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Titan

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Titan
Credit: (c) Mark Wade

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AKA: HGM-25A;HTM-25B;LGM-25;LGM-25C;SM-68. Status: Retired 2005.

The reasons given for developing the booster in parallel with the NASA Saturn I of the same class were that the solid fuel boosters and storable (although corrosive and toxic) liquid propellants of the core provided a vehicle with improved readiness compared to the Saturn. However USAF 'ownership' (no NASA claims of priority) and the NIH (Not Invented Here) syndrome were probably more important factors.

Whatever the controversies at its genesis, the Titan has outlived the Saturn and will continue in use in the 21st century. It was originally conceived as a carrier of manned military spacecraft - first the X-20A Dynasoar, then the Gemini B and Manned Orbiting Laboratory, and finally lifting body spaceplanes in support of MOL follow-on space stations. All of these projects were cancelled in turn. Titans have been used instead to launch unmanned military spacecraft, ranging from heavy photoreconnaissance platforms in low earth orbit to geosynchronous communications, missile launch detection, and ELINT satellites.

After NASA junked the Saturn launch vehicle family in the mid-1970's, and the Challenger disaster in the 1980's, Titans were used for launching NASA deep-space probes. Whatever trouble NASA managed to get itself into, the Titan was still there to keep its planetary exploration program going.

Barbarian MM American heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The Zenith Star space-based chemical laser missile defense weapon required a launch vehicle capable of placing a 45,000 kg payload into low earth orbit. Martin and Aerojet turned to their work 20 years earlier on advanced Titans for the MOL program. These earlier studies were combined with new concepts for tank construction and materials. The Martin Barbarian was a 4.57 m diameter Titan vehicle (instead of the customary 3.05 m) with four LR-87 engines on the first stage, and a single LR-87 engine on the second stage.

Titan 33B American orbital launch vehicle. Basic Titan 3A core, except guidance provided by the Agena upper stage. The Agena and its payload were completely enclosed in a new 3.05 m diameter shroud. 'Ascent Agena' separated after orbital insertion and did not remain attached to the payload.

Titan 34D American orbital launch vehicle. Stretched Titan core designed for use with 5 1/2 segment solid rocket motors. IUS (Interim/Inertial Upper Stage) solid upper stages, Transtage, or used without upper stages.

Titan 3BAS2 American orbital launch vehicle. Configuration of Titan 3B proposed by Martin in mid-1960's. Titan 3B for deep space missions with Centaur upper stage, Algol strapons for liftoff thrust augmentation. Never flown.

Titan 3C7 American orbital launch vehicle. Variant of Titan 3C with seven segment solid motors. Proposed by Martin for precise delivery of payloads beyond Titan 3C capacity into geosynchronous orbit. Never flown.

Titan 3L2 American orbital launch vehicle. Variant of Titan with 15 foot Large Diameter Core, 2 x 7 segment strap-ons. Man-rated, optimized for delivery of heavy payloads into LEO. Never developed.

Titan 3L4 American orbital launch vehicle. Variant of Titan with 15 foot Large Diameter Core, 4 x 7 segment strap-ons. Man rated, optimized for delivery of 40,000 pound manned payloads into 250 nm / 50 deg space station orbit.

Titan 3M American orbital launch vehicle. Man-rated launch vehicle designed for MOL and other missions of the 1970's. Malfunction Detection System initiated abort procedures during launch. Also suited for launch of 'bulbous and lifting body payloads'. 7 segment UA1207 motors developed but not used until Titan 4 in 1990's. Cancelled with MOL program in 1969.

Titan 4 American orbital launch vehicle. Developed to handle military payloads designed for launch on Shuttle from Vandenberg before the USAF pulled out of the Shuttle program after the Challenger disaster. Further stretch of core from Titan 34, 7-segment solid rocket motors (developed for MOL but not used until 25 years later). Enlarged Centaur G used as upper stage (variant of stage designed for Shuttle but prohibited for flight safety reasons after Challenger). Completely revised electronics. All the changes resulted in major increase in cost of launch vehicle and launch operations.

Titan 403A American orbital launch vehicle. Version of Titan 4 with no upper stage, configured for launch of lower-mass, higher-orbit Lacrosse, SDS and NOSS-2 payloads from Vandenberg.

Titan 404B American orbital launch vehicle. Version of Titan 4B with no upper stage, configured for launch from Vandenberg.

Titan 4B American orbital launch vehicle. Titan 4 with Upgraded Solid Rocket Motors replacing UA1207. Developed to improve performance for certain missions, and reduce number of field joints in motor after Challenger and Titan 34D explosions involving segmented motors.

Titan C American orbital launch vehicle. The Titan C, a Titan II booster stage topped by a new liquid oxygen/hydrogen upper stage, was the launch vehicle selected in November 1959 for the DynaSoar orbital flight program. Despite the fact the upper stage engine was secretly tested in 1958-1960, after many political twists and turns, it was cancelled in favor of the Titan 3C in July 1961

Titan I American intercontinental ballistic missile. ICBM, built as back-up to Atlas, using two stages instead of one and a half, and conventional tank construction in lieu of balloon tanks. It was also to have been used for suborbital tests of the X-20A Dynasoar manned space plane. For unknown reasons never refurbished for use as space launcher and scrapped after being replaced by the Titan II in the missile role in mid-1960's.

Titan II American intercontinental ballistic missile. ICBM, developed also as the launch vehicle for the manned Gemini spacecraft in the early 1960's. When the ICBM's were retired in the 1980's they were refurbished and a new series of launches began.

Titan II GLV American intercontinental ballistic orbital launch vehicle. Version for launch of Gemini manned spacecraft. Developed in parallel with ICBM version. Differed in having redundancy features in systems and MDS (Malfunction Detection System) installed.

Titan IIIA American orbital launch vehicle. Titan with Transtage third stage. Core for Titan 3C.

Titan IIIB American orbital launch vehicle. Titan core with Agena upper stage. Found to be more cost effective and higher performance than using Transtage.

Titan IIIC American orbital launch vehicle. Titan 3A with five segment solid motors. Man-rated design originally developed for Dynasoar spaceplane.

Titan IIID American orbital launch vehicle. Titan 3C without transtage.

Titan IIIE American orbital launch vehicle. Titan 3D with Centaur D-1T upper stage. Used by NASA for deep space missions in 1970's.

Winged Titan American winged orbital launch vehicle. The only trace of this winged version of the Titan launch vehicle are some drawings in popular magazines ca. 1960.

Photo Gallery

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Titan Geneology Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 1 Credit: via Andreas Parsch

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Titan 1 Credit: US Air Force

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Titan 1 Credit: US Air Force

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Winged Titan Credit: via Mark C Goll

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Titan 2 Gemini The Titan 2 ICBM was used for launch of the Gemini manned spacecraft. Credit: NASA

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Titan 2 SLV Credit: NASA

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Titan 2 Gemini The Titan 2 ICBM was used for launch of the Gemini manned spacecraft. Credit: NASA

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Titan 2 Large Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 2 Small Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3A Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3A Large Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan LVs Small Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 23B Titan 23B - COSPAR 1977-019

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Titan 34B Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3B Titan 3B - COSPAR 1969-007

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Titan 3C Titan 3C - COSPAR 1966-099

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Titan 3C Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3 Early Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3 Small Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3 LV with X-20 The original mission of the Titan 3 booster was to launch the X-20 Dynasoar manned spaceplane into orbit. Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3 with X-20 Titan 3 with X-20 Large Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3D Titan 3D - COSPAR 1978-060

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Titan 3D Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 3E Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 34D Titan 34D - COSPAR 1986-0F3

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Titan 34D Titan 34D - COSPAR 1982-016

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Titan 34D Credit: © Mark Wade

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IUS Credit: NASA

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Commercial Titan Commercial Titan with Mars Observer Credit: Lockheed Martin

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Titan3E Credit: NASA

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Titan 4 Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 4 Large Credit: © Mark Wade

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Titan 4 Launch Credit: Lockheed Martin

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Titan LVs Large Credit: © Mark Wade

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• Atlas alternate propulsion system contractor. - . Related Persons: Schriever.

  General Schriever forwarded two important recommendations to Headquarters ARDC. First, he recommended that an alternate propulsion system contractor be introduced into the Atlas program as a back-up. Second, he presented the results of the Atlas management study of 18 August and recommended Ramo-Wooldridge for the SE/TD role in the project.

• Titan program initiated. - . Related Persons: Schriever, Power.

  The early results of missile configuration studies conducted by Lockheed, the Glenn L. Martin Company, and the newly formed Guided Missile Research Division (GMRD) of Ramo-Wooldridge, supported by other Air Force studies, indicated the numerous advantages of a two-stage missile. Therefore, General Schriever recommended to LtGeneral Thomas S. Power, Commander, ARDC, that a second, or alternate, configuration and staging approach be introduced into the program to take full advantage of more advanced concepts and to stimulate competition.

• Titan begins as alternate configuration and staging approach to the Atlas missile. - . The Air Force ICBM Scientific Advisory Committee recommended that an alternate configuration and staging approach to the present Atlas missile be introduced into the ballistic missile program..

• Titan proposed as a competitor and backup to the Atlas program. - . Related Persons: Schriever. General Schriever formally proposed to Hq ARDC that an alternate, two-stage configuration intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) be developed as a competitor and backup to the Atlas program..

• Contract for Titan liquid oxygen-hydrocarbon ICBM engines. - .

  The Western Development Division (WDD) and the Special Aircraft Project Office (SAPO) awarded a contract to Aerojet-General Corporation for development of liquid oxygen-hydrocarbon ICBM engines. The contract covered design and fabrication of booster, sustainer, and vernier engines and was intended to provide an alternate propulsion system should the North American Aviation effort encounter delays.

• Contract for ballisitc missile all-inertial guidance system. - . Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was awarded a contract for the research and development of an all-inertial guidance system. AC Spark Plug Company was to work with MIT and would fabricate and test the completed guidance system..

• Alternate configuration ICBM to be authorized - . Hq ARDC recommended to Hq USAF that an alternate configuration ICBM be authorized for development..

• Contract for all-inertial guidance for a ballistic missile. - . The Arma Division of American Bosch Arma Corporation received a contract to design, develop, fabricate, and test a complete airborne all-inertial guidance system for a ballistic missile system..

• Alternate ICBM approved. - . Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott approved development of an alternate ICBM..

• Titan ICBM contractor selection. - . Hq USAF authorized AEDC to proceed with the selection of an alternate source for the development of the ICBM. The alternate airframe configuration was to be a two-stage missile, later dubbed Titan..

• Titan 1 begun. - . Nation: USA. USAF approved Western Development Division proposals to inaugurate a second ICBM airframe, which became the Titan ICBM (SM-68)..

• Requirement for an intercontinental ballistic missile. - . General Operational Requirement (GOR) Number 104 was issued for a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile..

• Maximum acceleration of the Atlas program. - . Development Directive 76 was issued for an ICBM weapon system. The directive called for maximum acceleration of the Atlas program and confirmed the assignment of the highest Air Force priority..

• Martin wins Titan ICBM contract. - . After evaluating the Douglas Aircraft Company, Lockheed, and the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company proposals for the alternate ICBM, the Air Materiel Command (AMC) declared the Martin Company winner..

• Martin given contract for the Titan ICBM. - . The Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company of Baltimore, Maryland, was given a contract authorizing the design, development, and testing of the two-stage Titan ICBM (XSM-68) - Weapon System 107A-2..

• Highest priority for both ICBMs and IRBMs. - . Related Persons: , Eisenhower. President Eisenhower officially assigned highest and equal priority to the development of the Atlas and Titan ICBMs and the Thor and Jupiter IRBMs. This decision led to the resignation of ICBM program advocate Gardner..

• ICBM and IRBM equal priority. - . Headquarters ARDC directed WDD to treat the ICBM and IRBM with equal priority..

• Trevor Gardner resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. - .

  Trevor Gardner, who was instrumental in the actions leading to the acceleration of the Air Force ballistic missile program two years earlier, resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. He protested the Pentagon's policies concerning missiles and lack of stronger emphasis on the programs.

• Titan missile development moved from Baltimore to Denver. - . Related Persons: , Quarles. Secretary of the Air Force Donald Quarles approved the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company proposal to move its development effort for Titan (XSM-68) from Baltimore, Maryland, to the Denver, Colorado..

• Production funding for guided missiles increased. - . As per authority of the Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee (AF/BMC), Procurement Authorization 56-GM-20 increased the production funding for guided missiles to $279.05 million..

• First test firing of a 150,000-pound thrust engine for Titan's first stage. - . Aerojet-General conducted the first test firing of a 150,000-pound thrust engine subassembly of the XLR-87-AJ-1 liquid rocket engine that would be used in the Titan's first stage..

• Hardened bases for ICBMs studied - . The Western Development Division began studying hardened bases for ICBM operational deployment..

• Full-duration firing of the sustainer engine for Titan - .

  The first full-duration, 300-second firing of the North American Aviation 60,000-pound thrust sustainer engine for Titan was successfully completed. During the month, Aerojet-General completed maximum duration test firings of the Titan booster engines (XLR-87-AJ-1) for 130 seconds and the sustainer engine (XLR-91-AJ-1) for 155 seconds.

• Radio inertial guidance system for Titan and Thor. - . WDD decided to eliminate the inertial platform from the Bell Telephone Laboratories (BTL) radio inertial guidance system for Titan and Thor..

• Back-up sustainer engine for Titan's second stage cancelled. - . Western Development Division cancelled the North American Aviation development effort on a back-up sustainer engine for Titan's second stage..

• Titan operational missile site hardening. - . Brigadier General Osmond J. Ritland, WDD Vice Commander, ordered planning to be conducted on how to harden the Titan operational missile sites..

• All missiles over 200 miles range assigned to USAF. - .

  Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson issued a memo to the Armed Forces Policy Council to end the argument between the Air Force and Army on responsibility for missile programs. In an effort to settle the areas of jurisdiction for the services, Secretary Wilson ruled that all long-range missiles, ICBMs as well as IRBMs, with a range of more than 200 miles, would be given to the Air Force.

• Highest priority for ICBM/IRBM contracts - . The Defense Department assigned the highest priority to ICBM/IRBM contracts and purchase orders to expedite the programs..

• First firing of a complete, two-chamber Stage I engine for the Titan ICBM. - . Aerojet-General conducted the first firing of a complete, two-chamber Stage I prototype engine (XLR-87-AJ-1) for the Titan ICBM..

• Contract for production of Titan missiles. - . A definitive contract was signed with the Glenn L. Martin Company for the continued development and production of Titan missiles..

• First full-duration firing of the Stage I engine for Titan - . The first full-duration firing of the prototype XLR-87-AJ-1 Stage I engine for Titan was completed..

• Follow-on ballistic missiles and space programs - .

  AFBMD presented the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board's Ad Hoc Committee with a summary of follow-on ballistic missile weapon systems and advanced space programs that could be undertaken. Included among the programs was the proposed development of high-thrust space vehicles for orbital and lunar flights.

• Ballistic missile programs reoriented. - .

  The National Security Council approved a Defense Department recommendation to reorient and cut back the ballistic missile programs. Atlas retained its priority, but the Titan program was reduced to second priority. The Thor and Jupiter IRBM programs were to be combined and evaluated by a joint Office of the Secretary of Defense-Air Force-Army Committee that would choose between them for future development.

• Missile production rates curtailed. - .

  In an attempt to reduce program costs, Defense Secretary Charles E. Wilson curtailed the planned production rates for Atlas, Titan, and Thor missiles to four missile each per month for the ICBMs. He also requested a study of the effects of a monthly production rate of 2-2-2 for the three programs.

• US ICBM production limited to four Atlas and two Titan missiles per month - .

  Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson directed that the ICBM program be limited to a maximum monthly production of four Atlas and two Titan missiles rather than the "4-4" program ordered on 9 August. With other areas also reduced, the Titan program became essentially a research and development effort.

• Air Force Ballistic Missile program cuts - .

  The Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee reviewed the revised AFBMD FY 1958 program that resulted from OSD decisions and directives of August that cut the program from $1,135 billion to $944 million. A 4-4-2 monthly production rate was approved for Atlas, Titan, and Thor missiles, and program slippages were accepted in response to Secretary Wilson's guidance of 9 August. The program was later submitted to OSD/BMC and approved on 5 October 1957.

• First production Stage I engine for Titan delivered - . The first production version of the XLR 87-AJ-l Stage I engine for Titan was delivered by Aerojet-General..

• Approval of the revised AFBMD ballistic missile program. - .

  Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson approved the revised AFBMD ballistic missile program submitted to the Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee on 12 September. A total of $991 million was approved; $437 million for Atlas, $335 million for Titan, and $148 million for Thor. AFBMD's original FY58 budget submission of October 1956 had requested $1,672 billion for the ballistic missile programs.

• Studies to accelerate missile programs. - . In anticipation of directives to revise the objectives of the United States missile programs in light of the Russian success with Sputnik, AFBMD began studies for accelerating its programs..

• Restrictions on US missile production removed. - . The Defense Department removed the restrictions placed on missile production on 16 August, while the production rates and operational deployment schedules were revised..

• First R&D Stage II engine for Titan. - . The Aerojet-General Corporation delivered the first R&D XLR 91-AJ-l Stage II engine for Titan..

• USAF augmented program for ballistic missiles - .

  Headquarters USAF presented its revised and augmented program for ballistic missile development to the Secretary of Defense and the Armed Forces Policy Council. Nine Atlas squadrons were proposed, the first to become operational in June 1959 and the ninth in June 1963 and eight Titan squadrons, the first to be operational in March 1961 and the last in June 1963.

• Titan plus Vanguard proposed to place instrument package into lunar orbit - . Nation: USA.

  The Martin Company proposed to the Department of Defense (DOD) that a stage of the Titan intercontinental ballistic missile be combined with the Vanguard rocket to provide a launch vehicle capable of placing an instrument package into lunar orbit and, ultimately, on the lunar surface.

• AVCO Corporation proposed development of a manned satellite system to the Air Force. - . Spacecraft: Man-In-Space-Soonest.

