Dec 16 1962
From The Space Library
EXPLORER XVI (S-55b) launched into orbit by four-stage Scout vehicle from NASA Wallops Station (initial orbital data: apogee, 733 mi.; perigee, 466 mi.; period, 104 min.; inclination, 52° to the equator), began measuring micrometeoroids in space. Satellite was designed to measure micrometeoroid puncture hazards directly by means of samples of spacecraft structural surfaces, measure particles having different momentums; and compare the performance of protected and unprotected solar cells. Cylindrical satellite was 24-in. in diameter and 76-in. in length; total weight in orbit was 222 lbs., including Scout fourth-stage motor case which was an integral part of the satellite assembly.
RELAY satellite's 136-me beacon was detected by tracking stations at Santiago, Johannesburg, and Woomera, indicating the beacon spontaneously turned itself on.
MARINER II would orbit the sun every 345.9 days, JPL scientists announced. The spacecraft would make its closest approach to the sun Dec. 28, at distance of 65,505,935 mi., and would be farthest from sun June 19, 1963, at 113,813,087 mi. MARINER closest approach to earth would come Sept. 27, 1963, when it would be 25,765,717 mi. away. All systems aboard the spacecraft were still functioning normally, with temperatures and other data still being telemetered to earth from more than 37 million mi. away.
Radio Moscow quoted Mikhail Yarov-Yarovoy, senior scientist at U.S.S.R. Astronomical Institute, as saying: "We learn today that America's space vehicle, the Mariner II, has passed quite close to Venus. The successful launching and the reception of radio signals from such a great distance indicate that American scientists and engineers have achieved more and more in conquering space. "We congratulate our American colleagues."
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center scientist Dr. Michael E. Lipschutz discovered diamonds in meteorite that fell in India 90 years ago, the findings published in Science. Dr. Lipschutz, an astrochemist, is first lieutenant in U.S. Army on active duty with NASA. His research was made with minute portion of the Dyalpur meteorite, which fell to earth May 8, 1872. Dr. Lipschutz observed two sizes of diamond crystallites in the meteorite—a few large crystals and many small crystals. He concluded that diamonds in Dyalpur meteorite were formed by shock when meteorite's parent body collided with another body in space.
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