Jan 11 1973
From The Space Library
Cosmos 543 was launched by the U.S.S.R. from Baykonur Cosmodrome into orbit with 309-km (192.0-mi) apogee, 202-km (125.5-mi) perigee, 89.6-min period, and 65.0° inclination. The satellite reentered Jan. 24. (GSFC SSR, 1/31/73; SBD, 1/12/73, 54)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists Dr. Roy E. Cameron and Frank A. Morelli had departed for a two-month research project in Antarctica to determine the degree of man's impact on the environment, JPL announced. The National Science Foundation-sponsored ecological measurements of Antarctica's primitive soils would also provide information for NASA's development of life-detection systems for Viking landers on Mars. (JPL Release 643)
Soviet Novosty Press science writer Yury Marinin said in a letter to the Washington Post that the U.S.S.R. "abandonment" of manned lunar missions did not mean that nation was lagging behind the U.S. in space exploration. "Soviet specialists think it more expedient to explore the moon by automatic devices, with the present level of world technology. Besides, manned flights to the moon involve tremendous expenses." Soviet automatic devices would be '"steadily improved as they continue their planned studies of the moon.” (W Post, 1/11/73, A19)
Sen. Harry F. Byrd, Jr. (Ind-Va.), introduced S. 328 to limit the amount payable in advance on any contract signed by NASA, the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard to $20 million. (CR, 1/11/73, 5427)
National Park Service officials blamed sonic booms for damage to rock formations at Death Valley National Monument where Air Force jet pilots flew low over the desert floor to claim they had flown below sea level, United Press International reported. The Air Force had agreed in 1971 to avoid monuments or parks listed by Assistant Interior Secretary Nathaniel P. Reed as "fragile environment," but the agreement had not worked in Death Valley as fliers found the "urge to zoom near desert floor irresistible.” (UPI, W Post, 1/11/73, A2)
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