  The basic elements of the proposal included a Titan rocket to boost a manned satellite into a 110 nautical mile earth orbit. The satellite would be a spherical capsule containing instrumentation and a life support system capable of sustaining one man for three or four days. A novel feature of the system would be development of a stainless steel cloth parachute which would lower the capsule safely through re-entry deceleration. As the air pressure increased the parachute would automatically expand to its full size and land the capsule at a survival, if bone jarring, rate of 35 feet per second. AVCO asked $500,000 for a three month study and mockup of the capsule device and estimated, as a rough guess", a total development cost of $100 million. The ballistic missile division, however, was not convinced that this was the best approach to the manned reentry problem. The division' s position was that when the Air Force identified its space goals and established specific technical requirements it would then be wiser to "ask for bids and put it (development) on an open competitive basis. " (Memo, Col L. D. Ely, to Col C. H. Terhune, 17 Dec 57, subj: AVCO Proposal for Manned Satellite.)

• First Titan operational wing be located near Denver, Colorado. - . The Ballistic Missile Site Selection Panel recommended that the first Titan (SM-68) operational wing be located in the area of Denver, Colorado..

• Highest priority to ballistic missiles, spy satellites, and ballistic missile early detection. - . Related Persons: , Eisenhower. Spacecraft: WS-117.

  President Eisenhower directed the highest and equal national priority for Atlas, Titan, Thor, Jupiter, the WS 117L advanced military satellite system, and WS 224A BMEWS. This action returned the Titan program to its previous highest national priority status.

• 14 Thor boosters to be used during year for space and ICBM missions. - . Spacecraft: Man-In-Space-Soonest.

  The ballistic missile division informed command headquarters that as many as 14 Thor boosters would be available during the calendar year for special purpose flights. These were tentatively allocated as follows: three were assigned to Phase I "Able" series flights, six were assigned to the program for recoverable satellites, and five were assigned to Phase II "Able" for continued development leading to a Thor ICBM capability. (For a time Thor plus a second stage and warhead was considered as a means of acquiring an early emergency ICBM inventory well ahead of Atlas and Titan.) However, only eight additional launchings could be scheduled through 1958--three for Phase I "Able", three for recoverable satellites to be launched one a month beginning in October, and two in support of Phase II "Able" precisely guided reentry vehicles. Thus this appeared to be the maximum effort possible in the category of space related experimental flights essential to a more advance program. If a greater effort was desirable it would be necessary to obtain additional launching facilities, a problem that might be quickly and easily solved by modifying Navaho launch stands to accept Thor vehicles. (Msg, WDT 2-7E, AFBMD to ARDC, 11 Feb 58.)

• Contract for all-inertial guidance for the Titan ICBM. - . American Arma Bosch was awarded a contract to develop and produce an all-inertial guidance system for the Titan ICBM..

• Equal priority for all ICBM and IRBM programs - . Related Persons: , Eisenhower. President Dwight D. Eisenhower reaffirmed the highest and equal national priority for Atlas, Titan, Thor, and Jupiter..

• USAF goal to to "...land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth". - . Spacecraft: Man-In-Space-Soonest, Lunex.

  The Air Force Ballistic Missile Division published the development plan for an Air Force Manned Military Space Systems Program. The objective was to ". achieve an early capability to land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth. The program represented a reasonable level of accomplishment with a minimum of time and money and called for start of a high priority program (similar to that enjoyed by ballistic missiles) characterized by "concurrency" and single Air Force agency management. The complete program would be carried out in four phases: first, "Man-In-Space-Soonest," was to determine functional capabilities and limitations of man in space by means of earth orbital flights--beginning with an instrumented 2,900 pound re-entry body, then a primate passenger and, finally, a manned capsule. The second, designated "Man-In-Space-Sophisticated," would use a drag type 3, 200 pound re-entry vehicle, capable of a 14 day manned space flight. This device would be used for earth orbital flight only but it would perform experiments essential to the final phase of the lunar program. The third phase, "Lunar Reconnaissance," would explore the moon by television camera and by means of a soft landing of an instrumented package on the moonIs surface. The final phase of the projected program was "Manned Lunar Landing and Return, " which would first test equipment by circumlunar flights returning to earth with instrumented capsules containing animals. At this stage of project development payload capacity would be increased to 9,000 pounds. The spacecraft would then undertake a full scale flight to the moon and safe return to earth with an animal passenger. The climax of the entire project would then be a manned lunar landing, brief surface exploration, and return to earth. This would be followed by other circumlunar flights to fully explore the moon's surface and gather additional physical data. The program was scheduled for completion in December of 1965 at a total estimated cost of $1.5 billion. Program cost estimates were based on use of Air Force rocket hardware and available ground facilities thus eliminating much new development and construction funding. However, new launch vehicle combinations would have to be developed progressing in performance as follows: a Thor-Vanguard second stage, a Thor-fluorine second stage, a "super" Titan with a fluorine-hydrazine second and third stages. Methods of landing involved use of retrorockets to insure a soft landing on the moon and return to earth through re-entry to a predetermined landing area. (USAF Manned Military Space Syst.em Development Plan, 25 Apr 58, prep by AFBMD.)

• Lowry AFB - . Headquarters USAF announced that Lowry Range near Denver, Colorado, would be the first operational site for the Titan missiles (SM-68) that were to be built in Martin's Denver plant..

• Inertial guidance system transferred from the Titan to Atlas. - .

  American Bosch Arma Corporation's contract for an all-inertial guidance system was transferred from the Titan (XSM-68) development program to Atlas (XSM-65) that was to become operational sooner. The Bell Telephone Laboratories (BTL) radio-guidance system would be used on all Titan research and development missiles and for the first four Titan operational squadrons.

• Dynasoar Phase I contracts announced. - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

  Phase I contracts for the Dyna-Soar boost-glide orbital spacecraft are awarded by the USAF to two teams of contractors: one headed by Boeing (Aerojet, General Electric, Ramo-Wooldridge, North American, and Chance Vought), and one headed by Martin (Bell, American Machine & Foundry, Bendix, Goodyear, and Minneapolis-Honeywell). Under the $ 9 million one-year contracts each team was to refine its design, leading to a competitive down-select.

• Delivery of the first Titan missile - . The Air Force accepted delivery of the first Titan missile (A-l) from the Martin Company's Denver Division..

• Advanced Titan considered. - . Nation: USA. USAF reviews improvements (inertial guidance, storable fuel, 1 x 9 basing, both stages constant 3.05 m diameter, in silo launch) to the Titan I..

• Lowry AFB - . Deployment of Titan squadrons in a 3x3 hardened and dispersed configuration was approved for the Lowry, Ellsworth, and Mountain Home squadrons..

• Centaur upper stage to be used with either Atlas or Titan boosters. - .

  ARPA issued order Number 19-59 establishing the Centaur program that would provide a high energy, liquid-fuel upper stage for use with either the Atlas or Titan boosters. Pratt and Whitney was to develop the liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen engines for the upper stage vehicle to be developed by Convair/Astronautics. The development goal was to produce an upper stage vehicle that could place a satellite into a 24-hour, synchronous orbit 23,000 miles above the equator.

• Titan missile A-2 exploded - . Titan missile A-2, scheduled for the first flight test, exploded during captive tests at Denver..

• First Titan flight test missile delivered - . Titan missile A-3, now scheduled for the first Titan flight test, was delivered to the Air Force by the Martin Company..

• Silo-launched Titan approved. - . Nation: USA. Major General Schriever approves conversion of future Titan facilities from silo-lift to in-silo launch..

• Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). First test launch of USAF Titan ICBM (A-3) from Cape Canaveral. Dummy second stage (500 km range)..

• Test mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• LR87-AJ-3 engine for Titan authorized - . As a result of numerous refinements evolved during prototype development of the LR87-AJ-1 engine for Titan, an advanced propulsion system - the AJ-3 - was authorized for development..

• Non-cryogenic propellants for Titan - . AFBMD recommended that non-cryogenic propellants be introduced into the Titan program with the seventh squadron..

• Lowry AFB - . Construction began on the operational facilities for the first Titan (SM-68) squadron at Lowry AFB, Colorado..

• Contractor for Titan all-inertial guidance system. - . AC Spark Plug was selected as the contractor to build the Titan all-inertial guidance system..

• Test mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Successful dummy second stage separation..

• Titan 1 B-4 - . Nation: USA. Exploded during static testing..

• First prototype XLR87-AJ-3 engine for Titan completed. - . The first prototype of the XLR87-AJ-3 engine for Titan was completed..

• Dyna-Soar contractors Boeing and Martin selected. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

  The Dyna-Soar source selection board completed its evaluation of the proposals of the Boeing Airplane Company and the Martin Company. The board recommended the development of the Boeing glider but also favored the employment of the orbtal Titan C booster offered by Martin.

• Nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer and the Aerozine-50 fuel blend selected for Titan II. - . Studies of possible non-cryogenic propellants for use on Titan indicated that the most promising combination was a nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer and the Aerozine-50 fuel blend..

• Titan 1 B-3 - . Nation: USA. Exploded during static testing..

• Test mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

  Titan missile B-5, scheduled to be the first fully powered-flight test missile, was heavily damaged when a faulty release mechanism allowed an earlier-than-planned liftoff that resulted in engine shutdown and the missile's dropping back on the launch pad.

• In-silo launch capability for Titan missiles beginning in October 1962. - .

  The Department of Defense and the Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee approved an in-silo launch capability for Titan missiles beginning with the seventh squadron (October 1962). As a result of changes initiated during 1959, the Titan missiles from the seventh squadron on would have all-inertial guidance systems, storable non-cryogenic propellants, and an in-silo launch capability.

• Titan II would commence with the seventh Titan squadron. - .

  Secretary of the Air Force James H. Douglas, Jr., recommended approval of the Titan II (WS 107C) program that would commence with the seventh squadron to be deployed to SAC. The Titan II would be an advanced system, with all-inertial guidance, non-cryogenic propellants, and in-silo launch capability for vastly improved reaction time and reduced vulnerability through hardened and dispersed (H&D) configurations.

• Plans for advanced launch vehicles - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Glennan. Program: Apollo.

  The ARPA-NASA Booster Evaluation Committee appointed by Herbert F. York, DOD Director of Defense Research and Engineering, April 15, 1959, convened to review plans for advanced launch vehicles. A comparison of the Saturn (C-1) and the Titan-C boosters showed that the Saturn, with its substantially greater payload capacity, would be ready at least one year sooner than the Titan-C. In addition, the cost estimates on the Titan-C proved to be unrealistic. On the basis of the Advanced Research Projects Agency presentation, York agreed to continue the Saturn program but, following the meeting, began negotiations with NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan to transfer the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (and, therefore, Saturn ) to NASA.

• USAF responsible for all military spacecraft. - . Related Persons: , LeMay.

  General Curtis E. LeMay, Vice Chief of Staff, USAF, informed Headquarters ARDC that the Secretary of Defense had assigned responsibility to the Air Force for developing and launching all military spacecraft. The Air Force was also to perform all required systems integration for military space systems. The decision was made for reasons of efficiency and economy.

• Responsibility for military space programs assigned to USAF - . Spacecraft: WS-117, Transit, Midas, Samos.

  Once again, the Defense Department reorganized its space program. Primary responsibility for military space programs was assigned to the Air Force. ARPA retained responsibility for advanced research on missile defense, solid propellants, and several other projects. Existing projects were reassigned to the military services from ARPA - MIDAS and SAMOS to the Air Force,the Transit navigation satellite to the Navy, and NOTUS to the Army. These reassignments were not immediately effective, but the move toward Air Force development, production, and launching of military space vehicles was quite clear.

• First production -3 engines for the Titan program. - . Aerojet-General delivered the first production XLR87-AJ-3 Stage I and XLR91-AJ-3 Stage II engine for the Titan program..

• Development contracts for the Dyna-Soar space glider. - . Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The development contracts for the Dyna-Soar space glider were finally awarded by the Air Force - Boeing was to build the glider stage and Martin would provide the first stage booster..

• Contractor selection for Dynasoar and Titan I announced. - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

  Boeing and Martin selected by USAF to develop Dynasoar and Titan I launch vehicle. The compromise project reformulation a week earlier led to this announcement by the Secretary of the Air Force. Boeing was the winner of the DynaSoar design competition on 9 November 1959 - but for the glider and total system only. Martin was selected as an associate contractor for booster development. Dynasoar received the designation WS-620A on 17 November 1959

• 14-squadron Titan force and Titan II development approved. - . The Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee approved planning for a 14-squadron Titan force and the development of the Titan II weapon system (XSM-68B, WS 107C)..

• Titan II authorized - . Headquarters USAF authorized the initiation of development for an improved Titan missile, the Titan II..

• RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi). The first flight testing of Titan staging and second stage engine ignition was unsuccessful when Titan C-3 exploded at liftoff due to a faulty relay in the command destruct system. First Titan ICBM launching testing second stage was unsuccessful at AMR..

• Ablestar second stage completed - .

  Aerojet-General Corporation completed development of the Ablestar second stage for use with Atlas, Titan, or Thor boosters. Primary improvements over the previous Able vehicles were increased propellant capacity, multiple restart capability, and full-time attitude control.

• Contracts for Titan II engines. - .

  AFBMD awarded contracts for development of first and second stage Titan engines that would use non-cryogenic (storable) pro-pellants. Aerozine 50 (50 per cent UDMH and 50 per cent hydrazine) was the fuel selected to be used with nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer.

• Test mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  Titan test missile B7A completed a 2,200-mile flight, achieving successful staging and ignition of the second stage engine at high altitude. The Stage II engine, XLR-91-AJ-1, performed as planned, and the missile impacted almost exactly on target. This was the first successful Titan launch and flight since 4 May 1959.

• RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• RVX-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  Titan flight test missile G-4 was launched from Cape Canaveral and completed all test objectives in the first successful long-range flight, with the reentry vehicle impacting 4,335-NM downrange. This flight was the longest to date by a Titan and demonstrated the integrity of all basic design parameters as well as Bell Telephone Laboratories radio-inertial guidance systems.

• Titan II RV and basing decisions - .

  Two important decisions were made on the Titan II program during the month. AFBMD received program approval to proceed with the development of the Mark 6 reentry vehicle specifically for use on the Titan II. Configuration for the Titan II operational squadrons was set at nine hardened and dispersed underground silo missile launchers (1x9) in strategic missile wings of two squadrons each (18 missile launchers).

• RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• RVX-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). USAF Titan fired 5,000 statute miles / 8000 km and data capsule recovered..

• RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• RVX-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• RVX-3 Re-entry Vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Contract for production of the Titan II. - . The Air Force gave the Martin Company a letter contract for development, captive and flight testing, and production of the Titan II (WS 107C)..

• RVX-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• RVX-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Martin awarded a contract to develop the Titan 2 ICBM. - . Nation: USA.

• Little Rock AFB site for the 11th and 12th Titan squadrons. - . The Defense Department announced the selection of Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, as the site for the 11th and 12th Titan operational squadrons..

• Martin to develop the Dyna-Soar booster airframe. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Air Force gave the Martin Company responsibility for the development of the Dyna-Soar booster airframe..

• Production contract for Titan II - .

  The Air Force (AFBMD) placed a production contract with the Martin Company for the Titan II (SM-68B) ICBM. This was designed to use storable, non-cryogenic fuels, an all-inertial guidance system, in-silo launch facilities, and to have greater range and payload capabilities than the Titan I (SM-68).

• RVX-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Aero-Jet to develop booster engines for the Dyna-Soar system. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Air Force authorized the Aero-Jet General Corporation to develop booster engines for the Dyna-Soar system..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). The attempt to launch the first operational configuration Titan I ICBM (J-2) from Cape Canaveral was a failure. Titan 1 J (Mk 4 RV).

• Mark 6 reentry vehicle for the Titan II. - . General Electric was awarded the contract to develop the Mark 6 reentry vehicle for the Titan II..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 100 km (60 mi). Titan 1 J (Mk 4 RV).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

  The first successful launch and flight of an operational prototype Titan I occurred on 10 August 1960. After two previous failures, Titan missile J-7 was the first operational prototype to be launched and complete a successful flight test down the Atlantic Missile Range. Titan 1 J (Mk 4 RV)

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Titan II prototype booster and sustainer engines built. - . Aerojet-General Corporation completed fabrication of the Titan II (XLGM-25C) prototype booster (XLR 87-AJ-5) and sustainer (XLR 91-AJ-5) engines..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• RVX-4 test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Titan ICBM fired 6,100 miles / 9800 km, 100 miles longer than any previous shot, with tactical-type nose cone..

• First operational Titan I missile - . The Air Force accepted the first operational Titan I missile (HGM-25A) from the Martin Company..

• First full-duration test firing of the Stage II engine for the Titan II ICBM. - . Aerojet-General conducted the first successful, full-duration test firing of the XLR91-AJ-5 Stage II engine intended for use in the advanced Titan II ICBM..

• Titan II instead of Titan I for Dyna-Soar. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force requested ARDC to examine the feasiblity of employing Titan II instead of Titan I for Dyna-Soar suborbital flights..

• Ellsworth AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 850th SMS activated at Ellsworth AFB.

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• First segmented solid motor test. - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Successful firing of a solid-propellant rocket motor using "building block" method was announced by NASA..

• First production R&D Stage II engine for Titan II - . The first production R&D XLR91-AJ-5 Stage II engine for Titan II was delivered by Aerojet-General..

• USAF need for a space launch vehicle with 15,000 lb payload - . Headquarters USAF instructed AFBMD to continue its efforts to define the need for a space launch vehicle with a payload capacity between the Atlas/Centaur (9,000 lbs) and the early Saturn (19,000 lbs).

• Titan II to be the Dyna-Soar suborbital Step I booster. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Air Force headquarters announced that Titan II would be the suborbital Step I booster..

• USAF changes Dynasoar launch vehicle to Titan II - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• The Titan II selected as booster for the Dyna-Soar - . Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Titan II was selected as the booster for the Air Force Dyna-Soar I hypersonic boost-glide research vehicle..

• Large solid-propellant motor segment tested. - . Aerojet-General Corporation successfully test fired a 20-ton, 65-inch diameter, solid-propellant motor segment that produced 400,000 pounds of thrust for 18 seconds..

• Beale AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 851st SMS activated at Beale AFB.

• Lowry AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 848th SMS activated at Lowry AFB.

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• First full-duration test of the Stage I engine for the Titan II - . The first successful, full-duration test of the XLR87-AJ-5 Stage I engine for the Titan II was completed..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• First Titan in-silo captive test firing - . The first Titan in-silo captive test firing took place at the Silo Launch Test Facility at Vandenberg'AFB, California..

