Jan 21 1968
From The Space Library
FRC announced cuts in FY 1969 budget dictated closing out X-15 aircraft program in fall 1968. Major setback was Nov. 15, 1967, crash which resulted in death of pilot Maj. Michael J. Adams (USAF) Main task in 191 flights to date had been study of problems of manned controls in high-speed, high-altitude aircraft. Remaining tasks concerned testing of atmospheric reentry conditions. As successor to X-15 -holder of speed record of 4,534 mph and altitude record of 354,200 ft -officials would consider aircraft capable of taking off from ground under own power, achieving earth orbit, reentering, and landing at virtually any point on earth. (AP, C Trib, 1/22/68)
Telescope at Univ. of Arizona's Planetary Laboratory photographed Lunar Orbiter V as it appeared beyond left limb of moon's face. Scientists believed experiment to be first success in sending observable light signals from moon's vicinity to earth. Some 80 photos were made through 61-in telescope by team of three astronomers under Laboratory's Director, Dr. Gerard Kuiper, in experiment conducted for NASA and spacecraft's designer and builder, Boeing Co. Satellite was visible on 52 photos. Boeing engineers oriented Lunar Orbiter V so its shiny panels reflected sunlight toward earth. Astronomers reduced stray light near very bright moon to prevent multiple reflections within telescope from reaching photographic plates. Dr. Kuiper explained that spacecraft resembled 12th-magnitude star in brilliance. These reference data, used with radar tracking data, would enable scientists to locate more precisely center of mass of moon with respect to its visible limb. Lunar Orbiter V was crashed on the moon Jan. 31. (NASA Release 68-34; NYT, 2/20/68, 19)
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