Jan 24 1975
From The Space Library
Studies of the heavy particle cosmic-ray exposure received by the astronauts during the nine Apollo lunar orbital missions revealed a significant variation in exposure as a function of the amount of shielding and the phase of the solar cycle, Science magazine reported. The command module pilot, who remained in the spacecraft while the two other crew members landed on the moon, had received the least exposure. The ankle, the least shielded part of the body, received a higher exposure than the chest, which had greater shielding. A sharp rise in exposure had been evident beginning with Apollo 14 when mission times increased. Observed variations in flux from mission to mission-the flux during Apollo 16 and 17 was 2.4 times higher than Apollo 8 through 12-was attributed to solar modulation of the primary cosmic ray beam.
Data obtained during the Apollo missions would be used for planning long-range missions and for estimating expected biological damage. (Benton et al., Science, Vol. 187, 263-5)
The U.S.S.R. commanded the retrorockets aboard Salyut 3 (launched 25 June 1974) to fire, putting the orbital workshop on a descent trajectory. After 7 mo in space, it reentered and burned up over the western part of the Pacific Ocean. After a 16-day visit to Salyut 3 in July 1974 by a two-man crew aboard Soyuz 14, a second crew launched 26 Aug. 1974 aboard Soyuz 15 had failed, in several attempts, to dock with the station and returned to earth after 48 hr in space. (Tass, FBIS-Sov, 24 Jan 75, U1)
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