• Titan force reduced from 14 to 12 squadrons. - . Related Persons: , Kennedy.

  President John F. Kennedy reduced the FY 1962 budget for the Titan force from 14 to 12 squadrons. Accordingly, the Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee cancelled the two Titan II squadrons planned for Griffiss AFB, New York. In addition, the President deferred the current plans for three mobile Minuteman missile squadrons.

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 0 km (0 mi).

• Larson AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 568th SMS activated at Larson AFB.

• Demonstration launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 60 km (37 mi). The 6565th Test Wing (Development) successfully conducted the first launch of a Titan (VS-1) from an underground silo at Vandenberg AFB. The nation's first silo launch of a Titan I at Vandenberg AFB..

• Titan II proposed for lunar landing program - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Seamans, Silverstein. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft Bus: Gemini. Spacecraft: Gemini LOR.

  Albert C. Hall of The Martin Company proposed to Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA's Associate Administrator, that the Titan II be considered as a launch vehicle in the lunar landing program. Although skeptical, Seamans arranged for a more formal presentation the next day. Abe Silverstein, NASA's Director of Space Flight Programs, was sufficiently impressed to ask Director Robert R. Gilruth and STG to study the possible uses of Titan II. Silverstein shortly informed Seamans of the possibility of using the Titan II to launch a scaled-up Mercury spacecraft.

• Martin briefed NASA on the Titan II weapon system. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Seamans. Spacecraft: Gemini, Mercury Mark I.

  Martin Company personnel briefed NASA officials in Washington, D.C., on the Titan II weapon system. Albert C. Hall of Martin had contacted NASA's Associate Administrator, Robert C. Seamans, Jr., on April 7 to propose the Titan II as a launch vehicle for a lunar landing program. Although skeptical, Seamans nevertheless arranged for a more formal presentation. Abe Silverstein, NASA Director, Office of Space Flight Programs, was sufficiently impressed by the Martin briefing to ask Director Robert R. Gilruth and Space Task Group to study possible Titan II uses. Silverstein shortly informed Seamans of the possibility of using the Titan II to launch a scaled-up Mercury spacecraft.

• Martin C plan for Dyna-Soar Step IIA booster. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. A Dyna-Soar technical evaluation board recommended the Martin C plan for a Step IIA booster..

• Plan for development of Titan III. - . SSD presented a preliminary plan for development of a high-lift booster that would wrap large solid-propellant booster engines around a liquid-rocket second stage center core vehicle..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Titan I ICBM 569th SMS activated at Mountain Home AFB - . Nation: USA.

• First production R&D Stage I engine for the Titan II - . The first production model R&D XLR87-AJ-5 Stage I engine for the Titan II were delivered..

• Solid-propellant rocket motor of 500,000 pounds of thrust test fired. - . Aerojet-General test fired a large solid-propellant rocket motor generating 500,000 pounds of thrust at its Sacramento, California, test facility..

• Solid booster program meeting requirements of both NASA and the Air Force. - . Undersecretary of the Air Force Joseph V. Charyk instructed Headquarters USAF to prepare a solid booster program that would satisfy the requirements of NASA and the Air Force..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

  Titan I (M-l) was the first Series M missile and first inertially-guided Titan missile to be launched from Cape Canaveral. Essentially a Titan I with a Titan II inertial guidance system, M-l was only a partial success due to a second stage hydraulic failure and loss of control after sustainer engine ignition.

• Martin proposal for a Titan-boosted Mercury vehicle. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft Bus: Mercury. Spacecraft: Mercury Mark I.

  James L. Decker of Martin Company submitted a proposal for a Titan-boosted Mercury vehicle. A Mercury-Titan program, expected to span an 18-month flight schedule, would benefit from the Air Force's booster development and test of the ballistic missile system and the considerable design and test that the Air Force had expended in the Dyna-Soar program to adapt the vehicle to manned spaceflight. The Titan, with its sea-level rating of 430,000 pounds of thrust in the first stage and 100,000 pounds in the second stage, was capable of lifting significantly heavier spacecraft payloads than the Mercury-Atlas. Its hypergolic propulsion system, using storable liquid propellants, was a much simpler system than the cryogenic propellant system in Atlas. A highly reliable booster could be provided, employing complete redundancy in the flight control systems in the form of a three-axis reference system, autopilot, servo, electrical, and hydraulic systems. The short time he proposed would depend on the availability of pad 19 at Cape Canaveral, planned for conversion to the Titan II configuration. Pad 19, unlike the other three Titan I pads, had been intended for space applications and was better designed for required prelaunch test programs.

• First production Stage I engine for Titan II. - . Aerojet-General delivered the first production XLR87-AJ-5 Stage I engine for Titan II..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Titan missile M-2 completed the first full-range (4,342-NM) flight test of a Titan I equipped with an all-inertial guidance system. .

• Lowry AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 849th SMS activated at Lowry AFB.

• First production Stage II engine for Titan II - . The first production XLR91-AJ-5 Stage II engine for Titan II was delivered by Aerojet-General..

• Martin briefed Space Task Group on Titan II technical characteristics and performance. - . Nation: USA.

  Representatives of Martin Company briefed Director Robert R. Gilruth and some of the senior staff of Space Task Group on Titan II technical characteristics and expected performance. At a senior staff meeting four days later, August 7, Gilruth commented on the Titan II's promise for manned spaceflight, particularly its potential ability to place larger payloads in orbit than could Atlas, which would make it 'a desirable booster for a two-man spacecraft.' Martin had estimated the cost of procuring and launching nine Titan II boosters, with cost of ancillary equipment, at $47.889 million spread over fiscal years 1962 through 1964.

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Solid motor segment test. - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

  Segmented solid-propellent rocket engine fired by United Technology Corp. at Sunnyvale, generating over 200,000 pounds of thrust in 80-second firing. Developed under NASA contract, center section of engine contained over 55,000 pounds of propellant, the largest single piece yet manufactured in the United States.

• First Titan II production engine delivered - . The first Titan II production engine was delivered to the Air Force..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). USAF Titan successfully launched from Atlantic Missile Range, making 6,100-mile flight..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle research and development mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Launched from Titan II silo.

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Titan II to be selected as the launch vehicle for NASA's advanced Mercury. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Martin Company received informal indications from the Air Force that Titan II would be selected as the launch vehicle for NASA's advanced Mercury. Martin, Air Force, and NASA studied the feasibility of modifying complex 19 at Cape Canaveral from the Titan weapon system configuration to the Mercury Mark II launch vehicle configuration.

• Titan III to be a standard military space launch vehicle. - . Space Systems Division provided Headquarters AFSC with a special study of the Titan II with strap-on solid boosters as the concept for a standard military space launch vehicle - named Titan III..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). USAF Titan I launched from Cape Canaveral carrying Titan II guidance system..

• Early program definition actions for the Titan III. - . Dr. Harold Brown, Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E), authorized the Air Force to begin early program definition actions for the development of the Titan III..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• First Titan II missiles delivered. - . The Air Force accepted the first Titan II (XLGM-25C) missiles..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). BSD's 6555th ATWg at Cape Canaveral completed the first successful launch of a Titan I (J-22) by an entire Air Force crew..

• Bleymaier Director of Titan III Program - . Colonel Joseph S. Bleymaier was appointed Director of Titan III Program (Program 624) at Headquarters SSD..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Titan II for the Mercury Mark II - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: McNamara. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Recommendation that the weapon system of the Titan II, with minimal modifications, be approved for the Mercury Mark II rendezvous mission. On the basis of a report of the Large Launch Vehicle Planning Group, Robert C. Seamans, Jr., NASA Associate Administrator, and John H. Rubel, Department of Defense Deputy Director for Defense Research and Engineering, recommended to Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara that the weapon system of the Titan II, with minimal modifications, be approved for the Mercury Mark II rendezvous mission. The planning group had first met in August 1961 to survey the Nation's launch vehicle program and was recalled in November to consider Titan II, Titan II-1/2, and Titan III. On November 16, McNamara and NASA Administrator James E. Webb had also begun discussing the use of Titan II.

• DOD/NASA coordination for Mercury Mark II - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: McNamara, Seamans, Webb. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  NASA Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and DOD Deputy Director of Defense Research and Engineering John H. Rubel recommended to Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara and NASA Administrator James E. Webb that detailed arrangements for support of the Mercury Mark II spacecraft and the Atlas-Agena vehicle used in rendezvous experiments be planned directly between NASA's Office of Manned Space Flight and the Air Force and other DOD organizations. NASA's primary responsibilities would be the overall management and direction for the Mercury Mark II/ Agena rendezvous development and experiments. The Air Force responsibilities would include acting as NASA contractor for the Titan II launch vehicle and for the Atlas-Agena vehicle to be used in rendezvous experiments. DOD's responsibilities would include assistance in the provision and selection of astronauts and the provision of launch, range, and recovery support, as required by NASA.

• First test of UTC 1205 rocket motors. - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Solid-propellent rocket motor generating nearly 500,000 pounds of thrust was fired in a static test of 80-second duration by United Technology Corp. at Sunnyvale, Calif., under USAF contract..

• NTMP TV test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Titan III program office. - . SSD established a Deputy for Titan III (Program 624A) program office to develop a space standard launch vehicle (SLV) and system built around a Titan II with two strap-on, 120-inch diameter motors..

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• New method to steer large-size solid-propellant rockets. - .

  United Technology Center (UTC) announced the successful test of a new experimental method to steer large-size solid-propellant rockets. Called liquid thrust vector control (TVC), this technique used a gas or liquid that was sprayed into the exhaust path of rocket engine exhaust, thus deflecting the exhaust and thereby turning the vehicle. The test was conducted on a 450,000-pound thrust solid-fuel engine.

• Production contract for the solid-propellant rocket motor for the Titan III. - . SSD awarded a contract to United Technology Center for production of the 120-inch diameter, solid-propellant rocket motor for the Titan III..

• Titan II to be used for the Mercury Mark II program. - . Nation: USA.

  Manned Spacecraft Center directed Air Force Space Systems Division to authorize contractors to begin the work necessary to use the Titan II in the Mercury Mark II program. On December 27, Martin-Baltimore received a go-ahead on the launch vehicle from the Air Force. A letter contract for 15 Gemini launch vehicles and associated aerospace ground equipment followed on January 19, 1962.

• Dynasoar suborbital tests deleted from program. - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

  Development time schedule for Dyna-Soar was reduced when DOD authorized the USAF to move directly from B-52 drop tests to unmanned and then manned orbital flights. This eliminated the previous interim stage of suborbital flights to be powered by the Titan II. This required renegotiation of the development contract held by the Martin Co. and negotiating of a new contract for a larger booster.

• Titan 2 first static ground test. - . Nation: USA. Titan 2 was successfully captive-fired for the first time at the Martin Co.'s Denver facilities..

• Titan 2 first ground test. - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Titan II, an advanced ICBM and the booster designated for NASA's two-man orbital flights, was successfully captive-fired for the first time at the Martin Co.'s Denver facilities. The test not only tested the flight vehicle but the checkout and launch equipment intended for operational use.

• USAF announces Titan III for Dynasoar - . Nation: USA. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spaceplane. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. With continued weight growth USAF announces Titan III to be developed for Dynasoar orbital missions..

• Titan II captive-fired for the first time - . A Titan II was successfully captive-fired for the first time at Martin's test stand facilities near Denver, Colorado..

• Davis-Monthan AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan 2 390th SMW and 570th SMS (9 missiles) activated at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona..

• Statement of Work for the procurement of Titan II launch vehicles for the Gemini program. - . Nation: USA.

  Manned Spacecraft Center prepared a Statement of Work to be accomplished by Air Force Space Systems Division (SSD) in its role as contractor to NASA for the procurement of Titan II launch vehicles for the Gemini program. The launch vehicle would retain the general aerodynamic shape, basic systems, and propulsion concepts of the missile. Modifications, primarily for crew safety, were to be kept to a minimum. The Statement of Work accompanied a purchase request for $27 million, dated January 5, 1962, for 15 Titan launch vehicles. Pending ratification of the Gemini Operational and Management Plan, however, funding was limited to $3 million. To oversee this work, SSD established a Gemini Launch Vehicle Directorate, headed by Colonel Richard C. Dineen, on January 11. Initial budgeting and planning were completed by the end of March, and a final Statement of Work was issued May 14; although amended, it remained in effect throughout the program.

• Gemini Launch Vehicle Directorate established. - . Spacecraft: Gemini. Headquarters Space Systems Division established the Gemini Launch Vehicle Directorate (SSVL) under Colonel R.C. Dineen as part of the Deputy for Launch Vehicles (SSV)..

• Contract for 15 Titan Gemini Launch Vehicles - . Spacecraft: Gemini. The Martin Marietta Corporation was awarded a letter contract for the development and production of 15 Titan Gemini Launch Vehicles and related aerospace ground equipment (AGE)..

• Demo - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Titan II plans to ensure flight safety and enhance reliability. - . Nation: USA.

  After investigating potential malfunction problems of the modified Titan II/Gemini launch vehicle, Martin-Baltimore prepared a study report with plans to provide the components necessary to ensure flight safety and enhance reliability. Martin defined the malfunction problem quantitatively in terms of the probability of each cause and its characteristic effect on the system and vehicle. Martin intended to keep the launch vehicle as much like the weapon system as possible; thus the data obtained from the Air Force's weapon system development program would be applicable to the launch vehicle. Only minimal modifications to enhance probability of mission success, to increase pilot safety, and to accommodate the Gemini spacecraft as the payload were to be made. These included a malfunction detection system; backup guidance, control, and hydraulic systems; and selective electrical redundancies.

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). The 47th, and final, Titan I research and development flight test missile (M-7) was successfully fired from Cape Canaveral. Of the launches, 34 were rated successes, nine partials, and only four as failures. .

• Aerospace Corporation to support of the Gemini Launch Vehicle Program. - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division issued a Technical Operating Plan to Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, California, for support of the Gemini Launch Vehicle Program; a contract followed on March 15. Aerospace was to assume responsibility for general systems engineering and technical direction of the development of the launch vehicle and its associated subsystems. Aerospace had already established a Gemini Launch Vehicle Program Office in January.

• Titan II explodes in first silo test - . The 6595th Aerospace Test Wing at Vandenberg AFB conducted the first and development test missile (N-7) from an underground silo. In this first silo launch of a Titan II, the missile destroyed itself .

• Design criteria for the Titan III. - . Space Systems Division awarded a contract to the Martin Marietta Corporation to study the design criteria for the Titan III standardized space launch vehicle..

• Proposal for redundant subsystems for the Gemini launch vehicle. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Gemini, Gemini Inertial Guidance System.

  Martin-Baltimore submitted its initial proposal for the redundant flight control and hydraulic subsystems for the Gemini launch vehicle; on March 1, Martin was authorized to proceed with study and design work. The major change in the flight control system from Titan II missile to Gemini launch vehicle was substitution of the General Electric Mod IIIG radio guidance system (RGS) and Titan I three-axis reference system for the Titan II inertial guidance system. Air Force Space Systems Division issued a letter contract to General Electric Company, Syracuse, New York, for the RGS on June 27. Technical liaison, computer programs, and ground-based computer operation and maintenance were contracted to Burroughs Corporation, Paoli, Pennsylvania, on July 3.

• Research and development Cat II / operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

• McConnell AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan 2 381st SMW and 532nd SMS (9 missiles) activated at McConnell AFB, Kansas..

• Construction work for Titan I completed. - . Construction work for all six Titan I squadrons was completed..

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  The 6555th Aerospace Test Wing launched the first Titan II (XLGM-25C) research and development flight test missile (N-2) from Cape Canaveral. The Titan II was the most powerful ICBM yet launched by the U.S., its first stage engines generating 430,000 pounds of thrust and the second stage engine 100,000 pounds. The flight of N-2 also marked the first successful test of the AC Spark Plug inertial guidance system. The Air Force successfully launched a Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile. This was the first full-scale test of the vehicle; it flew 8000 km out over the Atlantic Ocean.

• Contract to Aerojet-General for 15 propulsion systems for the Gemini launch vehicle. - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division awarded a letter contract to Aerojet-General Corporation, Azusa, California, for the research, development, and procurement of 15 propulsion systems for the Gemini launch vehicle. It also included the design and development of the related aerospace ground equipment. Aerojet had been authorized to go ahead with work on the engines on February 14, 1962, and the final engine was scheduled for delivery by April 1965.

• Contract for Titan Gemini engines - . Spacecraft: Gemini. Aerojet-General Corporation was given a letter contract for research, development, and manufacture of 15 sets of Titan Gemini Launch Vehicle propulsion systems and associated ground equipment..

• Development Plan for the Gemini Launch Vehicle - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division published the "Development Plan for the Gemini Launch Vehicle System". From experience in Titan II and Mercury programs, the planners estimated a budget of $164.4 million, including a 50 percent contingency for cost increases and unforeseen changes.

• Design philosophy for Gemini Titan II - . Nation: USA.

  Martin-Baltimore submitted a "Description of the Launch Vehicle for the Gemini Spacecraft" to Air Force Space Systems Division. This document laid the foundation for the design of the Gemini launch vehicle by defining the concept and philosophy of each proposed subsystem.

• Little Rock AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan 2 308th SMW and 373rd SMS (9 missiles) activated at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas.

• Titan IIIC solid-propellant booster contractor - . A Titan III source selection board recommended United Technology Center as the developer of the solid-propellant booster motors..

• Lowry AFB - .

  The Ballistic Systems Division Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) at Lowry AFB, Colorado, turned over Complex A, the first three-missile Titan I (HGM-25A) launch complex, to the 724th SMW. These were the first of 54 Titan I launchers programmed for SAC's operational inventory. All Titan I squadrons featured silo-lift facilities, that is, storage in an underground silo and erection to an above ground launch position.

• United Technology Center selected for the solid-propellant rocket motors for the Titan III. - . Space Systems Division selected the proposal submitted by United Technology Center for the 120-inch diameter, solid-propellant rocket motors for the Titan III..

• Lowry AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 848th SMS (nine missiles) declared operational at Lowry AFB.

