Seventh Semiannual Report to Congress

8/7/2019 Seventh Semiannual Report to Congress

1/170


2/170

To THE CONGRESSOF THE UN- S T A ~Pursuant to the provisions of the National Aeronautics and SpaceAct of 1958,as amended, I ransmit herewith a report on the projects

and progress of the National Aeronautics and Space Administrationfor the period of January 1 through June 30, 1962. This is theseventh of these reports since the passage of the legislation establishingthat Agency.

This report cuvers a period of acceleration in the national spacep r o p m and reveals the significant role of the National Aeronauticsand Space Administration in that progress. Congressional supportand interagency cooperation have contributsd substantially to thisrecord of s p m and aeronautics performance.

THEWHITEHOUSE,March 4,1963


3/170

SEVENTHSEMIANNUALCONGRESSREPORT TOJANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 30,1962

~

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATIONWASHINGTON 25, D.C.


4/170

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U . S . Government Printing OfaceWashington 25, D.C. - Price 75 cents


5/170

THEPRESIDENT, February 8, 1963The White Eouse.DEAR R. PRESIDENT:his Seventh Semiannual Report of the Na-

tional Aeronautics and Space Administration, covering the periodJanuary 1 through June 30, 1962, is submitted to you for transmittalto the Congress in accordance with section 206(a) of the NationalAeronautics and Space Act of 1958. The first part of this reportsummarizes NASA accom.plishments and progress ; the second partdiscusses them in detail.

During this period, an increasingly substantial number of indus-tries, educational institutions, privately supported research organiza-tions, and Government facilities joined with NASA in the drive toachieve this Nations goal of preeminence in space. The accomplisli-ments of these combined resources, as recorded in this report, giveassurance that the national space program is making significantprogress and will continue to enhance the Nations prestige and benefitits economy.Respectfully, JAMES. WEBB,

Administrator.I11


6/170


7/170

Con entsPage

THE PERIOD IN REVIEW-A Summary .._______________-14

.....ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS-The Details. _ _ - - - --. - - - - - - 17-143171717191920212122222323232425262627272728293132333434353639394041


8/170

VI C O N T E N T SPage

45454547474949505050515353535354555757575959616464646666676969696970707171717171727274747475


9/170

CONTENTS VI1

Page7576787879818182828385858586878992929292929393939494969797979798989899

101102102103103107100109111113113113


10/170

CONTENTSI11

CHAPTERPage115115116116116116117117117117117118118118118119121121121123124125126127128128128129129129130130130131131132133133133133134134135135135136136136137


11/170

CONTENTS MCHAPTEB 6M AN AG EM EN T PROCUREMENT, SUPPORT, AND SERV-

Procurement Management- - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Special Procurement Study Group- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Cost of Air Travel Reduced______________Contract Administration Office Established- - - - - - - - - -Publicizing Procurement Actions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Quality Control in Administering Contracts--_-_-----Review of Major Subcontracts- - - _ _ - _ _ - _ _ - - - - - _ _ - _ _Small Business Program Management__- - - - - - - - - - - -Total Obligations and Procurement-- - - - - - _ _ _ _ - - - - _ _

Awards to Busine ss_-- ------- ------ ------ -----Competitive Procurements__- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Small Business Parti cipat ion-- - - - - - - _ _ - --. - - 1Other Government Agencies Aid Procurement- _ _ -Major Contract Awards- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Major Contractors _ _ _ _ - - - _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ -Grants and Research Contra cts- - - - - - - _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ -

Financial Manageme nt_---_ _----- ------- ------ ------ --Fiscal Year 1963 Program _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Financial Repor t, Jun e 30, 1962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ICES-Continu&

APPENDIXESA-Memberships of Congressional Committees on Aeronautics and

S p a c e - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - ~ - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -B-Membership of the National Aeronautics and Space Council- - - - - -C-Patentable Inventions of NASA Employees Recognized by the

Agencys Inventions and Contributions Board- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -D-Publications an d Motion Pic tures_ - _ _ - - _ _ - _ _ - - - - - - - _ _ - _ _ - _ _ - - -E-Twenty-five Largest Con tracto rs__-. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -F-Research Gran ts and Contracts Initia ted From Jan uary 1 through

June 30, 1 9 6 2 _ - _ _ - _ _ _- _ - _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -ILLUSTRATIONS

Second test flight of SaturnDevelopment vehicle configurations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Sketch of Advanced Saturn highlights S-I1 stage- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Cutaw ay of S-I1 stage and an Advanced S aturn co nfigur ation_ _---- -----Cutaway of S-IV B stage___.___________.______Centaur atop an Atlas D booster________.__________Artists concept of the Nova vehicle _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Astronaut Glenn boarding Friendship 7 spacecraft- - _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Liftoff-Astronaut Carpenter inside Aurora 7 atop Atlas booster- - - - - - - -Gemini spacecraft approaches rendezvous with Agena B (sketch)- - - - - - - -Comparison of Gemini an d Mercury spacecraft- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Possible flight techniques for Project Apollo_-- _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Apollo spacecraft circumlunar configuration-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Apollo spacecraft atop Saturn C-1 launch vehicle _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Launch vehicles now in use_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -Cutaway of the Delta launch vehicle _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Page137137137138138138138138139139139139139140141141141142142

145146147148152153

18192021222425283032333435373941


12/170

x CONTENTSPage

4246464748515254606162636567737577788486

Micrometeoroid satellite (5-55) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.____________Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio_ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - - - - - - _ _ - - - - - - _ _ - - - - -Lighted gloves of Mercury pressure suit _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Contoured blood pressure cuff with microphone - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Project Mercury pressure suit__ - - - _ _ - - - - _ _ - _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Astronauts exploring moon face exposure to several types of rad iat ion --- - -Space and planetary environments simulated in laboratories---- _ _ - - - - - _ _Devices used in searching for extraterrestrial life_ _ _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -T V microscope t o detect Mart ian plants or organisms_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Some NASA educational publications- - - - - - - _ _ _ _ - - - - - - _ _ _ _ - _ _ - - - - - - - -Filming NASAs The Mastery of Space______________Spacemobile models help illustra te NASA projects- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Spacemobile-NASA traveling space science demonstration unit .__ - - - - -NASA organizational chart (March 1, 1962) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ faces page

TABLESMajor NASA launchings, January 1 through October 31, 1962- - - - - - - - - -NASA budget estimates, fiscal year 1963__________.___NASA fiscal year 1962 appropriation, June 30, 1962. . _________

9091919395

100106107108109110112113122124125127135

14142143


13/170

The Period in Review-A Summary


14/170


15/170


16/170

4 N A S A S E V E N T H S E M I A N N U A L R E P OR T TO C O N GR E SStence, NASA took par t in numerous State and regional business andindustrial meetings, and established as a policy the practice of publi-cizing subcontractor and small-business opportunities.

Also, NASA concluded plans for an 8-week space science summerstudy at the State University of Iowa. This joint study effort \\-asconducted from June 17 to August 10, under the guidance of the Na-tional Academy of Sciences; it enabled scientists from all parts of theNation to excllange ideas with NASA officials. Its objective: thatthe space program could benefit from the contributions and counsel ofthe total scientific community, and the scientific community, in turn,could better understand the Nations space objectives.

I n this period, NASA launched the first orbiting solar observatory(OSO-1) , a complex spacecraft to transmit information about solarradiation, and the ITnited States-British Ariel, a satellite to investigatethe ionosphere and its relationships Kith the sun. I n addition to thesesuccesses, other research satellites, geoprobes, and sounding rocketscontributed valuable data in astronomy and geophysics.

Throughout the period, NASA continued to make available to otherFederal agencies-including the Department of Defense, the FederalAviation Agency, and the Weather Bureau-the results of its scientificand technical investigations.Overall, NASA maintained the sense of urgency required in theaccelerated space program recommended by the President and aathor-ized by Congress.

MANNED SPACE FLIGHTNASA conducted two manned three-orbit flights in the Mercury

project ; continued spacecraft fabrication and mission planning forProject Gemini; and advanced its studies of the mission t,echniquesfor the lunar-landing Apollo project.

On February 20,1962, the Mercury project spacecraft Friendship 7 ,piloted by Astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr., successfully completed thefirst 1T.S.manned orbital flight, a three-orbit mission. Three monthslater, on May 24, Astronaut Malcolm Scott Carpenter accomplisheda second three-orbit mission and added to the knowledge derivedfrom Glenns flight.

