The information necessary to permit satellite orbit computations from raw Minitrack data is given, the Minitrack data on the satellites 1958 Alpha and 1958 Beta for the period 7 through 20 May 1958 are presented in appendixes. It is intended that the use of these data will encourage and facilitate the development of new computation techniques. The basic Minitrack measurement and the data message itself are described, and a discussion is made of the handling and preparation of the data message for the Vanguard IBM 704 computer. The outputs of the computer are also discussed. Residual data from the 704 computer's differential correction program, and meridian crossing times and elevation angles from the Burroughs E101 computer are given for each data message. Two correction formulas are given for adjusting the raw data. One of these corrects for overall station factors only and may be used alone if an error of about 1 percent is tolerable; the other corrects for the 1 percent error introduced by antenna pattern distortion and system cross-talk. (Author).

In this definitive study, J. D. Hunley traces the program’s development from Goddard’s early rockets (and the German V-2 missile) through the Titan IVA and the Space Shuttle, with a focus on space-launch vehicles. Since these rockets often evolved from early missiles, he pays considerable attention to missile technology, not as an end in itself, but as a contributor to launch-vehicle technology. Focusing especially on the engineering culture of the program, Hunley communicates this very human side of technological development by means of anecdotes, character sketches, and case studies of problems faced by rocket engineers. He shows how such a highly adaptive approach enabled the evolution of a hugely complicated technology that was impressive—but decidedly not rocket science. Unique in its single-volume coverage of the evolution of launch-vehicle technology from 1926 to 1991, this meticulously researched work will inform scholars and engineers interested in the history of technology and innovation, as well as those specializing in the history of space flight.

This is the inside story of one of the earliest successful U.S. satellites, a fascinating Cold War–era chronicle of the nation's earliest battles and triumphs in the Space Race. It recounts the origins, development, and results of Project Vanguard, a pioneering venture in the exploration of outer space. Primarily an analysis of the project's scientific and technical challenges, this volume documents onboard experiments, instrumentation, tracking systems, and test firings. It also portrays the drama of organizing an unprecedented project under the pressure of a strict time limit as well as the tempestuous climate of American opinion during the Soviet Union’s Sputnik launches. The history concludes with an evaluation of the satellite program's significant contributions to scientific knowledge. Numerous historic photographs highlight the text, which is written in accessible, nontechnical language. In addition to a historic foreword by Charles A. Lindbergh, this new edition features an informative introduction by Paul Dickson. Authoritative and inexpensive, it will appeal to students and teachers of history and science as well as aviation enthusiasts.

Key business indicators include: Population, Personal Income, Gross National Product, Corp. Profits before Tax, Manufacturing: new orders, Business Inventories, Retail Sales, Industrial Production Index, Housing Starts: private nonfarm, Civilian Labor Force, Consumer Price Index, Balance of Payments, Merchandise Exports, and General Imports.

February issue includes Appendix entitled Directory of United States Government periodicals and subscription publications; September issue includes List of depository libraries; June and December issues include semiannual index.