FA/Director of Flight OperationsJUL 26 196767-FM-T-44FM/Deputy ChiefNotes from ASPO Manager’s staff meeting – July 24
1. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings by going to George Low's staff meeting instead of yours, but he specifically asked me to come and I felt you would agree that would be best. If not, please advise. I did pick up a few items that may be of interest to you which it is the purpose of this memo to relate.
2. According to ASPO's bar charts, the launch date for Spacecraft 017 is September 23. The shipping date for Spacecraft 101 is three weeks behind schedule, that is December 31. And LM-1 launch date is now about October 31. Of course, those dates are unofficial.
3. Apparently, there has been a problem with the LM-1 computer and they are sending it back to Raytheon. It does not work with the actual flight ropes, and that have replaced it with a new computer which does.
4. There was an extensive discussion about the overall spacecraft testing procedure, particularly at MSC. George is very concerned that every test anyone can think of is added, and was emphatic in directing that he wanted Apollo testing to be carried out in a manner much more like Gemini than it is at present. He wants to establish an MSC Test Requirements Document which defines when and where each test is to be run as well as spacecraft configuration. This is to be a configuration control document which can only be changed with high level concurrence. There was some speculation that this might lead to a fight with MSC.
5. It was reported that Buz Hello does not report to Dale Myers at North American which means they have two vice presidents to deal with now and they expect this will make things a little more difficult.
6. It seems the spacecraft problem currently requiring the most attention and effecting schedule most has to do with panel coating. Both the LM and CSM people describe the process as being quite difficult to control and not certain to work. Incidentally, the materials and process to be used on the command module are different than that used on the LM. However, in both systems a large number of coatings must be applied under strictly controlled conditions. This coating, of course, is to provide fire protection or at least to prevent its spread.