Following these flights, NASA proceeded with plans for subsequentMercury missions, scheduling the third flight to make as many as sixorbits and extending the manned flight program to include the one-day mission. These flights will provide additional data on humanreaction to longer periods of weightlessness and evaluate both thespacecraft systems and the Mercury range network. During this

I


17/170

SUMMARY 5period, NASA began modifying four Mercury spacecraft to increasethe quantity of life-supporting consumables for the longer flights.In Project Gemini, NASA continued actions leading to ini tial testlaunchings scheduled for late 1963 and target rendezvous missions in1964 and 1965. The Agency let contracts for (1) the two-man space-craft, which will retain basic features of the Mercury capsule andwill also have ejection seats for launch pad emergencies; and ( 2 ) theTitan I1 vehicle, now being modified to launch a manned spacecraft.

I n Project Apollo, NASA continued to evaluate the three potentialmodes for the initial manned lunar-landing mission-direct ascent,earth orbit rendezvous, and lunar orbital rendezvous. (Subsequentto the close of this reporting period, NASA announced the selectionof the lunar orbital rendezvous technique as the mode for the Apollomission and began design studies for the lunar excursion module(LEM). This module will be used to land two of the three-manApollo crew on the moon; the third will remain aboard the orbitingApollo command module. Following the exploration period, thetwo astronauts will launch the LEM and rendezvous in lunar orbitwith the command module. After the explorers board the commandmodule, the three astronauts will make the return flight to earth.)

Apollo spacecraft design and development work is now underway.Further, NASA selected contractors to design certain major subsys-tems, including the telecommunication system, the stabilization andcontrol system, and the guidance and navigation system.

The Apollo flight test program was rapidly becoming a firm sched-ule, leading to the first flight tests of the boilerplate command modulein late 1963. Tests already scheduled will evaluate the launch-escapesystem, launch vehicle development, and the launch vehicle-spacecraftinteraction.This rapid progress in launch vehicle, ground facility, and space-craft development will be maintained in order to achieve the nationalgoal of landing a team of explorers on the moon and returning themto earth within this decade.

LUNAR AND PLANETARY PROGRAMSNASAs unmanned lunar and planetary programs-Ranger and

Surveyor, for exploration of the moon; and Mariner and Voyager,for investigations of Venus, Mars, and interplanetary s p a c w o n -t inued to progress despite several unsuccessful flights.

Ranger 3 and Ranger 4 were launched. These were the first twoin a series of spacecraft designed to impact the moon and send back tocarth data on the lunar environment. Both failed to complete their


18/170

6 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSmissions. Ranger 3, which missed the moon and went into solar orbit,provided gamma ray data and engineering informat,ion. Ranger 4,which landed on the moon, was unable to transmit information becauseof an electronic failure.NASA tested and checked out Ranger 5 (similar t o Rangers 3 and4) n preparation for launch in 1962 and continued developmentalwork on Rangers 6, 7, 8, and 9, which will carry more complex tele-vision equipment.

Also, the Agency continued the development of spacecraft for itsadvanced lunar program: (1) the Surveyor lander, to make a softlanding on the moon and send back data on the lunar surface andenvironment, and (2) the Surveyor lunar orbiter.The Jet Propulsion Laboratory fabricated two Mariner spacecraftfor fly-by flights to Venus and completed preliminary plans for themore advanced Mariners which will fly by Mars and gather datafrom that planet.

NASA continued studies on Voyager, its most advanced planetaryspacecraft. Proposed for launch by a Saturn-class vehicle about1966, Voyager would orbit Mars and land a capsule on the planet.

APPLICATION AND SCIENTIFIC SATELLITESDuring this reporting period, U.S. satellites supplied data for

weather analyses and forecasts, televised pictures from coast to coast,and studied the complex relationships between the earth and the sun.

Meteorological satellites furnished data for operational u-eatheranalysis and forecasting purposes and provided support for the Na-tions manned orbital flights. The fifth satellite in the TIROS serieswas orbited in June, particularly to detect tropical storms of thefall hurricane season as well as to continue gathering other weatherdata.Work continued on Nimbus, which is scheduled to succeed TIROS.Nimbus has instrumentation (TV cameras in daylight; I R Sensorsboth day and night) which will receive data from the entire globe atleast twice daily. Two data acquisition stations will allow worldwidecoverage. A mockup prototype spacecraft was b e i n g assembled andcomponents tested during this report period.The period also witnessed progress in the development of com-munications satellites: Echo I1 underwent a vertical test to study in-flation capability, a design study of a multilaunch spacecraft wascontinued, and work progressed on prototype Relay and Syncomactive communications satellites. I n addition, NASA cooperatedwith American Telephone R- Telegraph C o . in making preparations


19/170

SUMMARY 7to launch Telstar, another active (signal-transmitting) communica-tions satellite.

From January through June 1962, research satellites, geoprobes,and sounding rockets contributed valuable data in astronomy andgeophysics.

The first orbiting solar observatory (OSO-1) was launched onMarch 7 into a nearly circular orbit about 350 miles above the earth.It pointed very accurately at the center of the sun and made observa-tions of the sun never possible before. Operating almost perfectly,OSO-1 observed and measured solar flares and subflares, examinedparticles in the lower Van Allen region, measured X- and gamma-radiation, and investigated dust particles in space. It transmittedabout 1,000 hours of information on solar phenomena; the data werestill being analyzed as the period ended. Preliminary analysis of thedata, however, indicates that i t contains new information on solar flaresand quiet sun periods.Another first was the launching of the United StatesBritishAriel-the first international ionosphere sa tell ite-on April 26. Arielcontains six experiments prepared by British scientists to investigatethe ionosphere and its relationships with the sun. I t s instrumenta-tion continued to transmit useful data through this report period.A second geoprobe (the first was P-21) was used to make nighttimedensity studies of the ionosphere ( a region 200 miles above the earthvital to radio communications). This geoprobe (P-21a) comple-mented the daytime investigations of P-21 launched in October 1961.

LAUNCH VEHICLESTo carry out its many space programs, NASA must employ reliable,high-performance launch vehicles. Accordingly, the Agency stressed

the design and development of those needed for the future, continuedto improve those now in use, and pressed for more powerful propulsionsystems.

For the launch vehicles being developed, NASA made advances indesign, testing, and fabrication. Ti tan I1 was selected to launchGemini. It is being developed by the Air Force and during the periodunderwent two successful test firings.

Saturn C-1, the vehicle that mill serve as the test bed for the Apolloprogram, underwent its second successful test firing. Work on theSaturn stages also progressed: The first stage for the third vehiclewas static tested; that of the fourth vehicle w as almost completelyfabricated; and manufacture of the second stage S-IV is proceed-

I 613936 0-63-2


20/170

8 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSing as programed to meet delivery date for its first live firing (withthe fifth Saturn C-1 launch).

Advanced Saturn design and development work progressed asNASA accomplished several major preliminary steps : Signed acontract in February covering major aspects of the first stage; com-pleted analysis for the structure of the second stage and the designphase of the third stage; and, through the contractor, began procur-ing material and fabricating the necessary tooling for the second stage.

The Centaur vehicle, which will have lunar, planetary, and earthorbital missions, consists of a liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen upperstage (also called Centaur) with a modified Atlas first stage. On thefirst developmental flight in May, the Centaur stage exploded. Thesecond flight has been delayed until necessary modifications can beincorporated in the vehicle.

For the Nova project, NASA reviewed the concept and preliminarydesign proposals, but delayed initiating contracts until it could deter-mine the mode for the initial lunar landing mission.

To provide the power fo r these launch vehicles, NASA pushed de-velopment of advanced liquid propulsion engines. These include theR L l O (A-1-15,000-pound-thrust-and A-3 versions), the J-2(200,000-pound-thrust), and the M-1 (1.2-million-pound-thrust) hy-drogen-oxygen engines ; and the very large F-1 (1.5-million-pound-thrust) engine.

Along with emphasis on the development of large launch vehicles,NASA continued to seek improved performance and greater relia-bility from the launch vehicles already in use. A new third stagefo r Scout performed satisfactorily, and a higher thrust first stage anda new four th stage were tested.

Delta continued in use as a launch vehicle for the TIROS and othersatellites. Because of its proved reliability and effectiveness-nineconsecutive successful launches-NAS A increased the quantity to beprocured and plans to use these for additional launches.

The Thor-Agena B and the Atlas-Agena B carried on as heavy-dutylaunch vehicles. Improvements were made in the Atlas-Agena B,before it successfully launched Ranger 4 and Mariner E. Because ofthe potential value of Agena B, NASA and the DOD agreed to de-velopa standardized advanced version-the Agena D.

