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Pre-Presidential Papers of Richard M. Nixon
General Correspondence
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ENTY-FIVE CENTS
FEBRUARY 17, 1958
TIME
THE WEEKLY NEWSMAGA
NE
Biris Chaliapin
MISSILEMAN
VON BRAUN
3850 2222 10 33100 or
30 &
$7.00
3650 TUNLAW RD-AP 105
REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.)
IND Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
"I SSIN
VOL. LXXI NO.7
850
FOREIGN RELATIONS
defense of the free world must work by
SPACE
cooperation when confronted by a mono-
Toward the Summit
lith of force and power SO great as the
Reach for the Stars
In a shuffle of letters to Western chiefs
strength of the Communist area
We
(See Cover)
of government and cocktail-party com-
must not make a unilateral proposal that
Shirtsleeved, tousled, and bright-eyed
ments to Western diplomats, the Kremlin
we go out, or that we demilitarize all
with the dream that gave Germany its
has been working hard to spread the no-
Central Europe."
V-2 and the U.S. its first orbiting satellite,
tion that a parley at the summit is inevita-
Moscow Reacts. In sum, the basic U.S.
bull-shouldered Wernher von Braun paced
ble-on the Kremlin's terms. Newsmen in
position for the start of any negotiations
the yellow-walled office in Building 4488,
Europe and Washington have helped the
was just about as President Eisenhower
nerve center of the Army Ballistic Mis-
notion along by reporting surges of what
had outlined it in his letter to Bulganin
sile Agency at Huntsville, Ala. Already on
was called "world opinion" in favor of a
three weeks before (TIME, Jan. 20): I) re-
his cluttered mahogany desk last week
parley to "end" the cold war. When the
unification of Germany by free elections
was a new satellite assignment: preparing
U.S., anxious not to repeat the letdown of
-promised by Russia at the I955 sum-
a Jupiter-C to power Explorer II into
1955's spirit of Geneva, insisted that
mit conference, 2) permission for the Red
space late this month. More work was on
points at issue be explored at the foreign
minister or ambassadorial level before any
summit meeting, the Kremlin set about
making mileage with the appeasement-
minded by charging that the U.S. "atti-
tude on peace" was "negative."
But one day last week the U.S.S.R.'s
Bulganin, in his third letter to President
Eisenhower in two months, went more
than a step too far. In a too-obvious at-
tempt to discredit Secretary of State Dul-
les, Bulganin suggested bypassing a meet-
ing of foreign ministers in the preparations
for the summit because of the "biased
position" of some foreign ministers. Said
Bulganin: "It is hardly necessary to ex-
plain why we would like to avoid this."
At once U.S. Congressmen and editorial
writers began to rally around Dulles with
a rare show of strength that fortified the
whole U.S. position.
Down with Rapacki. From the floor of
the Senate, Dulles got more praise than
he has heard in months. New Hampshire's
Republican Styles Bridges, bitter critic of
Dulles on foreign aid, called him "the
most principled and resolved statesman
of the West." Montana Democrat Mike
Mansfield, who needled Dulles unmerci-
Associated Press
fully during last year's great debate on
RUSSIA'S MENSHIKOV (RIGHT) & WIFE BEING WELCOMED TO THE U.S.*
the Eisenhower Doctrine, now reminded
Smiles at the ambassadorial level.
the Kremlin that Dulles is "the Secretary
of State of the United States of America."
satellites to have freedom to choose their
the way; called by the telecommunica-
At his weekly press conference the Presi-
own governments, 3) suspension of nu-
tions room, Space Engineer von Braun
dent, questioned on Bulganin's crack about
clear-weapons tests along with foolproof
hurried down the hall, talked to Defense
biased foreign ministers, got a laugh when
suspension of the production of nuclear
Department Missile Director William
he cracked right back that the Kremlin
weapons, 4) outer space for peaceful pur-
Holaday in Washington, turned to an aide
"must have been talking about Foreign
poses. And as for the roots of the struggle,
with the heady news that two more Hunts-
Minister Gromyko."
Dulles even contributed to a debate start-
ville rocket projects had been approved
The White House disposed of Bulga-
ed by the British left-wing New States-
("O.K. on No. 8 and No. 10"). Back in
nin's latest letter with a request for "fur-
man by reminding soft-liners everywhere
his office, Von Braun flopped into a chair
ther clarification." The State Department,
that, but for the use of force and violence,
behind a huge pile of congratulatory mes-
addressing itself to the much-discussed
"Communist parties could not exercise
sages, found just a moment to reflect on
let's-neutralize-Central-Europe proposals
power anywhere in the world."
the fantastic rush of events. "Oh, to be
of Poland's Foreign Minister Adam Ra-
All this did not mean that there would
in space this week," he grinned. "It's SO
packi-since endorsed by the Kremlin as
be no summit conference; in fact some
quiet up there."
a suitable topic for the summit-warned
Washington reporters were assuming that
It was anything but quiet on Planet
all U.S. diplomatic missions overseas that
a conference was a foregone conclusion.
Earth. Under the impetus of the satellite
such a plan is "extremely dangerous."
What it did mean was that the U.S. was
Explorer's fiery success came the first fed-
Added the President at his press confer-
stating its minimum terms for approach-
eral space agency, the Senate's first space
ence, in a definitive statement of policy
ing such a conference. Moscow responded
committee, the first Democratic and Re-
on such neutralize-Europe agreements:
in two interesting ways: I) by sending
publican attempts to stake political claims
"Free nations, of which we are only
to Washington a smiling new ambassa-
on space-and a full-throttle U.S. Army
one-and though we may be the strongest,
dor, Mikhail Alekseyvich Menshikov, 55,
drive to exploit its satellite success after
we are simply another equal among equals
who lost no time in paying a friendly
months of telling itself that it was the
-cannot make decisions respecting other
call on Secretary Dulles, and 2) at week's
Pentagon's stepchild. Army brass marched
free nations unilaterally or bilaterally with
end by a terse broadcast on Radio Mos-
with a color guard into a Capitol Hill
the Soviets. There has got to be an agree-
cow: "We can but admit that the idea
hearing room to present a new service
ment in which the affected countries must
of adequate preparations for a summit
be participants
We have established
conference advanced by U.S. leaders is
At Baltimore's Friendship Airport, by State
the NATO association realizing that the
correct."
Department Protocol Chief Wiley Buchanan.
TIME, FEBRUARY 17, 1958
21
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
U.S. Almy
by Walter Dornberger © 1954, Viking Press
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Raketentechnik und Raumfahrt E.V.
PEENEMÜNDE INSPECTION*
V-2
SURRENDER TO AMERICANS*
His only consuming loyalty is to outer space.
flag to the House Military Appropriations
scientist and public-relations man"). Oth-
fortable Oberaudorf apartment, Baron
Subcommittee. Patrols of Army public-
ers claim that the onetime boy wonder of
Magnus von Braun, tanned and vigorous,
relations officers prowled Pentagon corri-
rocketry has become too conservative,
celebrated his 80th birthday, marked by
dors, passing out word that, given the
e.g., a West Coast rocketeer says that
a four-page letter from Wernher and a
chance, the Army could develop a rocket
Von Braun is wary of unproved new ideas,
gift of twelve bottles of Rhine wine. Said
motor to put a 15-ton satellite into space
no matter how promising, and that he
he, fingering his white walrus mustache
with a man aboard. The Air Force stood
"still takes the conventional view that we
in wonderment-now mixed with pride-
that sort of talk as long as it could, then
should go into space with chemical rock-
at his son's strange fascination with space:
leaked a story about using its Thor
ets, with overgrown missiles of conven-
"I don't know where his talent comes
intermediate-range ballistic missile to put
tional design." To this, Wernher von
from."
up a 1,000-lb. satellite as early as June.
