oct. 2. To meas-ure energetic particles in themagnetosphere and outer spaceand their relationships to mag-netic fields of earth and inter-planetary space.

Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7), Oct.3. To evaluate performance ofman-spacecraft system in 6orbits.

Ranger V, Oct. 18. To hard landon lunar surface. To obtaindata on lunar tremors, and TVphotography and X-ray spec-troscopy of lunar surface. Toobtain lunar surface radar re-flectivity data.

Explorer XV, Oct. 27. To studyartificial radiation belt createdby July 9 nuclear explosion.

Saturn I (Block I), Nov. 16.Test flight of live first stage andwater-filled dummy secondstage.

Relay I, Dec. 13. To test com-munications transmission overintercontinental distances,usingactive repeater system.

Explorer XVI, Dec. 16. To meas-ura mlcrometeoroid impact haz-ard on satellite skin samples;investigate particles with dif-fering amounts of momentum;compare performance of pro-tocted and unprotected solarcells in space.

Launch vehicle Launch Resultssite*

Thor-Agena B .... PMR_-.

Delta .............

Atlas D ...........

Transmitted valuable data on condi-tions in ionosphere. Approximately65,000 ionagrams recorded as of Dec.31.

AMR_-- Furnished important information onsolar cosmic rays and trapped radia-tion belts.

AMR_._ Successful in every respect. AstronautWalter M. Schirra and spacecraft re-covered after 6 orbits.

Atlas-Agena B .... AMR_.-

Delta ............. AMR.-.

Midceurse guidance correction not per-formed because of spacecraft powersystem malfunction. Lunar impactnot achieved. Spacecraft went intoorbit around sun after missing moonby 518 miles.

All experiments functioned well.Data were undergoing analysis.

S-1 stage (cluster AMR___ Test successful. Vehicle reached alti.of 8 H-1 tude of 104 miles. Carried full proengines), peliant load of 750,000 pounds.

Delta ............. AMR._. No communications transmission untfearly 1963, when low-power level_were overcome.

WI ...... 11 micrometeoroids punctured skin elthe satellite's main body during it_first month in orbit. (Other datawere under analysis.)

Scout .............

*AMR--Atlantlc Missile Range, Cape Canaveral, Fla.PMR--Paciflc Missile Range, Point Arguello, Calif.WI--Wallops Island, Wanops Station, Va.


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Activities and Accomplishments--The Details


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CHAPTER 1Launch Vehicles and Propulsion

During this reporting yeriod, NASA continued to press for thelaunch vehicles and propulsion systems needed for the present and forthe next decade. Significant gains were made in the development oflarge lqunch vehicles, in the development of more eflicient engines,and in the upgrading of the launch vehicles currently employed.

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLE DNELOPMENTThe large launch vehicles-Saturn I, Saturn I-B, nd Saturn V(fig. l . ) 4 e i h g developed will be employed initially for the mannedlunar landing program. They will be used for earth orbital andrendezvous testing of the entire Apollo spacecraft, reentry testing of

POLL NCH

Figure 1-1. Apollo launch vehicles.706-017 0-63-3

250'

SATURN v 200'ii150*inn*

19


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20 NASA EIGHTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS

the command module, and circumlunar flight testing; ultimately,Saturn V will deliver the manned lunar excursion module of the Apollospacecraft to the surface of the moon. For missions further intothe future, NASA continued work on the Nova launch vehicle con-cept and on launch vehicle technology studies.Saturn I

