Dec 7 1970
From The Space Library
Senate passed H.R. 19830, FY 1971 Independent Offices and HUD appropriations bill, which contained $3.269-billion NASA appropriation. As budgeted by NASA, appropriation allocated $678.7 million for research and program management, $25 million for construction of facilities, and $2.565 billion for R&D. Amendment proposed by Sen. Walter F. Mondale (D-Minn.) to eliminate funds for Space Shuttle and station was rejected. Bill was cleared for President's signature. (CR, 12/7/70, S19521-59; Conf Rpt 91-1345)
DOT's SST development environmental impact statements and comments received by DOT on draft statement from other agencies were transmitted to Council on Environmental Quality by James M. Beggs, DoT Under Secretary of Transportation. Statement, required by National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, said development of two prototype SSTs "will not give rise to any long-range environmental problems." Possible adverse environmental consequences arising from fleet operation of SSTs represented "only possible effects on long-term productivity of environment." Such effects "remain in the realm of speculation at this time." Prototype development "would not involve an irreversible commitment of any environmental resources." Prototype would demonstrate performance, economics, safety, and environmental qualities of SST design before large-scale production of SSTs. Government research application to SST environmental factors included: LaRC R&D program to determine feasibility of tubular noise-suppression technique for SST engines, noise reduction and control at source program, system analysis of aircraft noise abatement, university research program to develop and expand noise research interest within educational institutions, theoretical and experimental studies of structure and turbulence levels of SSTs to reduce sideline noise and turbomachinery noise, LeRC, studies of noise reduction potential of suppressors and engine cycles, and work on control and evaluation of noise on receiving end, including human factors. Other SST environmental programs were: DOT-NASA-USAF high-altitude-radiation research program and NOAA air-transportation atmospheric weather-modification research program. NASA and DOD gave unqualified support to draft impact statement. HUD said it would support prototype development on assurance that new airports would not be needed for SSTs. Mate Dept. felt "insufficient information exists now to negate all possible significant adverse environmental effects." Dept. of Commerce said there were still significant questions about SST effects on climate and atmosphere. Dept. of Interior endorsed impact statement after DOT had met its previous objections. (Text; DOT Release)
Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.) introduced S. 4565 to amend FAA Act of 1958, to prohibit operation within territorial jurisdiction of U.S. of any civil supersonic aircraft until and unless sonic boom and stratospheric pollution had been reduced to zero or effectual equivalent. (CR, 12/7/70, 519494-5)
Successful heating of portion of upper atmosphere with high-powered radio beam was reported at American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco by Dr. William F. Utlaut, Deputy Director of NOAH Institute of Telecommunication Sciences at Boulder, Colo. Two million-watt beam had raised temperatures by 30% over 4300-km (2700-mi) area 298 km (185 mi) above earth. Heated zone had expanded and emitted more infrared light than usual and radio echoes became unusually fuzzy. Dr. Utlaut said understanding of these phenomena could have bearing on quality of commercial and defense communications. (UPI, NIT, 12/10/70)
Rep. Bertram L. Podell (D-N.Y.) announced resignation from House Committee on Science and Astronautics. He would take seat on House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. (NASA LAR IX/130)
DOD reported two Soviet long-range reconnaissance aircraft had arrived in Cuba after 17-hr flight from U.S.S.R. Aircraft, modified Tu95 bombers, were identified and shadowed by U.S. interceptors near Iceland during more than 11 000-km (7000-mi) flight. (W Post, 12/8/70, A6)
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