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

Exploring the Unknown 85
SUBJECT: Man-in-Space Program
This is to confirm that the agreement reached in our discussions of yesterday
that ARPA will join with NASA in a joint Man-in-Space program based on the
“capsule” technique.
I consider this program to be of the highest urgency and have directed appropriate
members of my organization to work with your staff to outline a detailed
program for early implementation. I believe it very desirable that at least an outline
of an agreed program be available for presentation to the Space Council on
October 20.
As indicated yesterday, ARPA is of the opinion that a follow-on winged maneuverable
space vehicle is essential to meet military requirements and it is our intention
to initiate a modest program in this direction during FY 1959.
[Signed]
Roy Johnson
Director
[Attachment included]
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
9/19/58
Subject: Principles for the Conduct by NASA and ARPA of a Joint Program
for a Manned Orbital Vehicle
1. It is agreed that a program for a manned orbital vehicle will be conducted
jointly by NASA and ARPA. It is agreed that accomplishment of this program
is a matter of national urgency.
2. The objective of this program is to demonstrate the capability of manned
orbital flight at the earliest practicable date consistent with reasonable safety
for the man. The program will include constructing and testing in flight a
manned-orbital vehicle.
3. It is agreed that this program will be supported by NASA and ARPA until it is
terminated by the achievement of manned orbital-flights.
4. Technical direction and management of the program will be the responsibility
of the Administrator of the NASA, acting with the advice and assistance of
the Director of ARPA.
5. It is agreed that the concurrence of the Administrator of NASA will be
required for any parts of this program which are carried out by contract.
6. It is the intent in this program to make full use of the background and capabilities
existing in NASA and in the military services. [2]
7. It is agreed that a working committee consisting of members of the staff of NASA
and ARPA will be established to advise the Administrator of the NASA and the
Director of ARPA on technical and management aspects of this program, and
that the chairman of this committee will be a member of the NASA staff.