The Saturn I, largest rocket ever flown by the free world, is a two-stage vehicle being developed to place a 22,000-pound payload in lowearth orbit. It will be the first vehicle to boost the manned Apollospacecraft into earth orbit. Three totally successful test launches havedemonstrated in actual flight the structural integrity of the vehicledesign, the feasibility of clustering engines and propellant tanks, andthe adequacy of large vehicle control concepts. (A fourth flight_ alsosuccessful, was conducted after the close of reporting period.)The Saturn I development program is divided into two phases,

represented by two types of vehicles: Block I vehicles which havelive first stages (S-I) with dummy upper stages and Block II vehicleswhich will have live first and second stages (S-I and S-IV).The third consecutive successful test of a Saturn I Block I vehicle

was recorded on November 16, 1962 (fig. 1-2). For this flight thebooster carried a full propellant load of 750,000 pounds. At a maxi-mum altitude of 104 miles, 95 tons of water in the dummy upperstage were released in the ionosphere in continuation of the ProjectHigh Water experiment. The test launch had several important flightobjectives, all of which were fully achieved, and the flight was termeda complete success.

The _-I (First) Stage.--During the fall of 1"962, S-I stages forthe SA-3 and SA-4 flights completed two successful static test firings;the cluster of eight H-1 engines, comprising the S-I stage, developed1.3 million pounds of thrust during these tests. In addition_ a specialS-I, Block II test Stage was fired during the above period. This eventmarked the first firing of a stage developing 1.5 million pounds ofthrust, which is the full thrust level of the Block II configuration witheight uprated H-1 engines. This test helped lay the groundwork forentering into the Block II phase of the program.The S-I stage for the fourth Saturn flight (SA-4) was being readied

for shipment to the Atlantic Missile Range in early 1963.Assembly of the S-I stage of the fifth Saturn vehicle_ which will

be the first to carry a live second stage, was completed ; the stage wasbeing readied for static firing (fig. 1-3).


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-

21AUNCH VEHICLES AND PROPULSION

Figure 1-2. Test launch of Saturn I (Block I) November 16,1962.

The dynamic1 Block I1 vehicle (SA-D5) was assembled in thedynamic test tower. It marked the first mating of a contractor-produced s- IV stage with an s-I stage.

lFlight type nonpropulsive stage to be used in dynamic ground tests of the entireThe stage is capable of being serviced with propellants, pressurized.ehicle conflguration.and drained; weight and center of gravity are identical with flight configuration.


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22 NASA EIGHTH G E M I A " U A L REPORT To CONGRESS

Figuro 1-3. Assembly ofSIsfago of A f l h Saturn 1.

Assembly of the first stage ($1) for the sixth Saturn vehicle(SA-6) was nearing completion. This will be the first vehicle tocarry Apollo spacecraft boilerplate configuration.

The first S-I stages (SA-8 and SA-10) to be contractor producedat the Michoud plant in New Orleans, La., were in the subassemblyphase and progressing satisfactorily.The S-IV (Second) Stage.-The first successful hot firing demon-

stration of the six RLlO engine cluster on the s-IV battleship stagetook place on August 17; the stage produced its full rated thrust of90,000 pounds for 10 seconds. A full duration hot firing of 7 minutesoccurred on October 4.

Delivery of the fipst flight type S-IV stage (the dynamic test stage)mas made to NASA during November (fig. 14 ) . This stage will beused for dynamictests of the Block I1configuration.

L Y test stage with heavy-weight tankage used for engine flringa, propellant loadlng andother testa requiring a margin of safety beyond that available with flight-weight tankage.Tbia stage is primarily used for propulsion system tests.


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23AUNCH VEEXICLEB AND PROPULSION

Figure 1-4. Delivery of S I V stage by barge.

The S-IV facility checkout stage3 w as completed and is in theCenter. A t LOC, it will be used to check out the LC 37 facilitybefore the flight test of SA-5, with the first live S-IV stage.

Completion of major assembly work for the first Block I1 flightstage (SA-5) was accomplished during this report period. Thisstage was in final assembly and will be shipped to the SacramentoField Station for acceptance testing in the spring of 1963.

Major structural assembly of the second S-IV flight stage (SA-6)was completed during this report period, and initial assembly opera-tions were begun on S-IV stages for SA-7, SA-8, and SA-9.Saturn Z Facilities.-The modifications to the S-I area of the

Michoud plant in New Orleans, La., were about half completed. Theshipping and receiving dock should be completed in early 1963.

