Dec 5 1978
From The Space Library
Lewis Research Center and Dryden Flight Research Center would conduct flight tests of advanced models of propellers, some with 8 or 10 blades, intended for new high-speed fuel-conserving aircraft, DFRC announced. LeRC had already measured aerodynamic performance of the approximately 1/7 scale (2ft-diameter) models in its wind tunnel, at a simulated cruise speed of 855kph (530mph) and altitude of 10 668m (35 000ft). NASA estimated that, in those cruise conditions, an advanced turboprop engine with the new-design propeller could save 20 to 40% in fuel over current turbofan engines and 10 to 20% over advanced turbofan engines. (DFRC Release 23-78)
RCA Americom Communications, Inc., announced it would launch its Satcom-3 domestic comsat in Dec. 1979, more than a yr earlier than planned, and would study procurement of a fourth comsat either based on current design or the first of a new generation of spacecraft, Aerospace Daily reported. Satcom-3 previously appeared on a Space Shuttle schedule for launch in mid-1981. Latest plans called for a Delta launch like Satcoms 1 and 2; the Shuttle reservation would be assigned to Satcom-4.
RCA Americom said it was advancing the Satcom-3 launch because traffic on the first 2 satellites was nearing capacity particularly in cable television, now using 900 earth stations, with 1400 to 1500 expected by the end of 1979. Satcom-3 would have the same 24-transponder capacity as the first two satellites, but would carry spare transponders and additional station-keeping fuel to exceed its planned 8-yr lifetime. The company had asked the FCC for permission to station Satcom-3 at synchronous altitude over the equator at 132°W to serve the 50 states, mainly for cable-TV relays. RCA's Astro-Electronics Div., which had built the three Satcoms, estimated the cost of the third spacecraft and its launch at $40 million. (A/D, Nov 5/78, 150)
The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel had recommended elimination of the Space Shuttle solid-fuel rocket booster's thrust-vector control (TVC) system and modification or replacement of the Shuttle orbiter's auxiliary power unit (APU), Aerospace Daily reported. The panel said its proposals should make the Shuttle a safer system during its operational phase. With "emphasis shifting to the problems of reusable operation from those of technical breakthrough," it said in a summary report, ". . it is not too soon for NASA to review the Space Shuttle design from this point of view," The report concluded that the recommendations were "not reservation on the panel's part as to the readiness for SS-1," but rather said the Shuttle "will fly well, and probably on the scheduled date." Modifications could be expensive, and panel members noted that such work might absorb the expected "Shuttle dividend," funds from declining Shuttle development costs that might be devoted to other programs. NASA Administrator Robert Frosch responded that NASA might apply the panel's proposals in designing its next Space Transportation System, instead of modifying the present system. (A/D, Dec 5/78, 148)
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