Feb 28 1972
From The Space Library
Launch of NASA's Pioneer-F Jupiter probe from Eastern Test Range, originally scheduled for Feb. 27, was postponed for second time because of severe high-altitude wind conditions. Launch was rescheduled for March 1. (UPI, W Post, 2/29/72, A3)
On the Moon with Apollo 16 by Dr. Gene M. Simmons, former Manned Spacecraft Center Chief Scientist, was available for sale from Government Printing Office, NASA announced. Book described landing site and scientific aspects of mission scheduled for launch to moon's Descartes region April 16. (NASA Special Release)
Declining costs of food for space flights was cited by Manned Spacecraft Center Chief of Food and Nutrition, Dr. Malcolm C. Smith, in interview published by Los Angeles Times. Daily rations for each pre-Apollo astronaut in space cost about $300; first Apollo rations, $190; Apollo 15, $142; and Apollo 16, $75. Costs for packaging, inspection, and preparation accounted for major share of expense. Food itself was donated by manufacturers and producers. About 100 companies participated. (Voltz, LA Times, 2/28/72)
Results of survey of Boeing 747 in third year of operation were reported by Aviation Week & Space Technology: Passenger appeal had fluctuated but was on upturn. Aircraft was expected to have long life with "unquestioned airworthiness and performance." Introduction of huge aircraft during declining traffic growth had caused order cancellations, groundings, and delays in delivery acceptance. Size and flexibility had enhanced profit potential. Criticism of mechanical reliability had focused on JT9D engine but complaints had dropped with introduction of improved versions of engine and airframe; ground handling problems were less severe than had been predicted. (Av Wk, 2/28/72, 35-9, 42-3)
White House Office of Telecommunications Policy would review all major Government communications satellite programs to avoid duplication and to influence preparation of FY 1974 budget, Aviation Week & Space Technology reported. (Av Wk, 2/28/72, 11)
Army selected McDonnell Douglas Corp. to receive five-year $382- million contract to develop and demonstrate site defense of Minuteman, missile-defense system to supplement Safeguard antiballistic missile system. McDonnell Douglas received initial $10 million for first five months. (AP, W Post, 2/29/72, A2)
One consequence of President Nixon's Feb. 17-28 state visit to People's Republic of China could be indefinite ban on overflights of mainland China by reconnaissance drones and high-altitude U-2 aircraft engaged in intelligence-collecting missions, Aviation Week & Space Technology article said. "If the anticipated decision is made, it presumably would end any consideration of flying Boeing's upcoming long-endurance Compass Cope drone on proposed 24-hr missions over Communist China." (Av Wk, 2/28/72, 11)
February 28-March 24: City of Memphis and Shelby County, Tenn., con- ducted "Space and Science Awareness Month" to inform citizens about national space program. Project-sponsored by greater Memphis area school systems and supported by NASA Hq. and Marshall Space Flight Center-was opened by Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart and NASA Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs John P. Donnelly. Program exhibited space-related displays- including moon rock, Lunar Roving Vehicle mockup, and models and displays on several NASA programs-at Pink Palace Museum. Also included were displays of educational literature on space technology in 250 school libraries; lectures at 65 schools and at various club meetings by NASA officials; 14 seminars and work-shops for teachers; showing of 25 films at elementary schools, on Memphis educational TV station, and to adult groups; and presentation of series of programs on ETV station. Memphis awareness month was largest space information program ever held by U.S. city, (MSFC Release 72-16)
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 29