~

~

PROPULSION AND POWER GENERATION RESEARCHI NASA continued to progress with numerous experiments and stud-

ies in propulsion and power generation. Liquid, solid, nuclear, andelectric propulsion projects advanced knowledge and produced tech-


21/170

SUMMARY 9nology applying directly to both space flight and exploratory mis-sions. Similarly, significant results stemmed from solar, chemical,and nuclear power generation research projects.

Liquid propulsion research efforts disclosed two promising con-cepts for thrust control of spacecraft engines; successfully demon-strated longtime storability and restartability of a spacecraftpropulsion system ; ompleted preliminary design of liquid rocket en-gines that produce 6 million or more pounds of thrust ; and com-pleted advanced design concepts of two extremely large engines(24-million-pound-thrust) . Further, the Agency advanced its studiesinvolving propellant flow, propellant flow measurement, and combus-tion chamber pressure measurement.

I n conducting research on solid propulsion systems, NASA demon-strated a motor that uses multiple layers of propellants (one of themost efficient designs ever tested) ;moved toward development of asteering system to control the flight of solid propulsion vehicles; andcompleted a study of acoustical problems related to large solid motors(concluding generally that these problems pose no insurmountable ob-stacle for engineers). Additiondly, the Agency continued investi-gating the potential of solids for large launch-vehicle stages.with A EC to prove the Kiwi reactor design and to produce a nuclearrocket engine (NERVA). Also, the RIFT (Reactor I n Flight Test)project advanced sufficiently to permit selection of a prime contractorto design, develop, test, and deliver a RIFT stage. Beyond RIFT,NASA took steps in June to advance the overall nuclear vehicle con-cept; this effort should lead to an operating vehicle for specific NASAmissions.

Electric propulsion research activities also mad; headway. Threeelectrothermal (arc- et) engine models were tes ted-one 1-kilowattflight engine and two 30-kilowatt engines. Development work on twoelectrostatic (ion) engines continued j and NASA sponsored con-tinued studies of electromagnetic (plasma) engines.

I n its solar and chemical power-generation research endeavors,NASA extended studies related to solar cells, batteries, fuel cells,thermionic devices, mechanical power conversion, and solar concen-trators. Studies to design a solar cell panel that would halve thenumber of cells needed per unit of power received increased attention.Under a battery-development program, NASA made available fourstandard-sized space batteries. It also neared complete developmentof a 250-watt hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell system and advanced thetinued its efforts to develop the 3-kilowatt Sunflower turboelectricpower system.

I I n nuclear propulsion research, NASA continued its joint effortsI

II work on a regenerative hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. Finally, it con-


22/170

10 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSI n nuclear power generation studies, NASA and AEC advanced

the SNAP-8 (System for Nuclear Auxiliary Power) project. Further,NASA continued its work on the data and technology necessary toconstruct lightweight, high-powered nuclear electric systems. I nthis effort, it started test operations of two boiling and condensingpotassium heat-transfer rigs-a 300-kilowatt loop and a 100-kilowatttest rig. TRACKING NETWORKS

NASA expanded and improved the three networ ks manned spaceflight, deep space, and satellite-that make up its worldwide com-munications and tracking system. It also improved the Wallopsfacility.

The manned space flight network performed effectively during theMA-6 and MA-7 flights. Nevertheless, NASA continued to improvethis network by installing additional command and receiving equip-ment to strengthen the networks control and communicationsfacilities.

Extensive improvements to the deep space network were in progress.The Goldstone, Calif., station acquired commercial electric power, anadditional 85-foot parabolic antenna, and a 30-foot ranging antenna.The Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, and Woomera, Aus-tralia, stations improved their capabilities to transmit commands tospacecraft.

Also, NASA continued to extend its satellite network; it progressedwith the construction of a satellite tracking station in North Carolinaand another in Alaska, and arranged to establish a third in the FarEast.

NASA also installed equipment in the networks 13 operating sta-tions so that they can handle more complex coding systems. And itbegan equipping them with antennas that will automatically tracksatellites.

The Wallops facility also improved its tracking facilities. It under-took to obtain a new amplifier that will greatly increase the trackingcapabilities of its S-band radar. And i t acquired a 940-ton ship to beused as a telemetry and surface surveillance station and a recoveryvessel.

AERONAUTICS AND SPACE RESEARCHThe success of the Nations long-range aeronautical and space en-

deavors depends directly on the research efforts now underway atNASAs centers and at the facilities of research contractors. Theseefforts produced significant results during the period covered by thisreport.

I


23/170

SUMMARY 11I n the aeronautics field, the X-15 (NASA-Air Force-Navy) essen-tially reached its design altitude in a flight to 247,000 feet. Subse-

quently, it was decided to use the X-15 for research studies andexperiments related to space flight. The Agency also extended itswork on the kitelike paraglider-a device to enable space vehicles,capsules, and boosters to make controlled landings.

NASA continued to conduct research on many V/STOL (Vcrt icalor Short Takeoff and Landing) approaches and concepts, includingtilt rotor, deflected slipstream, tilt wing, tilt duct, and fan-in-wingaircraft. Additionally, the Agency gained vital data on design andperformance of supersonic transport aircraft, on handling require-ments and qualities, and on aircraft structure. It also advanced its.space research projects and broadened its base of knowledge formanned flight, unmanned exploration, scientific experiments, andnavigation and guidance.

For stabilization and control of space vehicles and satellites. NASAexperimented with adaptive and reaction controls (mechanical), withgyros, and with jet gas. It also determined instrument requirementsfor midcourse control.

Through other research activities geared to space missions, NASAprogressed with its programs to provide astrophysical, biomedical,and engineering recording devices (for example, microminiaturizedbiological sensors and transmitters, freeing wearers of attachedwires) ; ook action leading to automated launch sites; began effortsrelated to improved data-processing systems and automatic computingdevices; and furthered research to improve ways of transmitting soundand visual communications. The Agency also conducted experimentsto solve the communication blackout problem during the criticalreentry phase of space flight.

LIFE SCIENCE PROGRAMSDuring this report period, NASA made substantial advances in

the life science activities, which provide support for the Nationsspace programs. In the orbital flight,s of Glenn and Carpenter, bio-medical scientists demonstrated their ability to help assure the health,safety, and reliability of men in space flight missions.

Since the duration of weightlessness on these flights and the otherstresses of space did not impair astronaut performance, an increasingnumber of orbits were being planned for later missions. Extendedflights of two men in a single capsule (Project Gemini) and manslunar travel and exploration (Project Apollo) thereby moved intoclearer focus in the space timetable.


24/170

12 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSNASA further accelerated its life science activities by expanding

its biosciences programs and by creating, in June, an Office of Bio-technology and Human Research in the Office of Advanced Researchand Technology. I t s purpose is to provide data on mans adaptabilityto outer space stresses as a basis fo r designing spacecraft of the future.Physical biologists inten-sified their efforts in planning and building more sophisticated in-struments to measure life processses. Physiologists experimentedwith the growth and development of living matter in outer spaceenvironments simulated in the laboratory. They also continued toinvestigate the effects of weightlessness, radiation, and accelerationson the human body, and mans need for food and his other require-ments in space.

Exobiologists analyzed meteorites for traces of life and sampledthe earths upper atmosphere for evidence of seeding of organicmatter from planet to planet. They also planned instrumented space-craft for Martian landings to identify living forms there in prep-aration for the eventual manned search of the moon and the planetsfor extraterrestrial life.

Research in biology was emphasized.

I INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONBy June 30,7 more Nations had joined the United States to support

the development of peaceful uses of outer space, bringing to 57 thoseuniting with NASA in joint flights, flight support, or training pro-grams.

Assistance from abroad ranged from creating the worldwide Mer-cury tracking network for the first manned orbital flight in February,to conducting special weather observations to aid in the researchinterpretations of TIROS data, and to plans for building terminals forthis countrys future communications satellites.

Over 50 scientists from 21 countries expressed an interest in be-coming ground observers of signals from NASAs ionosphere beaconsatellite, scheduled for launching early in 1963 to study the composi-tion and behavior of the electrified levels of the atmosphere.

The Agency also enlisted the participation of the worlds earthscientists in Project ANNA, which is to use a geodetic satellite to mapthe globe and study its gravitational field and internal composition.During the reporting period 1,486 foreign nationals visited NASAfacilities in the TJnited States; NASA sent 145 of i ts personnel abroadto participate in international conferences and symposia. Seven stu-dents from 5 countries were studying the space sciences at 6 Americanuniversities, and 14 students from 3 countries received training inspace research a t Goddard Space Flight Center and Wallops Station.

