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Lot #9033
Jim McDivitt 1963 Unsigned Academic Training Memorandum

Jim McDivitt 1963 Unsigned Academic Training Memorandum

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Estimate: $300+
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Description

Jim McDivitt 1963 Unsigned Academic Training Memorandum

Unsigned typed memorandum by McDivitt, two pages, 8 x 10.5, February 28, 1963. A memorandum issued to Major Deke Slayton, headed "Critique of Academic Training Program," offering his thoughts on courses taken by the Group 2 Astronauts between October 1962 and February 1963. In part: "I believe that the general purpose of the academic training program was achieved. We all ended up with some knowledge of the three space programs and a somewhat broader basic science background than we had when we started. The quality of the course content and instruction varied wildly from course to course and also within a course…The order of presentation of the project familiarization courses was logical…It also gave me the opportunity to meet people in some of the other divisions within NASA. This familiarization with these people is beginning to pay dividends now…The basic science courses had a serious defect in their order of presentation in that a good course in orbital mechanics was not given first. There were so many other courses that were based on a knowledge of this subject that a lot was lost…The courses taught by professional teachers were good without exception. The courses taught by MSC engineers were, in general, poor…It is safe to say that these courses have pointed out academic deficiencies and, at the same time, have presented sources of information to correct these deficiencies. Now, if we just had the time, we could read all our references and solve our problems." Also includes a much later TLS, signed "James A. McDivitt," one page, Rockwell International letterhead, July 12, 1993, forwarding some autographs. In fine condition. From The Bill Lende Collection.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Space Exploration
  • Dates: #518 - Ended November 16, 2017





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