The Relative Roles of Man and Instruments in Space

Extract

This Discussion, held by the Astronautics and Guided Flight Section on 11th December 1962 in the Lecture Theatre, 4 Hamilton Place, London W.1, was introduced by R. H. Francis, B.Sc, M.Sc, F.R.Ae.S., F.B.I.S., and W. F. Hilton, D.Sc, Ph.D., A.R.C.S., D.I.C., F.R.Ae.S. The following report was prepared by J. L. Nayler, M.A., F.R.Ae.S., F.A.I.A.A.

This interesting discussion ranged over the whole known field from that of near space with meteorological, communications, navigation and astronomical satellites, from prestige flights and satellites with military applications to interplanetary space with all the added difficulties arising from radiation and other engineering problems; landings and bases were mentioned as regards the planets. The desirability of this country having its own space problem, in addition to co-operation with other countries in Europe, was touched upon. The discussion was opened by Mr. R. H. Francis and Dr. W. F. Hilton, the former concentrating mainly on the instrumental rôles and the latter on the irreplaceability of man in certain aspects of space development.