• Lowry AFB - . The last Titan I (HGM-25A) complex was turned over to the 724th Strategic Missile Squadron of the 451st Strategic Missile Wing (SAC) at Lowry AFB, Colorado. This completed activation..

• Davis-Monthan AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan 2 571st SMS (9 missiles) activated within the 390th SMW at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona..

• Research and development Category II test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Titan I flight test missile was the 100th major space and ballistic vehicle to be launched from Vandenberg AFB since 16 December 1958. A total of 21 Thors, 32 Atlases, 5 Titans, and 42 space boosters had been launched from the base..

• Lowry AFB - . Nation: USA.

  Titan I ICBM 849th SMS (nine missiles) declared operational at Lowry AFB. The second Titan I (HGM-25A) squadron at Lowry AFB, Colorado, the 725th Strategic Missile Squadron of SAC's 451st Strategic Missile Wing, became operational with the turnover of the last of three, three-missile launch complexes. All launch facilities were silo-lift.

• A Launch Vehicle-Spacecraft Interface Working Group was established. - . Nation: USA.

  Gemini Project Office (GPO) and Aerospace had agreed on the need for such a group at a Gemini-Titan coordination meeting on May 11. The main function of the group, composed of Martin and McDonnell personnel with a McDonnell representative as chairman, was to provide mutual exchange of design and physical data on mechanical, electrical, and structural details between the spacecraft contractor and the booster contractor. The group would make no policy decisions; its actions were to be reviewed at regularly scheduled coordination meetings held by GPO.

• Contract to convert pad 19 at Cape Canaveral for Gemini flights. - . Nation: USA.

  Amendment No. 6 to the Gemini launch vehicle procurement contract assigned $2.609 million to fund the construction necessary to convert pad 19 at Cape Canaveral for Gemini flights. The Air Force had originally constructed pad 19 for the Titan I development program. Following the final Titan I development flight (January 29) from the Cape, design of the required modifications had begun in February. In April, Gemini Project Office decided that Pad 19 would have an erector rather than a gantry, the upper third of which would be designed as a white room. The final design review of pad 19 modifications took place July 9-10, and the Army Corps of Engineers awarded the construction contract to Consolidated Steel, Cocoa Beach, Florida. Construction began in September. Work was completed and pad 19 was activated on October 17, 1963.

• Avco proposal for a space station. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MOL.

  Representatives from Avco Manufacturing Corporation made a presentation to MSC on a proposal for a space station. Prime purpose of the station, company spokesmen said, was to determine the effects of zero-g on the crew's ability to stand reentry and thus fix the limit that man could safely remain in orbit. Avco's proposed station design comprised three separate tubes about 3 m in diameter and 6 m long, launched separately aboard Titan IIs and joined in a triangular shape in orbit. A standard Gemini spacecraft was to serve as ferry vehicle.

• Avco proposal for Titan-launched space station. - . Nation: USA. Avco's proposed station design comprised three separate tubes about 3 m in diameter and 6 m long, launched separately aboard Titan 2s and joined in a triangular shape in orbit. A standard Gemini spacecraft was to serve as ferry vehicle..

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Combined Titan I liquid-fueled engine - solid-propellant rocket motor test fired to validate Titan III. - .

  A Titan I liquid-fueled engine was strapped to the side of a 175-ton solid-propellant rocket motor, and the configuration was test fired by Aerojet-General Corporation. This evaluated the compatibility of liquid and solid engines for SSD's Titan III space launch vehicle. The combination generated 700,000 pounds of thrust.

• Martin-Baltimore's airborne systems functional test stand went into operation at Baltimore. - . Nation: USA.

  In this 3000-square-foot facility, all airborne systems in the Gemini launch vehicle - including flight control, hydraulic, electrical, instrumentation, and malfunction detection - were assembled on tables and benches; actual engines, but simulated propellant tanks and guidance, were used. In addition to individual and combined systems tests, the facility was used to check system design changes and trouble-shoot problems encountered in other test programs.

• Plan for flight testing the malfunction detection system (MDS) for the Gemini launch vehicle. - . Nation: USA.

  Martin prepared a plan for flight testing the malfunction detection system (MDS) for the Gemini launch vehicle on development flights of the Titan II weapon system. Gemini Project Office (GPO) had requested Martin to prepare Systems Division and Aerospace approved the plan and won GPO concurrence early in August. This so-call 'piggyback plan' required installing the Gemini MDS in Titan II engines on six Titan II flights to demonstrate its reliability before it was flown on Gemini.

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini-Titan Launch Operations Committee. - . Nation: USA.

  A technical team at Air Force Missile Test Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida - responsible for detailed launch planning, consistency of arrangements with objectives, and coordination - met for the first time with official status and a new name. The group of representatives from all organizations supplying major support to the Gemini-Titan launch operations, formerly called the Gemini Operations Support Committee, was now called the Gemini-Titan Launch Operations Committee.

• Reliability review of the Titan II launch vehicle engine system. - . Nation: USA.

  A reliability review of the Titan II launch vehicle engine system was held in Sacramento, California, at Aerojet-General's Liquid Rocket Plant, the site where the engines were being developed. Gemini engines had to be more reliable than did intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) engines. This requirement meant supplementing the ICBM engine reliability program, a task being performed by Aerojet under Air Force Space Systems Division direction.

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• McConnell AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan 2 533rd SMS (9 missiles) activated within the 381st SMW at McConnell AFB, Kansas..

• Mountain Home AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 569th SMS (nine missiles) declared operational at Mountain Home AFB.

• Mountain Home AFB - . With the transfer of Complex A, the turnover of the 569th Strategic Missile Squadron to SAC was completed. All nine Titan I missiles were now operational at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho..

• Titan III to be operational by 1965. - .

  The Defense Department announced plans to develop the Titan III launch vehicle that was to be operational by 1965. Martin Marietta Corporation would be the systems integration (prime) contractor for the Titan III program that was managed by AFSC's Space Systems Division.

• US Department of Defense announced Titan III launch vehicle. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: McNamara.

  The Department of Defense announced plans to develop a Titan III launch vehicle powered by both solid and liquid fuel rocket motors with a total thrust of over 11 million newtons (2.5 million Ibs). .Scheduled to become operational in 1965, the Titan III would be used to launch the Air Force's X-20 (Dyna Soar) manned spacecraft, as well as heavy unmanned military satellites. Martin Marietta Corporation had been selected as prime contractor for the project, at an estimated cost of between $500 million and $1 billion. At a news conference the following day, Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara cited the Titan III as a major step toward overtaking the Soviet Union in various phases of military space development.

• First Titan II operational missile was accepted by the Air Force. - . The first Titan II (LGM-25C) operational missile was accepted by the Air Force. This missile was delivered to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, on 11 December 1962..

• Little Rock AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan 2 374th SMS (9 missiles) activated within the 308th SMW at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas.

• Beale AFB - . The nine Titan I missile launchers at Beale AFB, California, were turned over to SAC's 851st Strategic Missile Squadron..

• Focal point for space projects within Headquarters USAF. - . Spacecraft: Dynasoar, Midas.

  Headquarters USAF announced that the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development (DCS/R&D) would be the focal point for space projects within Headquarters USAF. Lt General James Ferguson, DCS/R&D, would possess Air Force headquarters responsibility for programs such as MIDAS, Titan III, Dyna-Soar, and others.

• Beale AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 851st SMS (nine missiles) declared operational at Beale AFB..

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Ellsworth AFB - . The last complex of the 850th Strategic Missile Squadron (Titan I) at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, was turned over to SAC..

• Larson AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 568th SMS (nine missiles) declared operational at Larson AFB.

• Larson AFB - .

  The last of the six operational Titan I squadrons, the 568th Strategic Missile Squadron at Larson AFB, Washington, was transferred to SAC. This brought the Titan I operational force to its programmed strength of six radio-guidance squadrons and 54 silo-lift launchers.

• Ellsworth AFB - . Nation: USA. Titan I ICBM 850th SMS (nine missiles) declared operational at Ellsworth AFB.

• Air Force Space Systems Division revised the Development Plan for the Gemini launch vehicle. - . Nation: USA.

  The budget was raised to $181.3 million. Cost increases in work on the vertical test facility at Martin's Baltimore plant, on the conversion of pad 19 at Cape Canaveral, and on aerospace ground equipment had already generated a budget increase to $172.6 million during September. The new Development Plan also indicated that the first launch date had slipped to December 1963.

• Research and development Category II test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• X-20 flight dates compatible with Titan IIIC schedules. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. The Dyna-Soar program completed a system package program, which made the X-20 flight dates compatible with projected Titan IIIC schedules..

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Titan III research and development begun. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar.

  Following Congressional approval of development funding, Air Force headquarters issued System Program Directive 9, authorizing research and development of Titan III, System 624A. By this time the funding and schedule for development of the Titan IIIC booster was the pacing item in the Dynasoar project. The launch schedule had to be revised and reduced yet once again. Delivery of the first Dyna-Soar was to be made by October 1964 and first orbital launch by the end of 1965. While the first glider test would be 14 months later than the original July 1957 schedule, the first orbital flight was expected six months earlier.

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Titan I SATAF discontinued - . Ballistic Systems Division's Site Activation Task Forces (SATAFs) for Titan I at Larson, Lowry, and Mountain Home AFBs were discontinued..

• Contract for Phase I of the Gemini launch vehicle program. - . Nation: USA.

  During the first three weeks of the month, Air Force Space Systems Division and Martin-Baltimore negotiated the terms of the contract for Phase I of the Gemini launch vehicle program. The resulting cost-plus-fixed-fee contract included an estimated cost of $52.5 million and a fixed fee of $3.465 million. This contract covered the development and procurement of the first launch vehicle and preparations for manufacturing and procuring the remaining 14 vehicles required by the Gemini program.

• Contract for Phase II development of the solid-propellant rocket motors for Titan III. - . Space Systems Division awarded a $173 million contract to United Technology Center for Phase II development of the five-segment, 120-inch diameter, solid-propellant rocket motors for Titan III..

• Edwards AFB solid-rocket motor test facility. - .

  Ground was broken at Edwards AFB, California for construction of the largest and most heavily instrumented solid-rocket motor test facility. It was designed to test the five-segment, 120-inch solid-propellant motors for the Titan III program but could handle engines up to and including 156 inches in diameter.

• Aerojet-General contract for the first phase of the Gemini launch vehicle engine program. - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division and Aerojet-General negotiated a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the first phase of the Gemini launch vehicle engine program, February 14, 1962, through June 30, 1963. The contract required delivery of one set of engines, with the remaining 14 sets included for planning purposes. Estimated cost of the contract was $13.9 million, with a fixed fee of $917,400 for a total of $14,817,400.

• Development phase of the Titan III program begins. - . The Martin Marietta Corporation was awarded a contract for Titan III airframe, systems, integration, and testing..

• Research and development Category II test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 4 re-entry vehicle test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

  Titan II flight N-11, the eighth in a series being conducted by the Air Force to develop the weapon system, was launched from Cape Canaveral. It carried a design change intended to reduce the amplitude of longitudinal oscillations which had appeared during first stage operation on all seven previous Titan II flights. This phenomenon, which subsequently became known as POGO, generated g-forces as high as nine in the first stage and over three at the position on the missile corresponding to the location of the spacecraft on the Gemini launch vehicle. Fearing the potentially adverse effect on astronaut performance of such superimposed g-forces, NASA established 0.25g at 11 cycles per second as the maximum level tolerable for Gemini flights. As a first try at solving the POGO problem, Titan II N-11 carried standpipes in each leg of the stage I oxidizer feed lines to interrupt the coupling between the missile's structure and its propulsion system. This coupling was presumed to be the cause of the instability. Postflight analysis, however, revealed that the POGO fix was unsuccessful; longitudinal oscillation had actually been multiplied by a factor of two.

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Contract for solid rocket motors for the Titan 3. - . USAF awarded a $30 million contract to United Technology Center (UTC) for the design, development, delivery, and flight of large, segmented, solid rocket motors for the Titan 3..

• Gemini Launch Vehicle Configuration Control Board. - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division established the Gemini Launch Vehicle Configuration Control Board to draw up and put into effect procedures for approving and disapproving specifications and engineering change proposals for the Gemini launch vehicle. It formally convened for the first time on March 5, 1963.

• First operational Titan II missile installed at Davis-Monthan AFB. - .

  The first operational Titan II (LGM-25C) missile was installed in the lead complex of the 570th Strategic Missile Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. This was a major milestone in the transition of the Titan II from research and development to fully operational status with the Strategic Air Command.

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

• McNamara requests review of the Titan III nd Gemini programs. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar, Gemini. The Secretary of Defense directed a review of the Titan III program and the Gemini program of NASA..

• Titan II development flight failures caused by problems in the airborne radio guidance system. - . Nation: USA.

  At a launch guidance and control coordination meeting, Aerospace described three Titan II development flight failures that had been caused by problems in the General Electrical Mod III airborne radio guidance system. Although these failures did not appear to be the result of inherent design faults that might react on the Gemini program, Aerospace felt that a tighter quality assurance program was needed: 'GE has a poor MOD III (G) quality control program, basically poor workmanship.'

• Research and development Category II test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A Titan II (N-16) completed a 6,500-mile flight down the Atlantic Missile Range carrying the heaviest payload ever to travel that far on a U.S. missile..

• Awful Tired - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 5.00 km (3.10 mi). Research and development launch - Mk 6 re-entry vehicle.

• Pilot safety philosophy and procedures would be carried over from Mercury-Atlas to Gemini-Titan. - . Nation: USA.

  In a letter transmitting copies of the Gemini Launch Vehicle Pilot Safety Program to Gemini contractors and other organizations engaged in Gemini development and operations, Air Force Space Systems Division explained that pilot safety philosophy and procedures would be carried over from Mercury-Atlas to Gemini-Titan.

• First static firing of one segment version of the Titan III solid rocket motor. - .

  United Technology Center (UTC), the contractor for the Titan III solid-rocket motors, successfully conducted the first static firing of one segment of the large-size, 120-inch diameter motor. This would be used as the first stage (Stage 0) booster. UTC was developing a single engine of five segments as the basic booster.

• Contract for Titan III standard launch vehicles for space missions. - .

  The Air Force announced the formal contract award to Martin Marietta Corporation for the design, development, fabrication, and delivery of Titan III standard launch vehicles for space missions. Martin Marietta would act as the systems integration contractor, while Aerojet-General would produce the liquid-fuel propulsions systems for the Titan core section and United Technology Center (UTC) would provide the solid-rocket motors (SRMs) for the booster.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1 to use GLV 2 tank - . Nation: USA.

  The stage II oxidizer tank from Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 was airlifted from Martin-Denver to Martin-Baltimore to be used in GLV-1. GLV propellant tank and skirt assemblies were manufactured, pressure-tested, and calibrated at Martin-Denver, then shipped to Baltimore where the GLV was assembled. Additional Details: here....

• Study group to recommend DOD experiments for inclusion in the Gemini flight program. - . Nation: USA.

  The Gemini Program Planning Board, meeting in Washington, agreed to the establishment of an ad hoc study group to compare NASA and Department of Defense (DOD) objectives for the Gemini program and to recommend DOD experiments for inclusion in the Gemini flight program. The group met in continuous session March 25 to April 26, presenting its final report to the board on May 6. The board then recommended that a program of inflight military experiments be immediately approved, that the Air Force establish a field office at Manned Spacecraft Center to manage DOD participation in the Gemini program in general and integration of experiments in particular, and that work on preventing longitudinal oscillations in stage I and combustion instability in stage II of the Gemini launch vehicle to be urgently pursued. The board declined to recommend additional flights in the Gemini program, as suggested by the study group, to encompass experiments that would not fit into the framework of the planned Gemini program. The Secretary of Defense and NASA Administrator concurred in the Board's recommendations.

• Mk 6 re-entry vehicle test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• NTMP K-17 Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). K-17 Nike-Zeus intercept of Titan I ICBM..

• POGO problems in the Titan II. - . Nation: USA.

  The Titan II-Gemini Coordination Committee was established to direct efforts to reduce longitudinal vibration (POGO) in the Titan II and to improve engine reliability. Air Force Space Systems Division (SSD) and Aerospace had presented to NASA and the Air Force a series of briefings on the POGO problem that culminated in a briefing to the Gemini Program Planning Board. The main problem was that POGO level satisfactory in the weapon system was too high to meet NASA standards for the Gemini program, and further reduction in the POGO level required a much more elaborate and extensive analytic and experimental program than had so far been considered necessary. The board approved the SSD/Aerospace proposals and established a committee to oversee work toward a POGO remedy. The high-level committee was composed of officials from Air Force Ballistic Systems Division, SSD, Space Technology Laboratories, and Aerospace.

• All major site construction on the Titan II force completed. - . All major site construction on the Titan II force was completed at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona; Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; and McConnell AFB, Kansas..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• NTMP K-21 Target mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). K-21 Nike-Zeus intercept of Titan I ICBM..

• Large Solid Rocket Motor Program (Program 623A) begun. - .

  The Defense Department announced the selection of Thiokol Chemical Corporation, Aerojet-General Corporation, and Lockheed Propulsion Company to conduct work on the development of large solid-propellant motors as part of the Space Systems Division's Large Solid Rocket Motor Program (Program 623A). Development work was divided into four tasks: (1) Thiokol and Aerojet-General were to develop 260-inch diameter, solid rocket motors of 3 million pounds of thrust for demonstration static firings; (2) Thiokol was to work on a 156-inch, 3 million-pound thrust, two-segment solid rocket motor; (3) Thiokol was to develop and static fire a 156-inch, one-segment solid rocket motor of one million pounds thrust demonstrating thrust vector control (TVC) through movable nozzles; and (4) Lockheed was to static fire a 156-inch, single segment solid rocket motor of one million pounds thrust that demonstrated TVC through jet tabs.

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Mk 6 re-entry vehicle.

• Gemini successful crew escape possible based on Titan II tests. - . Nation: USA.

  The Gemini Abort Panel met. Martin-Baltimore's analysis of the last three Titan II flight tests tended to show that successful crew escape would have been possible. McDonnell presented data on spacecraft structural capabilities, but lack of data on what to expect from Titan II catastrophic failure meant that spacecraft structural capabilities remained a problem. Also some questions had existed as to what could happen to the adapter retrosection during and after an abort. A study had been made of this problem, assuming a 70,000 foot altitude condition, and there appeared to be no separation difficulties. This study investigated the period of up to 10 seconds after separation, and there was no evidence that recontact would occur.

