Dec 20 1971
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Molniya 1-19 comsat from Plesetsk into orbit with 39 146-km (24324.2-mi) apogee, 493-km (306.3-mi) perigee, 703.3-min period, and 65.4° inclination. Satellite would transmit telephone, telegraph, radio, and TV signals to link far north, Siberia, Central Asia, and Far East. (GSFC Operations Off; Space-warn, 12/28/71, 1; SBD, 12/21/71, 230)
Italy's San Marco 3 (launched April 24 by NASA) was adjudged successful. Satellite had transmitted excellent data on density, composition, and neutral-particle atmosphere at altitudes of 222- 723 km (127.9-449.2 mi). Only failure had been in sun sensors, which were not essential to mission success. San Marco 3 had reentered Nov. 28 after more than seven months in orbit and had taken good measurements during reentry phase. (NASA Proj Off)
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