Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

Exploring the Unknown 501
important reductions in complexity; solid rocket engines are, however, believed
to offer even greater simplification without signifi cant performance differences.
The “standpipe” concept of propellant delivery through acceleration-head effects
incorporates sufficient difficulties of engine system development and manned
abort capability as to render it unattractive for application to a NOVA vehicle.
Document II-13
Document Title: Ernest W. Brackett, Director, Procurement & Supply, to
Robert R. Gilruth, Space Task Group, “Transmittal of Approved Project Apollo
Spacecraft Procurement Plan and Class Determination and Findings,” 28 July
1961, with attached: Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Associate Administrator, “Project
Apollo Spacecraft Procurement Plan,” 28 July 1961; Robert C. Seamans,
Associate Administrator, to Robert R. Gilruth, Space Task Group, “Appointment
of Source Evaluation Board,” 25 July 1961; James E. Webb, Administrator,
“Establishment of Sub-Committees to the NASA Source Evaluation Board
Project Apollo,” 25 July 1961.
Source: Folder 18675, NASA Historical Reference Collection, History Division,
NASA headquarters, Washington, DC.
Once President Kennedy had established the lunar goal, NASA had to establish
procurement procedures for the necessary equipment, as well as evaluation boards for
approving contractors. The first major element of Project Apollo to be put under contract
would be the Apollo spacecraft. Procedures and committees for the spacecraft procurement
were established just over two months after President Kennedy’s announcement of Project
Apollo on 25 May 1961.
From: NASA Headquarters
To: Space Task Group
Washington 25, D.C.
July 28, 1961
ATTENTION: Mr. Robert R. Gilruth
Subject:
Reference:
Transmittal of Approved Project Apollo Spacecraft
Procurement Plan and Class Determination and Findings
(a) Director, Space Task Group letter of June 26, 1961 to
NASA Headquarters transmitting proposed Project Apollo
Procurement Plan
1. Reference (a) forwarded a proposed procurement plan for Project
Apollo. As a result of reviews made by various offices of NASA Headquarters a