• Dinner Party - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  Titan II (N-8) was the second research and development missile and the first successful flight test vehicle to be launched from a silo at Vandenberg AFB. This was the first successful Titan II launch and flight after three consecutive failures, one (N-7) at Vandenberg and two (N-18 and N-21) at the Atlantic range. Research and development launch. Mk 6 re-entry vehicle.

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. The Titan I research and development flight test program ended with the launch of missile V-4 from Vandenberg. V-4 self-destructed over the launch pad, recording one of the seven failures in the Titan I flight test program that began in .

• Gemini/Titan II improvement program. - . Nation: USA.

  The Gemini Program Planning Board approved the Air Force Systems Command development plan for the Gemini/Titan II improvement program. The plan covered the development work required to man-rate the Titan II beyond the requirements of the Titan II weapon system and included three major areas: (1) reducing longitudinal oscillation levels to NASA requirements, (2) reducing the incidence of stage II engine combustion instability, and (3) cleaning up the design of stage I and II engines and augmenting the continuing engine improvement program to enhance engine reliability. The work was to be funded by the Titan Program Office of Air Force Ballistics Systems Division and managed by the Titan II/Gemini Coordination Committee, which had been established April 1. NASA found the plan satisfactory.

• First engines for Gemini launch vehicle No. 1 - . Nation: USA.

  Aerojet-General delivered the first flight engines for Gemini launch vehicle No. 1 to Martin-Baltimore. Aerojet-General had provided a set of Type 'E' dummy engines March 18. These were installed and used to lay out tubing and wiring while the launch vehicle was being assembled. Additional Details: here....

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Mk 6 re-entry vehicle..

• Flying Frog - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Research and development launch. Mk 6 re-entry vehicle..

• Atlas D,E, and Titan I missiles to be phased out 1965 - 1968. - .

  Headquarters USAF recommended that Atlas D,E, and Titan I missiles be phased out of SAC's active operational inventory between 1965 and 1968. The older liquid-fueled ICBMs were expensive to operate, required a large manpower commitment, were slow-reacting and thus vulnerable when compared to the more advanced Minuteman and Titan II missile that were being deployed.

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Mk 6 re-entry vehicle.

• The vertical test facility (VTF) at Martin-Baltimore was activated. - . Nation: USA.

  The VTF comprised a 165-foot tower and an adjacent three-story blockhouse with ground equipment similar to that used at complex 19. In it, the completely assembled Gemini launch vehicle was tested to provide a basis for comparison with subsequent tests conducted at complex 19. Each subsystem was tested separately, then combined systems tests were performed, concluding with the Combined Systems Acceptance Test, the final step before the launch vehicle was presented for Air Force acceptance.

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC.

  Titan II flight N-20, the 19th in the series of Air Force research and development flights, was launched from Cape Canaveral. It carried oxidizer standpipes and fuel accumulators to suppress longitudinal oscillations (POGO). During the spring of 1963, static firings of this configuration had been successful enough to confirm the hypothesis that POGO was caused by coupling between the missile structure and its propulsion system, resulting in an unstable closed loop system. Standpipes and accumulators, by interrupting the coupling reduced the source of instability. Flight N-20 failed 55 seconds after launch and yielded no POGO data. Although the failure was not attributed to the installed POGO fix, Air Force Ballistics Systems Division decided officially that no further Titan II development flights would carry the POGO fix because so few test flights remained to qualify the weapon system operationally. This decision did not stand, however, and the POGO fix was flown again on N-25 (November 1), as well as on two later flights.

• Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle 1 was erected in Martin-Baltimore's vertical test facility. - . Nation: USA. Stage II was erected on June 9, and posterection inspection was completed June 12. Subsystem Functional Verification Tests began June 10..

• First Titan II operational squadron activated. - . The first Titan II operational squadron, the 570th Strategic Missile Squadron, was activated at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, and assigned to SAC's 390th Strategic Missile Wing..

• Gemini Titan malfunction detection system test plan. - . Nation: USA.

  Manned Spacecraft Center - Atlantic Missile Range Operations Office reported that the malfunction detection system would be flown on Titan II launches N-24, N-25, N-29, N-31, and N-32. The first launch in this so-called 'piggyback program' was scheduled for June 21. All preparations for this flight, including installation and checkout of all malfunction detection system components, were reported complete at a Titan II coordination meeting on June 14.

• Thread Needle - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Research and development launch. Mk 6 re-entry vehicle..

• Martin-Baltimore received the stage II fuel tank for Gemini launch vehicle 2 from Martin-Denver. - . Nation: USA. This was a new tank, replacing a tank rejected for heat treatment cracks. Stage II oxidizer tank and stage I fuel and oxidizer tanks were received July 12 after a roll-out inspection at Martin-Denver July 1-3..

• Davis-Monthan AFB - . The first Titan II flight at Davis-Monthan AFB was turned over to SAC's 570th Strategic Missile Squadron..

• Effects on pilot performance of longitudinal oscillations (POGO) of the Gemini launch vehicle. - . Nation: USA.

  Gemini Project Office (GPO) completed a test program on the centrifuge at Ames Research Center to evaluate the effects on pilot performance of longitudinal oscillations (POGO) of the Gemini launch vehicle. When subjected to oscillatory g-loads ranging from 0 to ± 3g superimposed on a steady-state load of 3.5g, pilot perception and performance decreased markedly above ± 0.25g. Primary effects were impaired pilot vision, reduced eye scan rate, masked sensory perception and kinesthetic cues, and degraded speech. GPO reconfirmed the need to reduce POGO to a maximum of 0.25g.

• Backup for the first Gemini flight. - . Nation: USA.

  Acting Manager Charles W Mathews informed Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) senior staff that Gemini Project Office was exploring the possibility of backing up the first Gemini flight with a payload consisting of a boilerplate reentry module and a production adapter. Additional Details: here....

• Approval for the continued development of the Titan III. - . Related Persons: , McNamara. After a detailed, six-month review of the Titan III program, Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara approved the continued development of the Titan III..

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• World's largest solid-rocket motor test fired. - .

  The first full-scale, five-segment solid-propellant booster motor for the Titan III, the world's largest solid-rocket motor (SRM), was test fired at the United Technology Center's test facility. The motor produced over 1,000,000 pounds of thrust during its 110-second firing.

• First test firing of Transtage propulsion system - . At its Sacramento test facility, the Aerojet-General Corporation conducted the first test firing of the twin-engine propulsion system that would power the Titan III upper stage..

• Electronic-Electrical Interference (EEI) Tests of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1. - . Nation: USA. Electronic-Electrical Interference (EEI) Tests of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1 began in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore, following a review by Air Force Space Systems Division and Aerospace of data from Sub-system Verification Tests. . Additional Details: here....

• Titan I engineering transferred to AFLC. - . The Titan I weapon system acquisition phase was completed and engineering responsibility for the Titan I (WS 107B) was transferred from Ballistic Systems Division (AFSC) to AFLC..

• Executive management responsibility for the Titan I transferred to Norton AFB. - . Executive management responsibility for the Titan I weapon system (WS 107A-2) was transferred from BSD (AFSC) to San Bernardino Air Materiel Area (AFLC), Norton AFB, California..

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). K-26 Nike-Zeus intercept of Titan I ICBM..

• Research and development / Pod T-202 test / plume study mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  Titan II development flight N-24 was launched from the Atlantic Missile Range. This was the first of five flight tests in the Gemini malfunction detection system (MDS) piggyback series. All MDS parameters were lost 81 seconds after liftoff because of a short circuit in the MDS. Operation in the second flight (N-25 on November 1) was normal except for two minor instrumentation problems. Three more test flights (N-29 on December 12, 1963; N-31 on January 15, 1964; and N-33 on March 23, 1964) verified the performance of the Gemini MDS under actual conditions of flight environment and engine operation.

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• A Mission Planning Coordination Group was established. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  A Mission Planning Coordination Group was established at the request of the Gemini Project Office to review monthly activities in operations, network guidance and control, and trajectories and orbits; and to ensure the coordination of various Manned Spacecraft Center elements actively concerned with Gemini mission planning. Additional Details: here....

• Acceptance Test (CSAT) of Gemini launch vehicle No. 1 - . Nation: USA.

  The formal Combined Systems Acceptance Test (CSAT) of Gemini launch vehicle No. 1 was conducted in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Two preliminary CSAT dry runs had been conducted on August 2 and 17, in conjunction with Electronic-Electrical Interference (EEI) Tests. Additional Details: here....

• Department of Defense approved the Titan II Augmented Engine Improvement Program. - . Nation: USA.

  On November 15, Aerojet-General received an Air Force contract to develop and test new engine components to correct weak and potentially dangerous problem areas of engine design. Aerojet-General had already initiated the development effort on September 30. The goal was to enhance engine reliability by a complete redesign rather than resort to piecemeal fixes as problems came up. While the primary goal was not achieved, the program did yield several side benefits, including the correction of several minor design deficiencies, the improvement of welding techniques, and the development of better assembly procedures.

• Vehicle acceptance team for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1. - . Nation: USA. The vehicle acceptance team for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1 inspected the vehicle and reviewed its manufacturing and testing history, focusing on the results of the Combined Systems Acceptance Test (CSAT) of September 6. . Additional Details: here....

• Gemini delay of three weeks in the battery qualification program. - . Nation: USA.

  Gemini Project Office reported a delay of about three weeks in the battery qualification program. McDonnell had sent a team to investigate the problem of high porosity welds in titanium battery cases. Another problem had turned up with the batteries in prequalification vibration test. The batteries vibrated excessively, although they did not fail electrically; the vibration's amplification factor was apparently low enough to be remedied by potting.

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Tar Top - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Titan II (N-23) became the first Category II research and development missile to be launched successfully from Vandenberg AFB by the 6595th Aerospace Test Wing. Research and development launch. Mk 6 re-entry vehicle..

• Backup for the injectors of the second stage engine of the Gemini launch vehicle. - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division contracted with Aerojet-General for a program to develop a backup for the injectors of the second stage engine of the Gemini launch vehicle. Titan II development flights had shown the stage II engine tended toward incipient combustion instability. The Gemini Stability Improvement Program, begun as a backup, became a program aimed at maximum probability of success on December 24, 1963. The 18-month program produced a completely redesigned stage II engine injector.

• Gemini launch vehicle trainer. - . Nation: USA.

  Manned Spacecraft Center awarded its first incentive-type contract to Ling-Temco-Vought, Inc., Dallas, Texas for the fabrication of a trainer to be used in the Gemini launch vehicle training program. The fixed-price-incentive-fee contract had a target cost of $90,000, a target profit of $9,000, and a ceiling of $105,000. The incentive was based on cost only and provided for an 80/20 sharing arrangement; that is, the contractor would pay from his profit 20 percent of all savings under the target cost, or, alternatively, would receive 20 percent of all savings under the target cost. This meant that the contractor's profit would be zero after $97,500 was spent, and would be minus if costs exceeded $105,000.

• Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1. - . Nation: USA. Martin-Baltimore completed its evaluation of data from the second Combined Systems Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1, found it acceptable, and presented it to the GLV-1 vehicle acceptance team (VAT). . Additional Details: here....

• Reconsideration of flying Gemini fixes on Titan II development flights. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Schriever.

  Personnel from Air Force Space Systems Division (SSD), Air Force Ballistic Systems Division (BSD), and Titan II contractors met in Los Angeles to reconsider flying Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) fixes on Titan II development flights. BSD, which was responsible for the weapon system development program, had halted the installation of GLV fixes on the Titan II flights because of the limited number of flights remaining to qualify the missile. General Bernard A Schriever, Commander of Air Force Systems Command (of which BSD and SSD were subordinate division), intervened in support of an active program to clean up launch vehicle problem areas. The incorporation of GLV fixes on Titan II flights resumed on November 1 with the flight of Titan II N-25.

• McNamara briefed on Titan III and Dyna-Soar. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: Dynasoar. Secretary McNamara was briefed on the Titan III and Dyna-Soar programs at the Martin Company facilities in Denver, Colorado..

• First Titan II Gemini Launch Vehicle. - . Spacecraft: Gemini. From the Martin Marietta Corporation, the Space Systems Division accepted the first Titan II Gemini Launch Vehicle..

• Gemini launch vehicle 1 arrived at Atlantic Missile Range and was transferred to complex 19. - . Nation: USA.

  Stage I was erected in the complete vehicle erector October 28, stage II in the second stage erector October 29. The two stages were cabled together in the side-by-side configuration required for the Sequence Compatibility Firing scheduled for mid-December. A limited Electronic-Electrical Interference Test was completed November 7, and power was applied to the vehicle November 13.

• Research and development / Pod T test / plume study mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  Titan II development flight N-25 was launched from the Atlantic Missile Range. It carried the oxidizer surge chamber and fuel accumulator kit intended to reduce the amplitude of longitudinal vibration which had characterized earlier flights. NASA regarded 0.25g as the maximum level tolerable in manned space flight; this flight achieved a level of 0.22g, the first to fall within acceptable limits. Although the kit had been tested on only one flight, Gemini Project Office had sufficient confidence in it to decide, on November 6, to procure several more such kits for subsequent installation in Gemini launch vehicles. Two later Titan II development flights (N-29 on December 12, 1963, and N-31 on January 15, 1964) and the flight of Gemini-Titan 1 confirmed the validity of this decision. The required kits for the remaining Gemini launch vehicles were then procured.

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• First Titan III engine - .

  Space Systems Division accepted the first Titan III engine from Aerojet-General at its Sacramento facilities. The first and second stage liquid engines, 430,000 and 100,000 pounds of thrust respectively, were for the Titan IIIA vehicle that would test the basic center core configuration (Stages 1 and 2) of the eventual Titan IIIC vehicle.

• Gemini launch schedules reexamined. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. The Gemini Management Panel, after reviewing the status of spacecraft and launch vehicle, decided that Gemini launch schedules need reexamination, especially the amount of testing at Cape Canaveral necessary to establish confidence in mission success. . Additional Details: here....

• Demonstration and shakedown operations launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). K-24 Nike-Zeus intercept of Titan I ICBM..

• Rendezvous evaluation experiment for the Gemini-Titan 4 mission. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Flight Crew Support Division reported an agreement with Flight Operations Division on a flight profile and rendezvous evaluation experiment for the Gemini-Titan 4 mission. Objective of the experiment was to stimulate normal Agena/Gemini rendezvous and to repeat part of the maneuver using loss of signal/manual technique. Basically, the mission would use circular phasing and catch-up orbit as proposed by the Flight Crew Support Division. Exact fuel requirements and ground tracking requirement were under study by Flight Operations Division.

• First Titan II squadron to reach fully operational status. - . The 570th Strategic Missile Squadron became fully operational and was turned over to SAC..

• McConnell AFB - . The 533d Strategic Missile Squadron, the first Titan II squadron at McConnell AFB, Kansas, was turned over to SAC..

• All 18 Titan II launchers at Davis-Monthan AFB operational. - . All 18 Titan II launchers at Davis-Monthan AFB were operational with the turnover of the second squadron, the 571st Strategic Missile Squadron, to SAC's 390th Strategic Missile Wing..

• Correction of Titan II deficiencies for the Gemini program. - . Nation: USA.

  The Gemini Program Planning Board issued a memorandum of understanding of the correction of the Titan II deficiencies for the Gemini program. This agreement formalized NASA specifications and Air Force plans to clean up problems related to longitudinal oscillations (POGO), combustion instability, and engine improvement. The program to alleviate the POGO effect included ground proof tests of all subsystems modified to control oscillations. Flight tests of the solutions would be flown on Titan II missiles before application to the Gemini launch vehicle. For the combustion stability program, dynamic stability would be demonstrated through the use of artificially produced disturbances, with the engines being flight tested on unmanned vehicles as final proof of man-rating. Engine improvement was a program to correct all design deficiencies that had cropped up during the Titan II development flights.

• McConnell AFB - . The second McConnell Titan II squadron of LGM-25C missiles, the 532d Strategic Missile Squadron, was turned over to SAC..

• Little Rock AFB - . The first operational Titan II squadron at Little Rock AFB, the 373d Strategic Missile Squadron, was transferred to SAC..

• Manned Orbiting Laboratory assigned to USAF - . Related Persons: , McNamara. Spacecraft: MOL.

  Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara assigned responsibility for the development of a near-earth Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) to the Air Force. First manned flight was tentatively planned for late 1967 or early 1968. A modified Titan III, the Titan HIM, would be used to place the laboratories in orbit from Vandenberg.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 in assembly - . Nation: USA. The engine was installed December 31. An interim stage I engine was received December 29 and installed January 9, 1964. . Additional Details: here....

• Research and development / Pod T test / plume study mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 3 in assembly - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Martin-Baltimore received the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 3 from Martin-Denver, which had begun fabricating them in June. Splicing the oxidizer and fuel tanks for each stage was completed April 17, 1964. Flight engines arrived from Aerojet-General on May 10, and installation was completed June 6. Final horizontal tests of the assembled launch vehicle began June 1 and were concluded on June 17 with an Air Force inspection of GLV-3 before the vehicle was erected in the vertical test facility.

• Research and development / Pod T? test / plume study mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Final operational Titan II squadron transferred to SAC at Little Rock AFB. - . The sixth and final operational Titan II squadron, the 374th Strategic Missile Squadron, was transferred to SAC at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. This action completed the programmed activation..

• Gemini launch vehicle 1 completed the Combined Systems Test (CST). - . Nation: USA.

  The two stages of Gemini launch vehicle 1, standing side by side on complex 19, completed the Combined Systems Test (CST) in preparation for Sequence Compatibility Firing (SCF). CST had been scheduled for December 13 but was delayed by late completion of the complex support systems for operational compatibility with the launch vehicle. Additional Details: here....

• The program plan for Gemini extravehicular operations was published. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 10, Gemini 11, Gemini 12, Gemini 5, Gemini 6, Gemini 7, Gemini 8, Gemini 9. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Objectives of the operations were to evaluate man's capabilities to perform useful tasks in a space environment, to employ extravehicular operations to augment the basic capability of the spacecraft, and to provide the capability to evaluate advanced extravehicular equipment in support of manned space flight and other national space programs. Additional Details: here....

