Apr 6 1970
From The Space Library
Apollo 13 Astronauts James A. Lovell, Jr., Fred W. Haise, Jr., and Thomas K. Mattingly II underwent comprehensive medical examination at KSC, including laboratory tests to determine their immunity to German measles (rubella). Dr. Charles A. Berry, Director of Medical Research and Operations at MSC, said crew was "in good physical condition and good shape to carry out the mission and the lunar surface activities," but expressed concern that astronauts could develop German measles during mission. They had been exposed to rubella virus when Astronaut Charles M. Duke, Jr., member of backup crew, developed disease April 5. (Wilford, NYT, 4/7/70,1)
Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Administrator, in invited testimony on space benefits and potential, told Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences that during first 12 yrs in space U.S. orbital payloads had increased 10 000 times, from Explorer I's 14-kg (30.8 lbs) to Apollo 13's planned 136 000 kg (300 000 lbs); speed record 13 times, from 3000 km per hr (1900 mph) to 40 000 km per hr (25 000 mph); and flight altitude 10 000 times, from 38 400 m (126 000 ft) to 377 400 km (234 500 mi). Astronauts had logged 5843 hrs in space; safely flying 113 400 000 km (70 472 000 mi). Twelve Americans had orbited moon and four had walked on its surface. NASA had launched 155 unmanned spacecraft to return scientific and practical data, 23 in cooperative international programs. "Today we live in a different world because in 1958 America recognized the challenge of space and boldly made the required national investment to meet it. Since then over a billion children have been born all around the world, the first space age generation. Because of the space program they will learn a new science, a new cosmology, and a new view of man and his destiny in the universe.... Today's children can look ahead confidently to new opportunities and to great new strides that man will make in the twenty-first century.... Their generation will view the earth as a whole for the first time, and be able to deal with technology, with science, and with philosophy as a unified experience, common to all men of the blue planet earth." Appendixes to prepared statement described NASA's technology utilization program: 1.6 million scientific and technical publications distributed in 1969, including 3 211 500 microfiche copies; contribution to U.S. schools including spacemobile project, which had reached 3 306 410 students live and 20 391 500 via TV in 1969; and space research laboratories built at 34 institutions of higher learning during 1960s, in which more than 1000 students had worked towards doctorates. NASA had received 968 830 letters in 1969; its exhibits were viewed by 37.6 million persons and its films, by 9.8 million directly and by 248 million on TV. News media coverage of NASA activities in 1969 included 3497 newsmen from 57 countries accredited to Apollo 11. (Testimony; Schlstedt, B Sun, 4/7/70)
Fifth anniversary of ComSatCorp's Early Bird I, world's first commercial comsat, launched by NASA from KSC. First commercial space link between North America and Europe, Early Bird I had been retired from full-time service in 1969 after receiving and transmitting more than 235 hrs of TV and operating for more than 3 1/2 yrs with 100% reliability. Satellite could still be used for emergency service to handle 300 circuits between U.S. and Europe. (ComSatCorp Release 70-16)
Edmund J. Habib, Associate Chief of GSFC's Advanced Development Div., Tracking and Data Systems Directorate, received AIAA's 1970 Space Communications Award at Los Angeles luncheon. Habib was cited for "pioneering developments of the advanced tracking and telemetry data processing systems of NASA's Space Tracking and Data Acquisition Network, and for leadership of the development of technology for the future Tracking and Data Relay Satellite space network." (AIAA Release 4/6/70)
MSC issued RFPS for preliminary study of reusable space tug that could be economically operated around earth, near moon, and in support of interplanetary missions. Preliminary study of highly versatile, four-module system would lead to award of nine-month, $250 000 fixed-price contract to investigate space tug missions and operations and determine if single-design vehicle could accomplish all tasks proposed. Space tug was one of new flight hardware items identified in Space Task Group report to President in September 1969. (MSC Release 70-38)
MSFC announced award to SPACO Inc. of 10-mo, $2.8-million, cost-plus-award-fee contract for engineering and operation support to MSFC Quality and Reliability Assurance Laboratory. (MSFC Release 70-66)
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