I


25/170

SUMMARY 13MANAGEMENT, PROCUREMENT, SUPPORT, ANDSERVICES

During this period, NASA added over 1,800 professional personnelto its staff. At the tame time the Agency concentrated on trainingfuture executives to manage its varied, complex activities.During this time, NASAs launch facilities at the Atlantic and

Pacific Missile Ranges at Cape Canaveral, Fla., and Point Mugu,Calif., were set up as independent field installations for a more im-mediate response to the needs of specific flight programs.

Further, to improve its procurement management of the Apollo andS-I1 (second stage of advanced Saturn) programs, NASA placedan on-site management unit in the plant of a major contractor for di-rect administration of contracts.To speed the availability of information generated by NASA-sup-ported investigations and other data in space science and technology,NASA, in January, selected a contractor to operate its central scien-tific and technical information-processing facility.

I n addition, the agency-seeking still more efficient, rapid methodsof retrieving data by machines than those being used at this facility-signed a research contract emphasizing information and dataretrieval.

As this report is being prepared, NASA continues to make signifi-cant advances. The experimental communications satellite Telstarwas launched on July 10; it successfully relayed intercontinental tele-phone, radio, and television messages. Mariner 11,placed on a Venusfly-by trajectory on August 27, initially followed an off-course pathbut was effectively corrected by radio signal on )September 4. Cal-culated miss distance was 20,000 statute miles, well within the allow-able 40,000-mile effective range. On October 3, a completely successfulsix-orbit manned flight took place, with Astronaut Walter M. Schirraas pilot of the spacecraft Sigma 7.


26/170

14 N A S A SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT To CONGREWMajor NASA Launchimgs, Cape Canaveral , Fla., Jan. 1Qct. 31 , 1%2

Name, date launched, miasion

Ranger III, Jan. 28. To impact moon; T V photog-raphy and X-ray spectrmpy; rough-land surviv-able capsule containing seismometer; perform engi-neeringexperiments in att itude controland guidance..

TI ROS IV, Feb. 8. To helpdevelopa weathersatellitesystem; obtain cloud and radiation data for use inmeteorology.

Mercury-Atlas VI, Feb. 20. To orbit and recovermanned spacecraft; evaluate spacecraft performance;investigate mans capabilities in space environment;obtain pilots evaluation of operational suitability ofspacecraft and supporting systems.

Orbiting Solar Observatory (09 0-I) , Mar. 7. Toplace satellite in ea rth orbit to measure solar electro-magnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, X-ray andgamma ray regions; investigate dust particles in spaceand improve future spacecraft design.

Ranger IV, Apr. 23. To im pa d moon; T V photog-raphy and X-ray spectroscopy of lunar surfaoe;rough-land survivable seismometer on lunar surface; per-form engineering experiment8 in a ttitude control andguidance.

Ariel (flrst international ionosphere satellite, UnitedStates-British 8-51), Apr. 28. To place. satellite inearth orbit and to investigate the ionosphere and itsrelationship with the sun.

Mercury-Atlas VII, May 24. To orbit and recovermanned spacecraft to: evaluate man-spaeacraftsystem performance; investigate mans capabilities inspace; obtain pilots opinion on spacecraft and alliedsystems suitability.

TIR OS V, June 19. To placesatellite in earth orbit toprovide weather data fo r operational weather a na lysis and research study, especially during the 1962hurricane season; develop principles toward opera.tional weather satellite system.

Launch vehioie

Atlas-Agena B---,

Atlas D._________

Delta- - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Atlas-Agena B- _ _

Delta- _ _._______

Test result8

Moon not impacted; placedin solar orbit. TV signaltoo weak te be useful.Gamma-ray data received.

lrbi t achieved. All systemstransmitting data. Trans-mission of useful T V pic-tures ended about June 12.

3rbit achieved; spacecraftand astronaut recovered.

3rb it achieved. Experi-ments transmitting as pro-gramed.

[mpacted moon. No scien-title data obtained.

Orbit achieved. Most exper-iments transmitting data.

Orbit and all other objectivesachieved. Spacecraft andpilot recovered.

Orbit achieved. Camerastransmitting excellent pho-tographs.

The following launchings occurred after the closing date of this report:Telstar I-July 10, 1962Mariner 11-Aug. 27,1962Explorer XIV-Oct. 2, 1962Mercury-Atlas VIII-Oct. 3, 1962Ranger V-Oct. 18,1962Explorer XV-Oct. 27,1962

TIR OS VI-Bpt. 18,1962

ANNA-Oct. 31,1962NOTE.--information outlined in this table is given in greater detail in the Bpsce Activities Summaries

prepared by and available from the 05ce.of Public Serviees and Information, National Aeronautics andSpace.Administration, Washington 25, D.C.


27/170

Activities and Accomplishments-The Details


28/170


29/170

CHAPTER 1

Large Launch Vehic le an d M an n e dSpacecraft Development

During this reporting period, NASA made significant progresstoward developing large launch vehicles, together with bigger engines,and manned spacecraft. Accomplishments in these areas reflect thedual emphasis placed on the short-range goal of a lunar landing duringthis decade and the long-range objective of preeminence in space.

LAUNCH VEHICLES BEING DEVELOPEDNASA took vigorous steps to develop and make way for production

of the more powerful launch vehicles that are necessary for theGemini and Apollo projects, as well as for certain unmanned spaceprograms. These vehicles include the Saturn C-1, the AdvancedSaturn C-5, the Ti tan 11, the Centaur, and the Nova concept.Saturn C 1

The Saturn C-1, designed to launch heavy payloads in the periodbeyond 1963, will be the test bed for the Apollo spacecraft program.The first stage of this vehicle consists of eight H-1 engines clustered ;it s takeoff thrust is 1.5 million pounds.NASA has conducted two successful flights of the C-1. The firstwas discussed in NASAs sixth semiannual report; the second, illus-trated in figure 1-1, took place on Apri l 25. I n both tests, the vehicleconsisted of the live first stage and dummy second and third stages.NASA designated the first vehicle SA-1 ; the second, SA-2.

The SA-2 vehicle arrived a t Cape Canaveral via barge on February27, 1962, and was erected on the launch pad on March 2. When the10-hour countdown began (Apr il 24), it proceeded without a singletechnical problem. A ship entering the range area caused the soledelay. Overall vehicle performance was completely satisfactory.Only the long cable mast and theLOX mast suffered real damage fromthe launch ; other components suffered only minor damage. Erectionof the umbilical tower will eliminate the long masts for future flights.

I n addition to having a successful launch, the SA-2 enabled NASAto conduct Project High Water. The vehicle carried 95 tons of water

I

17


30/170

18 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS

Figure 1-1. Second test flight of Saturn C-1.ballast and dumped it at an altitude of 65 miles. This experimentprovided scientists with the information discussed in chapter 3,page 50.

Following the first four flight tests (SA-1 through S A 4 ) , theSA-5 and SA-6 launches will provide orbital flight tests of the boiler-plate Apollo A spacecraft. Flights SA-7 and SA-8 will provide re-entry tests on the spacecraft. And launches SA-9 and SA-10 willprovide flight tests for the Apollo prototype spacecraft. Assumingsuccessful completion of these tests, subsequent vehicles will be con-sidered operational.


31/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 19Progress With S-1 First Stage.-Work on the S-I stage of the

third Saturn flight (SA-3) is proceeding on schedule; the stage hasbeen static fired for a short duration. NASA expects to launch theSA-3 in the fall of 1962.Work on the S-I for the fourth flight is also on schedule-struc-tural fabrication is almost complete, and final assembly is in the laststage. All eight of its H-1 engines were successfully tested and ap-proved for installation.

For test firings after the fourth (SA-4) , the S-I stage will have adifferent configuration. Redesign of this vehicle for test flight No.5 (SA-5) is progressing on schedule. Figure 1-2 illustrates the con-figurations of the Saturn C-1 for the first four flights and that forflights from SA-5 on.

Figure 1-2. Development vehicle configurations.Besides having a new S-I configuration, SL4-5 will have a poweredS-IV second stage.Progress With the Second Stage (S -ZV) -The S-IV (second)stage of the Saturn C-1 vehicle consists of six RLlO A-3 liquid oxygen-

liquid hydrogen engines, each of which generates a thrust of 15,000i


32/170

20 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSpounds for a total thrust of 90,000 pounds. The S-IV will have itsfirst powered flight on the fifth Saturn launch (SA-5).

The contractors S-IV static test facility stand No. 1,at Sacramento,Calif., was modified and the static test vehicle installed. Hot firingsof all six engines then took place.