• Research and development / Pod T test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Static test-to-failure of the Gemini spacecraft / launch vehicle interface - . Nation: USA.

  Martin-Baltimore conducted a static test-to-failure of the spacecraft/launch vehicle interface structure. Test results demonstrated a very satisfactory minimum structural margin of 23 percent above ultimate conditions expected to be met in the transonic buffet conditions of launch. Plans were made to hold a structures meeting in Houston on March 17-19, 1964, for final review of all load conditions, stress distribution, and margins, in readiness for the Gemini-Titan 1 mission.

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini launch vehicle 2 in test - . Nation: USA. Gemini launch vehicle 2 stage I and interstage were erected in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Stage II was erected February 7. Subsystems Functional Verification Tests began February 21..

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini launch vehicle 1 Subsystem Functional Verification Tests (SSFVT) began on complex 19. - . Nation: USA. These repeated the SSFVT performed at Martin-Baltimore in the vertical test facility. Their purpose was to verify the vehicle's readiness to begin systems tests. SSFVT were completed on March 3..

• Research and development launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1 and spacecraft No. 1 were mechanically mated at complex 19. - . Nation: USA.

  Before GLV and spacecraft were electrically mated, the launch vehicle's status was reverified with a Combined Systems Test (CST) performed on March 10. A special series of Electronic-Electrical Interference (EEI) Tests began March 12 and ended March 25. Evaluation of test results confirmed that the intent of EEI testing had been accomplished, despite some persistent anomalies. A successful post-EEI systems reverification CST was performed March 27.

• Gemini launch vehicle 4 in assembly - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Martin-Baltimore received the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle 4 from Martin-Denver, which had begun fabricating them in November 1963. Tank splicing was completed July 21. Aerojet-General delivered the stage II flight engine June 26, the stage I engine July 28. Engine installation was completed September 4. Final horizontal tests were completed and reviewed October 26, with Martin authorized to erect the vehicle in the vertical test facility.

• Research and development test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The 10th, and last, Titan II (XLGM-25C) research and development flight test missile (N-30) to be launched from Vandenberg completed a successful flight. .

• Titan II development problems resolved. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Mueller.

  The Air Force Systems Command weekly report (inaugurated in September 1963) summarizing actions taken to resolve Titan II development problems would no longer be issued. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, informed Associate Administrator Robert C. Seamans, Jr., that the launch vehicle 'no longer appears to be the pacing item in the Gemini program.'

• Research and development / Pod T-207 - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1 modifications completed. - . Nation: USA.

  Electrical and mechanical modification of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 1 airborne components was completed. GLV-1 had been shipped to the Cape equipped with several items to be used only for ground tests. These were replaced with flight units, beginning January 31. The GLV-1 Wet Mock Simulated Launch, a complete countdown exercise including propellant loading, was successfully completed April 2. Testing concluded on April 5 with a Simulated Flight Test.

• Gemini 1 - . Payload: Gemini SC1. Mass: 3,187 kg (7,026 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spacecraft. Spacecraft: Gemini. Decay Date: 1964-04-12 . USAF Sat Cat: 782 . COSPAR: 1964-018A. Apogee: 299 km (185 mi). Perigee: 154 km (95 mi). Inclination: 32.60 deg. Period: 89.00 min.

  The first Gemini mission, Gemini-Titan I, was launched from Complex 19 at Cape Kennedy at 11:00 a.m., e.s.t. This was an unmanned flight, using the first production Gemini spacecraft and a modified Titan II Gemini launch vehicle (GLV). The mission's primary purpose was to verify the structural integrity of the GLV and spacecraft, as well as to demonstrate the GLV's ability to place the spacecraft into a prescribed earth orbit. Mission plans did not include separation of the spacecraft from the second stage of the vehicle, and both were inserted into orbit as a unit six minutes after launch. The planned mission encompassed only the first three orbits and ended about four hours and 50 minutes after liftoff. No recovery was planned for this mission, but Goddard continued to track the spacecraft until it reentered the atmosphere on the 64th orbital pass over the southern Atlantic Ocean (April 12) and disintegrated. The flight qualified the GLV and its systems and the structure of the spacecraft.

• Research and development / Pod RVIP test / plume study mission - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

  The 23d, and last, Titan II research and development missile (N-3A) to be launched down the Atlantic range completed a success ful flight. With the 10 test flights from Vandenberg, a total of 33 Titan II (XLGM-25C) R&D flights had been completed since 16 March 1962 - 27 successes and only six failures. This Air Force conducted test program contributed significantly to the development of the Gemini launch vehicle; the Gemini malfunction detection system was tested on five flights, Gemini guidance components on three, and the longitudinal oscillation fix on four. In addition to flight testing these (and other) critical components, these flights also enhanced confidence in the use of the Titan II as a launch vehicle. Thirty-two Titan II test flights were analyzed to determine whether any characteristic of the flight would have demanded a Gemini abort; 22 were adjudged successful from the standpoint of a Gemini mission, nine would have required Gemini to abort, and one resulted in a prelaunch shutdown.

• Electrical-Electronic Interference Tests on Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 - . Nation: USA.

  Electrical-Electronic Interference Tests began on Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Oscillograph recorders monitored 20 GLV and aerospace ground equipment (AGE) circuits, five of which displayed anomalies. Two hydraulic switchover cicuits showed voltage transients exceeding failure criteria, but a special test fixed this anomaly in the AGE rather than the GLV.

• Gemini manned flight could be accomplished in 1964. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  After reviewing the results of Gemini-Titan (GT) 1, the Gemini Management Panel remained optimistic that manned flight could be accomplished in 1964. According to the work schedule, GT-2 could fly on August 24 and GT-3 on November 16, with comfortable allowances for four-week slips for each mission. Some special attention was devoted to GT-2, where the spacecraft had become the pacing item, a position held by the launch vehicle on GT-1. Spacecraft No. 2 systems tests had started one month late but were proceeding well. In addition, the schedule looked tight for starting spacecraft No. 3 systems tests on June 1.

• Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 completed. - . Nation: USA. The formal Combined Systems Acceptance Test (CSAT) of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 was satisfactorily completed in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Three preliminary CSATs (April 17-20) had been completed and all anomalies resolved. . Additional Details: here....

• The vehicle acceptance team (VAT) for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 convened at Martin-Baltimore. - . Nation: USA. The vehicle acceptance team (VAT) for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 convened at Martin-Baltimore. The VAT inspection was completed May 1 with GLV-2 found acceptable.. Additional Details: here....

• Gemini launch vehicle model static and dynamic loads test. - . Nation: USA.

  Langley Research Center completed tests on a model of the Gemini launch vehicle to determine the static and dynamic loads imposed on the vehicle and the launch vehicle erector by ground winds. Simulated wind velocities of 5 to 52 miles per hour did not produce loads great enough to be of concern. Tests had begun on April 15.

• Gemini-Titan 3 crews inspect crew station mock-up - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Primary and backup crews for Gemini-Titan 3 inspected a spacecraft No.3 crew station mock-up at McDonnell. They found all major aspects of the crew station acceptable. A few items remained to be corrected but would not affect the launch schedule..

• Phase out plan for Atlas and Titan I ICBM's. - . The Defense Department tentatively established phase out of the Atlas E and Titan I missiles during the third and fourth quarters of FY1965 (January-June 1965) and that of the Atlas F in FY1968..

• Three firms received authorization to begin work on space station studies. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: MOL.

  Secretary of the Air Force Eugene M. Zuckert announced that three firms, Douglas Aircraft Company, General Electric Company, and The Martin Company, had received authorization to begin work on space station studies. Zuckert predicted also that the Titan III would be test-flown that summer and would launch the Manned Orbiting Laboratory sometime in 1967 or 1968.

• Gemini launch abort training - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Group 1 (selected April 1959) and Group 2 (September 1962) astronauts averaged approximately 100 runs each whereas Group 3 (October 1963) astronauts completed 32 runs apiece. The Gemini-Titan 3 launch profile was simulated in detail, including such cues as noise, vibration, pitch and roll programming, and other motion cues which results from various launch anomalies. The training was completed July 30.

• Contract with Martin for 15 Gemini launch vehicles (GLV) converted. - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division's cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with Martin for 15 Gemini launch vehicles (GLV) and associated aerospace ground equipment was replaced by a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. Contract negotiations had been conducted between March 15 and April 30, 1964. The final contract contained cost, performance, and schedule incentives. Target cost was $111 million and target fee was $8.88 million. The maximum fee possible under the contract was $16.65 million as against a minimum of $3.33 million. The period of performance under the contract was July 1, 1963, through December 31, 1967, and covered the delivery of 14 GLVs (one GLV had already been delivered) and associated equipment and services, including checkout and launch.

• Three basic plans were under study for Gemini rendezvous missions. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 6. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., Assistant Director for Flight Operations, Manned Spacecraft Center, reported that three basic plans were under study for rendezvous missions. Rendezvous at first apogee would probably be rejected because of possible dispersions which might necessitate plane changes. Rendezvous from concentric orbits seemed to be desirable because of the freedom in selection of the geographic position of rendezvous. Major work thus far, however, had been expended on the tangential rendezvous. Subsequently, the concentric orbit plan was chosen for Gemini-Titan 6, the first rendezvous mission.

• Contract with Aerojet-General for engines and related aerospace ground equipment revised. - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division's cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with Aerojet-General for engines and related aerospace ground equipment for the Gemini launch vehicle was replaced by a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. Contract negotiations had been conducted between May 25 and June 17, 1964. The final contract covered the procurement of 14 sets of engines (one set had already been delivered) and associated equipment during the period from July 1, 1963, through December 31, 1967. Cost, performance, and schedule incentives made possible a maximum fee of $5,885,250 versus a minimum fee of $1,177,050. The initial target cost was $39,235,000 with a target fee of $3,138,800.

• Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle 3 was erected in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Stage II was erected June 22. Power was first applied June 29, and subsystems functional verification testing concluded July 31..

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 5 in assembly - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Martin-Baltimore received the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 5 from Martin-Denver, which had begun fabrication in October 1963. Aerojet-General delivered the flight engines for GLV-5 November 5. Tank splicing was completed December 5; engine installation December 9. Final horizontal tests were completed January 7, 1965.

• First of 17 flight test versions of the Titan III standard space launch vehicles accepted. - .

  Space Systems Division accepted the first of the programmed 17 flight test versions of the Air Force Titan III standard space launch vehicles from the Martin Marietta Corporation. This vehicle was the first of five Titan IIIA (SLV-5A) missiles that would test the center core section before the two strap-on solid-rocket motors were added to form the first Titan IIIC booster vehicle.

• IDCSP satellites as secondary payloads on Titan IIIC research and development launches. - . Spacecraft: IDCSP.

  Discussions between the Titan III System Program Office (SPO) and the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) SPO were initiated to investigate the possibility of using IDCSP satellites as secondary payloads on Titan IIIC research and development launches.

• Titan IIIX space booster definition - .

  Space Systems Division began definition phase efforts for a new member of the Titan III family - the Titan IIIX space booster. The new vehicle would be two stages, Stage I with the man-rated components of the Titan Gemini Launch Vehicle and Stage II similar to that being used on the Titan III. The Titan IIIX would use radio rather then inertial guidance.

• Gemini spacecraft 2 began the second phase of Spacecraft Systems Tests. - . Nation: USA.

  Following the successful mating of its modules, Gemini spacecraft No. 2 began the second phase of Spacecraft Systems Tests (SST) at McDonnell. SST continued through September. During August and September, test operations alternated with the receipt and installation of a number of flight items in the spacecraft. Additional Details: here....

• Titan III contract lauded as one of the best managed. - . Related Persons: , McNamara.

  Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara reported to President Lyndon B. Johnson that Space Systems Division's Titan III contract with Martin Marietta was one of the best managed contracts in the DoD. This was said to be due to the incentives applied to the program. At present, McNamara reported that the Titan III program was one percent below cost estimates and savings were being accomplished without harm to defense posture.

• Plans for Gemini-Titan (GT) missions 4 through 7. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4, Gemini 5, Gemini 6. Spacecraft: Gemini, Gemini Fuel Cell, Gemini REP. Manager Charles W. Mathews reported that the Gemini Program Office had been reviewing and evaluating plans for Gemini-Titan (GT) missions 4 through 7. GT-4 would be a four-day mission using battery power. . Additional Details: here....

• Gemini launch vehicle 2 arrived at Eastern Test Range. - . Nation: USA. Stage I was erected at complex 19 on July 13, stage II on July 14. Electrical power was applied to the vehicle on July 20 in preparation for Subsystems Functional Verification Tests, which began July 21..

• Titan III Transtage engine was static fired - . The Titan III Transtage engine was successfully static fired for over six minutes. This test firing verified its various subsystems..

• Tests conducted on fuel cells planned for Gemini-Titan 5 mission. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini, Gemini Fuel Cell.

  Gemini Program Office reported that tests had been conducted on section I of the fuel cells planned for the long-duration Gemini-Titan 5 mission. These tests had resulted in a failure characterized by output decay. A complete investigation was in process to determine the cause of the failure.

• McDivitt and White II named for the Gemini-Titan 4 mission. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Astronauts James A. McDivitt and Edward H. White II were named as command pilot and pilot, respectively, for the Gemini-Titan (GT) 4 mission scheduled for the first quarter of 1965. The backup crew for the mission would be Frank Borman, command pilot, and James A. Lovell, Jr., pilot. Additional Details: here....

• Gemini missions beyond the 12 originally planned considered. - . Nation: USA.

  In response to a request from NASA Headquarters, Gemini Program Office (GPO) provided a study for Gemini missions beyond the 12 originally planned. 'The Advanced Gemini Missions Conceptual Study' described 16 further missions, including a space station experiment, a satellite chaser mission, a lifeboat rescue mission, and both a circumlunar and lunar orbiting mission. On February 28, 1965, GPO reported that a preliminary proposal for Gemini follow-on missions to test the land landing system had not been approved. Spare Gemini launch vehicles 13, 14, and 15 were canceled, and there were no current plans for Gemini missions beyond the approved 12-flight program.

• Cobra Skin - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). A SAC crew launched the first Titan II (LGM-25C) on a successful Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) test flight from Vandenberg AFB. DASO missions were intended to test launch techniques. Demonstration and shakedown operations launch.

• Study of the Titan IIIX/Agena - . Martin Marietta Corporation of Denver, Colorado, initiated a study of the Titan IIIX/Agena system..

• Titan I completed the operational updating program. - . The six Titan I (HGM-25A) squadrons completed the operational updating program..

• Acceptance Test (CSAT) of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 3 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. The formal Combined Systems Acceptance Test (CSAT) of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 3 was successfully performed. The vehicle acceptance team (VAT) met August 17 to review CSAT and other test and manufacturing data. . Additional Details: here....

• Double Talley - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Demonstration and shakedown operations launch.

• Gentle Annie - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Demonstration and shakedown operations launch.

• Gemini launch vehicle 6 in assembly - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 6. Spacecraft: Gemini. Martin-Baltimore received the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle 6 from Martin-Denver, which had begun fabricating them in April. After being inspected, the tanks were placed in storage where they remained until December 18..

• Interrupted testing of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2. - . Nation: USA. A severe electrical storm in the vicinity of complex 19 interrupted testing of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2. Several observers reported a lightning strike at or near complex 19. . Additional Details: here....

• Hurricane Cleo struck the Cape Kennedy area. - . Nation: USA.

  Stage II of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 was deerected and stored; the erector was lowered to horizontal, and stage I was lashed in its vertical position. Stage II was reerected September 1. Power was applied to the launch vehicle September 2, and Subsystem Functional Verification Tests (SSFVT) began September 3. When forecasts indicated that Hurricane Dora would strike Cape Kennedy, both stages of GLV-2 were deerected on September 8 and secured in the Missile Assembly Building. Hurricane Ethel subsequently threatened the area, and both stages remained in the hanger until September 14, when they were returned to complex 19 and reerected. SSFVT, begun again on September 18, ended successfully October 5.

• Titan 3A Transtage 1 - . Payload: Transtage 2. Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Decay Date: 1964-09-02 .

  The 6555th Aerospace Test Wing launched the first Titan IIIA space booster (Vehicle #2) from the Eastern Test Range. Essentially the liquid-propellant core section of the Titan IIIC, the Titan IIIA performed satisfactorily except for a transtage (Stage 3) malfunction. After the first two stages had performed flawlessly, a premature shutdown of the transtage engine resulted from the failure of an onboard helium pressure valve and prevented the 3,750-pound dummy test payload from being injected into orbit.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 to be flown as scheduled - . Nation: USA.

  Air Force Space Systems Division (SSD), supported by launch vehicle contractors, recommended that Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2 be flown as scheduled. Manned Spacecraft Center had proposed dropping GLV-2 from the Gemini program because of possible ill effects resulting from the electromagnetic incident of August 17 and from Hurricane Cleo. GLV-3 would then be substituted for the second Gemini mission, and the program would be shortened by one flight. After reviewing the incidents, their effects, corrective action, and retesting, SSD, Martin, Aerospace, and Aerojet-General all felt GLV-2 should fly, and NASA accepted their recommendation.

• Final mating of Gemini spacecraft No. 3 modules began at McDonnell. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Mating operations were completed September 27. . Additional Details: here....

• Spacecraft No. 2 arrived at Cape Kennedy - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft Bus: Gemini.

  Spacecraft No. 2 arrived at Cape Kennedy and was installed in the Cryogenic Building of the Merritt Island Launch Area Fluid Test Complex. There it was inspected and connected to aerospace ground equipment (AGE), and hypergolic and cryogenic servicing was performed. Additional Details: here....

• Power sources for Gemini-Titan (GT) 5 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4, Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini, Gemini Fuel Cell.

  Fuel cells and batteries were discussed as power sources for the Gemini-Titan (GT) 5 mission (long-duration) at a meeting of the Gemini Management Panel. A study was reviewed that proposed a combination to be used in the following manner: batteries would be used during peak load requirements; the fuel cell would supply the remaining mission power source requirements. The panal accepted the proposal, and McDonnell was directed to proceed with the plan. In addition, the group decided to remove the fuel cell from GT-4 and substitute batteries, pending the concurrence of NASA Headquarters. It also decided to fly older versions of the fuel cell in GT-2 (the redesigned version would be flown in the later manned flights) to gain flight experience with the component. Additional Details: here....

