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The Space Task Group, unofficially established on October 8, 1958, was officially formed at Langley Field, Virginia, to implement a manned satellite project. Robert R. Gilruth and Charles J. Donlan were appointed as Project Manager and Assistant Project Manager, respectively. The memorandum of establishment listed a total of 35 people from Langley assigned to the Space Task Group. The following personnel were transferred from the Langley Research Center to the newly established Space Task Group: Robert R. Gilruth, Charles J. Donlan, Paul E. Purser, Maxime A. Faget, Charles H. Zimmerman, William M. Bland, Aleck C. Bond, Alan B. Kehlet, Charles W. Mathews, Edison M. Fields, Robert G. Chilton, Jerome B. Hammack, Jack C. Heberlig, Claiborne R. Hicks, Ronald Kolenkiewicz, Christopher C. Kraft, Howard C. Kyle, William T. Lauten, John B. Lee, George F. MacDougall, John P. Mayer, William C. Muhley, Herbert G. Patterson, Harry H. Ricker, Frank C. Robert, Joseph J. Rollins, Ronelda F. Sartor, Paul D. Taylor, Shirley J. Hartley, Norma L. Livesay, Betsy F. Magin, Jacquelyn B. Stearn, Julia R. Watkins, Nancy C. Lowe, and Shirley P. Watkins. Personnel detailed from the Lewis Research Center to the Space Task Group and Project Mercury were as follows: E. H. Buller, A. M. Busch, W. R. Dennis, M. J. Krasnican, Glynn S. Lunney, Andre J. Meyer, W. R. Meyer, W. J. Nesbitt, Gerald J. Pesman, and Leonard Rabb. Individuals from Lewis remained on a detailed status until 1959 when they were permanently reassigned to the Space Task Group. The 45 people listed above were the embryo work force of Project Mercury.

As a note of interest, on the fourth anniversary of the activation document, 21 of the original Langley reassignees and 3 of the Lewis group were members of the Manned Spacecraft Center, the successor of the Space Task Group.

A contractor briefing, attended by some 40 prospective bidders on the manned spacecraft, was held at the Langley Research Center. More detailed specifications were then prepared and distributed to about 20 manufacturers who had stated an intention to bid on the project.

Specifications for the manned spacecraft (Specification Number S-6) were issued, and final copies were mailed on November 17, 1958, to 20 firms which had indicated a desire to be considered as bidders.

The highest national procurement priority rating (DX) was requested for the manned spacecraft project.

Twenty firms notified the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of their intention to prepare proposals for the development of the manned