Meeting of Upper Atmosphere Rocket Research Panel

This memorandum for the record, dated September 16, 1954, documents a meeting of the Upper Atmosphere Rocket Research Panel held at the Naval Research Laboratory in Anacostia. The panel, chaired by Dr. James A. Van Allen, was established in 1946 to coordinate upper atmosphere research. The meeting focused on two primary areas: high-altitude and satellite vehicles, and the logistics associated with them. The document outlines the history of the panel, noting its informal support by the Office of Naval Research and its collaboration with various academic and military institutions, including the University of Michigan, the Air Force Cambridge Research Center, and the National Science Foundation. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the development of satellite vehicles (ISV). Dr. Van Allen presented a three-phase plan for the ISV: first, the placement of an uninstrumented observable object in orbit; second, the placement of an instrumented vehicle; and third, the placement of a manned satellite vehicle. The panel discussed the technical challenges of these phases, including the development of reliable power plants, weight reduction, and the necessity of precise orbital orientation. Specific rocket systems were reviewed, including the Viking, which could carry payloads to 135 miles, and the Aerobee, which could reach 60 miles. The panel also discussed the Redstone missile and the Loki booster system. The author, P. G. Stare, reflects on the meeting, highlighting the challenges of obtaining scientific data from rockets and the success of a specific fuse design. The document underscores the high-level coordination between the U.S. military and civilian scientific community to advance rocket technology and satellite capabilities during the early Cold War period.