Nov. 16, 1963 - At Cape Canaveral, Fla., today, President Kennedy (pictured being greeted there by Air Force General Leighton Davis) witnessed the firing of a missile from underwater and saw a launching vehicle that will carry the largest payload ever put into orbit. The spectacular firing of the Polaris was “wonderful,” the President said. But he appeared equally enthralled by the sight of the Saturn 1 vehicle, which is expected to make space history next month. The Saturn shot, scheduled for Dec. 10 or 11, will put the U.S. ahead of the Soviet Union in the size of payload placed in orbit. Saturn 1 will carry a payload of 19,000 pounds and will have a thrust of 1.5 million pounds. Impressed by an illustrated lecture on the nation’s space program midway through today’s tour, the President lagged behind his party to examine scale models of the various capsules and launching vehicles. “This is fantastic,” the President marveled. Mr. Kennedy flew to Cape Canaveral this morning from Palm Beach, 93 miles to the south, where he will spend a quiet weekend.
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