“A New Line of Sight” 1962 Aerospace Command, Eastman color, 30 minutes.
Reviews USAF Research And Development Achievements Since 1954 In Missiles, Space Vehicles, Aerospace Medicine And Reentry Problems.
0:05-0:18: Introduction stating the film’s purpose: to showcase the Air Force’s developed space resources for national security, especially in light of the Soviet Union’s nuclear test resumption.
0:18-1:18: Emphasizes the importance of time as a weapon and the Air Force’s accelerated ballistic missile program since 1954, highlighting the coordinated effort of human and physical resources.
1:18-2:37: Details the involvement of scientific advisors and industry collaboration, focusing on systems management, rigorous testing, and overcoming technological obstacles.
2:37-4:23: Describes the development and capabilities of various ICBMs (Atlas, Minuteman, Titan), and the X-15 as a step towards future manned spacecraft.
4:23-5:23: Highlights early space exploration successes, including Pioneer probes and weather and navigation satellites launched by Thor boosters.
5:23-6:40: Focuses on the Discoverer program, emphasizing capsule recovery and the role of the Satellite Test Center in controlling space missions.
6:40-8:26: Discusses the Aena vehicle’s use in various programs, including missile detection (Midas) and high-energy proton detection experiments, revealing new Van Allen belt data.
8:26-9:20: Introduces the satellite inspector program (Saint), aiming for rendezvous and docking capabilities, and the need for reusable space systems.
9:20-10:49: Explains the Blue Scout program for economical payload boosting and the development of large segmented rocket motors, highlighting test facilities across the US.
10:49-12:04: Details specialized test facilities for nuclear energy, missile components, and simulated space environments, including wind tunnels for Mercury program testing.
12:04-13:24: Focuses on communication and tracking systems, including Space Track for satellite monitoring and foreign language translation technology.
13:24-14:38: Discusses aeromedical programs at Wright-Patterson, including research on weightlessness and life support systems for future manned space missions.
14:38-15:58: Emphasizes the importance of human resources, scientific research, and technological development, citing examples like fuel cells, plasma propulsion, and laser technology.
15:58-17:27: Concludes by highlighting the rapid technological advancements and the necessity of achieving clear space objectives within time and resource constraints for national security.