Braun pleads guilty. "The more you're in
Unquestionably, much of it came from
The Army promptly upped the ante to
this business," he says, "the more con-
Wernher's mother, an enthusiastic ama-
1,500 lbs.-and the Pentagon's interserv-
servative you get. I've been in it long
teur astronomer ("Odd," says Wernher
ice storm signals were flapping furiously.
enough to be very conservative, to want
von Braun, "but few mothers are"), who
A Broomstick Would Do. Yet for all
to improve what we've got rather than
pointed out to him the planets and con-
the rivalry, hard-working servicemen and
begin by building what we haven't." So
stellations in Prussia's clear night skies.
civilian specialists along the whole broad
long as the frontiers of space are broken,
"For my confirmation," says Wernher von
front of U.S. missilery felt a new near-
Wernher von Braun does not care how;
Braun, "I didn't get a watch and my first
ness to space as Explorer radioed back its
he would happily ride a broomstick into
pair of long pants, like most Lutheran
readings (see SCIENCE). And of the le-
the heavens.
boys. I got a telescope. My mother
gions of scientists, generals, admirals, en-
Says Germany's veteran Rocketeer Rolf
thought it would make the best gift."
gineers and administrators at work on
Engel, who has known Von Braun since
Blood on the Walls. Reading an astron-
missiles and man-made moons, German-
1928: "He is a human leader whose eyes
omy pamphlet in the mid-1920s, Von
born Wernher von Braun, 45, best per-
and thoughts have always been turned to-
Braun saw a drawing of a rocket streaking
sonified man's accelerating drive to rise
ward the stars. It would be foolish to
through space to the moon. It illustrated
above the planet. Von Braun, in fact, has
assign rocketry success to one person to-
an article about Pioneer Rocket Theorist
only one interest: the conquest of space,
tally. Components must necessarily be the
Hermann Oberth, now 63 and a consult-
which he calls man's greatest venture. To
work of many minds; so must successive
ant to Von Braun's Huntsville team,
pursue his lifelong dream, he has helped
stages of development. But because Wern-
which venerates him as "The Old Gentle-
Adolf Hitler wage a vengeful new kind of
her von Braun joins technical ability, pas-
man." Von Braun sent away for a copy
war, has argued against bureaucracy in
sionate optimism, immense experience and
of Oberth's classic book, The Rocket to
two languages and campaigned against
uncanny organizing ability in the elusive
the Interplanetary Spaces, was shocked
official apathy and public disbelief on two
power to create a team, he is the greatest
to discover that it contained mostly math-
continents through most of his adult years.
human element behind today's rocketry
ematical equations. Until then, Von Braun
A robust (5 ft. II in., 185 lbs.), hearty
success."
had disliked math, and indeed had flunked
man with a booming laugh and a frank
Mother Knew Best. Von Braun's ori-
it in school. "But," says Von Braun, "I
manner, he can be both ruthless and de-
gins had deep earthly roots in Prussian
decided that if I had to know about math
vious in his striving for space. To some,
Junkerdom. A Von Braun fought the Mon-
to learn about space travel and rocketry,
Von Braun's transfer of loyalty from Nazi
gols at Liegnitz in I245, and the family's
then I'd have to learn math." He did just
Germany to the U.S. seemed to come too
aristocracy was certified by the centuries.
that, wound up teaching physics and math
fast, too easy. Von Braun's critics say he
Wernher was born in Wirsitz, East Prus-
to his fellow students at a boarding school
is more salesman than scientist; actually,
sia (now part of Poland), the middle son
on an island in the North Sea when the
he learned through the bitterest experi-
of Baron Magnus von Braun, the local
teacher fell ill.
ence that his space dreams had to be sold
state administrator. Today Wernher's old-
Rocketeer Oberth's work had inspired
("I have to be a two-headed monster-
er brother, Sigismund, is counselor at the
many another young German rocket bug,
German embassy in London; his younger
most of them flirting dangerously with de-
* At left, Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz; head
brother, Magnus, is program-control man-
turned, Dornberger; in mufti, Von Braun. In
ager of the Chrysler Corp.'s new missile
* At left, Magnus von Braun and Dornberger;
background: V-2 fins.
division in Detroit. Last week in a com-
arm in cast, Wernher von Braun.
22
TIME, FEBRUARY 17, 1958
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
struction as they pursued their untried
hobby. Von Braun joined a small group
HUNTSVILLE
firing rockets from an abandoned ammu-
Sauerkrauf
nition dump in suburban Berlin. When he
Hill
left for a term at Zurich's Institute of
"ROCKET CITY, U.S.A."
Russe Erskine Hotel
Technology, he continued his experiments,
Missile School
built a contraption that spun mice in sim-
ulation of rocket take-offs. Afterward, his
HUNTSVILLE, ALA. (610-636 alt.,
Court
Monte
est. 55,000 pop.), Madison Co. seat; 5 mi.
house
Sano
roommate, an American medical student,
dissected the mice, announced to Von
from U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal, Bal-
Army
Braun that the high acceleration caused
listic Missile Agency, Ordnance Guided
Airport
City-County
A.B.M.AX
Airport
cerebral hemorrhages. Their landlady had
Missile School; 2 R.R. lines (Southern
Missile Tests
another kind of announcement: any more
Ry., Louisville and Nashville R.R.); 2 air-
Motel Row
mouse blood on her walls, and the young
lines (8 flts. out dly., incl. drct. sruce. to
REDSTONE
231
scientists would go out on their ears.
N.Y., Wash., Chi., Atlanta, Miami); Ac-
ARSENAL
Techniques of Flimflam. Von Braun
coms.: 3 hotels, 21 motels; Local bus
returned in 1931 to his little Berlin group,
fare: 10¢; Swim: muncpl. pools; Fish:
joyously helped launch 85 primitive rock-
Tenn. River; Yrly. evnts.: Catholic Festi-
ets. As it happened, the German army was
val (Aug.), CO. fair (Sept.); I-hr. pkng.
Tennessee
lmt. dwntwn.; Auge. temp.: 74.6 deg.
01
then looking for some sort of long-range
3
5
weapons not banned by the Versailles
summer, 50 deg. winter.
TIME Map by R.M.C.,
Treaty-and it seemed just barely pos-
sible that rockets might be the answer.
Yesterday. Huntsville, on rich bot-
was $10,767,000 (not including the $20
Captain Walter Dornberger, a boss of the
tomland along the Tennessee River
million building program at Redstone
embryonic program, watched some of Von
90 miles north of Birmingham, with
itself). Memorial Parkway, a new four-
Braun's rocket shoots and was impressed
high hills to the east and west (Wern-
lane stretch of U.S. 231, is lined with
"by the energy and shrewdness with which
her von Braun lives on one of them,
housing developments, more than a
this tall, fair young student with the
which has been dubbed Sauerkraut
dozen modern motels, a $3,000,000
broad, massive chin went to work, and
Hill, and is building a home on the
shopping plaza (with a delicatessen
by his astonishing theoretical knowledge."
highest, Monte Sano), was founded in
featuring Wiener schnitzel), and two
Result: in October 1932, Wernher von
1805 by John Hunt, a Revolutionary
new schools. A pride of the community
Braun, at 20, became the top civilian spe-
War militia captain. It was Alabama's
is the new 55-piece Huntsville Civic
cialist for the German army's new (and
first incorporated town (1811), with
Orchestra-with Werner Kuers, one of
only) rocket station at Kummersdorf,
the first incorporated bank (1816), site
Von Braun's old German rocket hands,
hidden in a pine forest south of Berlin.
of the state's first constitutional con-
as concertmaster.
