Menzel, Whipple Say Rocket Could Reach Moon Within Next Five Years

Donald H. Menzel, Paine Professor of Practical Astronomy and Director of the Harvard College Observatory, last night stated that spaceships could possibly reach the moon "within five years."

He was backed up by Fred L. Whipple, professor of Astronomy and Director of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, who added that "we do not need any break-throughs in basic science to achieve our goal."

The scientists spoke to a meeting of the American Astronomical Society, at Sanders Theatre last night.

Discussing the hazards of space travel, Whipple discounted solar radiation, X-rays and ultraviolet light. He said that the effects of such radiation on spaceships could be controlled by regulatory reflection.

Whipple said that the danger of punctures from comets is "not serious." A meteor-buffer device, invented by him several years ago, would solve the problem by providing the spaceship with a "second skin," which could be thrown off when punctured.

Whipple added, however, that any rocketship to be used in space must provide a suitable human environment. "It is a very serious problem and will take a great deal of study," he continued.