The S-IV manufacturing plan is proceeding as programed andshould meet the delivery date for the SA-5.Advanced Saturn

The Advanced Saturn launch vehicle will serve as a basic vehicle fo rmanned circumlunar missions (flights from earth around the far sideof the moon and back to earth), for lunar orbital missions (Apollo),and for supporting unmanned lunar and planetary explorations. Thislaunch vehicle, shown in fig. 1-3, will be able to put more than 100tons in a low earth orbit o r to send more than 40 tons to the vicinityof the moon.

Figure 1-3. Sketch of A dv an ce d Saturn highlights S-ll stage.NASA announced on April 18, 1962, that the highest national pri-

ority (DX) had been approved for Apollo, Saturn C-1, and SaturnC-5. The priori ty includes all stages, engines, facilities, and related


33/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 21construction for production, test, research, launch and instru-mentation.

Booster Stage (S-IC) -The Advanced Saturn first or booster stage(S-IC) will be powered by five F-1 engines for a total thrust of 7.5million pounds. It will have a propellant capacity of approximately4.4 million pounds of liquid oxygen and kerosene carried in two tanks,each 33 feet in diameter.

I n late 1961, NASA held a design competition f o r the S-IC stage.On February 14,1962, the agency signed a preliminary contract (witha performance period through July 31,1962), covering indoctrination,planning, design, development, manufacture, test, and launch opera-tions of S-IC stages.

Second Stage (8-11)-The second stage (S-11) will be poweredby five J-2 engines, each developing 200,000 pounds of thrust. Thepropellant (liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen) capacity will beabout 930,000 pounds. (Fig. 1 4 hows a cutaway of this stage.)

Figure 1-4. C u t a w a y of S-ll stage an d a n A dv an ce d Saturn configuration.For various components of the system, the development contractor

has completed preliminary analyses of the stage structure ; studied,evaluated, defined, and coordinated design concepts and efforts; pre-


34/170

22 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSpared specifications and drawings; and started action to procurematerial and to fabricate tooling.Third S tage (8-ZBB) -The third stage (S-IVB) of the AdvancedSaturn, shown in figure 1-5, will use one 5-2 engine for a total thrustof 200,000 pounds. It will carry 230,000 pounds of liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen propellant. The preliminary design phase was com-pleted during this period. This phase included a complete programfor design, development, manufacture, and operational support ofthe S-IVB stage, including checkout and support equipment. Theprogram is making use of S-IV (Saturn C-1 second stage) technologyand design philosophy; it will also use S-IV parts and tooling.

Figure 1-5. Cutaway of S-IVB stage.Titan II

NASA had already selected the Air Force-developed Titan I1 as thelaunch vehicle for the Gemini spacecraft. The agency made thisselection to save both the money and the time that a new developmentprogram for an equally powerful vehicle would require.

During January and February, this vehicle underwent, additionalcaptive firing tests. On March 16, the Air Force successfully fireda Titan 11;on this first full-scale test, the vehicle flew 5,000 miles out


35/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 23over the Atlantic Ocean. A second successful test launch b j he AirForce occurred on June 7. The program calls for additional flighttests of Titan I1 during the next report period.

During this period, NASA worked closely with the Air Force andthe contractor to modify the Titan I1 for manned space flight.Atlas-Centaur

The Atlas-Centaur, the two-stage vehicle using the Atlas first stageand a new liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen engine second stage, hasmissions in support of lunar and planetary programs such as theSurveyor and the advanced Mariner B.

The first Atlas-Centaur, illustrated in figure 1-6, was launched fromCape Canaveral on May 8, 1962. After 54 seconds of flight, the Cen-taur stage exploded. The Atlas booster performed well until theexplosion occurred. It was concluded that aerodynamic forces liftedthe weather shield between the forward end of the vehicle and thenose cone, causing the failure. This par t will be redesigned and testedbefore a second test f l i g h t n o w scheduled for early 1963.

Despite the failure, NASA derived benefits: It accomplished theobjectives of successfully testing the launch facility and mating thevehicle to it. Personnel also gained confidence in their ability tohandle the extremely cold liquid hydrogen.Nova

The Nova launch vehicle, illustrated in figure 1-7, represents thenext proposed step up the higher thrust, greater payload-capacityscale. During the reporting period, NASA reviewed proposals for adetailed system definition and preliminary design of this vehicle.(The Nova concept was discussed in detail in NASAs sixth semiannualreport.)

NASA delayed ini tiating contracts until a decision was reached onthe primary method of lunar landing. (Since the end of the reportingperiod, NASA selected the lunar orbital rendezvous technique andimmediately began a reoriented study of the Nova configuration.)

LIQUID PROPULSION ENGINES BEING DEVELOPEDLaunch vehicle development directly aff eats the pace at whichNASA can progress toward its many goals. I n turn, engine, devel-

opment determines the rate of progress of the advanced launch vehicleprograms. Achievements in the individual engine projects have nsignificant bearing on the Nations overall space effort. NASA ispressing for operational capability of the four liquid propellant en-

673938 ----3


36/170

24 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL R E P O R T TO CONGRESS

Figure 1-6. Centaur atop a n A t la s D booster.gines needed in the immediate future.10, the 5-2, the M-1, and the F-1.The RL-10 Rocket Engine

The RL-10 is the Nations first rocket engine developed to use hy-drogen as a fuel. It uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propel-lants, develops a thrust of 15,000 pounds, and is about 35 percent moreeffective than rocket engines fueled with kerosene.

These are designated the RL-


37/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 25An early version of the engine, designated A-1, qualified for limited

use in experimental flight programs toward the end of 1961 and isnow in production. NASA will use it in the present two-enginedCentaur vehicle and in ground testing related to Saturns six-enginedS-IV stage.

An advanced version of the engine, designated A-3, will be used inlater versions of the Centaur vehicle and in the S-IV flight stage.

Development work on the A-3 engine has progressed far enough t opermit the test which qualifies the engine for experimental flight op-erations. This development work has produced improvements inseveral areas where the A-1 engine was deficient. Among these arethrust control during engine s tar tup and shutdown and a simplifiedmethod of achieving propellant flow balance. I n addition, the A-3engine will have increased performance over the A-1.

Figure 1-7. Artists concept of the N o v a vehicle.5-2 Hydrogen-Oxygen Engine

The 5-2 hydrogen-oxygen engine will provide the power for boththe second and third stages of the advanced Saturn. Tests of theengines major components proceeded to a point that permitted as-


38/170

26 N A S A S E V E N T H S E M I A N N U A L R EP O R T T O C O N GR E SSsembly into a complete engine. The first 5-2 engine underwent aseries of cold tests in which mechanical components were activatedand propellants flowed but were not ignited. This test checked theoperation of the system involved in s tart ing the engine. In thefollowing weeks, this same engine was operated about a dozen timesand attained a thrust (calculated for vacuum conditions) of over200,000 pounds. Init ia l problems included failure of the hydrogenpump to maintain a continuous flow to the engine, and overheating ofgas generator. Subsequent tests have attempted to correct thesedifficulties and attain longer runs.The M-1 Engine

The M-1, largest of the hydrogen-oxygen engines being developed,will power the upper stages of the large launch vehicles such as Nova.It will produce 1.2 million pounds of thrust.

I n January, af ter competitive negotiations, NASA selected a con-tractor to design and develop the M-1 and confirmed the selectionby signing a letter contract on April 30. Design and developmentare now proceeding on schedule.The F-1 Engine

The F-l engine is intended for use in the first stage of the tdvancedSaturn. The pianned cluster of five F-1s will give the first stage ofthe ndvanced Saturn a total thrust of 7.5 million pounds.In tests, the F-1 ran for 150 seconds at less than rated thrust ; only

for shorter periods did it produce the full 1.5 million pounds. Therate of testing was deliberately held down to permit careful inspectionof the running parts. There w as additional delay because one ofthe two test stands was inoperative for 2 months.

The F-1 program made satisfactory progress in other areas. Theseinclude development of the gas generator that drives the p u m p ,redesign of this generators injector, and assembly and fabricationof a satisfactory thrust chamber structure.F-1 deliveries should start in mid-1963 to meet adv:tnced Saturnrequirements. For this reason, test stand construction has increased.NASA let a contract to design a facility of three acceptance test standsand support activities to be built at Edwards Ai r Force Base. Exca-vation has already started; construction was to begin in the fall of1962, with completion of the first stand expected 1 year later.

Overall, NASA continued its drive to update, develop, and producethe launch vehicles for all of its planned programs. Early achieve-ments of such operational systems is vital to the Nations total space

The first 5-2 engine was hot-tested a t the end of March.


39/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 27effort. Based on the progress as identified here, this Agency is confi-dent that i t can accomplish the launchings scheduled-and can do SOwithin the time per,iods selected.

