Dec 11 1969
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos CCCXIV from Plesetsk into orbit with 465-km (288.9-mi) apogee, 296-km (183.9-mi) perigee, 91.6-min period, and 71.0° inclination and reentered March 22, 1970. (GSFC SSR, 12/15/69; 3/31/70; SBD, 12/15/69, 193)
USAF YF-12A supersonic aircraft made first flight from Edwards AFB, Calif., under joint NASA-USAF sponsorship, opening program to advance U.S. knowledge of aerial defense tactics and future of commercial aviation [see July 11]. (AFSC Newsreview, 2/70, 1)
NASA announced appointment of Charles W. Mathews, Deputy Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, as Acting Associate. Administrator for Manned Space Flight, replacing Dr. George E. Mueller. (NASA Ann)
"Into the New Realm," exhibit of documentary history of U.S. Government in space from early balloon ascensions to origination of Apollo Program, opened at National Archives in Washington, D.C. Exhibit included original of National Space Act of 1958, which created NASA, and copies of correspondence on establishment of U.S. space program from President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, first NASA Administrator, Dr. T. Keith Glennan ; former NASA Administrator James E. Webb ; and others. (Natl Archives PIO)
President Nixon issued proclamation commemorating Dec. 17 as Wright Brothers Day: "On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright .. . stepped from a homemade contraption onto an ocean beach in the State of North Carolina, after completing the first successful airplane flight. "Almost sixty-six years later, another man stepped from another craft onto another plain . . the waterless Sea of Tranquility on the Moon. Man had not only removed his bondage to the earth, but had expanded his horizons to outer space." (PD, 12/15/69, 1732)
Former astronaut John H. Glenn, Jr., formally announced candidacy for Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Stephen M. Young (D-Ohio). (NYT, 12/12/69, 33)
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