"Our aim from the beginning," says
vention (1819); from Confederate
Tomorrow. Huntsville's future ob-
Walter Dornberger, now technical assist-
War Secretary Leroy Pope Walker in
viously depends on Army missile for-
ant to the president of Bell Aircraft in
Huntsville came the 1861 order to fire
tunes-and after Explorer, the hopes
Buffalo, "was to reach infinite space."
on Fort Sumter. For years, Madison
of self-styled "Rocket City, U.S.A."
But if Wernher von Braun had any no-
County was Alabama's top cotton pro-
shot sky high. Under able, rough-talk-
tions about the German army's spending
ducer (80,000 bales in 1948) and
ing Mayor R. B. ("Spec") Searcy,
millions to achieve his dream of space
Huntsville, with nine mills, lived on
Huntsville has done a good job of
exploration, they were quickly dispelled.
King Cotton. The Depression almost
meeting the demands imposed by its
Germany wanted weapons, period. The
left one-industry Huntsville a ghost
boom. With pupil enrollment expand-
Budget Bureau would not even permit
town. Says a longtime resident: "If
ing by I,200 a year, Huntsville last
Kummersdorf to buy office equipment,
you could stand on the courthouse
week opened a million-dollar junior
and Von Braun learned early in the game
steps with as much as a dollar in your
high school, plans to open two more
the techniques of flimflamming the bu-
pocket, you were the richest man in
schools in September, has three others
reaucrats, e.g., it was a rare budget official
town." Huntsville's big boom began in
on the drawing boards. (Because of the
who realized that Kummersdorf's request
1950, when Wernher von Braun & Co.
heavy load of Redstone children, the
for funds to buy an "appliance for mill-
arrived to start making Army missiles
U.S. provides federal aid to schools-
ing wooden dowels up to IO millimeters
at Redstone Arsenal, a World War II
$1,000,000 in 1957.) Says School Su-
in diameter" meant that the rocketmen
shell-loading installation that had been
perintendent Raymond Christian: "So
needed a pencil sharpener. Years later,
taken out of commission in 1946.
far we haven't had to double-shift. Let
during the darkest days of the U.S.
Today. Sleepy Huntsville, "the wa-
'em come. We'll be ready." Bonds for
Army's missile program, Wernher von
ter cress capital of the world," came
a $4,000,000 sewage disposal plant
Braun was to put such Kummersdorf ex-
alive almost overnight; its easy South-
went on the market last week. The
perience to historic use.
ern cadences intermixed with the get-
Huntsville Housing Authority has built
Despite its difficulties, by 1935 the
it-done twang of Yankee technicians
620 low-rent housing units, has 539
Kummersdorf group had successfully fired
and the business-first guttural of the
more in the final planning stage, will
two liquid-fuel rockets, christened Max
German scientists. Although only one
have three urban renewal projects un-
and Moritz (the German cartoon equiva-
of the cotton mills now remains in
derway by midyear. The Albert Pick
'ents of the Katzenjammer Kids), and
operation, Huntsville thrives as never
Hotels chain plans a 250-room motel
had outgrown the Kummersdorf facilities,
before on an $81-million-a-year Army
with a banquet room for 400 people,
moved on to a new range at desolate,
payroll. Where once Huntsville ex-
and the Chrysler Corp. and other
marshy Peenemünde, on the Baltic Coast.
tended a mile in each direction from
Redstone contractors plan expanded
Adolf's Attention. At Peenemünde,
its yellow brick courthouse, it now
Huntsville field offices. When Explor-
with its 250-mile rocket range, Germany's
covers 40 square miles, with gra-
er orbited, the daily-except-Saturday
missiles went higher and higher, building
cious antebellum homes, squalid Negro
Huntsville Times put out a Saturday
steps into space. That was fine for Von
slums, and $15,000-per-unit develop-
morning "Satellite Extra" with a I2O-
Braun-but it was not yet the sort of
ment homes for Redstone's 16,000 em-
point streamer: JUPITER-C PUTS UP
military hardware that Germany wanted.
ployees. In 1950 there were 8,807
MOON. Huntsville hopes to ride just as
World War II put on the pressure: Peene-
telephones in Huntsville; now there
high as that moon. Says Times Editor
münde must either produce a devastating
are 25,678. Building permits totaled
Rees Amis: "I just don't see how we
military weapon or get out of business.
$2,500,000 in 1950; last year the total
can do anything but grow and prosper."
Peenemünde's answer was the A-4 (stand-
TIME, FEBRUARY 17, 1958
23
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
ing for Aggregate-4, but later named V-2,
old V-2s, moved no closer to space. The
develop the Army's Jupiter intermediate-
for Vengeance Weapon Two, by Hitler's
Korean war changed that: in 1950 the
range ballistic missile as a competitor of
gang). Its first test was a dismal flop.
German scientists were rushed bag and
the Air Force's Thor-and Von Braun
So was the second. For Peenemünde, the
baggage to Huntsville (see box) with
said he needed test vehicles to iron out
third test was do or die. On Oct. 3, 1942,
orders to build the Army a long-range
some of the problems. He wangled per-
the A-4 soared supersonically to a his-
missile with nuclear-payload capability.
mission to build twelve Jupiter-Cs-
tory-making height of nearly 60 miles,
Result: the Redstone missile, successful-
actually, almost the same jazzed-up Red-
functioned perfectly. Peenemünde's men
ly launched at Cape Canaveral in 1953.
stones with which he had proposed to put
danced and wept in their joy. Walter
For the first time, Wernher von Braun's
a small moon into orbit.
Dornberger turned to Wernher von Braun.
reach for the stars was accepted as more
By Sept. 20, 1956, the first Jupiter-C
"Do you realize what we accomplished
science than science fiction. In the sum-
was ready for firing at Cape Canaveral.
today?" he asked. "Today the spaceship
mer of 1954 Von Braun and a dozen
It was a four-stage missile, with even a
was born."
other space enthusiasts from the services
dummy fourth-stage satellite configura-
The success ultimately won Hitler's
and industry gathered in the Washington
tion-just like the bird that last fort-
personal attention, but Hitler's blessing
office of Lieut. Commander George Hoo-
night put Explorer into orbit. By this
proved only a curse. Impossible produc-
ver, U.S.N., to talk about launching a sat-
time, Pentagon brass had a notion that
tion schedules were set for the V-2, driv-
ellite. Von Braun proposed to slam a 5-lb.
Von Braun might be trying to beat the
ing Von Braun to the point of resigning.
chunk of metal into orbit with the brute
Navy into space with an unauthorized-
Nazidom's power-grabbers began fighting
force of a souped-up Redstone; the Office
and presumably undignified-major satel-
for control of the weapon Hitler had ap-
lite. The Army, which had had the fore-
proved, and in February 1944, Wernher
sight to bring Von Braun and his team to
von Braun was jailed by Heinrich Himm-
the U.S. in the first place, and which had
ler's black-shirted SS because he declined
supported him all along in the face of
to connive in putting the Peenemünde
awesome obstacles, would have liked
project under SS control instead of army
nothing better than for him to toss up
control. Only after Dornberger convinced
the first U.S. satellite. Such men as Lieut.
Hitler himself that the V-2 program
General James Gavin, the brainy chief of
would collapse immediately without Von
Research and Development, and Major
Braun was Von Braun released. By that
General John Medaris, the able military
time he had begun to like his jail. "I had
commander at the Army Ballistic Missile
plenty of time to think," says he, "and it
Agency, saw in a successful moon, and its
was so quiet there."
proof of rocket superiority, a way for the
U.S. Attention. Von Braun returned
Army to break out of its post-Korea roles-
to Peenemünde to rain V-2 ruin on Lon-
and-missions bog-down. But the orders
don (when the first V-2 smashed London,
giving Vanguard its exclusive franchise on
Spaceman von Braun remarked to a friend
space were clear and firm, and the Army
that the rocket had worked perfectly ex-
could not risk defying them.
cept for landing on the wrong planet).
