Public Policy: Missiles & Mismanagement

Never in its history has the U.S. tried to do anything so intricate in so short a time as its missile program. The nation has achieved notable feats in an undertaking that calls for crash construction of the most complicated equipment ever devised. Failures are inevitable in exploring the unknown. Batting averages are not the full test of success in the missile league, but misses do cost millions—and of 193 attempted launchings of U.S. satellites and Atlas and Titan missiles since 1957, only 118 have been completely successful. The original goal of...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!