Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-12-15
AII-OutU. S. Push Urged
For Space Domination


Continued From First Page
that the United States seek
control Of outer space.
Domination Is Goal
Our goal should be nothing
short of mans domination OF
space" Gen. Medaris said.
II am convinced the Russian
concept is very clear" DR.. Won
Braun added. They consider
control of space around the
earth very much as the great
maritime powers considered
control Of the seas In the 18th
to 18th centuries"
DR.. Won Braun told the sub
committee he believed space ac-
tivities could be carried on
without straining the Nations
productive capacity. AS a mat
ter Of fact. he said. the exist
ence Of a national space agency
probably would have q "leveling
effect" smoothing out the
peaks and valleys Of production
experienced by missile manu-
facturers at the present time.
A lot OF the developmental
as well as productive work on
space stations could be done.
DR.. Won Braun said. by other
wise idle hands.
The IRBM and the inter-
continental ballistic missile de-
serve highest priority" DR.. Won
Braun said. But I believe we
can get q long-range space
program going without using
more scientists than We have
on the job right now.
About 20 to 80 per cent Of
our guided missile eapability is
kept on the payroll awaiting
new assignments. They are be-
tween projects you might say. .
Agrees on Red Power
DR.. Won Braun was asked
about a statement by DR.. Wal
ter Dornberger. who was DR.,
Won Braun's boss on the va
rocket project in Germany in
World War II. After the launch
ing Of Sputnik II. DR.. Dorm
berger said:
There can be absolutely no
doubt now that the USSR has
the means Of sending an
atomic or hydrogen warhead
anywhere in the world"
DR.. Won Braun agreed and
added:
This Is not even q ques-
ton for argument. It can be
worked out on q sliderule."
He explained that a rocket
which could place q 1900
pound satellite. such as Sput-
mix II, in orbit could also fire
$4,000 or 5000 pound warheac
through the ICBM range.
DR.. Won Braun added that
Of course. it would depend or
the guidance system how ac-
curate such a missile would be
but that the establishment Of
Sutnik II in its orbit indicated
q high degree Of efficiency ir
guidance.
Could Hit Capital
In answer to q question b!
Chairman johnson. Democrat
Of Texas. DR.. Won Braun saiC
It seemed likely that the Rus
SLAMS could put a hydrogen
warhead on the city Of Wash
ington today.
DR.. Won Braun was asked
why It is essential for ths
United States to control or a
least to be in outer space b!
the time the Russians get there
He listed a number Of militar.
advantages including:
/. Television espionage" Of
enemy territory which woul'
be "unjammable" because tn
only radio transmission tina
would take place would be Will
the satellite vehicle was owe
American territory.
2. Orbital vehicles with bomb
ing capability. which coul'
guide bombs to any point Of
the earth with high accuracy
Sees Mortal Danger
Committee Counsel Edwin 1
Weisl asked the scientist. Il
the Russians should contro
outer space before we do. vii
this country be in morta
danger?"
Yes" DR.. Won Braun re
piled. "Our ICBM defense
are based on the assumption
we can pick up ICBM or IRBM
on radar.'
Gen. Medaris earlier told tn
committee that in his opinion
there is too much overlappin
authority in the Pentagon a
far as missiles are concerned
He called for "one man VII
can make a decision. who cal
give a command and the re
sources TO carry II out"
DR.. Won Braun agreed that
man with such authority wa
necessary and compliance
about the committees in tn
Pentagon which, he said. hav
taken up much Of his time u
the past.
Raps Interference
acknowledging that II woul
be helpful" TO have q 81 entifi
advisory cammittee inESn tn