• New Gemini flight schedule resulting from the lightning strike and hurricane conditions. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3, Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Gemini Program Manager Charles W. Mathews presented the Gemini Management Panel with the new flight schedule resulting from the lightning strike and hurricane conditions. The schedule was as follows: Gemini-Titan (GT) 2, November 17; GT-3, January 30, 1965; and GT-4, April 12. For GT-4 through GT-7, three-month launch intervals were planned; for the remainder of the program, these intervals would be reduced to two and one half months.

• Engineering responsibility for Titan II transferred - . Engineering responsibility for the Titan II weapon system (WS 107C) program was transferred from Ballistic Systems Division to AFLC's San Bernardino Air Materiel Area (SBAMA) at Norton AFB, California.

• Black Widow - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). Demonstration and shakedown operations launch.

• Combined Systems Test (CST) of Gemini launch vehicle 2 - . Nation: USA.

  The Prespacecraft Mate Combined Systems Test (CST) of Gemini launch vehicle 2 was completed at complex 19. This test, similar to CST performed at the Martin plant, comprised an abbreviated countdown and simulation of flight events, with a simulator representing electrical characteristics of the spacecraft; its purpose was to establish confidence in the launch vehicle. Electrical Electronic Interference Tests were completed October 12. Hurricane Isbell threatened the area on October 14-15, but its path was far enough south of the Cape to make deerection unnecessary, though testing was curtailed.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 3 review - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The vehicle acceptance team for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 3 met for the second time to review test and manufacturing data at Martin-Baltimore. The meeting concluded on October 9 with the vehicle found acceptable and Martin was authorized to remove it from the vertical test cell. After final checks, weighing, and balancing, GLV-3 passed roll-out inspection on October 27 and was turned over to the Air Force. Air Force Space Systems Division formally accepted GLV-3, following a review of launch vehicle status and correction of discrepancy items.

• Gemini-Titan (GT) 3 crew completed egress practice - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3, Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini, Gemini Parachute.

  Flight Crew Support Division reported that the Gemini-Titan (GT) 3 primary crew had completed egress practice in boilerplate No. 201 in the Ellington Air Force Base flotation tank. The backup GT-4 crew was scheduled for such training on October 23. Full-scale egress and recovery training for both the GT-3 and the GT-4 crews was scheduled to begin about January 15, when parachute refresher courses would also be scheduled.

• Phase II of IDCSP - . Spacecraft: IDCSP.

  Headquarters USAF and AFSC directed the go-ahead for Phase II of the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) with a funding ceiling of $30 million after 14 September 1964. This action approved the launch of three IDCSP payloads on Titan IIIC research and development vehicles that were to be launched in the first half of 1966.

• Gemini launch vehicle 4 was erected in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini. Power was applied to the vehicle for the first time on November 4. Subsystems Functional Verification Tests were completed November 19..

• Launch Vehicle for the first manned Gemini spaceflight mission turned over to the Air Force, - . Spacecraft: Gemini. The Titan II Gemini Launch Vehicle (GLV-3) for the first manned Gemini spaceflight mission (GT-3) was turned over to the Air Force at Martin Marietta's Baltimore, Maryland, plant..

• High Rider - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The fifth, and final, Titan II demonstration and shakedown operation (DASO) launch was conducted by the SAC crew from Vandenberg. Demonstration and shakedown operations launch.

• Titan III solid-propellant rocket motor static test fired. - .

  A 250-ton, 120-inch diameter, solid-propellant rocket motor was static test fired for 110 seconds as part of the Air Force's Titan III standard launch vehicle research and development program. Two of the 120-inch motors were to be attached to a Titan II liquid-propellant core vehicle to form the Titan IIIC space booster (SLV-5C). This test firing was important because it was the first test of the booster's flight instrumentation and the newly designed ablative nozzle-throat that replaced the former carbon throat.

• Gemini launch vehicle 2 and spacecraft No. 2 were electrically mated at complex 19. - . Nation: USA. The Joint Combined Systems Test was run the following day. . Additional Details: here....

• Atlas E,F, and Titan I ICBMs to be retired from the active operational inventory. - . Related Persons: , McNamara.

  Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara officially announced his decision to retire Atlas E,F, and Titan I ICBM weapon systems from the active operational inventory. They were said to be no longer supportable from requirements, cost, or manpower use standpoints. Moreover, the relative slow-reacting, liquid-fueled Atlas and Titan I missiles had provided the initial deterrent that was necessary and would now be replaced by the less vulnerable, more easily maintained Minuteman and Titan II ICBMs.

• Gemini-Titan 2 completed the Wet Mock Simulated Launch. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Gemini-Titan (GT) 2 successfully completed the Wet Mock Simulated Launch, a full-scale countdown exercise which included propellant loading. Procedures for flight crew suiting and spacecraft ingress were practiced during simulated launch.. Additional Details: here....

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 3 was scheduled to be shipped from Martin-Baltimore to Cape Kennedy. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Shipment was delayed, however, because GLV-2 had not yet been launched; and several modifications, scheduled for the Cape, were made at Baltimore instead. All work was completed by January 14, 1965; the vehicle was reinspected and was again available for delivery. Preparations for shipment were completed January 20, and stage II was airlifted to Cape Kennedy January 21, followed by stage I January 23.

• The Combined Systems Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 4 was conducted. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The vehicle acceptance team inspected the vehicle and reviewed all test and manufacturing data December 11-13 and authorized Martin to remove GLV-4 from the vertical test cell. During the next three months, while awaiting shipment to Cape Kennedy, GLV-4 had 27 engineering changes installed. Final integrity checks, weighing, and balancing were completed March 8, 1965.

• McDivitt and White began crew training - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Astronauts James McDivitt and Edward White, command pilot and pilot for the Gemini-Titan 4 mission, began crew training on Gemini mission simulator No. 2 in Houston. The initial week of training was devoted to familiarizing the crew with the interior of the spacecraft.

• ST West Wind I operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Mission Control Center at Houston used passively in the Gemini-Titan 2 launch attempt. - . Nation: USA.

  The Mission Control Center at Houston was used passively and in parallel with the Mission Control Center at the Cape in the Gemini-Titan 2 launch attempt, primarily to validate the computer launch programs. In addition, considerable use was made of the telemetry processing program and related television display formats. The Houston control center received, processed, and displayed live and simulated Gemini launch vehicle and spacecraft data. Test results were considered very successful.

• Gemini-Titan (GT) 2 launch attempt. - . Nation: USA.

  Gemini-Titan (GT) 2 launch countdown began at 4:00 a.m., e.s.t., and proceeded normally, with minor holds, until about one second after engine ignition. At that point a shutdown signal from the master operations control set (MOCS) terminated the launch attempt. Loss of hydraulic pressure in the primary guidance and control system of stage I of the launch vehicle caused an automatic switchover to the secondary guidance and control system. During the 3.2-second holddown following ignition command, switchover was instrumented as a shutdown command. Accordingly, the MOCS killed the launch attempt. Subsequent investigation disclosed that loss of hydraulic pressure had been caused by failure of the primary servo-valve in one of the four tandem actuators which control movement of the stage I thrust chambers. All four stage I tandem actuators were replaced with redesigned actuators.

• Titan 3A Transtage 2 - . Payload: Transtage 1. Mass: 4,077 kg (8,988 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Decay Date: 1964-12-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 949 . COSPAR: 1964-081A. Apogee: 180 km (110 mi). Perigee: 166 km (103 mi). Inclination: 32.10 deg. Period: 88.00 min. The second Titan 1IIA (Vehicle #1) military space booster was launched from Cape Canaveral and achieved a completely successful test flight. Launch vehicle test. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• The Gemini Phase II centrifuge training program was completed. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3, Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Phase II provided refresher training for Gemini-Titan 3 and 4 flight crews, who made their runs clad in pressure suits. For astronauts not yet officially assigned to a mission the program provided familiarization training under shirt-sleeve conditions. Phase II had begun early in November.

• Martin-Baltimore removed the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 6 from storage. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 6. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Cleaning the tanks and purging them with nitrogen was completed February 5, 1965. Aerojet-General delivered the flight engines for GLV-6 February 1. Tank splicing was completed February 23, engine installation, February 25. GLV-6 horizontal testing was completed April 3.

• Titan I ICBM to be retired from the operational inventory by 30 June 1965. - .

  Headquarters USAF directed that the Titan I ICBMs be retired from the operational inventory by 30 June 1965. There were then six Titan I Strategic Missile Squadrons of nine missile launchers each. Headquarters USAF directed that the Titan I ICBMs be retired from the operational inventory by 30 June 1965. There were then six Titan I Strategic Missile Squadrons of nine missile launchers each.

• Development of Titan III solid-rocket motor completed - .

  United Technology Center (UTC) successfully fired its 120-inch diameter, one million-pound thrust, solid-propellant rocket motor at Edwards AFB. This was the fourth static test firing of the motor within two months, and it completed the development phase of the Titan III solid-rocket motor (SRM) program.

• Titan IIIB approved - .

  A memo from the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the Secretary of the Air Force, Eugene M. Zuckert, approved the Titan IIIX program and requisite lengthening of Titan III research and development. The Titan IIIX was essentially the Titan IIIA's first and second stages plus an adapter section that would allow the vehicle to be used with the Agena D upper stage.

• Titan III upgrades to be studied. - .

  Space Systems Division initiated Phase I studies with Martin Marietta Corporation, Thiokol, and United Technology Center (UTC) to determine what performance increment could be gained by strapping existing solid rocket motor segments to the Titan IIIX core vehicle. Minuteman first stages were to be considered along with two and three segments of the 120-inch diameter United Technology Center motors. The Titan IIIX/Strap-on configuration definition and acquisition phases were to be greatly compressed, with first launches from Vandenberg AFB expected in 1967. The Titan IIIX/Strap-on was subsequently designated Titan IIID.

• Acquisition phase of the Titan II program completed. - . The acquisition phase of the Titan II program was completed, and the Ballistic Systems Division Titan System Program Office was discontinued as of 31 December 1964..

• Titan 3B proposed for deep space missions with Centaur upper stage. - . Nation: USA. Configuration of Titan 3B proposed by Martin in mid-1960's. Titan 3B for deep space missions with Centaur upper stage, Algol strapons for liftoff thrust augmentation. Never flown..

• Revised Gemini-Titan (GT) 3 flight plan to cover the possibility of retrorocket failure. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3, Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  NASA Headquarters provided Flight Operations Division with preliminary data for revising the Gemini-Titan (GT) 3 flight plan to cover the possibility of retrorocket failure. The problem was to ensure the safe reentry of the astronauts even should it become impossible to fire the retrorockets effectively. The Headquarters proposal incorporated three orbit attitude and maneuver system maneuvers to establish a fail-safe orbit from which the spacecraft would reenter the atmosphere whether the retrorockets fired or not. This proposal, as refined by Mission Planning and Analysis Division, became part of the flight plans for GT-3 and GT-4.

• Redesigned stage I tandem actuators were received and installed in Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 2. - . Nation: USA.

  Although some retesting began shortly after the Gemini-Titan 2 mission was scrubbed on December 9, 1964, most activity in preparing GLV-2 for another launch attempt was curtailed until the new actuators arrived. Subsystems retesting then began. The final combined systems test - the Simulated Flight Test - was completed January 14, with launch scheduled for January 19.

• Titan IIIB/Agena D approved. - .

  A Headquarters USAF program management directive (PMD) approved the acquisition program for the Titan IIIX/Agena D (Program 624B), subsequently redesignated Titan IIIB/Agena D. This newest addition to the Titan III series of boosters would consist of the Titan IIIA first and second stages, an adapter section, and an Agena D third stage - everything up to the Agena interface being the Titan IIIX launch vehicle. Contracts were later awarded for 24 Titan IIIX vehicles, with first launch planned for the summer of 1966.

• Titan II Facilities Update. - .

  A $9.5 million contract was awarded to Peter Kiewit Sons Company for Project Yard Fence, Titan II Facilities Update. The project was to utilize improved technology of minimize maintenance activities and to improve Titan II support equipment of the squadrons at Davis-Monthan, Little Rock, McConnell, and Vandenberg.

• Flight tests of the zero-gravity mock-up of the Gemini spacecraft began. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The mock-up was installed in a KC-135 aircraft to provide astronauts with the opportunity to practice extravehicular activities under weightless conditions. The Gemini-Titan (GT) 3 flight crew participated in the opening exercises, which were duplicated the next day by the GT-4 flight crew.

• By June 1965, 150 more ICBM sites would be inactivated. - .

  The Defense Department announced that by the end of FY1965 (June 1965), 150 more ICBM sites would be inactivated and the Atlas E, F, and Titan I missiles removed and placed in storage. The missiles werer stored at San Bernardino Air Materiel Area (SBAMA) facilities at Norton AFB, California. The retired missiles would be replaced by more advanced Minuteman missiles whose annual combat-ready costs were $100,000 per missile compared to nearly $1.0 million for each of the older, more complicated liquid-fueled ICBMs.. In addition, manpower savings would be substantial since only 12 men were required for support of each Minuteman versus approximately 80 for each Atlas or Titan.

• Interval between Gemini flights reduced from three to two months. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 6. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  A task force in the Office of Manned Space Flight finished a two-month study to determine the requirements for reducing the interval between Gemini flights from three to two months. The findings and recommendations were presented to George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, on January 19. Additional Details: here....

• ST West Wind III operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

• Built-in holds in the GLV/Gemini countdown. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft Bus: Mercury & Gemini Spacecraft Systems Development Diaries. Spacecraft: Gemini Fuel Cell. The study of 325 missile countdowns, 205 missile launches, as well as all Titan scrubs and holds, indicated that GLV launching would be considerably improved and a great many scrubs precluded by the addition of such holds..

• Gemini 2 - . Nation: USA. Agency: NASA. Spacecraft: Gemini. Apogee: 169 km (105 mi).

  The second Titan II Gemini Launch Vehicle (GLV-2) carried the unmanned, instrumented Gemini spacecraft (GT-2) for a suborbital shot preliminary to the first U.S. two-man Gemini mission. During the countdown for Gemini-Titan (GT) 2, the fuel cell hydrogen inlet valve failed to open. Efforts to correct the problem continued until it was determined that freeing the valve would delay the countdown. Work on the fuel cell ceased, and it was not activated for the flight. The fuel cell installed in spacecraft No. 2 was not a current flight design. When fuel cell design was changed in January 1964, several cells of earlier design were available. Although these cells were known to have some defects, flight testing with the reactant supply system was felt to be extremely desirable. Accordingly, it was decided to fly the entire system on GT-2, but only on a "non-interference with flight" basis. When it became clear that correcting the problem that emerged during the GT-2 countdown would cause delay, fuel cell activation for the flight was called off.

• Gemini 1 - . Nation: Russia.

  Kamanin observes that Gemini 1 was sent with mannequins on a suborbital trajectory, splashing down 3400 km from Cape Canaveral after 20 minutes of flight. He cannot believe this trajectory was intentional; the Soviets only fly mannequins aboard flights with the same duration as the planned manned mission. Kamanin believes this represents the third failure of the Titan 2 booster. Meanwhile, Soviet capability in centrifuges, is improving, albeit slowly. A centrifuge with a 16-m arm is to be completed by 1970, and one of 7 M in 1966.

• Beale AFB - . Nation: USA. Last Titan I ICBM taken off alert status at Beale AFB..

• Gemini launch vehicle 3 was erected at complex 19. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Power was applied January 29 and Subsystems Functional Verification Tests (SSFVT) commenced. SSFVT were finished February 12. The Combined Systems Test before spacecraft mating was conducted February 15-16..

• Qualification testing for Gemini-Titan 3 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Qualification testing of the food, water, and waste management systems for the Gemini-Titan 3 mission was completed. .

• Ellsworth AFB - . Nation: USA. Last Titan I ICBM taken off alert status at Ellsworth AFB.

• Contract for the Titan IIIX/Agena program. - . Space Systems Division received contract go-ahead for the Titan IIIX/Agena program..

• Larson AFB - . Nation: USA. Last Titan I ICBM taken off alert status at Larson AFB.

• Modifications to Gemini launch vehicle 5 completed - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Modifications to Gemini launch vehicle 5 were completed and stage I was erected in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Stage II was erected February 8. Power was applied to the vehicle for the first time on February 15, and Subsystems Functional Verification Tests were completed March 8. Another modification period followed.

• Gemini spacecraft No. 3 in position atop Gemini launch vehicle 3. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Gemini spacecraft No. 3 was moved to complex 19 and hoisted into position atop Gemini launch vehicle 3. Test operations began February 9 with premate systems tests, which lasted until February 13. . Additional Details: here....

• Cooper and Conrad named as crew for the seven-day Gemini-Titan 5 mission. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini. Manned Spacecraft Center announced the selection of L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., as command pilot and Charles Conrad, Jr., as pilot for the seven-day Gemini-Titan 5 mission. Backup crew would be Neil A. Armstrong and Elliot M. See, Jr..

• LES 1 - . Mass: 31 kg (68 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: LES. USAF Sat Cat: 1002 . COSPAR: 1965-008C. Apogee: 2,809 km (1,745 mi). Perigee: 2,783 km (1,729 mi). Inclination: 32.10 deg. Period: 145.80 min.

  Titan IIIA, Vehicle #3, was launched from Cape Canaveral. In a maneuverability test involving three separate orbits, the Transtage and two satellites were successfully placed into their programmed orbits. The primary objective of the mission was the triple ignition of the Transtage engine that was required for the three separate orbits. When it placed the Lincoln Experimental Satellite (LES-1) into orbit, the vehicle became the first Titan III to inject an operational payload into orbit. Lincoln Experimental Satellite; communications experiments. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• Gemini-Titan (GT) 3 mission might be flown between March 22 and 25, 1965. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Kraft. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Director of Flight Operations Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., told the Manned Spacecraft Center senior staff that the Gemini-Titan (GT) 3 mission might be flown between March 22 and 25, although it was officially scheduled for the second quarter of 1965. In addition, the Houston control center was being considered for use in the GT-4 mission.