General Medaris therefore had no
But the war was already lost for Nazi
choice but to call Von Braun. "Wernher,"
Germany. Caught between the advancing
said he, "I must put you under direct
Russian and U.S. armies, Von Braun and
orders personally to inspect that fourth
most of his tried, tested rocket team de-
stage to make sure it is not live." Without
cided to go with the West. They fueled
a satellite, Jupiter-C flew 3,300 miles—
trucks with rocket alcohol and headed
farther than any U.S. missile before or
south. Von Braun had printed official-
since. Wernher von Braun knew then that
looking stickers with the mysterious let-
Associated Press
he could surely launch a satellite-if
ters VZBV-standing for some fictional
ARMY'S MEDARIS
given the chance.
sort of "Special Project Disposition"-
"Wernher, let's go!"
The Chance. He got his chance, months
which cleared all roadblocks for them.
later, the hard way. On the night of Oct.
During the trip Von Braun's driver fell
of Naval Research kicked in $88,000 for
4, 1957, Von Braun was called to the
asleep at the wheel, the car crashed, Von
work on an instrumented satellite, and
telephone from a Redstone dinner honor-
Braun's left arm was broken and his face
Project Orbiter was born. It was short-
ing Defense Secretary-designate Neil Mc-
gashed (he still has a scar above his lip).
lived; a panel of scientists sailed into the
Elroy. Voice on the wire: "New York
Von Braun and Dornberger stayed three
picture to recommend that the U.S. satel-
Times calling, Doctor." Von Braun:
weeks in a Bavarian mountain lodge, final-
lite become a project for the International
"Yes?" Timesman: "Well, what do you
ly sent Von Braun's younger brother,
Geophysical Year, and decided to put
think of it?" Von Braun: "Think of
Magnus, bicycling downhill to invite the
their money on the beautifully designed
what?" Timesman: "The Russian satel-
Americans to come and capture Peene-
but totally untried Navy Vanguard. Ar-
lite, the one they just orbited."
münde's top rocketmen. (Says Magnus: "I
gued Wernher von Braun: "This is not a
Von Braun hurried back to the dinner
was the youngest, I spoke the best Eng-
design contest. It is a contest to get a
table, broke the news of Sputnik I, turned
lish, and I was the most expendable.")
satellite into orbit, and we're way ahead
earnestly to Neil McElroy. "Sir," he said,
The U.S. Army was delighted to accept
on this." He was overruled. In the as-
"when you get back to Washington you'll
that invitation and, in a project known as
tonishing I955 decision to divorce satel-
find that all hell has broken loose. I wish
Operation Paperclip, selected Von Braun
lite development from weaponry, the Van-
you would keep one thought in mind
and I20 of his best team members to go
guard was accepted as having more "dig-
through all the noise and confusion: we
to the U.S. under contract with the Army
nity." Snorted Wernher von Braun at the
can fire a satellite into orbit 60 days
to build rockets.
time: "I'm all for dignity. But this is a
from the moment you give us the green
"How Dignified?" Once it had them,
cold-war tool. How dignified would our
light." Army Secretary Wilber Brucker,
the U.S. hardly knew what to do with
position really be if a man-made star of
who had accompanied McElroy, raised a
the German rocketeers. The world was
unknown origin suddenly appeared in our
hand of objection: "Not 60 days." Von
again at peace, and no Congressman in
skies?"
Braun was insistent: "Sixty days." Gen-
his right mind would appropriate money
Wernher von Braun and his rocket
eral Medaris settled it: "Ninety days."
for missilery or for Von Braun's dream
team, the world's most experienced, were
Neil McElroy remembered the Army's
of space exploration. Von Braun and his
specifically ordered to forget about satel-
promise (for that matter the Army, with
men, lonely and discouraged, were set
lite work. They did no such thing, and
constant pleas for a stake in space, did
down at Fort Bliss, Texas, left to tinker
neither did their U.S. Army bosses. The
not give him a chance to forget), and
around, pretty much by themselves, with
Von Braun team had been authorized to
two weeks after taking office he made
24
TIME, FEBRUARY 17, 1958
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
his decision. Wernher von Braun heard
about it when Medaris' voice came over
his Redstone squawk box. "Wernher,"
said Medaris, "let's go!"
A Good Dusting. Von Braun went-
and fast. The very next week, he reserved
Cape Canaveral range time for the night
of Jan. 29, 1958, between 10:30 p.m. and
2:30 a.m. (he would have hit it right
on the nose except for bad weather).
Jupiter-C had been ready for months.
Says Von Braun: "All she needed was a
good dusting. We simply took every bit of
care on her that was humanly possible.
That is the most you can do and the least
you can do in missilery."
But the satellite itself, with its delicate
instrumentation, might well have held the
whole project up for months or years—
had not Wernher von Braun, during most
of the period that he was barred from en-
gaging in satellite work, been in what he
calls "silent coordination" with Caltech's
William Pickering and the University of
Iowa's James Van Allen in planning Ex-
plorer and its instruments.
Bert Henry
A Genius Quality. Thus, just 84 days
VON BRAUN & FAMILY
after the go-ahead from McElroy, the
"There is beauty in space, and it is orderly."
U.S. Explorer streaked into space. And last
week Wernher von Braun, who sweated
old-fashioned low-fi (they have no televi-
these laws, and obey them, space will treat
out the shoot in Washington (TIME, Feb.
sion set) while Von Braun pores over
you kindly. And don't tell me man doesn't
10), returned to his white frame house on
books in the living room. There, Wernher
belong out there. Man belongs wherever
Huntsville's "Sauerkraut Hill"-and to
von Braun last week talked to TIME Cor-
he wants to go-and he'll do plenty well
the brightest new day that his Army-run
respondent Edwin Rees about his team's
when he gets there.
German rocket team had faced in more
success with Explorer-and the future of
than 20 years.
man in space.
THE ECONOMY
Some 3,300 scientists and technicians
work under Von Braun-but the top men,
America has really been nice to us, and
From Lag to Sag
without exception, are old Peenemünde
although we had to sit around and see the
As Democratic chieftains in the Senate
hands. Nearly all of them, including Von
U.S. make some of the mistakes we had
saw it last week, their party's Big Issue for
Braun, have become U.S. citizens. Nearly
made long ago in missilery-it was like
this fall's congressional elections will no
all could make more money in private
coming around the same track again-and
longer be the missile lag but the economic
industry, but they have refused to leave
we did feel frustrated at times, we are
sag. The shift from lag to sag was evident
the job. Why? Because they are all en-
awfully lucky to have carried the day. It
both in dark grey oratory on the Senate
thusiasts, caught up in the space dream.
makes us feel that we paid back part of a
floor and in busy bill-drafting off the floor.
Asks Wernher von Braun scornfully:
debt of gratitude we owed this country.
"The people of this country are in seri-
"What corporation would have sent up a
Missiles are really interim weapons.
ous economic trouble," cried Michigan's
satellite two weeks ago?"
This is because both nations have them.
Pat McNamara. With Massachusetts'
Redstone has no set routine. "Once you
Man will always seek the ultimate weapon.
John Kennedy, McNamara co-sponsored
have routine," says a lab chief, "you don't
And you know what this is? The ultimate
a bill to fatten state unemployment bene-
have development any longer. Everything
weapon is what the other fellow doesn't
fits and make them run for 39 weeks in-
changes, and if we stopped changing, we
have. A Piper Cub would take care of the
stead of the now-usual 26. Tennessee's Al-
would be out of business." Each man is
entire Roman army; one machine gun
bert Gore introduced a bill to boost fed-
tops in his own field, works with a mini-
could have eliminated the hordes of Attila.
eral aid to state and local governments
mum of interference from Von Braun.
