Jan 26 1971
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R.'s Venus 7 (launched Aug. 17, 1970) had landed intact on planet Venus Dec. 15 and "relayed scientific information from the surface of another planet for the first time," Tass announced. Space-craft, equipped with "highly stable frequency generators," transmitted signals for 23 min, recording surface temperature at 748 K ± 20° (475°C ± 20°) and pressure, at 90 ± 15 atmospheres. Tass said continuous measurements of the atmospheric parameters were made all the way to surface and it was established "that Venus possesses an unusually hot atmosphere the density of which, at the surface, is about 60 times greater than the density of the atmosphere on the earth's surface." (Sov Rpt, 3/2/71, 4; Gwertzman, NYT, 1/27/71, 1)
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 393 into orbit with 417-km (259.1-mi) apogee, 281-km (174.6-mi) perigee, 91.3-min period, and 70.9° inclination. Satellite reentered June 16. (GSFC SSR, 1/31/71; 6/30/71)
International aspects of U.S. space program were discussed by Dr. George M. Low, Acting NASA Administrator, in luncheon speech before National Space Club in Washington, D.C.: Cooperation with Western nations in past decade had included 70 countries, 250 specific agreements, and more than 24 joint satellite projects at run- out cost in excess of $400 million. More than 50% of total had been funded by other nations. In 1970s, "opportunities exist for cooperation on a significantly larger scale." U.S. wished "to build a foundation for important benefit- and cost-sharing in the major space programs of the future." Canada, Japan, and Australia-"countries having the most obvious potential for post-Apollo work-sharing"-had been given "every chance to become fully acquainted with our plans and studies" to enable them to decide whether they wished to commit their own resources. European Space Conference had put several million dollars into studies of post-Apollo program possibilities and some member countries had invested still larger amounts. British, French, and West German firms were working with NASA prime contractors on space shuttle design studies. Europe would have to choose between significant participation in shuttle funding and funding independent European rocket program. Decision would be necessary "even if Europe funds only 10 per cent of the shuttle's price tab." U.S. had said it would "sell launch services for projects consistent with peaceful purposes and existing international agreements . [and] that general technical access to the entire program would be available, but that technology at the level of commercial know-how would be transferred in either direction only where one side required it to complete its commitments to the other." Since Europe was talking of only 10% share of shuttle program, "we said that we would retain decision-making responsibility except where European costs were directly affected, in which case decisions would be joint." In U.S.-U.S.S.R. cooperation in space, "it is particularly important that we give clear recognition to both . . . competition and cooperation." U.S. was competing with U.S.S.R. "because accomplishments in space represent a measure of the state of our technology; and in today's world, the level of our technology is of first importance, strategically, economically, and politically." U.S. was cooperating with U.S.S.R. "because we both live in a vast universe that must be explored, where important new knowledge is to be gained, for the benefit of all men, everywhere." While U.S. retained demonstrated lead over U.S.S.R., "it will not be an enduring lead without major new initiatives on our part- initiatives like the space shuttle and the exploration of the outer planets...." In Jan. 18-21 Moscow talks with Soviet Academy of Sciences, "we specifically agreed, initially, to exchange three grams [0.11 oz] of sample obtained from Luna 16, for three grams each from Apollo 11 and 12. These relatively small amounts are sufficient for detailed scientific examination of a comparative nature." Additional meetings on compatible docking arrangements had not been held because "docking discussions are well underway, and the planned exchange of information is taking place." On visit to Soviet cosmonaut training area at Star City, "we were welcomed by Cosmonauts Beregovoy, Nikolayev, Leonov, Shatalov, and Valentina Tereshkova, We were shown the Soyuz mission trainer, and were invited to attempt to dock two Soyuz spacecraft in their docking trainer. While there, I also presented a plaque in memory of Yuri Gagarin [first man in space] from the U.S. astronauts." (Text)
President Nixon announced appointments of members of President's Science Advisory Committee for terms expiring Dec. 31, 1974: Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, former Presidential Science Adviser; Dr. Herbert Friedman of NRL; Dr, Daniel P. Moynahan, former Counsellor to the President; Kenneth H. Olsen, President of Digital Equipment Corp.; and Dr. John G. Truxal of Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. (PD, 2/1/71, 120)
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) introduced S. 302 to authorize National Park Service acquisition of historic site in Auburn, Mass., where first liquid-fuel rocket flight was launched by Robert H. Goddard in 1926. Bill was referred to Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. (CR, 1/26/71, S222)
Philadelphia Inquirer editorial commented on Apollo 14: "With $400 million of taxpayers' money behind it and the dubious future of manned spaceflight depending on it, the Apollo 14 mission to the moon ... is grimly earnest business." If mission was successful there would be "another Apollo shot in midsummer, two more next year." If it was not, there would be "a whale of a battle in Congress and elsewhere about appropriations and the wisdom of the whole idea." (P Inq, 1/26/71)
Sylvia Porter analyzed Federal budget in Washington Evening Star to show part individual taxpayers played in financing Federal projects. Only small segment of tax dollars was taken by "controversial" programs. If "you eliminated space entirely, you'd have only 2c more left; if you cut out foreign aid entirely, this would give you only another 2c extra." (W Star, 1/26/71, All)
January 26-28: House Committee on Science and Astronautics held 12th annual seminar with Panel on Science and Technology to discuss inter-national science policy. In keynote address Secretary of State William P. Rogers said: "Our basic goal is to put science and technology at the service of human-and humane-ends. " U.S. was increasing "emphasis on science and technology in our aid to developing countries. We are encouraging an international effort to preserve the quality of the world's environment. And we are seeking greater international cooperation to enhance the benefits of technology and to curb its dangers. . . . We now want to . . make the exploration of space a truly international endeavor. Space should not be the exclusive preserve of a small number of countries. Our post-Apollo program aims at the development on a multilateral basis of a new generation of reusable space vehicles designed to make the exploration and use of space easier, and more economical." (Text; Transcript)
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