Glenn’s Launching Again Postponed

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29749, 16 February 1962, Page 9

Glenn’s Launching Again Postponed

(N Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) CAPE CANAVERAL (Florida), February 15. The United States called off its ninth attempt to launch the astronaut, Lieutenant-Colonel John Glenn, around the world today for fear he would be lost in the storm-tossed Atlantic, the Associated Press said.

The tenth attempt was set for between 12.30 a.m. and 530 a.m. Saturday, New Zealand time.

The 24-hour delay in the project was announced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at a weather briefing. The announcement said: ’’Unsatisfactory weather in the central and eastern Atlantic caused postponement of the launch attempt for at least an additional 24 hours.”

The N.A.S.A. representative, Mr Paul Haney, said there was continued storm activity from Bermuda to the Canary Islands and gale winds in the central Atlantic. These were the areas where Colonel Glenn would land in an emergency on take-off or at the end of the first and second orbits.

Ships in the recovery fleet will be able to stay at sea for another four days before some return to port for refuelling and supplies. The officials said Colonel Glenn was awakened seconds after the postponement and informed of the decision. The astronauts' physician,. Dr. William K. Douglas, said Colonel Glenn was somewhat disappointed but “patiently watching the weather.” The back-up pilot. Lieu-tenant-Commander Malcolm Scott Carpenter. awoke earlier, and went to the Mercury launching pad. He returned to the crew quarters when the postponement was announced. Colonel Glenn is “taking it very well.” according to the Project Mercury psychologist. Dr. Robert Voas. Dr. Voas told reporters last

evening: "There is no evidence he is building up any frustrations or annoyance . . ■ he is anxious to get in three full orbits and would prefer to wait, rather than not have everything right for the full plan.”

Officials denied rumours that Colonel Glenn might be replaced by Commander Scott Carpenter, because of the strain of the long wait ”1 haven't heard the suggestion about replacement and I don’t think there is anything to it," one official said at a press briefing. Tear Gas Used On Children (N Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) SALISBURY (Rhodesia), February 15. Police used tear gas again yesterday against a crowd of African children in a disturbance at Salisbury's Highfleld African township. Yesterday police used tear gas to disperse African schoolchildren outside an African school in the township. The authorities then announced the children were protesting against the allocation of school places. About 400 children gathered outside the same school again today.

A police vehicle which went to the scene was stoned and slightly damaged. Some school windows were also smashed by stones.