Jan 23 1975
From The Space Library
The Air Force's prototype B-1 strategic bomber successfully completed its second flight test at Air Force Flight Test Center. Primary objectives of the 3-hr 21-min flight included evaluation of the aircraft's wing sweep control system, flying qualities in the initial climb, and power approach configuration. The auxiliary power unit was also evaluated and air-start tests were made.
Following takeoff, the B-1 climbed to 3050 m, where its landing gear, flaps, and slats were retracted. After flying at low speeds with the wings in the full forward 15° position, the wings were swept 25°, and the aircraft climbed to 4900 m and conducted air-start tests at mach 0.7. The prototype then slowed to 463 km per hr and its speed brake was checked in a descent to traffic-pattern altitude. The B-1 then landed safely at AFFTC. (AFSC Newsreview, March 75)
The Federal Communications Commission approved a plan for International Business Machines Corp. and Communications Satellite Corp.'s Comsat General subsidiary to form a domestic satellite company with a third company as long as no partner owned less than 10% or more than 49% of the stock. However, a plan in which IBM would replace Lockheed Aircraft Corp. and MCI Communications Corp. as Comsat's partner and own 55% was rejected. The FCC stated that this plan 'would give IBM too much power over the specialized communications business.
Other alternatives suggested by the FCC included a plan whereby IBM and Comsat could independently enter the communications satellite business or Comsat could join another consortium without IBM. Another alternative was that Comsat, which was not permitted to deal directly with the public, could lease space communications circuits to IBM under an arrangement similar to the one Comsat had with American Telephone & Telegraph Co.
Whatever the arrangement, FCC ruled, IBM must establish a separate corporation for its satellite operations. (FCC Memorandum Opinion and Order 75-156; FCC Release 46281; DJ, W Post, 24 Jan 75, D7; W Star News, 24 Jan 75, F21)
Ground was broken for Marshall Space Flight Center's x-ray telescope test facility for the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO) program. The facility, which would cost $4 million including equipment, would be used to test instruments for the HEAO program as well as to calibrate rocket payloads for x-ray stellar studies and make advance telescope calibrations. The HEAO program included three unmanned scientific satellites to be launched into low earth orbit between 1977 and 1979 to study the invisible light of x-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays. (Marshall Star, 29 Jan 75, 4)
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