JUN 15 1962

National Academy of Sciences
National Research Council
2101 Constitution Ave., N. W.
Washington 25, D. C,.

SPACE SCIENCE BOARD

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June 7, 1962

MEMORANDUM
TO: Members, Biological Coordinating Group, Space Science Board
FROM: | G. A. Derbyshire

There are two items that require the Group's attention on a rather
urgent basis:

First, the Office of Space Sciences -- Biosciences Programs, has informally
asked for reaction to a proposal that fecal waste be jettisoned from manned space-
craft of the Gemini and Apollo series, This would be accomplished both in orbital
and lunar landing missions. No other details of the situation are available, We
could:(1) simply refer to existing national sterilization policy; (ii) ask why
this idea is being considered; (iii) react straight out or,(iv) convene a meeting
to discuss, Please let me know your desireé as soon as you can,

Second, the bibliography on Aerospace Medicine and Biology, which has
been published for some time by a staff at the Library of Congress under Arnold
Jacobius is in danger of being discontinued, It is supported by NASA and the
Air Force with some contribution from the FAA. This is a project about which
the Armed Forces - NRC Committee on Bioastronautics felt strongly, It has been
catching up on old literature, planning to be current in 1964, I believe, and
publishing, in addition to its bound annual volumes, monthly in the Journal of
Aerospace Medicine. A copy is enclosed for your review, The Space Science Board
should assume some responsibility for this activity after critical review of the
product it can (i) be silent --+ in which case the situation remains unchanged,
and the necessary support may not be forthcoming; (ii) endorse the enterprise in
its present form, and thus perhaps improve the funding situation; (iii) undertake

to play a role in improvement together with an endorsement in principle of its
general value,

I hope you can let me have your views on these questions soon.

Enclosure