American Saturn Rocket Destined For The Moon

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29233, 17 June 1960, Page 13

American Saturn Rocket Destined For The Moon

(Rec. 10 p.m.) HUNTSVILLE (Alabama), June 16. The United States’ most powerful rocket, the Saturn, roared successfully through a 122-second static firing yesterday—the last test in the present series of nine. The Saturn is believed to be more powerful than anything in either the West or the Soviet rocket lineup, according to American Associated Press. In its ultimate full test with payload, it will probably be destined for an outer space orbit, or the moon. The director of development operations for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, Dr. Wernher von Braun, excitedly grabbed reporters' arms during the static firing as the roar of the giant engines prevented conversation, and filled the surrounding Alabama countryside with noise. Dr. von Braun said later: “It was 100 per cent successful. Anything from here on is polish.” Dr. von Braun said the next .series would start in Augufita, Georgia, and would take place

before the actual flight to the booster in 1961. The superbooster, the first stage of the Saturn missile, is scheduled to be flown at Cape Canaveral. Florida, next year. Before the firing. Dr. von Braun outlined a 10-test series of Saturn launchings beginning next year, and continuing until 1964. when the completed missile is expected to make its first payload trip deep into space. Throughout the firing, two engines were turned to demonstrate the navigation of the Saturn—B2ft in height Dr. von Braun said the booster would take a test flight next year with two dummy stages riding along on top. Three boosters, one of them carrying a live second stage, would be flown in 1962, he said. Five flights were set for 1963, two of them with a live second stage. The thud and final stage would be added for its first full test with a payload, destined probably for an outer space orbit, or the moon