U.S. To Have Man To Moon By 1970

Press, Volume C, Issue 29535, 9 June 1961, Page 3

U.S. To Have Man To Moon By 1970

tn ZJ’.A-Keuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, June 7

The chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission (Dr. Glen Seaborg) said today that the United States expected to have a nuclear-powered rocket able to send a man to the moop and perhaps even further into outer space by 1970. - ‘ f 3

Dr. Seaborg, who was appearing before the Senate Space Committee, declared that such an expectation was a realistic estimate. He said it Was reasonable to expect to test flight a nuclear rocket in much less than a decade, probably in 1965 to 1967. The basic problem. Dr. Seaborg told the committee, was the development ot metals that could withstand the very high temperatures required for nuclearpropelled space ships. The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration <Mr James Webb) and Deputy Secretary of Defence <Mr Roswell Gilpatric) also endorsed Dr. Seaborg's claims at the committee hearing. Mr Webb pledged a ■hard-hitting, well-rounded, national space effort." Mr Gilpatric said the Defence Department considered the new United States aims in space were

clearly in the national interest. - ft Mr Webb announced that the Government would negotiate a contract with Westinghouse Electric Corporation. and Aerojet General Corporation, for “first phase” developmbents of a nuclear rocket to carry men to the moon and planets. United Press International said. Westinghouse and Aerojet would design the “Nerva” engine. Nerva Stood for “Nuclear engine for rocket vehicle application.”