These are ultimate weapons. And so would
for public-works projects. In keeping with
Says one: "If you leave me alone in peace,
the control of space be. Man must estab-
a grand design sketched out by Majority
maybe I'll get finished in a year. If you
lish the principle of the freedom of space
Leader Lyndon Johnson-who was work-
try to help me, it may take me three
as he has done with freedom of the seas.
ing on the economy when not busy with
years." Yet the work has to be held to-
And like everything else, we can only es-
space-Senate Democrats were drafting
gether, and that is Von Braun's job. It is
tablish this from a position of relative
six other recession-inspired bills, calling
a job to which he brings a spectrum of
strength.
for increased federal spending for: roads
knowledge that spans many specialties.
You know, some think of the earth as a
(Gore), housing (Alabama's John Spark-
Explains Test Lab Chief Karl Heimburg:
safe and comfortable planet, and they say
man), hospitals (Alabama's Lister Hill),
"I might find it hard to comprehend what
that space is a hostile environment. This
reclamation (New Mexico's Clinton An-
Walter Haeusserman [head of the guid-
is not really true. Earth is protected by its
derson), flood control (Oklahoma's Rob-
ance and control lab] is saying. His field
blanket of atmosphere, to be sure, but it
ert Kerr), aid to small business (Arkan-
is strange to me. Yet Professor von Braun
is a disorderly place, and unpredictable. It
sas' William Fulbright).
can restate it and make me see clear as
is full of storms and winds, of fogs and
At the other end of Pennsylvania Ave-
day. This is a genius quality."
ice, of earthquakes. It is also full of people
nue, President Eisenhower told his press
The Future of Man. When Wernher
-people with thermonuclear bombs.
conference that, in the opinion of his eco-
von Braun goes home at night, his wife
There is beauty in space, and it is or-
nomic advisers, "it is reasonable to assume
Maria (they have two daughters, Margrit,
derly. There is по weather, and there is
some upturn sometime toward the middle
5, and Iris, 9) can tell what sort of day he
regularity. It is predictable. Just look at
or just after the middle of the year." To
has had "before he even gets to the screen
our little Explorer; you can set your
a newsman who asked whether the Admin-
door-he shows everything in his face."
clock by it-literally; it is more accurate
istration might push for a tax cut if the
The Von Brauns rarely leave their home at
than your clock. Everything in space
economy failed to perk up at midyear,
night, listen to chamber music on their
obeys the laws of physics. If you know
Ike replied yes, added that there is such
TIME, FEBRUARY 17, 1958
25
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
a thing as "going too far with trying to
Honorariums Pocketed. What the sub-
fool with our economy."
committee originally set out to investi-
Backing up the President, Treasury
gate was whether Washington's "Big Six"
Secretary Robert B. Anderson and Fed-
regulatory commissions* had been oper-
eral Reserve Board Chairman William
ating autonomously, as Congress intend-
McChesney Martin agreed in testimony
ed, without undue pressures from the
before Capitol Hill's Joint Economic Com-
White House or Capitol Hill. Such an in-
mittee that I) the U.S. economy is basi-
vestigation might well have been valuable
cally healthy and can be expected to re-
and would have been welcomed by the
cover its zip without drastic Government
commissions themselves. But Professor
medication, and 2) strong hypodermics,
Schwartz applied for the counsel post,
such as a deficit-producing tax cut, might
landed it, and bloodhounded an unsched-
do harm by stimulating inflation fever.
uled investigation into the individual con-
Inflation, warned Chairman Martin, will
duct of commission members.
be "one of the most crucial problems we
The week's No. I witness was John
have to face over the next couple of
Charles Doerfer, 53, a Wisconsin lawyer
years." Said Anderson: "I can conceive of
named to the FCC by President Eisen-
situations where tax reductions might ap-
hower in 1953, and appointed chairman in
propriately be brought into play, [but]
mid-1957. Relentlessly, Schwartz piled up
the present condition of the economy
testimony and documents showing that
does not warrant such action now." He
Republican Doerfer had collected "hon-
added a firm promise: "Neither infla-
orariums" (not very lavish, usually $100)
tion nor deflation will be allowed to run
for speeches to various broadcasting-in-
a ruinous course."
dustry gatherings outside Washington. On
these trips Doerfer traveled at Govern-
INVESTIGATIONS
ment expense, collecting $12 per diem al-
Associated Press
lowances, although his hosts often paid
LYDIA DEAN & DAUGHTER
The Unlovable Counsel
his hotel bills. Most picked-over trip: a
He done her wrong.
Tension and excitement recalling the
1954 expedition during which Doerfer I)
investigative heyday of the late Joe Mc-
took part in the dedication of a station
CRIME
Carthy hummed in a packed, green-walled
KWTV tower in Oklahoma City, and 2)
hearing room on Capitol Hill last week.
made a speech to a National Association
The Accident
The quaintly named House Subcommittee
of Broadcasters convention in Spokane.
The news that Mrs. Ronald Dean had
on Legislative Oversight was scheduled to
On this trip, as Schwartz & Co. reckoned
shot and killed her 29-year-old Air Force
air revelations about the Federal Com-
it, Doerfer drew $296.91 in travel ex-
technical sergeant husband in his parents'
munications Commission, and massed ad-
penses from the Government, got a total
home near Oil City, Pa. shocked the mem-
vance leaks to the press had hinted at sen-
of $1,080.87 in cash and paid tabs from
bers of that town's Optimist Club. It also
sational stuff, including a "criminal fel-
KWTV and the N.A.B.
shocked the club's happy, do-gooding
ony." Also reminiscent of the McCarthy
Brass Knuckles Rapped. Doerfer's de-
ladies' auxiliary, a group called the Opti-
period was the doomsday rumble in the
fense was that the Federal Communica-
Mrs. Together, they decided to help
voice of Subcommittee Counsel Bernard
tions Act explicitly permits FCCommis-
Lydia Dean. They passed the hat, ran
Schwartz. By week's end intense, brilliant
sioners to present "publications or papers
notices in the newspapers, collected a de-
Lawyer Schwartz, 35, New York Univer-
for which a reasonable honorarium or
fense fund of more than $2,000 from as
sity Law School professor and author of
compensation may be accepted." As for
far away as Florida. By the time the trial
seven published books on law, had proved
hotel bills, bar tabs, etc. paid by the
began in Venango County a fortnight ago,
to be the most unlovable congressional in-
broadcasting industry, "these things are
the whole of western Pennsylvania knew
vestigation counsel since Roy Cohn.
accepted today as American amenities."
Lydia Dean's story; she had been done
But Counsel Schwartz behaved as if ac-
wrong.
cepting $100 honorariums was a crime
Love & Marriage. Slim, doe-eyed Lydia
ranking close to arson. He hectored Doer-
was a Filipina of I6 when she met Airman
fer so unmercifully that the American
Dean at a dance in Luzon in 1952. They
Civil Liberties Union protested and the
dated for 21 months ("We were talking of
Washington Post and Times Herald, no
love," explained Lydia in her thin, childish
friend of the Eisenhower Administration,
voice), then got married. Dean brought his
rapped Schwartz's brass knuckles.
wife to the U.S. in 1954, and late that
As the week went by, the heralded in-
year, she had a baby girl. In 1956 Dean
vestigation crumbled into a fiasco. The
was transferred to a base in England, but
Chicago Tribune revealed that the sub-
before embarking, he found a four-room
committee's chairman, Missouri Democrat
apartment for her in Pleasantville (pop.
Morgan M. Moulder, had put his teen-age
704), near Oil City and near the small
daughter Marcia on the congressional pay-
home of his parents in Shamburg. Lydia
roll as his office helper, enabling her to
and Dean wrote faithfully to each other
draw some $12,000 during the four years
for about a year. Then Dean stopped
she attended high school in Camdenton,
writing. When the returned to the U.S.
