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

Exploring the Unknown 77
approach as a back up to be dropped as soon as sufficient confidence in the
Atlas alone is achieved. Dr. York thinks that contract for the construction of
the capsule should be awarded after proposals are received from industry.
The panel, although they do not recommend this procedure, believe that it
would be much quicker and just as satisfactory to choose a suitable contactor
to build a capsule which has been tightly specified.
[Signed]
Maxime A. Faget
MEMORANDUM For Files
Document I-7
Washington, D.C.
May 20, 1958
Subject: Tableing [sic] of Proposed Memorandum of Understanding Between
Air Force and NACA For a Joint Project For a Recoverable Manned Satellite
Test Vehicle
Reference: NACA ltr to DCS/D dtd April 11, 1958
1. On April 11, 1958, Dr. Dryden signed a proposed Memorandum of
Understanding for a Joint NACA-Air Force Project for a recoverable
manned satellite test vehicle. Minor revisions to the Agreement were
discussed and, with Dr. Dryden’s approval, agreed on between Colonel
Heaton and myself on April 29, 1958.
2. Subsequent to April 29, 1958, it was agreed with Colonel Heaton that
the prospective Agreement should be put aside for the time being.
The matter may be taken up again when the responsibilities of ARPA
and NASA have been clarified.
C. Wood
CloW:dlf
[2]
[April 29, 1958]
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Subject: Principles for the Conduct by the NACA and the Air Force of a Joint
Project for a Recoverable Manned Satellite Vehicle.
A. A project for a recoverable manned satellite test vehicle shall be conducted
jointly by the NACA and the Air Force, implementing an ARPA