MANNED SPACECRAFT DEVELOPMENTWhile NASAs large launch-vehicle engine development programs

were being pushed, the manned space flight and spacecraft, programsachieved historic goals in certain areas and made notable progress inothers.

Project Mercury reached its second milestone in tlie advance fromshort-time manned suborbital flight tow-ard an orbital mission of 24hours. Project Gemini continued its progress as the follow-on toMercury. And Apollo moved forward to the point that i t becamefeasible to intensify design and development of the spacecraft com-mand and service modules.Project Mercury

Twice during the period Project Mercury achieved manned orbitalflight. I n the first instance, Astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr., was atthe controls of the Friendship 7 spacecraft. I n the second flight,Astronaut Malcolm Scott Carpenter performed the control tasks.Data acquired from these flights enabled NASA to plan the pro-gressively longer orbital missions of the Mercury project through the6 6one-day mission.First Manned Orbi ta l FZight.-The first manned orbital flight ofProject Mercury took place on February 20, 1062. (See fig. 1-8.)The major objectives were to investigate mans capabilities in tlie spaceenvironment and to test both spacecraft and supporting systems. Theflight met all test objectives and was therefore completely successful.

The apogeeof orbit was about 141 miles; perigee was about 86. The actual se-quence, flight, and tracking times were all witliin seconds of thoseplanned.

The flight accomplished three full orbits before the spacecraftlanded in the planned recovery area, 700 miles southeast of Cape Ca-naveral, at 2:43 p.m. e.s.t. During this flight, Glenn experiencedweightlessness for 4.6 hours with no adverse effect on his performance.He reported it to be a rather pleasant sensation.

The astronaut made visual and photographic observations of theearth, clouds, horizon, and stars. He also observed brilliant lumi-nous particles (fireflies) traveling with him in orbit at every sun-rise (an observation confirmed by Carpenter in the next orbital flight).

Lift-off, launch, and insertion into orbit were perfect.


40/170

28 NAsA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSThe source and nature of these particles are under intensive scientificstudy, but they remain unidentified.The Operations Director was faced with a critical decision duringthe flight. A telemetry signal indicated that the landing bag andheat shield were deployed while the spacecraft was in orbit. Groundsystem monitors could not determine whether the heat shield deploy-ment mechanism had been actuated or a sensing switch failure wasproducing a false telemetry signal. Therefore, Glenn received instruc-tions to reenter with the retropackage still held fast to the heat shield.The straps which retain the retropackage would thus give addedassurance that the heat shield would not separate prematurely. Re-entry occurred without incident, and subsequent investigation showeda malfunctioning switch in the indication c i rcu i t .

Figure 1-8. Astronaut Glenn boarding Friendship 7 spacecraft.The capsule landed 5 miles from the destroyer U.S.S. N o a and was

quickly recovered from the water in good condition.Second Manned Orbital Fl igh t ( M A - 7 ) -The second orbital flightof the Project Mercury program took place on May 24, 1962, with

Astronaut Malcolm Scott Carpenter in the spacecraft Aurora 7. Theobjective of this flight was to continue the evaluation of mans capabili-


41/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 29ties in the space environment. The flight W;LSsuccessful and yieldeda great quantity of useful engineering and scientific data.

Lift-off (shoxn in figure 1-9) took place at 7 :45 a.m. e.s.t. from CapeCanaveral. The launching was particularly notable, for i t occurredwithout a single hold for the launch vehicle or spacecraft systems.The entire powered phase of flight was normal, and all systems func-tioned perfectly. Apogee and perigee of the orbit were about 145and 86 miles, respectively, and all times and operations were nominal.After three full orbits, the spacecraft landed at 12:31 p.m. e.s.t., 250miles downrange of tlie planned recovery area.As was the case with Glenn in the MA-6 flight, Carpenter experi-enced about 5 hours of weightlessness. He reported that it, was thefirst time his pressure suit had ever felt comfortable.

I n addition to making visual observations, he took over 200 colorshots of clouds, terrain, sunset, the booster, and the sunrise particlesor fireflies that Glenn had reported. These photographs mill beof great value in developing space navigational procedures, in makingmeteorological studies, in detecting meteorite impact features on earth,and in studying light characteristics in the upper atmosphere.

Carpenter made observations of the haze layer, using the windowreticle and special light filters. He also performed tests to determinehow best to visually orient the spacecraft while on the dark side ofthe orbit.

Additional experiments conducted during the flight includedrecording the motions of an enclosed liquid under conditions ofweightlessness, tracking the booster in orbit from the spacecraft, andobserving a balloon tethered to the orbiting spacecraft. The lastastronauts color-sighting ability, was not successful.

I

III

I experiment, designed to make drag measurements and determine tlie

difficulties until the end of the third orbit over Hawaii, just prior to

~

The MA-7 flight proceeded smoothly with only minor technicalretrofire. At that time, Carpenter reported difficulty with the auto-matic control system which established the spacecraft attitude forretrofire. To meet tlie emergency, the astronaut manually controlledretrofire and the spacecraft attitude. Variations between desired andactual spacecraft attitude and time of firing resulted in an overshootof the planned recovery area by 200-250 miles.

Astronaut Carpenter was sighted by a search plane about 1 hourafter impact. Three hours after he landed, lielicopters from theU.S.S. Int repid picked him up. The spacecraft was recovered by thedestroyer U.S.S. Pierce, approximately 6 hours after impact.

M&sion Planning fo r Future Ifermry Flights.-The next U S .manned or;bital flight is scheduled for late 1962; the program calls

,


42/170

30 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSi

Figure 1-9. Liftoff-Astronaut Carpenter inside A u rc ra 7 atop At las booster .

for as many as six orbits. No major change in spacecraft systemswill be required, but the flight plan anticipates considerable drift-ing flight to conserve fuel for reentry maneuvering. An evaluatiollof the results of this flight wil l determine whether N A S A will need:In additional Mercury flight of this duration. Following this flightwill come the 1-day mission.


43/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 31The l-day mission represents an extension of the Mercury programin that it will use existing hardware in flights of 24 hours. Such a

mission provides the opportunity to acquire essential data on humanreaction to an extended period of weightlessness and also serves tobetter evaluate spacecraft systems and the Mercury network. Theknowledge gained from the completion of this program will be directlyapplicable to NASA manned space flight projects such as Geminiand Apollo.

Four Mercury spacecraft will be modified for the l-day missions.Modifications to the present Mercury configuration mill increase thequantity of life-supporting consumables such as oxygen, food, andwater ; also, certain equipment changes will be made as an outgrowthof Mercury experience. Work on modifying and assembling thespacecraft is proceeding on schedule.

The flight plan for the l-day mission will provide for conservationand best use of other consumables such as attitude control fuel andelectrical power. The spacecraft will be launched from Cape Canav-eral, using the Atlas launch vehicle. After launch, the spacecraftwill orbit the earth for up to 24 hours, then reenter and land in apredetermined area of the Atlantic Ocean. The tracking and data-acquisition facilities of the existing Mercury network will be extendedto support the l-day mission.

Project Orbit, the mission simulation portion of the l-day missionproject, is of particular interest. Here a complete production space-craft is flown in the simulated vacuum and temperature of an earth-orbit for any length of time desired. The spacecraft systems areoperated as they would be on an actual l-day mission and extensivedata are collected. The mission simulation is designed to test particu-la r subsystems and to establish a high level of confidence in systemsperformance. The testing to date has materially helped to fix andconfirm the new design of a thruster for controlling the spacecraftattitude and to establish reliable quantity figures for consumablesduring a l-day mission.

Theaccomplishments and timing of the remaining missions will leadlogically and expeditiously into the Gemini program.

Plans call for the first manned l-day mission early in 1963.

Project Geminiorbital rendezvous technique (shown in fig. 1-10), and to study theeffectsof weightlessness during space flights of long duration. Such aspacecraft w,ill be capable of performing a variety of missions. For

I Project Gemini will provide a two-man spacecraft to develop the


44/170

32 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSinstance, its ability to carry out orbital rendezvous might allow it tobe used as a vehicle for resupply, spacecraft inspection or repair,orbital rescue, or personnel transfer.

The Gemini Comept.-In general, the Gemini project philosophyis to make maximum use of available hardware developed for otherprograms but modified to meet' the needs of this project. I n this way,NASA minimizes requirements for hardware development and quali-fication and makes certain that the project will proceed rapidly.

Another fundamental concept is that the design of the spacecraftwill provide for modular systems independent of each other as muchRS possible. Consequently, NASA can use equipment of varyingdegrees of sophistication as it becomes available and as mission require-ments are tightened. It can thus a ttain mission objectives as rapidlyas the state of the ar t permits.

