Aug 3 1970
From The Space Library
Nike-Apache sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Wallops Station carrying Univ. of Michigan payload to study atmospheric structure. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily. (SR list)
USN successfully conducted first underwater launch of two-stage, solid-propellant Poseidon C-3 missile from nuclear submarine submerged off Florida coast. New, 30 000-kg (65000-lb) missile was expected to become operational January 1971. Soviet ship Laptev watched launch closely and tried to pick up debris. (DOD Press Release; W Post, 8/4/70, 1)
U.S. Athena missile that veered off course after launch from Green River, Utah, July 11 had been found 320 km (200 mi) from U.S. border near Carrillo, Mexico, Mexican Foreign Ministry said. Missile had gouged out trench 15 in (50 ft) long, 5 m (17 ft) wide, and 3 m (10 ft) deep. Mexican troops cordoned off site while scientists waited for equipment to recover radioactive pieces of missile. (AP, NYT, 8/4/70, 12)
Pan Am Boeing 747 en route from New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico, was hijacked to Havana, Cuba, with 378 persons aboard. Aircraft was met in Havana by Cuban Premier Fidel Castro who inspected it before helping Capt. Augustine Watkins take off within 53 mm. Aircraft arrived safely in San Juan. (Suarez, NYT, 8/3/70, 1)
MSFC announced award of $13 460 726 contract modification to Martin Marietta Corp. for continuing work on Skylab multiple docking adapter. (MSFC Release 70-152)
Aviation Week & Space Technology editorial on recommendations of Blue Ribbon Defense Panel [see July 1]: "We think the Fitzhugh panel deserves an accolade from its fellow citizens for providing a shrewd and modern insight into problems of operating .the. national defense system and a series of specific points that require improvement. This is a process that should be repeated at regular intervals to insure that the national defense keeps pace with the constantly changing challenges of technology and the international chess board." (Av Wk, 8/3/70)
August 3-21: Joint NASA and Univ. of Virginia Bio-Space Technology Training Program was held at Wallops Station to give 46 life scientists information on engineering and operational procedures in plan ping and conducting biological experiments in space. Scientists were selected by NASA from more than 150 applicants representing universities, Government, and industry. Laboratory phase of program included launching five modified Arcas sounding rockets, carrying live animal and plant payloads, on 20-min flights. All payloads were recovered. (WS Release 70-10)
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