OS (Outer Space) (White House Central Files: Subject Files)

This subject category concerns non-military plans, programs, research and exploration of outer space. In these files, the material predominantly pertains to the seventeen Apollo missions; Viking, Mariner and Skylab launches; international cooperation in space ventures; and communications satellites. Chief correspondents include the President; heads of state and other dignitaries; Peter Flanigan; Henry Kissinger; William Timmons; Dr. T. O. Paine; James Fletcher; and Julian Scheer.

For additional information, materials will be found in the following subject categories:

FG 6-4 National Aeronautics and Space Council

FG 6-9 Office of Science and Technology

FG 6-11-1/DuBridge, Lee DuBridge, Lee

FG 33-17 House Committee on Science & Aeronautics [Astronautics]

FG 36-1 Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences

FG 164 National Aeronautics and Space Administration

FG 221-18 Space Task Group

SC Sciences

SC 2-3 Meteorological Rockets and Satellites

UT 1 Communications Satellites

OS OUTER SPACE

The Executive file contains correspondence concerning Presidential reports to Congress on space activities; the budget for space; post-Apollo programs; nuclear safety review of space operations; space-related industry; space shuttle development; assessments of space program benefits; and international space cooperation. Preservation copies of newsclippings and photographs are also included.

The General file contains copies of White House responses to correspondence from private citizens supporting or opposing the space program; citing advantages for international cooperation in joint space programs and satellites; concerning jobs; and suggesting ideas such as names for moon craters. Included is a letter from the writer Ayn Rand, with a copy of "The Objectivist" about Apollo II. Other printed material includes a NASA article, "Why Explore Space."

OS 1 ACCIDENTS

Material in the Executive file concerns the NASC Staff report on Apollo 13 Accident Review Board, and a proclamation concerning international liability for damage caused by space objects.

The General file also concerns the Apollo 13 mission, and an inquiry about a facsimile or replica of the medal of freedom.

Most material on the Apollo 13 mission is filed under OS 3/#13 and OS 3-1/#13.

OS 2 LAUNCHING SITES - TRACKING STATIONS

Competition for the geographic site for space shuttle launches, energy research and development, and Australian assistance during the Apollo 13 mission are the main subjects of the Executive file.

The General file also concerns the space shuttle site competition; Cape Kennedy area employment; the restoration of the name Cape Canaveral to Cape Kennedy; and justification of the space program.

OS 3 SPACE FLIGHT

The Executive file contains replies to heads of state and other dignitaries for congratulatory telegrams, messages and letters received following each of the seventeen Apollo missions and Viking, Mariner and Skylab launches. Among other topics included are presidential communications with the astronauts; moon landing souvenirs and commemorative activities; international cooperation, including the space rendezvous with the Russians; scientific accomplishments of Apollo 15; engines and heat shields; space program cutbacks; development of the space shuttle; NERVA, ERTS, and communications satellites.

The views and reactions of private citizens to the various space launches are reflected in the General file. Scripture and prayer readings from outer space provoked petitions and many pro and con letters. Other concerns include international space cooperation; exploration of Mars; Apollo museum exhibits, souvenirs, and memorabilia; space rescues; children's letters; poems, music and art inspired by the moon landing; and the site for the space shuttle.

OS 3-1 ASTRONAUTS

The Executive file mostly concerns public relations activities involving the astronauts, such as presidential and congressional messages, tours, dinners, awards, gifts and miscellaneous public appearances. Other topics of concern are promotion policy for the astronauts; a report on the family structure of the astronauts; Walter Schirra's decision to leave NASA; and suggestions for astronaut recruitment among women, blacks and enlisted personnel.

The General file contains material reflecting public concern for prayer and scripture reading by the astronauts; NASA experiments on animals; public appearances by the astronauts; invitations to a dinner honoring the astronauts; Apollo 11 souvenirs and memorabilia; placing flags on the moon; the President's telephone call to the astronauts during the moonlanding; moonlanding inspired poetry and music; foreign participation in the space program; and a memorial to Gus Grissom.

OS 3/#13 APOLLO 13

Near the end of Apollo 13 space flight there was an explosion in the service module which destroyed most of the command module's oxygen and power supplies. A moon landing was abandoned, and the crew made a safe return to earth using the lunar excursion module. The Executive file material concerns the Apollo 13 "emergency" and contains status reports on other correspondence relating to monitoring the situation and responsibility for critical decisions during the crisis. Other topics include the NASC Staff Report on Apollo 13 Accident Review Board; recommendations of the Apollo 13 Review Board; and public relations activities including a Presidential call to the astronauts, an Apollo 13 world tour and White House dinner; and messages and replies to correspondence about the crisis.

The General file contains Apollo 13 congratulatory messages, White House responses to such messages, and material about a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

OS 3-1/#13 APOLLO 13

The Executive file material pertains to the world tour of the Apollo 13 astronauts.

There is no general file.

OS 4 SPACE RESEARCH

Topics in the Executive file include, among others, defense research and development; satellites; a paper on satellites of outer planets (Titan); the space shuttle; and North American Rockwell's Rocketdyne engine.

Subjects in the General file include, among others, a suggestion to use international space communications as foreign aid; recognition for contributions to science from Dr. Robert Goodman; funding space research; the future of the space program; technological contributions to the space program; space careers; NASA research facilities; and children's letters to the President concerning priorities and the space program.

OS 5 UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS

The Executive file contains a proclamation of the mayor designating Palacios, Texas as the Interplanetary Capital of the Universe.

The General file contains a letter requesting the President's views on UFO investigations; and a child's letter to the President explaining flying saucers.