1958 (Cont.)
February 10
A study entitled, "A Program for Expansion of NACA Research Space Flight Technology with Estimates of the Staff and Facilities Required" was published by the NACA staff. The study pointed out the urgent need for a rapid buildup of a national capability in space technology leading to early flights of manned space vehicles. Besides devoting some of its laboratory facilities, NACA would integrate into the program the talent and competence of qualified scientific groups outside its organization by a greatly expanded program of contracted research. To support a program of this scope, NACA estimated an additional annual budget of $100 million and 9,000 additional personnel were required. It was also recommended that over the next 5 years (1958-1962) $55 million be expended in new facility construction to support space research projects. In regard to the contracted research facet of the proposal, NACA estimated $10 million a year would be needed at the outset of the program. Besides these recommendations, NACA reviewed the following specific research projects for active consideration: space propulsion systems for launching and flight; materials and structures; space flight research involving launching, rendezvous, reentry, recovery, flight simulation, navigation, guidance, and control; space mechanics and communications; and space environment.[1]
February 13
The Special Committee on Space Technology, established by NACA on November 21, 1957,, to study and delineate problem areas that must be resolved to make space flight a practical reality and to consider recommended means for attacking these problems, met for the first time. At the meeting the new committee established seven working groups: (1) objectives, (2) vehicular program, (3) reentry, (4) range, launch, and tracking facilities, (5) instrumentation, (6) space surveillance, and (7) human factors and training. The objectives group was to draft a complete national program for space research. Other than this specific assignment, the remainder of the meeting was largely devoted to organizing the working groups. These groups were to present their first reports at the next meeting.[2]
February 14
A report entitled, "Basic Objectives of a Continuing Program of Scientific Research in Outer Space," was presented by the IGY Committee. The committee was of the opinion that the need for space research would be required far past the close of the IGY in December 1958.[3]
February 20
The name of the NACA Committee on Aerodynamics was changed to Committee on Aircraft, Missile, and Spacecraft Aerodynamics to indicate clearly the committee's cognizance over problems applicable to spacecraft
