Dec 21 1973
From The Space Library
Space News for this day. (1MB PDF)
The U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 625 from Plesetsk into orbit with a 340-km (211.3-mi) apogee, 187-km (116.2-mi) perigee, 89.6-min period, and 72.8° inclination. The satellite reentered Jan. 3, 1974. (GSFC SSR, 12/31/73; 1/31/74; SBD, 1/2/74, 2)
Establishment of a Spacelab Program Office at Marshall Space Flight Center to manage NASA'S activities in the international project was announced by Dr. Rocco A. Petrone, MSFC Director. Thomas J. Lee had been ap-pointed Spacelab Program Manager. (MSFC Release 73-202)
Dr. Charles A. Berry, NASA Director of Life Sciences, would retire from NASA to become President of the Univ. of Texas Health Science Center April 1, 1974, NASA announced. The new position had been created to bring all the health-oriented schools and services of the University under one administrator. Dr. Berry, an Air Force flight surgeon since 1951, had been Chief of the Dept. of Aviation Medicine at the School of Aerospace Medicine and Chief of Flight Medicine in the Surgeon General's Office before coming to NASA on loan in July 1962. He accepted appointment as Chief of the Manned Spacecraft Center's Medical Operations Office in August 1963. Dr. Berry had participated in the early medical evaluations leading to selection of the original seven Mercury astronauts in 1958 and had continued to work with NASA throughout the project. He was appointed Director for Life Sciences at NASA Hq. in September 1971. His honors included the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator, said Dr. Berry's "work in determining the ability of man to function and work in space for long periods . . . is an important contribution to the future of the space program. The University of Texas is to be congratulated in obtaining the services of an outstanding medical researcher and administrator." (NASA Release 73-284; NASA PAO)
The Federal Aviation Administration announced it had adopted fuel-saving regulations permitting airlines to use flight simulators more in pilot training and flight checking. The new rules could save 200 000 cu m (50 million gal) of fuel annually and reduce flights by 9300. (FAA Re-lease 73-215)
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