Mo. Bleated Chairman Moulder:
four months later, he called Lydia, an-
"Smear!" Then the Tulsa (Okla.) Tribune
nounced that he had got an English girl
reported that Schwartz had collected from
pregnant, wanted a divorce. Six days later
the subcommittee $400 in expense pay-
Dean was shot and killed by a bullet from
ments for four weekends he spent in Man-
an old Army Springfield rifle.
hattan, where he has his own apartment.
At the trial, Lydia sobbed the story of
Thundered Counsel Schwartz: "Smear!"
how she tried desperately to win back her
husband, and of how he airily repulsed
her. On the night of the killing, Dean
Federal Communications Commission, Federal
United Press
Power Commission, Federal Trade Commission,
slapped her face. Lydia ran into another
LAWYER SCHWARTZ
Interstate Commerce Commission, Securities and
room, saw the rifle. She decided, she testi-
He cried "Smear!"
Exchange Commission, Civil Aeronautics Board.
fied, to prove her love by demanding that
26
TIME, FEBRUARY 17, 1958
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON, D.C.
GUEST CARD
Date 8Van'58
Name Wernher von (Please Braun print) pilo
Home address:
Street
907 McClung St
City Huntsville
State
Ala
Washington address:
Hotel
Raleigh
Length of stay in city
Leaving tonite
80140-h GPO
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
OFFICE OF THE VICE preSideNT
WASHINGTON
RN ~ Space rsch not in Sens
Balance hdure us ideas.
Killiam seems fovorable of
Se adv Cute,
RN: will discuss, not daide,
reys officials the decide,
Cannot publicly spt- - box in
Impessed,
RN: advice - commincy Congressmen
also Prec Branch Killiam, see
strauss
seo. allen
REC - Call Strauss,
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
OFFICE OF THE VICE presideNT
WASHINGTON
arruw
SMIT
Those attending 3:00 p. m. meeting
Dr. Von Braun - Army Ballestic Missile Center
Dr. W. H. Pickering - Jet-Propulsion Laboratory
California Insitute of Technology
Dr. Homer Newell - Naval Research Laboratory
Mr. Kraft Ehricke - Convair
Mr. W. G. Stroud - Army Signal
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
File
27 December 1957
Dr Xref
NATIONAL SPACE ESTABLISHMENT
b.
A Proposal of the Rocket and Satellite Research Panel
Summary of Proposal
It is proposed that there be created a unified
National Space Establishment for the purpose of carrying out
the scientific exploration and eventual habitation of outer
space.
It is imperative that the United States establish
and maintain scientific and technological leadership in outer
space research in the interests of long-term human progress
and national survival.
1. Role
The role of the National Space Establishment shall
be to unify and to greatly expand the national effort in
outer space research, specifically excluding areas of imme-
diate military urgency (e.g., the development, production
and fielding of intercontinental and intermediate-range
ballistic missiles).
2. Mission
The broad mission of the National Space Establishment
shall be to establish United States leadership in space research
by 1960 and to maintain it thereafter.
Accomplishment of this mission requires the following
specific achievements:
(a) An intensified program of scientific soundings
with high altitude rockets, immediately.
(b) An intensified program of scientific and tech-
nical developments with small instrumented
satellites of the earth, immediately.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 2 -
(c) Impact on the moon with non-survival of apparatus,
by 1959.
(d) Placing an instrumented satellite in an orbit
about the moon, by 1960.
(e) Impact on the moon with survival of scientific
instruments, by 1960.
(f) Returnable, manned satellites in flight around
the earth, by 1962.
(g) Manned circumnavigation of the moon with return
to the earth, by 1965.
(h) Manned permanent satellite, by 1965.
(1) Manned expedition to the moon by one or two men,
by 1968.
(j) Manned expedition to the moon by a sizeable
party of men, by 1971.
A thorough analysis of existing capabilities shows
that all of these objectives are within reach of a unified,
vigorous national effort.
3. Funds Required
A detailed analysis shows that the accomplishment of
the basic mission will require a national expenditure of ten
billion dollars over the next decade.
4. Administrative Status of National Space Establishment
(a) It is strongly desirable that the N.S.E. be
given statutory status as an independent agency
in order that its work can be freely directed
toward broad cultural, scientific and commercial
objectives. Such objectives far transcend the
short term, though vitally important, military
rocket missions of the Department of Defense.
(b) If the proper creation of an independent agency
is judged to require an intolerable delay, then
it is believed that statutory existence under
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 3 -
the Secretary of Defense (but not within the
jurisdiction of any one of the military
services) will be a workable arrangement for
the immediate future. But in this event, it
is urged that the "charter" of the agency ex-
plicitly provide for its independence as soon
as its stature and achievements make this
advisable.
(c) It is explicitly advised that the National
Space Establishment not be placed within the
jurisdiction of any one of the three military
services. There are many reasons, growing
out of extensive professional experience, for
this view. The military services are basically
operating agencies, not research ones. The
research talent of any branch of the military
services is almost inevitably turned toward
helping meet short term, limited objectives.
Such a point-of-view would assure the failure
of a National Space Establishment in its broad
mission -- which is truly a national one, far
beyond the mission of any one of the services
or of the Department of Defense taken as a whole.
During the early phases of space research, it
is evident that existing facilities and existing
missile technology of the Department of Defense
can make enormous contributions. The National
Space Establishment must be set up in such a
way that it enjoys the unqualified support
of all three services, and not merely one of
them. Such a situation is believed to be
possible only if the N.S.E. is an independent
agency from the outset or if it is directly
responsible only to the Secretary of Defense
during its early years -- with the clear pro-
spect of independence at the earliest possible
date.
(d) There must be clear channels for mutual cooper-
ation between the proposed N.S.E. and all levels
of the Department of Defense, in order to assure
no jeopardy of short term, vital military need
on the one hand and in order to assure maximum
rate of advance of space research on the other.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 4 -
5. Remarks on the Long Range Importance of Space Research
It is already clear that international leadership
hinges, to a very great extent, on pre-eminence in scientific
and technological matters.
Space research will contribute enormously to the
educational, cultural, and intellectual character of the people
of the United States and of the world. Indeed, the exploration
and eventual habitation of outer space are the finest examples
of the "Endless Frontier". It is for such bold endeavors that
the highest motives of men should be invoked.
There will be a rich and continuing harvest of im-
portant practical applications as the work proceeds. Some
of these can already be foreseen - reliable short term and
long term meteorological forecasts, with all the agricultural
and commercial advantages that these imply; rapid, long range
radio communications of great capacity and reliability; aids
to navigation and to long range surveying; television relays;
new medical and biological knowledge, etc. And these will be
only the beginning. Many of these applications will be of
military value; but their greater value will be to the civilian
community at large. (To use a homely example, the telephone
is certainly a valuable military device, but its importance
to the civilian population is vastly greater.)
6. Availability of the Rocket and Satellite Research Panel
for Consultation and Participation
The Rocket and Satellite Research Panel comprises
a broad membership of persons of extensive experience in
all aspects of the proposed program of outer space research.
Its members are professionally dedicated to national leader-
ship in this field. They offer their services, individually
and collectively, in the conduct of the broad mission of the
National Space Establishment.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
rate: Some of these address
are absolete. Our list
of Scientists del 5-8-58
has Current address
- 5 -
The Rocket and Satellite Research Panel
Berning, W. W.
Army Ballistics Research Laboratory
Delsasso, L. A.
Army Ballistics Research Laboratory
Dow, W. G.
University of Michigan
Ehricke, K.
Convair Corp.
Ference, M.
Ford Research Laboratory
Green, C. F.
General Electric Company
Greenberg, M.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Jones, L. M.
University of California at for angeles
University of Michigan
Kaplan, J.
