Aug 11 1972
From The Space Library
NASA's M2-F3 lifting body, piloted by William H. Dana, completed 15th flight from Flight Research Center. Objective-to investigate stability and control at mach 0.95-was achieved. (NASA proj off)
Sen. William Proxmire (D-Wis.), critic of aerospace spending, was named Chairman of Senate Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Development, Space, Science, Veterans. Appointment followed death of Subcommittee Chairman, Sen. Allen J. Ellender (D-La.). (LA Times, 8/17/72; W Post, 8/18/72, A3)
First laboratory demonstration of controlled fusion-peaceful use of hydrogen-bomb reaction to make electricity--could occur within three years, Washington Post reported. Intensely concentrated laser light beam would be used to trigger fusing of atoms. Fusion would produce energy sufficient for conversion into plentiful electric power with potentially unlimited fuel, a form of hydrogen from sea. Physicist Edward Teller had said there was "outside chance" that laser-fusion would carry men to Mars and back by end of century. U.S.S.R. was believed to be two to three years ahead of rest of world in both laser-fusion and other fusion research. (Cohn, W Post, 8/11/72, A3)
President Nixon designated Chairman Russell E. Train of Council on Environmental Quality to lead U.S. participation in U.S.-U.S.S.R. Joint Committee in the Field of Environmental Protection. Train would head U.S. delegation to Moscow later in year. (PD, 8/14/72, 1224)
National Science Foundation published Federal R&D Funding Continues To Rise (NSF 72-314) : Upward trend since 1970 in Federal research and development support was clearly established. Federal R&D obligations, exclusive of plant, were expected to rise from $15.5 billion in FY 1971 to $16.8 billion in FY 1972 and to all-time high of $17.8 billion in FY 1973. Figures showed increase of 8% in FY 1972 and 6% in FY 1973. Upward trend reversed downward trend from FY 1967 through 1970. (NSF Highlights, 8/11/72)
R/A William M. Harnish (USN) assumed command of Pacific Missile Range in ceremony at Pt. Mugu, Calif. (PMR Missile, 8/11/72, 1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
