Feb 25 1966
From The Space Library
NASA postponed third attempt to launch unmanned Apollo spacecraft with Saturn I-B booster 44 sec. before scheduled liftoff because of continuing bad weather. ‘‘(Wash. Post, 2/25/66, A7; WSJ, 2/25/66,1)’’
Testing of Agena stage-halted following Feb. 13 hard start of Agena prototype-was resumed at Arnold Engineering Development Center in preparation for Gemini VIII/Agena docking mission. ‘‘(SBD, 2/28/66,1)’’
ComSatCorp asked FCC for authority to build six advanced synchronous satellites-four to be launched and two as backups for development of global commercial communications system. Proposed satellites would weigh 250 lbs., and have 1,200 voice-quality telephone channels and five-year operational life compared with 85-lb. EARLY BIRD 1’s 240 voice quality channels and 18-mo. planned life. ‘‘(ComSatCorp Release; WSJ, 3/1/66, 32)’’
NASA EXPLORER XXIX (Geos-A) geodetic satellite, orbited Nov. 6, 1965, had developed problems which affected planned investigations: accurate measurement of spacecraft’s attitude had become difficult; had precise attitude information could not be included in Mutual Visibility Program for observing stations. Failure of one of four flashing lights had reduced utility of some observing cameras, and interference had occurred between SECOR transponder and Doppler beacons. ‘‘(NASA Proj. Off.)’’
Estimated 7.5 billion microscopic meteorites hit earth daily, but only about 90 large meteorites weighing up to 10 lbs. struck earth each year, National Geographic Society said. ‘‘(NGS Release, 2/25/66)’’
Pan American Grace Airways (Panagra) asked FAA to refund $200,000 which company had deposited to reserve delivery on SST being developed under FAA contract. This was first SST cancellation request. ‘‘(AP, NYT, 3/28/66, 57)’’
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
