Aug 26 1971
From The Space Library
Explorer 43 (IMP-1) interplanetary monitoring platform was adjudged successful by NASA. Spacecraft, launched March 13, had exceeded objectives and was functioning nominally with 11 scientific instruments providing detailed information on galactic and solar cosmic rays, interplanetary medium, and distant magnetosphere. All systems and scientific instruments were functioning normally except GSFC plasma probe, which malfunctioned 30 days after launch, and Univ. of Chicago cosmic ray telescope, which partially malfunctioned 64 days after launch. (NASA Proj Off)
NRL's Solrad 10 (Explorer 44) solar radiation satellite, launched by NASA July 8, was adjudged successful by NASA. Spacecraft was functioning nominally and all 15 scientific instruments had been turned on and were operating satisfactorily. (NASA Proj Off)
Astronaut Alan B. Shepard, Jr., received rear admiral stars from Secretary of the Navy John H. Chaffee during Pentagon ceremonies. Shepard was first astronaut to achieve rear admiral rank. (W Post, 8/27/71, Al)
Immediate report from NASA on role of Dale D. Myers, Deputy Administrator for Manned Space Flight, in award of $500-million space shuttle engine contract to NR Rocketdyne Div. was requested by Rep. William R. Cotter (D-Conn.). In statement to press, Rep. Cotter said Myers "as co-chairman of the joint NASA-Pentagon space transportation system committee, may have been instrumental in cutting off Air Force funding of Pratt & Whitney's space shuttle research under the XLR-129 program." Cotter said Pratt & Whitney Div. of United Aircraft Corp. had based its contention of superior "technical know-how" on shuttle engine development [see Aug. 3] on its 10-yr XLR-129 research. Myers had been a Rocketdyne Vice President before coming to NASA in 1970. (Text; Warden, C Trib, 8/27/71,22)
Lee B. James, former Director of Program Management at MSFC, had joined faculty of Univ. of Tennessee Space Institute, UPI reported. James' retirement from NASA had been announced April 30. (UPI, W Post, 8/27/71)
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