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

Exploring the Unknown 343
McDivitt
There are some problems in the capability to aline one’s self onto an object. I
think chasing the booster around points this out. You say you’d be willing to go
away because the spacecraft can come and get you. Admittedly it can, but keep
in mind the difficulty we had with the booster. I don’t really anticipate us ever
getting into the situation like that because you’d never get so far away that you’re
in different orbits, like we were with the booster --.
White
What I visualize is a 25 to 50 foot operation where you’re going out to investigate
either another spacecraft or another satellite up there, or making a transfer similar
to the type of transfer that we visualize as a backup mode for Apollo. I think with
the gun I had, if the LEM and the Command Module were there, I’d be satisfied to
depart the Command Module and maneuver over to the LEM situated 10 to 20 feet
away from the Command Module. I feel I could do that at the present time. I don’t
think it would be a very smart thing at the present time to go maneuvering off 200
to 300 feet away from the spacecraft with this type of device. I think this device is
designed and has its greatest usefulness in close operation around the spacecraft.
[4-65]
McDivitt
That’s right. There is no need to maneuver off about 400 or 500 feet away, because
if you want to go that far, use the spacecraft. This gun is for a close-working job.
White
I think it’s a valuable tool in this manner.
McDivitt
Okay. That’s the same conclusion I came to. We’d be willing to do it at close range.
White
I’d be willing to do it right now. I might not go tell some body else to go do it, but
I’d be willing, with the training that I had with it, to transfer 15 or 20 feet without
a tether. But I think we should spend some more time with the gun.
McDivitt
I think so too.
White
I also think it would be of value to go in the zero-g airplane with it.
McDivitt
Yes, I think so too.
White
I think the work that we might do in the zero-g airplane doesn’t necessarily have
to be done in full regalia, with all the pressure suits in a pressurized condition. I
think we can go up there and learn a lot about the gun without pressure suits on,
in a plain flying suit type operation - perhaps polish the training off with a little