February 26, 1962

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SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Communications Provide Ma-6 Narrative

Following excerpts from communications between Lt. Col. John H. Glenn, Jr., and ground stations and announcements by the Mercury control center provide a narrative account of the first U. S. orbital flight: Mlercury Control: This is Mercury control.

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SAFETY

Stall Led to Delta 880 Training Crash

On May 23, 1960, at 1152 EST, a Delta Air Lines Convair 880, N 8804E, crashed and burned during takeoff at Atlanta, Georgia. Four crew members, the only occupants, received fatal injuries. The flight was scheduled for training for two pilots who were to “check out” in the CV-880.

AERONATICAL ENGINEERING

990 Demonstrates Safety and Economy

San Diego, Calif.—Handling qualities of the General Dynamics Convair 990, latest of the jet transports to receive approval for passenger service, compare very favorably with previous Convair transports. From a maximum speed of 620 mph.

By William S. Reed13 min

AIR TRANSPORT

Lufthansa Plans Major Route Expansions

Cologne—Lufthansa West German Airlines, despite considerable increase in estimated loss in Fiscal Year 1961 over that of FY 1960, is continuing rapid operational development and expansion to attain its pre-war eminence among the international carriers.

By Edith Walford11 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Oso-1 to Refine Solar Flare Predictions

Cape Canaveral, Fla.—First satellite designed to refine solar flare prediction techniques to permit flexibility in launching Apollo manned lunar landing flights is scheduled this week from the Atlantic Missile Range as part of a program to establish an accurate statistical analysis of “safe” and “dangerous” manned space flight periods.

By Edward H. Kolcum7 min

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Atlas Boosters Repaired on Launch Pad

Cape Canaveral, Fla.—Repairs to the Atlas boosters used as the MercuryAtlas 6 (MA-6) and Ranger 3 launch vehicles were performed through a 24in.-dia. access hole at the bottom of the fuel tank—an engineering feat comparable to building a model ship in a bottle.

By George Alexander6 min

AVIONICS

Faa to Evaluate New Pictorial Computer

Washington—New pictorial computer which permits direct flight to off-airways destinations by giving pilot VOR type steering and DME type distance information while simultaneously displaying aircraft position and heading pictorially, will soon undergo flight evaluation by the Federal Aviation Agency.

By Philip J. Klass6 min

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Letters

Support of Space Your editorial of Jan. 15, Space Pace Accelerates, is exceptionally fine. I am personally aware of the common misconception by public and government people of the purposes of our space program. In our national euphoria many have completely forgotten the difference between daring feats and well prepared exploration.

February 191962

March 51962

February 26, 1962

February 26, 1962

Communications Provide Ma-6 Narrative

Stall Led to Delta 880 Training Crash