50, 100 and 150 Years Ago; February 1999; Scientific American Magazine; by Staff Editor; 1 Page(s)

RESEARCH MONEY-"The Office of Naval Research today is the principal supporter of fundamental research by U.S. scientists. Its 1,131 projects account for nearly 40 percent of the nation's total expenditure in pure science. Most surprising of all has been ONR's ardent and unflagging fidelity to the principle of supporting research of the most fundamental nature, although many of its projects, of course, are likely to lead to more immediate naval applications. The ONR has pioneered so fruitfully in the support of basic science that it stands as a model for the planned National Science Foundation, which is now regarded as 'imminent.'"

ROCKET PLAN-"A new rocket specifically designed for research in the upper atmosphere has been successful in flight tests at the White Sands, N.M., proving ground. Named the Aerobee, it has carried up to 250 pounds of scientific equipment to heights of 70 miles. It is the first large high-altitude rocket of American design, and was developed at Johns Hopkins University under Navy sponsorship to take the place of the dwindling supply of captured German V-2s. Although it does not have the range of the V-2, it is a more practical and less expensive instrument. The Aerobee is nearly 19 feet long and very slender. It has no guiding mechanism; its course is set on the launching platform."