Underlying the Nation's aeronautics and space programs was a strong basic and applied research effort which resulted in constantly broadening scientific and technological horizons. Finally, the entire effort has been drawn together in a long-range program of space exploration which offers every promise that in the years to come benefits for all mankind will be extensive.

Summarized within this report are contributions of Federal agencies participating in the space effort.

President Kennedy's Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961 1 [Extract]

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and com

merce.

President Kennedy's Message to Congress on the State of the Union, January 30, 1961 2 [Extract]

Finally, this administration intends to explore promptly all possible areas of cooperation with the Soviet Union and other nations "to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors." Specifically, I now invite all nations-including the Soviet Union-to join with us in developing a weather prediction program, in a new communications satellite program, and in preparation for probing the distant planets of Mars and Venus, probes which may someday unlock the deepest secrets of the universe.

Today this country is ahead in the science and technology of space, while the Soviet Union is ahead in the capacity to lift large vehicles into orbit. Both nations would help themselves as well as other nations by removing these endeavors from the bitter and wasteful competition of the cold war. The United States would be willing to join with the Soviet Union and the scientists of all nations in a greater effort to make the fruits of this new knowledge available to all-and, beyond that, in an effort to extend farm technology to hungry nations to wipe out disease-to increase the exchanges of scientists and their knowledge-and to make our own laboratories available to technicians of other lands who lack the facilities to pursue their own work. Where nature makes natural allies of us all, we can demonstrate that beneficial relations are possible even with those with whom we most deeply disagree-and this must someday be the basis of world peace and law.

1 Department of State Bulletin, Feb. 6, 1961, p. 176,

Ibid., Feb. 13, 1961, p. 213.

Telegram From President Kennedy to the Soviet Premier (Khrushchev), February 13, 1961 1

1

I wish to extend my congratulations and those of the American people for the impressive scientific achievement represented by the launching of your space vehicle to Venus. We shall watch its progress with interest and wish you success in another chapter of man's exploration of the universe.

Telegram From the Soviet Premier (Khrushchev) to President Kennedy, February 15, 1961 2

[Official translation]

4

Received your telegram of congratulations on the occasion of the launching of the Soviet cosmic spaceship to the planet Venus. I express gratitude to you for this telegram giving high appraisal to this outstanding achievement of peaceful science and for wishes for success in the new stage of the exploration of the cosmos. In your speech of inauguration to the Office of President, and likewise in the message to Congress of January 30 you, Mr. President, said that you would like for the Soviet Union and the United States of America to unite their efforts in such areas as the struggle against disease, mastering the cosmos, development of culture and trade. Such an approach to these problems impresses us and we welcome these utterances of yours. We consider that favorable conditions for the most speedy solution of these noble tasks facing humanity would be created through the settlement of the problem of disarmament. And we would like every country to make every effort for the solution of this problem with the establishment of such a strict international control under which no one could arm secretly and commit aggression.

All agree to the fact that the solution of the problem of disarmament depends to a great extent on agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States of America. If we reached such an agreement, it would be a great joy for all people on earth and a great blessing for all mankind.

News-Conference Remarks by President Kennedy,

5

February 15, 1961 3

[Extract]

Q. Mr. President, in a related field, however, Mr. Khrushchev this afternoon, I think in a message replying to you, said that he welcomed your proposal that you voiced in the State of the Union Message for pooling American-Soviet efforts in space exploration projects.

1 Ibid., Mar. 13, 1961, p. 369.

2 Ibid., Mar. 13, 1961, p. 369.

8 Ante, p. 189, extract.

Ante, p. 189, extract.

5 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: John F. Kennedy, 1961 (Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1962), pp. 93-94, 95.

Do you think this sort of pooling and cooperation you envisioned in your State of the Union Message will still be possible under the tense conditions that developed in the U.N. today?

THE PRESIDENT. I hope it will be possible for the relations between the United States and the Soviet Union to develop in such a way that the peace can be protected and that it will be possible for us to use our energies along peaceful and productive and fruitful lines.

The development of space, preventing outer space from being used as a new area of war, of course, is of the greatest possible concern to the people of this country. I am hopeful that it will be possible, if relations between our two countries can be maintained, can be channeled along peaceful lines; I am hopeful that real progress can be made this year. But it is my earnest hope that our relations can remain harmonious and that it will be possible for us to cooperate in peaceful ventures rather than be differing on matters which carry with them such hazards.

Q. Sir, on the space probe towards Venus made by the Soviets recently, do you think this would point up any space gap between our two countries, and do you see there is any need for a speedup in our efforts in that field?

THE PRESIDENT. The Soviet Union, as I said in the State of the Union, of course, is ahead of us in boosters and there is an indication they are going to be ahead of us for some time to come. This was, as I said in my statement at the time, this is a scientific achievement that is an impressive one. We have made exceptional gains in space technology, which may not be as dramatic as Sputnik or as a probe to Venus but which in the long run does, at least I think should, give all Americans satisfaction in the efforts that we have made.