• Gemini launch vehicle 3 and spacecraft No. 3 were mechanically mated on complex 19. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The Electrical Interface Integrated Validation Test was completed February 19, the Joint Guidance and Control Test on February 22. Gemini-Titan 3 combined systems testing included the Joint Combined Systems Test on February 24 and the Flight Configuration Mode Test on March 3.

• Gemini-Titan 3 crew egress training. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Grissom, Young. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. During the week, the Gemini-Titan 3 prime crew participated in egress training from static article No. 5 in the Gulf of Mexico. A. Additional Details: here....

• Martin-Denver delivered propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 7 to Martin-Baltimore. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 7. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Tank fabrication had begun in May 1964. Martin-Baltimore recleaned and purged the tanks with nitrogen by April 20, 1965. In the meantime, flight engines for GLV-7 arrived from Aerojet-General on April 17. Tank splicing was completed May 6 and engine installation May 20. All horizontal testing was completed June 14. A modification period followed.

• Rehearsal of the flight crew countdown for Gemini-Titan 3 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  A full-scale rehearsal of the flight crew countdown for Gemini-Titan 3 was conducted at the launch site. Procedures were carried out for moving the flight crew from their quarters in the Manned Spacecraft Center operations building at Merritt Island to the pilot's ready room at complex 16 at Cape Kennedy. Complete flight crew suiting operation in the ready room, the transfer to complex 19, and crew ingress into the spacecraft were practiced. Practice countdown proceeded smoothly and indicated that equipment and procedures were flight ready.

• Gemini certified for manned space flight - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Office of Manned Space Flight held the Gemini manned space flight design certification review in Washington. Chief executives of all major Gemini contractors certified the readiness of their products for manned space flight. Gemini-Titan 3 was ready for launch as soon as the planned test and checkout procedures at Cape Kennedy were completed.

• ST West Wind II operational test launch - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). SAC launched the 20th, and the last, Titan I (HGM-25A) ICBM from Vandenberg as Nike target missile in support of Army requirements. Last launch of a Titan I from Vandenberg AFB (first launch on 3 May 1961)..

• The Wet Mock Simulated Launch of Gemini-Titan 3 was successfully conducted. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Countdown exercises were concluded on March 18 with the Simulated Flight Test..

• Roll-out inspection of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 4 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini. Air Force Space Systems Division formally accepted delivery of the vehicle March 21, and preparations to ship it to Cape Kennedy began at once. GLV-4 stage I arrived at the Cape March 22, followed the next day by stage II..

• Gemini 3 - . Call Sign: Molly Brown (from Broadway play 'The Unsinkable..'. Crew: Grissom, Young. Backup Crew: Schirra, Stafford. Payload: Gemini SC3. Mass: 3,225 kg (7,109 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spacecraft. Flight: Gemini 3. Spacecraft: Gemini. Duration: 0.20 days. Decay Date: 1965-03-23 . USAF Sat Cat: 1301 . COSPAR: 1965-024A. Apogee: 240 km (140 mi). Perigee: 160 km (90 mi). Inclination: 33.00 deg. Period: 88.40 min.

  First manned test flight of Gemini. Virgil I. Grissom and John W. Young entered an elliptical orbit about the earth. After three orbits, the pair manually landed their spacecraft in the Atlantic Ocean, thus performing the first controlled reentry. Unfortunately, they landed much farther from the landing zone than anticipated, about 97 km (60 miles) from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid. But otherwise the mission was highly successful. Gemini III, America's first two-manned space mission, also was the first manned vehicle that was maneuverable. Grissom used the vehicle's maneuvering rockets to effect orbital and plane changes. Grissom wanted to name the spacecraft 'Molly Brown' (as in the Unsinkable, a Debbie Reynolds/Howard Keel screen musical). NASA was not amused and stopped allowing the astronauts to name their spacecraft (until forced to when having two spacecraft aloft at once during the Apollo missions). The flight by Young was the first of an astronaut outside of the original seven. Young, who created a media flap by taking a corned beef sandwich aboard as a prank, would go on to fly to the moon on Apollo and the Space Shuttle on its first flight sixteen years later.

• Atlas and Titan I ICBMs to be retired - .

  These were: two Atlas E units, the 566th Strategic Missile Squadron (SMS) at Warren and the 548th SMS at Forbes AFB, Kansas; three Atlas F squadrons, the 577th SMS at Altus, the 578th SMS at Dyess, and the 579th SMS at Walker; and three Titan I squadrons, the 851st SMS at Beale, the 850th SMS at Ellsworth, and the 568th SMS at Larson AFB, Washington.

• Arctic Sun operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi). The first Titan II operational test (OT) missile was launched from Vandenberg. The Titan II operational test launch program was scheduled to use 25 Titan missiles through August 1966..

• Lowry AFB - . Nation: USA. Last Titan I ICBM taken off alert status at Lowry AFB.

• Full EVA considered for Gemini 4. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Gilruth, Low, George, Mueller, Seamans. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft Bus: Gemini space suits. Spacecraft: G4C, Gemini.

  The possibility of doing more than the previously planned stand-up form of extravehicular activity (EVA) was introduced at an informal meeting in the office of Director Robert R. Gilruth at Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). Present at the meeting, in addition to Gilruth and Deputy Director George M. Low, were Richard S. Johnston of Crew Systems Division (CSD) and Warren J. North of Flight Crew Operations Division. Johnston presented a mock-up of an EVA chestpack, as well as a prototype hand-held maneuvering unit. North expressed his division's confidence that an umbilical EVA could be successfully achieved on the Gemini-Titan 4 mission. Receiving a go-ahead from Gilruth, CSD briefed George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator for Mannned Space Flight, on April 3 in Washington. He, in turn, briefed the Headquarters Directorates. The relevant MSC divisions were given tentative approval to continue the preparations and training required for the operation. Associate Administrator of NASA, Robert C. Seamans, Jr., visited MSC for further briefing on May 14. The enthusiasm he carried back to Washington regarding flight-readiness soon prompted final Headquarters approval.

• Gemini launch vehicle 4 was erected at complex 19. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  After the vehicle had been inspected, umbilicals were connected March 31 and power applied April 2. Subsystems Functional Verification Tests began immediately and were completed April 15. The Prespacecraft Mate Combined Systems Test was conducted the next day (April 16).

• Titan I missiles scrapped. - . Nation: USA. Titan I missiles in storage at Mira Loma Air Force Station, Riverside County, California, are scrapped..

• Last Titan I ICBM off alert status - . Nation: USA. Last Titan I ICBM taken off alert status at Mountain Home AFB.

• Schirra and Stafford selected for Gemini-Titan 6. - . Nation: USA. Related Persons: Grissom, Schirra, Stafford, Young. Flight: Gemini 6. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Manned Spacecraft Center announced that Walter M. Schirra, Jr., and Thomas P. Stafford had been selected as command pilot and pilot for Gemini-Titan 6, the first Gemini rendezvous and docking mission. Virgil I. Grissom and John W. Young would be the backup crew.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 6 was erected in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 6. Spacecraft: Gemini. GLV-6 was the first vehicle in the new west test cell, which Martin had finished installing and checking out in January. . Additional Details: here....

• Martin-Denver delivered the propellant tanks for Gemini launch vehicle 8 to Martin-Baltimore. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 8. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Tank fabrication had begun September 25, 1964. Aerojet-General delivered the stage I engine on June 16 and the stage II on August 20. In the meantime, tank splicing was completed August 3. Engine installation was completed September 23, and all hoizontal testing ended September 27.

• Lowry AFB - . The last Titan I (HGM-25A) was removed from its silo at Lowry AFB, Colorado, in preparation for the 724th Strategic Missile Squadron's inactivation on 25 June..

• Bear Hug operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• All Titan I missiles in storage - . Nation: USA. By this date all Titan I missiles had been shipped to storage at Mira Loma Air Force Station, Riverside County, California..

• Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 5 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The Combined Systems Acceptance Test (CSAT) of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 5 was conducted in the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Four earlier CSAT attempts (April 15-20) were marred by numerous minor anomalies. The vehicle acceptance team inspection began April 26 and concluded April 30, with GLV-5 found acceptable. The vehicle was removed from the test cell May 7-8, formally accepted by the Air Force May 15, and shipped to Cape Kennedy. Stage I arrived at the Cape on May 17 and stage II on May 19.

• Abort criteria for Gemini-Titan (GT) 4 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4, Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The Abort Panel met to review abort criteria for Gemini-Titan (GT) 4 and decided that GT-3 rules would suffice. Alternate procedures for delayed mode 2 abort would be investigated when the Manned Spacecraft Center abort trainer became available to the GT-5 mission.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 4 and spacecraft No. 4 were mechanically mated at complex 19. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The Electrical Interface Integrated Validation and Joint Guidance and Control Test were completed April 26-29. These had been separate tests for earlier vehicles, but from Gemini-Titan 4 on, the tests were combined and performed as one. The spacecraft/GLV Joint Combined Systems Test followed on April 30. The Flight Configuration Mode Test finished systems testing May 7.

• Card Deck operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• LES 2 - . Mass: 37 kg (81 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Technology. Type: Communications technology satellite. Spacecraft: LES. USAF Sat Cat: 1360 . COSPAR: 1965-034B. Apogee: 14,810 km (9,200 mi). Perigee: 2,771 km (1,721 mi). Inclination: 32.20 deg. Period: 309.90 min.

  The fourth Titan IIIA flight test missile (Vehicle #6) was launched from Complex 20 at Cape Canaveral in a maneuverability test for the Transtage. The primary aim was for the Transtage engine to accomplish four separate ignitions, something never before attempted. In the process of successfully completing its four programmed ignitions and burns, the Transtage placed two satellites into orbit - a Lincoln Experimental Satellite (LES-2) and a hollow aluminum radar calibration sphere (LCS-1). By completing its assigned tasks, the Transtage extended the capabilities of the Titan IIIA beyond it's specific requirements. Because of this highly productive mission, the planned fifth Titan IIIA (Vehicle 7/4) launch was cancelled and the booster was converted to a Titan IIIC configuration. Experimental commsat. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• LCS 1 - . Mass: 34 kg (74 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Surveillance. Type: Radar calibration target. Spacecraft: LCS. USAF Sat Cat: 1361 . COSPAR: 1965-034C. Apogee: 2,795 km (1,736 mi). Perigee: 2,786 km (1,731 mi). Inclination: 32.10 deg. Period: 145.60 min.

  The fourth Titan IIIA flight test missile (Vehicle #6) was launched from Complex 20 at Cape Canaveral in a maneuverability test for the Transtage. The primary aim was for the Transtage engine to accomplish four separate ignitions, something never before attempted. In the process of successfully completing its four programmed ignitions and burns, the Transtage placed two satellites into orbit - a Lincoln Experimental Satellite (LES-2) and a hollow aluminum radar calibration sphere (LCS-1). By completing its assigned tasks, the Transtage extended the capabilities of the Titan IIIA beyond it's specific requirements. Because of this highly productive mission, the planned fifth Titan IIIA (Vehicle 7/4) launch was cancelled and the booster was converted to a Titan IIIC configuration. Aluminum sphere used for radar calibration. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• The Wet Mock Simulated Launch (WMSL) of Gemini-Titan (GT) 4 was completed. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini. The spacecraft was then demated from the launch vehicle in order to replace the batteries in the spacecraft adapter; flight seats were also installed and crew stowage evaluated. . Additional Details: here....

• Front Sight operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini 4 - . Call Sign: American Eagle / Little Eva. Crew: McDivitt, White. Backup Crew: Borman, Lovell. Payload: Gemini SC4. Mass: 3,574 kg (7,879 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: NASA Houston. Class: Manned. Type: Manned spacecraft. Flight: Gemini 4. Spacecraft: Gemini. Duration: 4.08 days. Decay Date: 1965-06-07 . USAF Sat Cat: 1390 . COSPAR: 1965-043A. Apogee: 281 km (174 mi). Perigee: 162 km (100 mi). Inclination: 32.50 deg. Period: 88.80 min.

  The second manned and first long-duration mission in the Gemini program. Major objectives of the four-day mission were demonstrating and evaluating the performance of spacecraft systems in a long-duration flight and evaluating effects on the crew of prolonged exposure to the space environment. Secondary objectives included demonstrating extravehicular activity (EVA) in space, conducting stationkeeping and rendezvous maneuvers with the second stage of the launch vehicle, performing significant in-plane and out-of-plane maneuvers, demonstrating the ability of the orbit attitude and maneuver system (OAMS) to back up the retrorockets, and executing 11 experiments. The stationkeeping exercise was terminated at the end of the first revolution because most of the OAMS propellant allocated for the exercise had been used; further efforts would jeopardize primary mission objectives and could mean the cancellation of several secondary objectives. No rendezvous was attempted. The only other major problem to mar the mission was the inadvertent alteration of the computer memory during the 48th revolution in an attempt to correct an apparent malfunction. This made the planned computer-controlled reentry impossible and required an open-loop ballistic reentry. All other mission objectives were met. The flight crew began preparing for EVA immediately after terminating the stationkeeping exercise. Although preparations went smoothly, McDivitt decided to delay EVA for one revolution, both because of the high level of activity required and because deletion of the rendezvous attempt reduced the tightness of the schedule. Ground control approved the decision. The spacecraft hatch was opened at 4 hours 18 minutes into the flight and White exited 12 minutes later, using a hand-held maneuvering gun. White reentered the spacecraft 20 minutes after leaving it. The hatch was closed at 4 hours 54 minutes ground elapsed time. Drifting flight was maintained for the next two and one-half days to conserve propellant. The spacecraft landed in the Atlantic Ocean about 725 km east of Cape Kennedy - some 65 km from its nominal landing point. The crew boarded a helicopter 34 minutes after landing and was transported to the prime recovery ship, the aircraft carrier Wasp. Spacecraft recovery was completed at 2:28 p.m., a little more than 100 hours after Gemini 4 had been launched. Gemini 4 was the first mission to be controlled from the mission control center in Houston.

  The space walk was hurriedly included after the Russian first in Voskhod 2. White seemed to have a lot more fun than Leonov and McDivitt took the pictures that came to symbolize man in space. With this flight the US finally started to match Russian flight durations.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 5 was erected at complex 19. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini. The vehicle was inspected and umbilicals connected June 9. . Additional Details: here....

• Gold Fish operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Titan 3C Transtage 5 - . Payload: Lead Ballast / Transtage 5. Mass: 9,694 kg (21,371 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Decay Date: 1965-06-29 . USAF Sat Cat: 1412 . COSPAR: 1965-047A. Apogee: 191 km (118 mi). Perigee: 168 km (104 mi). Inclination: 32.10 deg. Period: 88.10 min.

  The first Titan IIIC (SLV-5C) research and development vehicle (Vehicle #7) was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral. The Titan IIIC, the first Air Force vehicle specifically designed and developed as a military space booster under Space Systems Division management, was the first heavy-duty booster to combine the thrust of large-size, strap-on solid rocket motors with a three-stage, liquid-powered rocket. The Titan IIIC weighed more than 1.4 million pounds fully fueled but without its payload. At takeoff, the two United Technology Center solid rocket motors (SRMs) generated a peak thrust of 2,647,000 pounds - making the Titan IIIC the most powerful rocket yet launched. When the two solid motors were jettisoned two minutes after lift-off, the liquid-fueled center core section took over-Stage 1 engines producing 520,000 pounds of thrust, then Stage 2 with 100,000 pounds, and finally Stage 3 (Transtage) with its 16,000-pound thrust engines and carrying the payload. This first Titan IIIC placed a 21,000-pound test payload into a 100-NM (low earth) circular orbit - the heaviest payload yet orbited by the U.S. The Titan IIIC was capable of placing a 3,200-pound payload into a 22,000-mile, synchronous equatorial orbit. When fully operational, the new booster would provide a vast increase in the size and range of satellites that could be placed in orbit. This capability would eliminate one of the primary limitations on a number of satellite programs - the limited payload capability of the present Thor and Atlas space booster families. Launch vehicle test. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• The remaining seven Atlas and Titan I squadrons assigned to SAC were inactivated. - .

  These included the last Atlas E squadron, the 567th Strategic Missile Squadron (SMS) at Fairchild; three Atlas F units at Schilling (550th SMS), Lincoln (551st SMS), and Plattsburgh (556th SMS); and three Titan I squadrons, and the 569th SMS at Mountain Home along with the two units at Lowry, the 724th and 725th SMSs. These actions concluded the phase out of all Atlas and Titan I ICBMs in the SAC operational inventory.

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 7 in test - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 7. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Stage I of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 7 was erected in the east cell of the vertical test facility at Martin-Baltimore. Stage II was erected June 28. GLV-7 was inspected and prepared for testing while GLV-6 was undergoing vertical tests in the west cell. Power was applied to GLV-7 for the first time July 26. Subsystems Functional Verification Tests were completed August 25. Systems modification and retesting followed.

• Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 6 - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The Combined Systems Acceptance Test of Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 6 was completed at Martin-Baltimore. The vehicle acceptance team convened July 6 to review GLV-6 and accepted it July 10. The vehicle was demated on July 19 and formally accepted by the Air Force July 31. Stage II was delivered to Cape Kennedy the same day, and stage I on August 2. Both stages were then placed in storage pending the launch of Gemini-Titan 5.

• Busy Bee operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini launch vehicle (GLV) 5 and spacecraft No. 5 were mechanically mated at complex 19. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  The Electrical Interface Integrated Validation and Joint Guidance and Control Test began immediately and was completed July 9. The spacecraft/GLV Joint Combined Systems Test followed on July 12. The Flight Configuration Mode Test completed systems testing on July 16.

• Long Ball operational test - . Nation: USA. Agency: USAF SAC. Apogee: 1,300 km (800 mi).

• Gemini-Titan 5 demated. - . Nation: USA. Flight: Gemini 5. Spacecraft: Gemini.

  Gemini-Titan (GT) 5 was demated following completion of the Wet Mock Simulated Launch to allow the spacecraft fuel cells to be replaced and the coolant bypass to be modified. Spacecraft and launch vehicle were remated August 5. Modified Electrical Interface Integrated Validation and the Joint Guidance and Control Tests were run on August 6. Spacecraft Final Systems Test on August 9-10 and the Simulated Flight Test on August 13 completed prelaunch testing of GT-5, scheduled for launch August 19.