Gemini resembles the present Mercury vehicle and makes use ofits proven basic concepts, retaining the aerodynamic shape, thermalprotection, and systems hardware. However, Gemini is larger (asshown in fig. 1-11) : it will accommodate a crew of two; it w-ill have

Figure 1-1 0. Gemini spacecraft approaches rendezvous with Agena B (sketch).


45/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 33

Figure 1-1 1 . Comparison of Gem ini an d M ercury spacecraft .ejection seats for pikd emergencies and for a backup recovery system;structural and equipment rearrangements will provide for improvedaccess; and a portion of the adapter will be retained in orbit to housecertain expendable equipment.

The spacecraft booster will be the Titan IT, modified as requiredfor use as a man-rated launch vehicle. Such modifications mill en-able the Titan to accept the Gemini spacecraft as a payload and assurepilot safety during the launch operation. Additioiial changes will in-crease the probability of mission success. Titan I1 and all supportingequipment will be used to the maximum to conserve time and effortin the development of the launch vehicle.

The target for the rendezvous missions will be the Agena vehicle,suitably modified to provide multiple restart, radar and visual acqui-sition, reception, and docking. An Atlas D launch vehicle will placethe Agena target in orbit. All presently planned launches will befrom the Atlantic Missile Range.

Progress and Schedule.-Since the Gemini project began, NASAhas let le tter contracts for the spacecraft, the Titan I1 launch vehicle,and the Agena. Work is also in process on major subsystems, eitherby associate or subcontractor arrangements.A t present, NASA plans 12 spacecraft and 8 target launches. Theschedule calls for initial manned spacecraft launches during the lasthalf of 1963 and target rendezvous missions during 1964 and 1965.Such a schedule provides the logical transition into the Apolloprogram.


46/170

34 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSProject Apollo

The objective of Project Apollo is to land men on the moon andreturn them to earth within the present decade. The techniques,methods, and equipment involved represent a cumulative outgrowthof experience and knowledge acquired from Mercury, Gemini, andthe other research programs of NASA.

Lunar Landing Jfode Possibilities Studied.-During the first Halfof 1962, detailed comparative studies of several mission modes forimplementing the manned lunar program were underway. Thestudies reviewed three techniques (illustrated in fig. 1-12) : directascent, earth orbit rendezvous, and lunar orbital rendezvous.I n studying the mode to be selected, NASA officials are applyingthe following criteria: The mode must permit early mission ac-complishment with an acceptable mission risk; it must have norequirements for technological breakthrough ; i t must provide forgrowth potential beyond the first manned lunar landing; and its totalcost must be reasonable. The NASA centers and several industrial

Figure 1-1 2. Possible flight techniques for Project Apollo.contractors are participating in these studies. They expect to com-plete the analyses by mid-1962 and recommend the most feasible modeshortly thereafter.' NASA will then initiate development of thelunar landing module or its equivalent-the only major spacecraft

The choke of the lunar orbital rendezvous technique for the Apollo mission wasannounced just after the close of thls reporting period.


47/170

LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES AND MANNED SPACECRAFT 35component not yet contracted for. Plans call for letting thisdevelopment contract during tlie latter part of 1962.Apo77o Bpcecraf Design and Development Underzoay.-TheApollo spacecraft command and service modules (illustrated in fig.1-13) are now being designed and developed by the previouslyselected contractor. I n addition to developing these modules, thiscontractor mill also integrate the complete spacecraft.

NASA and its contractor associates have formu1:ited engineeringand development test plans, such as those for wind-tunnel tests, andmany such t,ests are underway. A total wind-tunnel program of over8,000 hours is planned for 1962.

These in-clude earth-impact drops, flotation and egress trials, structural andsystems tests, thermal tests, vacuum leakage tests, mid radiofrequencycompatibility and antenna pattern tests. (Other plans call for devel-opment, manufncture, maintenance, and support of test, facilities.)N B S A has selected contractors to design and build a number of themajor subsystems of the Apollo spacecraft. These subsystems include

Major ground and flight tests are also being planned.

COMMAND MODULE:I CREW QUARTERS0 MISSION CONTROL' SERVICE MODULE:e 0 MIDCOURSE CORRECTIONS

0 ABORT PROPULSION0 ELECTRIC POWER0 EXPENDABLE SUPPLIES

b GUIDANCE a NAVIGATIONLUNAR RECONNAISSANCE

V

,HIGH SPEED RE-ENTRY 8 RECOVERYFigure 1-1 3. Apollo spacecraft circumlunar configuration.

the telecommunication system, the stabilization and control system,the environmental cont,rol system, tlie parachute landing system, theservice module propulsion engine, the launch-escape motor (to sepil-


48/170

36 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSrate the command module from the launch vehicle in case of abort),the solid-propellant tower jettison motor, the heat shield, the reactioncontrol system, and the fuel cell prime electrical power source. Also,NASA is working with an associate contractor to develop the criti-cally important guidance and navigation system. NASA has selecteda contractor to assist in the checkout, reliability, and integration ofa11 elements essential to the success of the complex.

Apollo Flight Test Program-The first Apollo flight tests will besimulated pad aborts, using boilerplate construction test spacecraft.These will evaluate the launch-escape system performance for pademergency escape. For these tests, only the solid propellant launch-escape rocket will be fired.

Next, WSSA will test the Apollo launch-escape system under actualfull-scale flight conditions of maximum aerodynamic loading ; forthese, NASA will use a large clustered solid-propellant launchvehicle, developed specifically for the Apollo program. This launchvehicle will be able to accelerate the Apollo conimand module to thesame peak aerodynamic loading that will occur in later Saturn flights.

Concurrent with the launch-escape system tests, NASA will con-duct the first test flights of the boilerplate Apollo spacecraft onSaturn launch vehicles. (See fig. 1-14.) The first two flights,planned for 1963, will be orbital missions but without spacecraftrecovery. These tests will evaluate launch vehicle development anddetermine spacecraft-launch vehicle interaction.In connection with the test program, NASA awarded a contract for

engineering studies and design criteria for space environment simu-lntion chambers. This contract covers studies of vacuum chamberdesign concepts, their costs, preparation of study reports, and designlayouts of the facilities.

The largest chamber mill accommodate a complete space vehicle 75feet, high and a t least 25 feet in inner working diameter. Thischamber will be able to simulate a vacuum environment equivalent tothat at 80 miles altitude and will provide temperatures expected onthe moons surface. I t will also simulate solar radiation in space.

Overall, the manned space flight program is moving at an acceler-ated pace, according to a logical schedule. Despite the complex tech-nological problems to be overcome, there is every expectation thatProject Apollo will place men on the moon and return them to earthwithin this decade. NASA is making every effort to achieve thishigh-priority national goal.


49/170

I LARGE LAUNCH VEHICLES A N D MANNED SPACECRAFT 37

I ----Figure 1-14. Apollo spacecraft atop Saturn C-1 launch vehicle.


50/170


51/170

CHAPTER 2

Launch Vehicles Now in UseNASA is continuing to improve and obtain reliable results from

the launch vehicles that have played a major role in the Nation'sspace programs to date. These include the Scout, the Delta, theThor-Agena B, and the Atlas-Agena B (fig.2-1).

Figure 2-1. Launch vehicles now in use.scout

The Scout is a 4-stage solid propellant vehicle for launching smallsatellites, reentry experiments, and probes. It can put a 150- to 210-pound payload into a 300-mile orbit or lif t small payloads as high as4,000 miles in vertical probe experiments.

During this period, NASA conducted two development launchesfrom Wallops Station, Va. I n March, Scout No. 8 was launched asthe first of a new series of re-entry experiments and Scout No. 9carried an ionosphere probe to an altitude of approximately 4,000miles.

6739360 4 4 39


52/170


53/170

LAUNCH VEHICLES NOW IN USE 41

I Iw nISI STAGE

PLIQUIOXKEN TANK~ ~~~ _ _ _ _ _ ~~

Figure 2-2. C u t a w a y of the D el ta launch vehicle.fhor-Agena B/Atlas-Agena B

NASA is continuing to make extensive use of the A ir Force-devel-oped Thor-Agena B and Atlas-Agena B launch vehicles. The Thor--4genda R will launch scientific and other applications satellitesrequiring circular polar orbits. NASA is planning to use the Atlas-Agena B fo r certain meteorological, communications, and scientificsatellite programs ; for unmanned lunar and planetary programs(Ranger, Mariner) ; and for some phases of the manned flight pro-grams (for example, placing an Agena 3 booster in orbit as part ofProject Geminis rendezvous and dock.ing technique development).I n earlier launches, NASA used Atlas-Agena B vehicles withRangers 1 and 2. Studies and analysis of data gathered from theselaunches resulted in vehicle changes to improve performance.

