March 9, 1961MEMORANDUM FOR DR. BUNDY
SUBJECT: Some Aspects of Project Mercury
We have an ad hoc panel which is making a technical review of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration project to put a man in an earth orbit, Project Mercury. The time is now nearing when man will be first introduced into the system in a sub-orbital launch using a modified Redstone booster. Although the interest of the panel is primarily in the technical details, two phases of the operation which fall mostly outside the technical area have caused them considerable questioning, and I would like to take this opportunity to bring them to your attention.
1. Many persons involved in the project have expressed anxiety over the mounting pressures of the press and TV for on-the-spot coverage of the first manned launch. Our panel is very concerned that every precaution should be taken to prevent this operation from becoming a Hollywood production, because it can jeopardize the success of the entire mission. The people in the blockhouse and in the control center are not professional actors, but are technically trained people involved in a very complex and highly coordinated operation. The effect of TV cameras staring down their throats during this period of extreme tension, whether taped or live, could have a catastrophic effect. Similarly, following a manned launch and recovery, the astronaut must be held in a confined area for a considerable time period so that the doctors can accomplish the debriefing which will produce the basic information on possible effects of space flight on man. The pressures from the press during this time period will probably be staggering, but should be met with firmness. The experience with the RD-47 pilots has proven that this can be accomplished.
S & T Cont. No. 304
Our panel does not profess to be expert in the field of public relations, but the overriding need for the safety of the astronaut and the importance to our nation of a successful mission make them feel that the technical operation should have first consideration in this program. The sub-orbital launch will, in fact, be man's first venture into space. It is enough different from the X15 program to require special consideration. It is my personal opinion that in the imagination of many, it will be viewed in the same category as Columbus' discovery of the new world. Thus it is an extremely important venture and should be exploited properly by the Administration.
2. Some members of the panel (and other individuals who have contacted me privately) believe that the decision by the previous Administration, that the astronauts should be military personnel, was wrong. They point out that NASA was created expressly for the purpose of conducting peaceful space missions, and the orbiting of a military astronaut will be identified by the world in general as a military gesture, and is sure to be seized upon by the U.S.S.R. for propaganda purposes.
My personal feeling is that any change in status (such as asking the astronauts to become civilians) at this late date will be recognized for what it is, and artificial maneuver. Nevertheless, it might be desirable for this Administration to review the past decision and perhaps lay plans by which astronauts selected for later manned space programs could be given the option to become civilians. It would seem to me that the following might be the appropriate group to discuss the situation: The President, The Vice President, Mr. Bundy, Mr. Webb and Dr. Dryden, Mr. Murrow, and Secretary Rusk.
(signed) Jerry
Jerome B. Wiesner
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