Kellogg, W. W.
Rand Corporation
Newell, H. E.
Naval Research Laboratory
Nichols, M. H.
University of Michigan
O'Day, M. D.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Pickering, W. H.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Spencer, N. W.
University of Michigan
Stehling, K.
Naval Research Laboratory
Stewart, H. J.
Stroud, W. G.
Army Signal Engineering Laboratory sent
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Strughold, H.
Randolph Air Force Base
Stuhlinger, E.
Army Ballistic Missile Agency Redione and
Townsend, J. W.
Naval Research Laboratory
Van Allen, J. A.
University of Iowa
Chairman
Von Braun, W.
Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Whipple, F. L.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Wyckoff, P. H.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Zelikoff, M.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Megerian, G. K.
Secretary
General Electric Company - no congerther
mail returned
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
the
File
le.
1. Werner von Braun
speaking for Rocket and Sattelite Panel
907 McClung Street
of the National Science Academy
Huntsville, Alabama
2. Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger
3106 Rowe Drive, S.E.
Huntsville, Alabama
3. Krafft A. Ehricke
4615 Mensington Drive
San Diego 16, California
4. Prof. James Van Allen
President of American Rocket Society
Department of Physics
State University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
MEMO FOR RN:
1. Gentlemen 1,2 & 3 above came here. Dr. Von Braun stated the attached
resolution was given to L. Johnson and his Preparedness Subcmte and he
wanted you to know. His primary mission was to ask for an appointment
for gentleman #4 above to come see you and discuss the resolution -
answer your questions, etc.
already
2. The proposal is basically Von Braun's - it recommends setting up a
National Space Establishment. To begin with it might start out under
X-d
Defense, but should get its independence as soon as possible. He has a
number of good reasons - identification with peaceful purposes, civilian-
sciethific flavor, need to take over mini-track stations all over world which wher
military occupancy would produce complications.
3. I noted that this proposal might run counter to the new set-up under
McElroy, separate from the Services, to run space programs. He said his
idea was to supplement. Missiles of course would be left with Defense.
40 Charlie & I thanked the gentlemen - told them we would ask you about
the appointment.
5. My recommendation: You read the attachments and if you think Prof.
an Allen could add anything and if you have time - we can set up an
appointment.
Very Resp'y
R.ECush In
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
OFFICE OF THE vice president
WASHINGTON
Am RKA Soc
apt r + Sat Panel of Natl Sc and
resolved
Nati Space Estab.
Lv missiles to fern
L. Johnson has copy.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Enclosure I
4
January 1958
NATIONAL SPACE ESTABLISHMENT
The American Rocket Society and the Rocket and Satellite
Research Panel have independently studied a national pro-
gram for space flight. This summary document, prepared
by officers of both of these organizations outlines the
basic premises which are common to both of these proposals.
Summary of Proposal
It is proposed that there be created a National Space
Flight Program and a unified National Space Establishment for the
purpose of carrying out the scientific exploration of outer space.
It is imperative that the United States establish and
maintain scientific and technological leadership in outer space
research in the interests of long-term human progress and national
survival.
1.
Role
The role of the National Space Establishment shall be
to unify and to greatly expand the national effort in outer space
research and in the practical utilization of space capabilities
specifically excluding space weapon development and military opera-
tions in space which are considered to be the responsibility of the
Department of Defense.
2. Mission
The broad mission of the National Space Establishment
shall be to establish United States leadership in space research
and other non-military space operations by 1960 and to maintain it
thereafter.
Accomplishment of this mission requires the following
specific achievements:
(a) An intensified program of scientific soundings
with high altitude rockets, immediately.
(b) An intensified program of scientific and tech-
nical developments with small instrumented
satellites of the earth, immediately.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
National Space Establishment
Page 2
1-4-58
(c) Impact on the moon with non-survival of apparatus,
by 1959.
(d) Placing an instrumented satellite in an orbit
about the moon, by 1960.
(e) Launching of an instrumented vehicle, into an
independent heliocentric orbit between Earth and
Venus by 1960, to improve the accuracy of astrono-
mical constants and to explore environmental conditions
in interplanetary space (meteoritic matter and inter-
planetary plasma).
(f) Impact on the moon with survival of scientific instru-
ments, by 1960.
(g) Sending an instrumented comet to circumnavigate the
planet Venus by 1961.
(h) Returnable, manned satellites in flight around the
earth, by 1961 or 1962.
(1) Small inhabitable permanent satellites by 1963.
(j) Manned circumnavigation of the moon with return to
the earth, by 1965.
(k) Manned expedition to the moon by one or two men
by 1968.
(1) Establishment of a permanent human base, if desired,
beginning 1970.
(m) Fast manned reconnaisance flight to Mars and Venus
without landing, beginning 1972.
A thorough analysis of existing capabilities shows that
all of these objectives are within reach of a unified, vigorous
national effort.
3.
Administrative Status of National Space Establishment
(a) It is strongly desirable that the N.S.E. be given
statutory status as an independent agency in order
that its work can be freely directed toward broad
cultural, scientific and commercial objectives.
Such objectives far transcend the short term, though
fin terms OF national strength,
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
National Space Establishment
Page 3
1-4-58
3.
Administrative Status of National Space Establishment = Cont'd.
(a) Cont'd
vitally important, military rocket missions of the
Department of Defense.
(b) If the proper creation of an independent agency is judged
to require an intolerable delay, then it is believed that
the statutory existence under the Secretary of Defense
(but not within the jurisdiction of any one of the military
services) will be a workable arrangement for the immediate
future. But in this event, it is urged that the "charter"
of the agency explicitly provide for its independence as
soon as its stature and achievements make this advisable.
(c)
It is emphasized that the National Space Flight Establish-
ment should not have defense missions in the direct sense
of this word, since such missions would necessarily place
it under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense.
The military use of space and the development of space
weapon systems should be directed by the Department of
Defense whose duty it is to coordinate the weapon develop-
ment of the three military services. By separating the
above mentioned scientific, cultural and commercial objec-
tives of the N.S.E. from the military objectives of the
Department of Defense, the eventual administrative separa-
tion of these two agencies becomes clearly desirable.
(d)
It is explicitly advised that the National Space Establish-
ment not be placed within the jurisdiction of any one of the
three military services. There are many reasons, growing
out of extensive professional experience, for this view.
The military services are basically operating agencies, not
research ones. The research talent of any branch of the
military services is almost inevitably turned toward help-
ing meet short term, limited objectives. Such a point-of-
view would assure the failure of a National Space Establish-
ment in its broad mission - which is truly a national one,
far beyond the mission of any one of the services or the
Department of Defense taken as a whole.^ During the early
phases of space research, it is evident that existing faci-
lities and existing missile technology of the Department of
Defense can make enormous contributions. The National Space
Establishment must be set up in such a. way that it enjoys
the unqualified support of all three services, and not merely
one of them. Such a situation is believed to be possible
only if the N.S.E. is an independent agency from the outset
or if it is directly responsible only to the Secretary of
Defense during its early years - with the clear prospect of
independence at the earliest possible date.
Military projects will, of course, continually draw
great benefit from the developments and the
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum N.S.E.
National Space Establishment
Page 4
1-4-58
3.
Administrative Status of National Space Establishment - Cont'd.
(e)
There must be clear channels for mutual cooperation
bètween the proposed N.S.E. end all levels of the Depart-
ment of Defense, in order to assure no jeopardy of short
term, vital military need on the one hand and in order
to assure maximum rate of advance of space research on
the other.
4.
Remarks on the Long Range Importance of Space Research
It is already clear that international leadership hinges,
to a very great extent, on pre-eminence in scientific and technologi-
cal matters,
Space research will contribute enormously to the educa-
tional, cultural, and intellectual character of the people of the
United States and of the world. Indeed, the exploration and even-
tual habitation of outer space are the finest examples of the "Endless
Frontier". It is for such bold endeavors that the highest motives of
men should be invoked.