I f i n d portion of checkout before shipment to the Launch Operations

'A flight type, nongropulsive stage to be used in checkout of a static test facility orITheo be used wi th th e entir e vehicle configuration for checkout of a launch facility.stage is capable of being serviced with propellants, pressurized, and drained.


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24 NASA EIGHTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSThe all-systems testing position of stand No. 2 of the Alpha complex

at the Sacramento Field Station was modified. Preparations werebeing made for the first hot firing tests in the S-'IV all-systems pro-gram which are scheduled for 1963.Saturn I-BAfter selecting the lunar orbit rendezvous mode to achieve the first

manned lunar landing with Apollo, NASA initiated development ofthe lunar excursion module for Apollo.To perform essential rendezvous and reentry tests of the entire

Apollo system (including the lunar excursion module) NASA ini-tiated development of a modified Saturn vehicle with a payload capa-bility of 50 percent more than the current Saturn I. This vehicle:the Saturn I-By is a two-stage vehicle capable of placing the Apollospacecraft (command modul% service modul% and lunar excursionmodule) in low earth orbit for systems testing and for rendezvoustesting.The I-B vehicle is comprised of two stages already under develop-

ment in the Saturn I and Saturn V projects: the S-I (first stage)and the S-IVB (second stage). Necessary modifications will be madeto these stages to meet the particular missions of the I-B.The Saturn I-B development program calls for four developmen-tal flight tests (designated as SA-201 through SA-204) beginningin 1965. Each of the developmental flights will be made with livefirst and second stages.NASA completed design criteria and early preliminary designs

"for the two Saturn I-B stages. Also_ the agency began design andprocurement of long lead tooling for the S-IVB stage and made plansfor definitive contract negotiations.S-I Stage.--The S-I stage will have a cluster of eight H-1 engines(using liquid oxygen and kerosene) developing 1_500,000 pounds ofthrust. The proven functional hardware for this stage will be iden-tical with that of the first stage of the Saturn I vehicle.

S-IVB Stage.--The S-IVB stage, being developed and producedunder contract, will have a single J-2 engine (using liquid hydrogenand liquid oxygen) and will develop 200_000 pounds thrust. Onlyfunctional changes and new interstage structures will be provided forthe S-IVB stage to accommodate the Saturn I-B vehicle missionrequirements.

Facilities.--Site preparation began on the new Beta complex at theSacramento Field Station:-- Construction work started in December_and the first test stand should be available for testing of the S-IVBstage in 1964.


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LAUNCH VEHICLES AND PROPULSION 25Saturn V

The Saturn V (fig. 1-5) is the largest launch vehicle under devel-opment in the free world. The vehicle wil l be approximately 280 feetin height and when fully fueled will weigh 3,000 tons; it will have alaunch capability of 240,000 pounds. With the Apollo spacecraft itwill &and apprexirr?Etely 350 feet high. It is thc only -vehic!e nowbeing developed for a manned lunar landing mission.

Figure 1-5. Artists conception of Saturn V.

A Saturn V program flight schedule was fully coordinated betweenspacecraft programs and vehicle programs. NASA expects to con-duct the first development launch in 1966.

First Xtage (X-IC).-The first or booster stage, S-IC (fig. 1-6),is to be 138 feet long and 33 feet in diameter. It mill have five F-1engines, each generating 1.5 million pounds thrust, for a total thrustof 7.5 million pounds. The dry weight (weight without propellants)of the stage wil l be under 300,000 pounds; the propellant will weighapproximately 4,400,000 pounds.

Technical review and evaluation of the contractors cost proposalfor the definitive long-term hardware contract was completed, andthe proposal was being negotiated at the end of tlic period. The con-tract will provide for the design, development, hbrication, test, and


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Figun 1-6. Cutaway of S I C stage of %?urnV.

evaluation of nine flight test stages and one ground test stage (sys-tems checkout). The stage is to be manufactured and assembled atthe Michoud plant.Second Stage (S-II).-During the period, NASA signed a defini-tive contract for the design, development, fabrication, test, and evalu-

ation of nine flight stages, one dummy flight stage, six ground teststages, and associated ground handling and support equipment forthe $11 (second stage). This stage (fig. 1-7) is powered by five 5-2engines, each producing 200,000 pounds of thrust, for a total of1,000,000 pounds. Acceptance tests of flight stages will be conductedat the MississippiTest Facility.

NASA placed major emphasis on completion of preliminary anddetailed designs; facility planning; procurement of special toolingand test equipment to support the assembly operatiofis; procurementof components to support the test program for design verification andqualification; and procurement of hardware and initiation of fabri-


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LAUNCH VEHICLES A N D PROPULSION 27

Figun 1-7. Cutoway of S-II stage.

cation for all ground test vehicles, one dummy, or nonpropulsive,flightstageand the first flight-test vehicle.

Thin? Strip


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UIAMCICK- L IW . am.

I- Liquid oxygen

-_...LENGTH- 59ft.WEIGHT (unloaded) - 21,000 Ibs.PROPELLANTS - Liquid hydrogenENGINE- 5-2THRUST- 200,000 Ibs

Rgum 1-8. Cutowoy of the S-IVB stoge.

figum 1-9. Artist's conceptionof hydrostatic tort facility, Marshall Spaco Right Center.


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29A U N C H V EHI C LES AND PROPULSION

Figure 1-10. SaturnV flnt stage test fmcility at Marshall Space Flight Center.

Also, NASA w a s acting to procure tooling and special test equipmentfor the fabrication, assembly, and testing of instrumentatiop unitcomponents and systems.

FaciZities.-The hydrostatic test facility at MSFC was under con-struction; NASA expects it to be completed by mid-1963, in time tostart assembly and test of the first Saturn V ground test vehicles (see

Construction work was also proceeding on the west area test com-plex, which includes the static test stand; NASA expects the com-plex to be completed early in 1964 (seefig. 1-10).

fig. 1-9).


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Figure 1-1 1. Artist's conception of Michoud (Louisiana) plant.

Modifications to the Michoud plant were underway, with pilingsand foundations for the vertical assembly building complete; thebuilding construction began in December. The boring mill installa-tion was completed. The first production effort at the plant shouldbegin in the fall of 1963 (see fig. 1-11).

I n other actions related to its facilities, NASA completed criteriafor the Mississippi Test Facility (MTF) test complex and made plansto select a contractor for site preparation; proceeded with work onthe bulkhead fabrication facility a t Seal Beach, Calif. (see fig.1-12) ;completed site preparation at the Santa Susana Facility; and wentahead with modifications to the COCA 1 test stand (see fig. 1-13).Advanced Vehicles

NASA's advanced large launch vehicle (or post-Saturn) efforts in-clude: Nova and Advanced Nova launch vehicle system studies, reus-able and/or recoverable launch vehicle studies, and launch vehiclesupporting technology work.


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LAUNCH VE XICL E S AND PROPULSION 31* h s = . . - - u v -"u---

Figure 1-12. Artist's conception of bulkhead fubrication facility, Seal Beach, Calif.Nova can be described only generally as a launch vehicle of con-siderably greater capability than the Saturn V. Supporting studies

were conducted on advanced launch vehicle concepts as well as mis-sion-oriented studies on lunar and planetary missions for very largelaunch vehicles.

Theseincluded studies of auxiliary devices suitable for recovery of launchvehicle stages already designed as well as of vehicle concepts in whichrecovery and reuse is reflected in the original design.NASA's launch vehicle supporting technology efforts seek to solvetechnical problems faced by launch vehicles now being designed aswell as to advance the technology required to support design, develop-ment, and manufacture of future launch vehicles.

Studies of large launch vehicle recovery and reuse continued.


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figure 1-13. 5-11 static test facilily, Santa Surana, Calif.

ENGINE DEVELOPMENTNASA continued developing the engines needed for its large launch

vehicles. These include the H-1, the F-1, the RL 10 , the 5-2, andthe M-1, all of which use liquid fuels and liquid oxygen. The H-1and F-1 burn kerosene fuel; the other three burn liquid hydrogen.The first four provide the power f o r various stages of the Saturn-classvehicles. I naddition to these, NASA supported efforts related to the solid propel-lant motor program.

The M-1 will be used in the larger Nova-class vehicles.

The R l - 1 0 A 3 EngineThe R LlO A-3 engine (fig. 1-14) uses liquid oxygen and liquid

hydrogen as propellants, develops 15,000 pounds of thrust, q d isdesigned for use in both the Centaur and the S-IV stage of the SaturnI vehicle. The Centaur will use two A 3 engines; the S-IV stagewill use sixAd's.


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33A U N C H VEHICLES A N D PROPULSION

,-e

Figure 1-14. R G l O A 4 engine.


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34 NASA EIGHTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSIn the intensive development program, RL-10 type engines have

had about 2,000 firings; and been run for a total of almost 70 hours.As test experience increased, failures become less frequent; no failuresoccurred during the 156 most recent predeclared tests which subjectedthe preliminary flight rating test configurations to the equivalent of100 full duration runs.Extensive testing has proved the components: single injectors were

fired for a total of almost 4 hours; in more than 70 firings, thrustchambers ran for a total of more than 31/_ hours; single hydrogencooled bearings lasted 71/_ hours; and single engines of one build ranfor a total of about 2 hours. In a particular test, a variable thrustversion of the engine demonstrated throttling down to 10 percent ofrated thrust.A six-engine cluster of RL--10's was test fired in a battleship 4

version of the S-IV stage. Altogether, 10 test firings were conducted ;2 of these were full duration tests, running approximately 62/_ minutes.Approximately 60 engines were acceptance tested in Florida and

delivered to the NASA for ground tests and early flight tests. En-gines for the first flight S-IV stage were delivered to the contractorfor installation in the flight vehicle.The H-I EngineThe H-1 engine (fig. 1-15), used in a cluster of eight for the S-Istage of the Saturn I, performed as expected during the third suc-cessful Saturn I test. In this and the two previous successful launches,the H-1 had a thrust rating of 165,000 pounds at sea level.During the period the contractor-produced operational trial ver-

sions of the H-1 engine were tested and proved to be equal to thosepreviously manufactured by NASA. These engines will produce188,000 pounds of thrust at sea level.A development problem which remains is the possible need for a

more resistant material for the chamber tubes to withstand opera-tions at the 188,000 pounds thrust level. A test program conductedduring this period should result in a decision on an improved materialduring the next period.F--1 EngineDuring this period, the F-1 engine (fig. 1-16), designed to pro-

duce 1,500,000 pounds of thrust for the advanced Saturn V vehicles,made satisfactory progress toward achieving operational status. Themajor development problem outstanding at the end of the last re-

See p. 22.


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35AUNCH VE.HICLES AND PROPULSION

Figum 1-15. H-1 ongino. .

Rgum 1-16. F-1 engino.706-017 0-6-


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porting period concerned the liquid oxygen pump; several explosionshad occurred. The trouble was caused in part by the test facility ; itwas successfully overcome by modifications to the piping of the teststand, by increasing clearances to avoid rubbing between parts, andby slowing the pump startup time.The major problem remaining in the F-1 program is the phenome-non known as combustion instability, which is characterized by pres-sure oscillations in the combustion gas inside the engine. The result-ing vibration can destroy the entire engine. Although combustioninstability has developed in only 7 of the 250 F-1 firings in the last2 years, even this small incidence cannot be tolerated. Cons