A Space Scientist Let Off Lightly By The Media

D. King-Hele. (1992), JBIS, 45, pp.469-471

Refcode: 1992.45.469

Abstract:

The arrival of Sputnik l in October 1957 totally changed my life. As a scientist at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, my task in the early 1950s was the mathematical assessment of guided missile projects. I beavered away in an ivory tower encircled by a security fence, my work being seen only by those within the tower. So it might have continued, as it has for many others, until the fore-ordained date of retirement. But for me all the cosy in-looking ended overnight in October 1957, over the weekend of 5-6 October to be more precise.