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

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Contents
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi
Biographies of Volume VII Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxv
Chapter One
Essay: “First Steps into Space: Projects Mercury and Gemini,”
by Roger D. Launius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Documents
I-1 H. J. E Reid, Director, Langley Memorial Aeronautical
Laboratory to National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics,
“Research on Space Flight and Associated Problems,” August
5, 1952. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
I-2 H. Julian Allen and A. J. Eggers, Jr., NACA, “Research
Memorandum: A Study of the Motion and Aerodynamic
Heating of Missiles Entering the Earth’s Atmosphere at High
Supersonic Speeds,” August 25, 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
I-3 and 4 Adelbert O. Tischler, Head, Rocket Combustion Section,
NACA, Memorandum for Associate Director, NACA,
“Minimum Man-In-Space Proposals Presented at WADC,
January 29, 1958 to February 1, 1958,” April 10, 1958;
Paul E. Purser, Aeronautical Research Engineer, NACA,
Memorandum for Mr. Gilruth, “Langley Manned-Satellite
Program,” April 11, 1958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
I-5, 6, 7, and 8
Maurice H. Stans, Director, Bureau of the Budget,
Memorandum for the President, “Responsibility for
‘Space’ Programs,” May 10, 1958; Maxime A. Faget, NACA,
Memorandum for Dr. Dryden, June 5, 1958; Clotaire Wood,
Headquarters, NACA, Memorandum for Files, “Tableing
[sic] of Proposed Memorandum of Understanding Between
Air Force and NACA For a Joint Project For a Recoverable
Manned Satellite Test Vehicle,” May 20, 1958, with attached
Memorandum, “Principles for the Conduct by the NACA and
the Air Force of a Joint Project for a Recoverable Manned
Satellite Vehicle,” April 29, 1958; Hugh L. Dryden, Director,
NACA, Memorandum for James R. Killian, Jr., Special
Assistant to the President for Science and Technology,
“Manned Satellite Program,” July 18, 1958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72