There will be a rich and continuing harvest of important
practical applications as the work proceeds. Some of these can
already be foreseen - reliable short term and long term metsorolo-
gical forecasts, with all the agricultural and commercial advantages
that these imply; rapid, long range radio communications of great
capacity and reliability; aids to navigation and to long range survey-
ing; television relays; new medical and biological knowledge, etc.
And these will be only the beginning. Many of these applications will
be of military value; but their greater value will be to the civilian
community at large. (To use a homely example, the telephone is cer-
tainly a valuable military device, but its importance to the civilian
population is vastly greater.)
5.
Availability of technical experts for Consultation and Partici-
pation
The Rocket and Satellite Research Panel as well as the
technical committees of the American Rocket Society comprise. a broad
membership of persons of extensive experience in all aspects of the
proposed program of outer space research. Its members are profession-
ally dedicated to national leadership in this field. They offer their
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
National Space Establishment
Page 5
1-4-58
5.
Availability of technical experts for Consultation and Partici-
pation - Cont'd
services, individually and collectively, in the conduct of the
broad mission of the National Space Establishment.
James Van Allen, Chairman
Rocket & Satellite Research Panel
George P. Sutton
President
American Rocket Society
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
27 December 1957
NATIONAL SPACE ESTABLISHMENT
A Proposal of the Rocket and Satellite Research Panel
Summary of Proposal
It is proposed that there be created a unified
National Space Establishment for the purpose of carrying out
the scientific exploration and eventual habitation of outer
space.
It is imperative that the United States establish
and maintain scientific and technological leadership in outer
space research in the interests of long-term human progress
and national survival.
1. Role
The role of the National Space Establishment shall
be to unify and to greatly expand the national effort in
outer space research, specifically excluding areas of imme-
diate military urgency (e.g., the development, production
and fielding of intercontinental and intermediate-range
ballistic missiles).
2. Mission
The broad mission of the National Space Establishment
shall be to establish United States leadership in space research
by 1960 and to maintain it thereafter.
Accomplishment of this mission requires the following
specific achievements:
(a) An intensified program of scientific soundings
with high altitude rockets, immediately.
(b) An intensified program of scientific and tech-
nical developments with small instrumented
satellites of the earth, immediately.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 2 -
(c) Impact on the moon with non-survival of apparatus,
by 1959.
(d) Placing an instrumented satellite in an orbit
about the moon, by 1960.
(e) Impact on the moon with survival of scientific
instruments, by 1960.
(f) Returnable, manned satellites in flight around
the earth, by 1962.
(g) Manned circumnavigation of the moon with return
to the earth, by 1965.
(h) Manned permanent satellite, by 1965.
(i) Manned expedition to the moon by one or two men,
by 1968.
(j) Manned expedition to the moon by a sizeable
party of men, by 1971.
A thorough analysis of existing capabilities shows
that all of these objectives are within reach of a unified,
vigorous national effort.
3. Funds Required
A detailed analysis shows that the accomplishment of
the basic mission will require a national expenditure of ten
billion dollars over the next decade.
4. Administrative Status of National Space Establishment
(a) It is strongly desirable that the N.S.E. be
given statutory status as an independent agency
in order that its work can be freely directed
toward broad cultural, scientific and commercial
objectives. Such objectives far transcend the
short term, though vitally important, military
rocket missions of the Department of Defense.
(b) If the proper creation of an independent agency
is judged to require an intolerable delay, then
it is believed that statutory existence under
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 3 -
the Secretary of Defense (but not within the
jurisdiction of any one of the military
services) will be a workable arrangement for
the immediate future. But in this event, it
is urged that the "charter" of the agency ex-
plicitly provide for its independence as soon
as its stature and achievements make this
advisable.
(c) It is explicitly advised that the National
Space Establishment not be placed within the
jurisdiction of any one of the three military
services. There are many reasons, growing
out of extensive professional experience, for
this view. The military services are basically
operating agencies, not research ones. The
research talent of any branch of the military
services is almost inevitably turned toward
helping meet short term, limited objectives.
Such a point-of-view would assure the failure
of a National Space Establishment in its broad
mission which is truly a national one, far
beyond the mission of any one of the services
or of the Department of Defense taken as a whole.
During the early phases of space research, it
is evident that existing facilities and existing
missile technology of the Department of Defense
can make enormous contributions. The National
Space Establishment must be set up in such a
way that it enjoys the unqualified support
of all three services, and not merely one of
them. Such a situation is believed to be
possible only if the N.S.E. is an independent
agency from the outset or if it is directly
responsible only to the Secretary of Defense
during its early years with the clear pro-
spect of independence at the earliest possible
date.
(d) There must be clear channels for mutual cooper-
ation between the proposed N.S.E. and all levels
of the Department of Defense, in order to assure
no jeopardy of short term, vital military need
on the one hand and in order to assure maximum
rate of advance of space research on the other.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 4 -
5. Remarks on the Long Range Importance of Space Research
It is already clear that international leadership
hinges, to a very great extent, on pre-eminence in scientific
and technological matters.
Space research will contribute enormously to the
educational, cultural, and intellectual character of the people
of the United States and of the world. Indeed, the exploration
and eventual habitation of outer space are the finest examples
of the "Endless Frontier". It is for such bold endeavors that
the highest motives of men should be invoked.
There will be a rich and continuing harvest of im-
portant practical applications as the work proceeds. Some
of these can already be foreseen - reliable short term and
long term meteorological forecasts, with all the agricultural
and commercial advantages that these imply; rapid, long range
radio communications of great capacity and reliability; aids
to navigation and to long range surveying; television relays;
new medical and biological knowledge, etc. And these will be
only the beginning. Many of these applications will be of
military value; but their greater value will be to the civilian
community at large. (To use a homely example, the telephone
is certainly a valuable military device, but its importance
to the civilian population is vastly greater.)
6. Availability of the Rocket and Satellite Research Panel
for Consultation and Participation
The Rocket and Satellite Research Panel comprises
a broad membership of persons of extensive experience in
all aspects of the proposed program of outer space research.
Its members are professionally dedicated to national leader-
ship in this field. They offer their services, individually
and collectively, in the conduct of the broad mission of the
National Space Establishment.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 5 -
The Rocket and Satellite Research Panel
Berning, W. W.
Army Ballistics Research Laboratory
Delsasso, L. A.
Army Ballistics Research Laboratory
Dow, W. G.
University of Michigan
Ehricke, K.
Convair Corp.
Ference, M.
Ford Research Laboratory
Green, C. F.
General Electric Company
Greenberg, M.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Jones, L. M.
University of Michigan
Kaplan, J.
University of California
Kellogg, W. W.
Rand Corporation
Newell, H. E.
Naval Research Laboratory
Nichols, M. H.
University of Michigan
O'Day, M. D.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Pickering, W. H.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Spencer, N. W.
University of Michigan
Stehling, K.
Naval Research Laboratory
Stewart, H. J.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Stroud, W. G.
Army Signal Engineering Laboratory
Strughold, H.
Randolph Air Force Base
Stuhlinger, E.
Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Townsend, J. W.
Naval Research Laboratory
Van Allen, J. A.
University of Iowa
Chairman
Von Braun, W.
Army Ballistic Missile Agency
Whipple, F. L.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Wyckoff, P. H.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Zelikoff, M.
Air Force Cambridge Research Center
Megerian, G. K.
General Electric Company
Secretary
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Von Braun
11 Jan 1958
RN will
Ericke
see after 20 Jan
File
Huntsville, Alabama
Jefferson 64411 X 4814
RNDaw paw
wed
3:00 22, 22, yan fan
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum