Dec 21 1966
From The Space Library
USAF SV-5D lifting body was successfully launched from WTR by Atlas booster on reentry mission, but "due to an undetermined malfunction in the final phases of descent" was not recovered. Released at desired altitude, the 900-lb. vehicle had deployed parachute to slow its descent rate and reentered planned recovery area using lifting body principle. Goals of mission-first of four in USAF's Precision Recovery Including Maneuvering Entry (Prime) program-were to study aerodynamic characteristics of SV-5D shape, heat shield performance, guidance and flight control systems, instrumentation, and recovery system. (UPI, Wash. Post, 12/22/66, A4)
U.S.S.R. launched two unmanned spacecraft. LUNA XIII, on mission to study the "moon and its close environments," was following trajectory close to calculated one. COSMOS CXXXVII, carrying instruments for further investigation of outer space, was in orbit with 1,672-km. (1,032-mi.) apogee; 225-km. (140-mi.) perigee; 104-min. period; and 49ΓΈ inclination. (UPI, Wash. Post, 12/22/66, A3; Anderson, NYT, 12/22/66, 20)
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