The first improved vehicle, launched January 26, carried an un-manned Ranger spacecraft (Ranger 3 ) . However, the booster gavethe vehicle a slightly greater velocity than planned; consequently, itdid not achieve the planned moon-collision trajectory and is now insolar orbit.On April 23, another Atlas-Agena 3 launched Ranger 4 (shown infig. 2-3), with the same primary mission-lunar impact. This timethe launch vehicle performed according to plan ; he spacecraft (whichfailed to transmit data because of an electronic malfunction) landedon the moon 64 hours later.


54/170

42 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSDuring this period NASA was preparing two Atlas-Agena B

vehicles for exploratory missions in the vicinity of Venus. The firstvehicle \WS delivered to Cape Canaveral for extensive prelaunchcheckout, procedures. The second vehicle was in the final st%ges ofpreparation at the contractors plants. (The first failed; the secondsucceeded. Both wil l be discussed in the next report.)

Figure 2-3. Atlas-Agena rocket launches Ranger 4.


55/170

LAUNCH VEHICLES NOW IN USE 43The Agena B second stage of this launch vehicle has the significant

advantage of being restartable. It can be cut off in orbit, coasted,then restarted by command from the ground. Because of this advan-tage, its ease of adaptability to mission requirements, and itsincreased reliability through a greater number of common launches,the 1J.S. Air Force and NASA agreed on the development of a com-pletely standardized version, the Agena D. Accordingly, KASA hasundertaken a study program to introduce this vehicle in the variousNASA missions.


56/170


57/170

CHAPTER 3

Scientific Investigations in SpaceNASA moved ahead in its scientific programs using unmanned

vehicles to conduct (1) studies in geophysics and astronomy and (2)lunar and planetary investigations.STUDIES IN GEOPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

NASA substantially advanced i ts studies in geophysics and astron-omy. I n this program, the Agency is using unmanned satellites,sounding rockets, and balloons to investigate the earths atmosphereand ionosphere, its magnetic field, cosmic radiation, the Van Allenradiation region, and the sun. These phenomena must be betterunderstood if man and his instruments are to journey safely intospace.OSO-1 6 -1 6) Orbiting Solar Observatory0,530-1, one of the programs unmanned satellites, was the first

orbiting solar observatory to be launched by NASA (see figs. 3-1 and3-2). On March 7 , a Delta launch vehicle boosted it from CapeCanaveral into a nearly circular orbit 350 miles abovethe earth.OSO-1 pointed at the center of the sun with an accuracy roughlyequivalent to aiming at a penny from a half mile away. It enabledthe sun to be observed as it never had be fo re f rom a stabilized spaceplatform whose view was not blocked by the curtain of air th at makesup the earths atmosphere.

Circling the globe every 97 minutes, OSO-1 transmitted about1,000 hours of information on solar phenomena. The 440-poundspacecraft observed and measured over 75 solar flares and subflares,examined energetic particles in the lower Van Allen region, moni-tored the sun in a broad region of ultraviolet rays, measured X- andgamma radiation, and made surface erosion studies of materials.OSO-1 operated almost perfectly for about 3 months; then a mal-function in the spin-control system limited its usefulness. Data werestill being analyzed a t the end of the reporting period.

45


58/170

46 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL RE PO RT TO CONGRESS

Figure 3-1, Model of orbiting solar observatory.(SPIN AXIS)YAW AXIS NOZZLES FOR PITCH CONTROL

SOLAR CELL ARRAY

/SPIN-UPNOZZLEDESPINNOZZLE\ AS CONTAINER FOR SPIN RATE CONTROL

Figure 3-2. The orbiting solar observatorys configuration.


59/170

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS JN SPACE 47Ariel (S5 1 1 Ionosphere Satellite

Ariel, illustrated in figure 3-3, was launched April 26 from CapeCanaveral by a Delta rocket. A joint effort of the United States andthe United Kingdom, it is the first international satellite.

A short, fa t cylinder about 11 inches long and 23 inches in diameter,the 132-pound Ariel is orbiting the ear th every 100 minutes (apogee,760 miles, perigee, 244 miles). Carrying experiments prepared byBritish scientists, it is collecting and transmitting data on cosmicrays, radiation intensities in the Van Allen belt, and solar phenomena.

- ~ ~~Figure 3-3. A ri e l ionosph ere satellite (sketch).

P-2 1a Electron Density Profile GeoprobeThe 147-pound P-21a geoprobe, illustrated in figure 3 4 , was

launched March 29 by a Gcout rocket to an altitude of 3,900 miles. Anighttime probe, 30 inches long by 19 inches in diameter, i t extendedstudies of the ionosphere above the altitude of 200 miles. Thesestudies were begun October 19, 1961, by the P-21 daytime geoprobe(described in ch. 3 of NASAs sixth semiannual report to Congress).

The P-21a geoprobe investigated the nighttime ionization of theupper atmosphere because of its importance for radio communications


60/170

48 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSand knowledge of sun-earth relationships. It transmitted excellentdata on the density of ions and supplied the first description of thenighttime behavior of the helium layer in tha upper atmosphere.

Figure 3-4. Payload of P-2la yeoprobe.


61/170

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS IN SPACE 49Sounding Rockets

NASA launched a wide variety of instrumented sounding rocketsdur ing the report period. These are not as large as geoprobes and-rising from 50 to several hundred miles-do not reach the height ofgeoprobes. Like geoprobes, they are important space research tools forbrief observations of the environment above the earths atmosphere.

An Aerobee rocket was flown to test a method for stabilizing theattitude of rockets used for astronomical observations. It maneuveredits payload to point to three preprogramed targets. However, thetest indicated a need for increased accuracy in the position-controlsystem.

Four Nike-Cajun rockets and one Nike-Asp rocket were launchedto altitudes of from 35 to 100 miles where they ejected trails of mixedsodium and lithium vapor that guided observers in making windmeasurements.

Nike-Cajun rockets were used in the following investigations :(1) Three measured electron temperatures in the nighttime

ionosphere for comparison with daytime temperatures when thesun is actively imparting energy to the atmosphere.

(2) Three were launched at Wallops Island in a joint Ameri-can and Japanese effort. The objective: To measure the electrontemperature and the charge density in relation to altitude in thelower ionosphere. Data were being analyzed.(3) A single rocket tested the behavior of a mass of waterreleased at an altitude of 65 miles. This test was conducted inpreparation for Project High Water.

Explorers Vlll and IX Furnish New DataTwo Explorer satellites launched before this report periodcontinued to furnish new data about the atmosphere:

(1) Explorer VIII, launched November 3,1960, provided dataon the composition of the upper atmosphere. These data re-vealed two transition regions in the upper atmosphere4ne fromthe oxygen to the helium ion; another from the helium to thehydrogen ion. This information agrees with other indicationsthat a helium layer of variable thickness and altitude lies betweenthe oxygen and hydrogen ions at heights varying from 600 to1,500 miles above the earths surface.(2 ) Explorer IX, launched February 16,1961, showed that thedensity of the atmosphere at an altitude of about 500 miles varieswith the suns activity. Atmospheric density of the upper at-mosphere should therefore vary with changes in solar activit,yduring the suns ll-year cycle.


62/170

I 50 NASA SEVENTH SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESSProject High Water

Project High Water was conducted as a secondary mission to theSaturn SA-2 launching of April 25. Ninety-five tons of ballast waterreleased at an altitude of 65 miles produced a white cloud about 6miles wide and radio noise that most likely had its origin in electricdischarges arising from charge separation in the cloud.

The experiment demonstrated that a large quantity of volatile mat-ter, such as water, released into the upper atmosphere produces noninjor effects in the atmosphere and no catastrophic aftereffects inthe earths environment.

I LUNAR AND PLANETARY INVESTIGATIONSN-ISA extended its efforts to meet the objectives of its unmanned

lunar and planetary programs:Ranger and Surveyor, for investig,z-tions of the moon; and Mariner and Voyager, for studies of Venus,Mars, and interplanetary space.

By these programs NASA is seeking (1) scientific data on thecharacteristics of the moon, the planets, the sun, and the environmentof space, and (2) engineering data that will advawe spacecraft tech-nology. These programs will supply information vital to the successof manned flights to the moon (Project Apollo). They may alsoprovide answers to fundamental questions about the origin of themoon and the early history of the solar system.