Boosters, however, we are behind on and it is a matter of great concern. The Soviet Union made significant breakthrough in this area some years ago. They have continued to maintain their lead, and it explains why they were ahead of us in Sputnik and it explains why they have been able to put larger objects into space. We have to recognize their chances of continuing to do that unless we are able to make a breakthrough before the Saturn booster comes into operation. Unless we are able to make a scientific breakthrough we have to recognize that we are in a position-secondary position on boosters. It is a matter of great concern. We have sufficiently large boosters to protect us militarily, but for the long, heavy exploration into space, which requires large boosters, the Soviet Union has been ahead and it is going to be a major task to surpass them.

News-Conference Remarks by President Kennedy, March 1, 1961 1

[Extract]

2

Mr. President, Congressman Anfuso has recommended that this country take the initiative and officially invite Soviet space scientists to meet with U.S. scientists to work out plans for cooperation and peaceful exploration of space in line with your own recommendations. Would you comment on this, and could you tell us what plans you may have now to achieve this end?

THE PRESIDENT. We are attempting to improve our exchange program on a reciprocal basis with the Soviet Union-and have been engaged in that activity for some time.

...

Q. Yes, but have you defined any special areas in which you could cooperate without any harm to our national security!

THE PRESIDENT. When we have been able to work out any successful exchanges or new exchanges, we will announce them. But we are of course concerned that they will be reciprocal, and national security will be protected, and also that it would contribute to some useful purpose. We have, as you know, had recently here in Washington a meeting which had been arranged some months ago on meteorology, in which the Soviet representative was unable to be here, which was a source of regret. There are other proposals we have made for the long-range exploration of space, weather control, and so on, and we are going to continue to attempt to engage the Soviet Union in a common effort in that kind of activity.

Memorandum of Understanding Between France and the United States on Cooperation in Space Research, March 29, 1961 3

Following is the text of a memorandum of understanding between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Comité des Recherches Spatiales (French Committee for Space Research): "In informal technical discussions in Washington, March 20–21, 1961 representatives of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the French Comité des Recherches Spatiales affirmed a desire for cooperation in space science research of mutual interest. "Looking toward a continuing program for such cooperation, the two organizations plan the following initial steps:

(1) The Comité expects to make detailed proposals for experiments in the VLF,* auroral and airglow, and biological fields, with the expectation that these experiments will be prepared by the Comité and flown, as mutually agreed, in appropriate scientific sounding rockets by NASA.

1 Ibid., p. 141.

Victor L. Anfuso, representing New York's Eighth Congressional District and a member of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics. National Aeronautics and Space Administration news release 61-61, Mar. 29, 1961. 4 Very low frequency.

(2) Further arrangements are contemplated for the preparation of these experiments by the Comité for incorporation in satellites to be launched by NASA, assuming favorable results are obtained in rocket soundings as appropriate.

(3) The two organizations will exchange information regarding the design, equipment and operation of a scientific sounding rocket launching site. Such exchanges will include technical visits as necessary.

(4) As an initial step toward mutual exchanges of personnel for training and familiarization, NASA will accommodate in its space science centers technicians sponsored by the Comité as may be agreed."

(signed) HUGH L. DRYDEN

For the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(signed) PIERRE AUGER

For the Comité des Recherches Spatiales

(signed) PIERRE PIGANIOL

Pour la Delegation Generale a la Recherche scientifique et technique

Statement by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on Cooperation by the United Kingdom, France, and the United States on Communications-Satellite Experiments, April 4, 1961 1

1

A cooperative program for the trans-Atlantic testing of experimental communication satellites provided and launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was announced today jointly by agencies of the United States, England, and France.

The British General Post Office and the French Center for Telecommunications Studies have agreed to provide ground stations in Europe for transmission of multi-channel telephone, telegraph, and television signals using satellites to be launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration during 1962 and 1963 in Projects Relay and Rebound.

The stations will be equipped with advanced radio facilities having extremely accurate tracking and antenna pointing qualities and capable of conducting tests with active and passive satellites at high frequencies and low power. Surveys are currently being made to determine their locations.

Project Relay, NASA's low altitude active repeater satellite programed to be launched in 1962, will weigh less than 100 pounds. The spacecraft will contain instruments to detect radiation damage and other environmental effects on critical components as well as communication experiments.

Project Rebound is a follow-on of NASA's first passive reflector communication satellite program, Echo. It proposes to place several rigidized inflated spheres in orbit by using a single launch vehicle. The first launch to orbit three spheres is programed during 1963.

Relay and Rebound are research and development projects to demonstrate the feasibility of basic concepts and technological ap

1 National Aeronautics and Space Administration news release 61-62, April 4, 1961.