Apr 21 1968
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. successfully launched eighth Molniya I comsat, Molniya 1-8. Orbital parameters: apogee, 39,719 km (24,680.2 mi) ; perigee, 414 km (257.2 mi) ; period, 11 hr 53 min; and inclination 65°. (UPI, NYT, 4/23/68, 34; GSFC SSR, 4/30/68)
Soviet scientists reported that automatic docking of Cosmos CCXII and CCXIII April 15 had occurred only 47 min after pursuit vessel was launched. Cosmos CCXII (launched April 14) was orbiting earth at 225.3-km (140-mi) altitude and 17,500 mph when Cosmos CCXIII en- tered orbit three miles from it. According to Tass, satellites repeatedly changed their orbits, reoriented, maneuvered in space, and conducted various scientific experiments during four days in orbit. Soviet scientists had reportedly developed three launch systems for spacecraft intended for automatic docking in orbit: (1) simultaneous side-by-side launch with docking maneuvers beginning immediately after spacecraft separated from launch vehicles; (2) separate launches from same or different sites with second spacecraft launched as close as possible to first spacecraft in orbit as it passed over launch site [method used for April 15 docking] ; and (3) separate launches of spacecraft into same plane, but with distances between them great enough to require several orbital corrections and maneuvers to close gap. (Anderson, NYT, 4/22/68, 9; SBD, 4/23/68, 296-7)
NASA announced appointment of Dr. Henry J. Smith, Deputy Director of Physics and Astronomy Programs, OSSA, as Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications (Science), replacing Dr. John E. Naugle who was named Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications Oct. 1, 1967. Dr. Smith would be Chief Scientist for OSSA, responsible for obtaining and implementing scientific advice for the national space program. (NASA Release 69-70)
JPL soil sciences group, headed by Dr. Roy E. Cameron, reported tests and cultures of Antarctic soil samples in JPL's walk-in freezer laboratory to determine what micro-organisms lived in extreme cold and to help determine whether life existed on Mars. Samples had come from high, dry valleys in Victorialand near U.S. base at McMurdo, Antarctica. Scientists discovered bacteria, yeasts, molds, and algae, which began to grow within two weeks when Antarctic soil kept laboratory-frozen for over one year was subjected to temperature 68° F or above. Studies were sponsored by NASA and NSF. (NASA Release 68-73)
Dept. of Commerce announced that "the exploration of Antarctica has now been virtually completed," with conclusion of two-month, 815-mi scientific journey led by C&GS geophysicist Norman W. Peddie. "There are now no major areas [of Antarctica] which have not been explored," Peddie said. Expedition, which started Dec. 5 and ended Jan. 30, was made by nine-man party of Belgian, Norwegian, and American scientists. Trip covered region in Queen Maud Land between South Pole and Princess Ragnhild Coast in dircction of Africa (W Post, 4/21/68, A12)
Dr. Kurt H. Debus, KSC Director, and JPL Director William H. Pickering had been named cowinners of American Astronautical Society's 1967 Space Flight Award for outstanding achievement in advancement of space flight and space science. (AP, W Star, 4/21/68, A5)
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