A summary found following the errata page reads: "This paper presents a second look at the subject of the man-machine relationship in automatic test operations. 'Man, Machine, and Automatic Test Operations' was presented by the writer at Battelle Memorial Institute in November of 1963...It is the purpose of this second look at the man-machine interface to pinpoint those concepts which have proven their worth with time and those concepts which have proven to be weak, and as a result modified with time." This paper was prepared by George F. Meister, Jr.
This history is intended as a quick orientation source and as a ready-reference for review of the Thor and its systems. The report briefly states the development of Thor, summarizes and chronicles Thor missile and booster launchings, provides illustrations and descriptions of the vehicle systems, relates their genealogy, explains some of the performance capabilities of the Thor and Thor-based vehicles used, and focuses attention to the exploration of space by Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc.