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

Exploring the Unknown 253
Document I-49
Document Title: Manned Spacecraft Center, NASA, “Project Development Plan
for Rendezvous Development Utilizing the Mark II Two Man Spacecraft,” 8
December 1961.
Source: Folder 18674, NASA Historical Reference Collection, History Division,
NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC.
The development plan for the Mercury Mark II spacecraft underwent a number of
modifications throughout 1961. The plan was extensively revised up until 27 October 1961.
A key question was the selection of a booster to launch the spacecraft; NASA’s preference was
a modified Titan II ICBM. The Air Force wanted to develop a Titan III, but NASA was
wary of this plan, fearing that the development would take too long. The Air Force countered
that NASA’s requirements for modifications to the Titan II would lead to what was almost
a new booster. These issues were solved by November and it was decided by 5 December that
NASA would get the Titan II boosters it desired. On 6 December, Robert Seamans approved
the project development plan and identified the development of rendezvous techniques as the
project’s primary objective. Brainerd Holmes asked for $75.8 million from current Fiscal Year
1962 funds to start the project and Seamans approved that request on 7 December. The final
plan was approved the next day.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
FOR
RENDEZVOUS DEVELOPMENT
UTILIZING THE
MARK II TWO MAN SPACECRAFT
Manned Spacecraft Center
Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
December 8, 1961
CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT – TITLE UNCLASSIFIED [DECLASSIFIED]
This material contains information affecting the national defense of the United
States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18,U.S.C., Secs. 793 and
794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to unauthorized
person is prohibited by law.
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
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