NATION A L

AERONAUTICS

AN D SPACE

ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
1520 H STREET NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON 25, D.c.

IN REPLY REFER TO TELEPHONE: EXECUTIVE 3-3260 TWX: WA 785

 

October 6, 1961

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
School of Medicine
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California

Dear Joshua:

I am sure that you have read accounts in the daily press
of major organizational changes in the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, primarily within the Washington
Headquarters. A copy of the formal press release is enclosed.
I believe that these changes will strengthen the role of
science and facilitate a more effective use of the scientific
resources of the universities in the national space program.
Because of your participation in the activities of the Space
Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences it seemed to
me that you would be interested in having some additional back-
ground information.

When NASA was established in 1958, you will recall that
there were essentially only two program directors, one for aero-
nautical and space research in ground facilities, and one for
space flight development responsible for research carried out by
‘rockets and satellites. The latter had an assistant director
for space sciences. As the magnitude of the program increased
and responsibility for large launch vehicles was assigned to
NASA, accompanied by a transfer of the von Braun group at Hunts-
ville, the launch vehicle responsibility was split off from the
office of space flight development. The single program director
was replaced by two, one for space flight programs, the second
for launch vehicle programs. A few months later a program direc-
tor for life sciences programs was added. This is the present
organization to be changed on November 1.

Rather than dividing responsibility between spacecraft,
launch vehicle, and life sciences, the new organization is based.
NASA

Dr. Joshua Lederberg Page 2

on the following three specific national objectives: (1) The
scientific study of the space environment and celestial bodies
to gain new scientific knowledge; (2) the early application

of earth satellites and of space research and technology to
immediate use for human benefit; and (3) the exploration of
space by man. To these three objectives correspond the Office
of Space Sciences, the Office of Applications, and the Office
of Manned Space Flight Programs, each of which has the tech-
nical direction and resources control of projects in its area
wherever the work is conducted, i.e., within one of the in-
house Centers or by contract. The responsibilities of the
former Office of Advanced Research Programs have been extended
to cover advanced technology, becoming the Office of Advanced
Research and Technology. I will discuss the life sciences in
a later paragraph,

Under the new organization space sciences becomes one of
four major program groups reporting directly to the Associate
Administrator. The director of the Office of Space Sciences
will be assigned responsibility for NASA's program of research
grants and contracts with universities and will have a full-
time deputy for this program, which will be considerably
expanded in scope. A second deputy will give attention to the
planning and management of flight projects. I will work
directly with Dr. Newell on the scientific aspects of the pro-
gram. Dr. Newell and Mr. Frutkin will work with me on the
international program. In all of our activities we value your
advice and counsel.

Our experience of the past few years has indicated the
desirability of a different organization structure for the
life sciences effort. We have found here, as in the physical
sciences, marked differences of philosophy and method between
those concerned with basic and applied research and those con-
cerned with hardware engineering and life science support of
flight operations. In addition the groups interested in basic
biological experiments in space and the search for extraterres-
trial life have a quite different interest in the program from
other life science groups. The attempt to place responsibility
in a single focal point has been found difficult. Hence the
assignments indicated in broad outline in the press release
will be made; obviously there are many details to be worked out.
NASA

Dr. Joshua Lederberg Page 3

A significant change in organizational relationships is
the direct reporting of the Center directors of the field
installations to the Associate Administrator rather than to
program directors. This is a practical recognition of the
fact that although the several Centers have different major
functional responsibilities, all participate to some extent
in all types of activity, advanced research and technology,
space science, applications, and manned space flight. The
program directors deal with specific functional activities,
wherever located; the office of the Associate Administrator
deals with overall institutional management and brings Center
directors as well as program directors into the policy making
and program decision operations.

I hope that you will find this discussion helpful in
understanding the reasons for the organizational changes
that have been announced. If you have questions, I will be
glad to try to answer them, either by mail, or by personal
discussion when you are next in Washington. -We would like
to provide you with an intimate contact with the total pro«
gram of NASA as your time permits.

Sincerely yours,

ugh x Ornyoline

Hugh L. Dryden
Deputy Administrator

Enclosure