Dec 21 1964
From The Space Library
EXPLORER XXVI, Energetic Particles Explorer D (EPE-D) , was launched into an egg-shaped orbit atop a three-stage Delta rocket from Cape Kennedy. The 101-lb. windmill-shaped satellite carried five experiments designed to learn how high energy radiation particles are injected, trapped, and eventually lost in the Van Allen radiation belts. Information obtained from the mission was expected to make important contributions to the Apollo manned lunar landing program, specifically in the design of protective spacecraft shielding and in planning flight trajectories for moon landing. Information on the depth of penetration of the geomagnetic field by high energy solar protons-particles of potential danger to moon-bound astronauts-might also be obtained. Preliminary orbital data: apogee, 16,280 mi.; perigee, 190 mi. period, 7 hrs. 36 min.; inclination, 20.15°. The satellite was designed for an operational life of one year. (NASA Release 64-302; AP, Benedict, Wash. Post, 12/22/64)
USAF launched an unidentified satellite on a Thor-Agena D booster toward a polar orbit from Vandenberg AFB. Purpose of the shot was not indicated. (, Wash. Post, 12/22/64)
USAF launched Blue Scout, Jr., probe from Vandenberg AFB on a non-orbital space mission. Press sources reported this as the second successful launch of a contact cesium ion engine, developed by Electro-Optical Systems, Inc. ( HHN-4 8 ; M&R, 1/4/65, 11)
Dr. Winston E. Kock, Director of NASA Electronics Research Center in Cambridge, Mass, announced that Dr. Lester C. Van Atta and Dr. W. Crawford Dunlap would head two of the Center's major operations. Dr. Van Atta would direct research in electromagnetics, including micro-wave and optical research. Dr. Dunlap would direct research in component technology, including solid state and materials and qualifications standards. (NASA Release 64-317)
NASA Administrator James E. Webb told the Commercial Club of Chicago: "There is an analogy between our national space program and our national history. The exciting adventures of the settlement of North America captured popular fancy. But it was the quiet development of the free spirit of Americans and the growth of our form of self-government that were to weigh heavier in the scales of history than Indian raids and campaigns of the colonial wars. "Another analogy closer to us has been the change in public attitudes that has led Americans to adopt new scientific ideas and concepts that may have been rejected only a few years ago. "Today we live in a period of unprecedented scientific and technological explosion. . . . To be visionary is no longer to be labeled as impractical." (Text)
Sen. Clinton P. Anderson (D.-N. Mex.) , Chairman of Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences, told Denver Post reporters that the manufacture of the MOL spacecraft would be delayed until the Defense Dept. presented an "acceptable definition" of the program. He said that President Johnson was reviewing the 1966 budget which contained $155 million for MOL, but that the money would not be spent until Air Force objectives in space were defined and accepted. (Partner, Denver Post, 12/22/64)
The Air Force version of the controversial F-111 fighter-bomber, formerly called the TFX, made a successful but somewhat abbreviated maiden flight from Carswell AFB, Tex. (the site of the General Dynamics Corp. plant that built the plane). Piloted by Richard L. Johnson and Val E. Prahl, the 1,650-mph aircraft performed all the items on the test pro-gram that were possible with the malfunctioning wing flaps. The variable-geometry wings, capable of a 70° sweep, were kept in 26° position during the first flight. In 21 min. of flight, the F-111 achieved an altitude of 17,000 ft. and a speed of 230 mph. On takeoff it required less than half the runway used by conventional jet planes. The Navy version of the F-111 was scheduled to fly by mid-1965. (Witkin, NYT, 12/22/64, 12; UPI, Chic. Trib. 12/22/64; Aviation Daily, 12/23/64)
A study at Northrop Space Laboratories was reported as indicating that a fluid-filled "bladder" might offer the best form of protection to astronauts during impact acceleration. Using guinea pigs, the investigators found that the fluid-filled garment seemed to offer the same advantages in minimizing internal organ displacement as did water immersion, but without the risk of generating high hydraulic pressure pulses. (M&R, 12/21/64,21)
Strategic Air Command announced that the Chicago area would be one of two test corridors for an exercise in which a squadron of SAC B-58 Hustler bombers would test for pinpoint accuracy on simulated targets.. The three-month exercise would begin Jan. 4. (UPI, NYT, 12/22/64, 12)
NASA announced award of 35 supplemental or new research grants and contracts totaling $1,947,842 to 30 universities, colleges, and private research institutions. (NASA Release 64-313)
Missiles and Rockets reported that studies carried out by Astro Research Corp. for NASA indicated the feasibility of forming large spheres in space by blowing them as bubbles. The technique promised space structure sizes hitherto unattainable with very low masses. For example, a 100- ft.-dia. ECHO II-type sphere of two-micron-thick film, could be blown from 200 lbs. of viscous material. (M&R, 12/21/64, 21)
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