KIWI TO FLY?

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 13

KIWI TO FLY?

Projected U.S. Rocket

(N Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) SAN FRANCISCO. May 11. The United States might launch an atomicallypowered rocket named after a New Zealand bird some time in 1966 or 1967, the chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, Dr Glenn Seaborg, said las' night.

Dr. Seaborg, in a speech prepared for delivery to members of the American Ordnance Association, said scientists at the Los Alamos. New Mexico, laboratory had developed and successfully ground-tested three experimental reactors. They were known as the Kiwi series. Ground testing of a second Kiwi series would begin before the end of the year. He did not explain why the name of a flightless bird had been chosen for the series. "Those directly responsible for the programme say that, if all the technical aspects of the programme proceed without difficulty, it might be possible to start flight testing in !965,’’ Dr. Seaborg said. "Extensive ground testing is required before any effort is made to put a reactor in flight. This is based on cost and safety.” He said agreements on a final atomic reactor design for space tests were holding back faster progress. A decision was expected by next year.