Jan 30 1969
From The Space Library
Canadian Isis I (ISIS-A) International Satellite for Ionospheric Studies was successfully launched by NASA from WTR by three-stage Thrust-Augmented Improved Thor-Delta (DSV-3E) booster. Satellite entered orbit with 2,188.5-mi (3,522-km) apogee, 356.7-mi (574-km) perigee, 128.3-min period, and 88.4° inclination. Primary NASA objectives were to place Isis I into elliptical earth orbit that would permit study of topside of ionosphere above electron peak of F region and to extend cooperative Canadian-US. program of ionospheric studies initiated by Alouette I (launched Sept. 28, 1962) by combining sounder data with correlative direct measurements for time sufficient to cover latitudinal and diurnal variations during high solar activity. Third in series of five satellites to improve understanding of ionospheric physics, Isis I weighed 520 lbs and carried six Canadian and four American experiments. First launch in series (ISIS project, Nov. 28, 1965) orbited Canada's Alouette II and U.S. Explorer XXXI. ISIS program was joint undertaking of NASA and Canadian Defence Research Board (DRB) under December 1963 Memorandum of Understanding. DRB was responsible for spacecraft design, fabrication, electrical testing, experiment integration, and satellite control. NASA provided launch vehicles, launch facilities. (NASA Proj Off, NASA Releases 69-14, 69-22)
NASA launched two Nike-Cajun sounding rockets from Point Barrow, Alaska, carrying GSFC experiments. First rocket was launched to obtain data on variation of temperature, pressure, and wind profile by detonating grenades at prescribed times and recording sound arrivals on ground. All 19 grenades ejected and detonated and sound arrivals were recorded. Launch was third in series of four launches from Point Barrow during stratospheric warming [see Jan. 26]. Second rocket was launched in conjunction with Jan. 11 launch to develop experimental techniques for determining atmospheric composition profiles in mesosphere and to measure ozone and water vapor distribution in 12.4- to 40.4-mi (20- to 65-km) region by separating payload from 2nd stage and deploying parachute near apogee. Ozone was measured by chemiluminescent technique and water vapor by aluminum-oxide hydrometer. All major events occurred as planned and good data were obtained. (NASA Rpts SRL)
Nike-Cajun sounding rocket launched by NASA from Churchill Research Range carried GSFC payload to 77.1-mi (124-km) altitude to obtain data on variation of temperature, pressure, and wind profile by detonating grenades at prescribed times and recording sound arrivals on ground. All 19 grenades were detonated and sound arrivals were recorded. Launch was third in series of four rockets to be launched from Churchill during stratospheric warming period [see Jan. 22]. (NASA Rpt SRL)
Aerobee 150 MI sounding rocket was launched by NASA from WSMR with VAM-20 booster to 111.2-mi (179-km) altitude. Objectives were to obtain stellar spectra with 1 A resolution in 1,000-1,600 A far uv wavelength range and to obtain photometric data on stellar fluxes in 1,050-1,180 A, 1,230-1,350 A, and 1,350-1,470 A wavelength ranges. All experimental objectives were achieved and payload was recovered promptly. (NASA Rpt SRL)
FAA Government-industry conference in Washington, D.C." discussed FAA role in STOL development, STOL noise sources, STOL operational considerations related to noise abatement, noise source reduction techniques, and review of existing aircraft certification concepts and considerations for STOL noise certification. (FAA Release 69-5)
At White House press briefing President Nixon introduced Apollo 8 astronauts and announced that Astronaut Frank Borman would make eight-nation goodwill trip to Western Europe. Tour would point out "what is the fact: that we in America do not consider that this is a monopoly, these great new discoveries that we are making; that we recognize the great contributions that others have made and will make in the future; and that we do want to work together with all peoples on this earth in the high adventure of exploring the new areas of space." Later, Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler announced Borman family would visit England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, West Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. (PD, 2/3/69, 189-90; AP, W Post, 1/31/69, A2)
President and Mrs. Nixon watched Apollo 8 films at White House showing attended by Astronauts Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, Jr." and William A. Anders. Borman narrated. (Shelton, W Star, 1/31/69, B1; PD, 2/3/69, 194)
Dr. Thomas O. Paine, NASA Acting Administrator, presented Public Service Group Achievement Award Certificates to 12 representatives of communications organizations which had supported Apollo 8 mission. Award to Apollo 8 Communications Network cited "the dedication and skill of the leaders and all personnel in these organizations in maintaining reliable communications which insured the success of the first manned lunar orbit mission." British External Telecommunication Executive and Hawaiian Telephone Co. had received same award. (NASA Release 69-20)
President Nixon issued directives to cabinet officers and agency heads. He directed DOT to establish committee to investigate all aspects of SST program and some aspects of airport development, air traffic control, and FAA regulations. Bureau of Budget was informed that President was disturbed by reports that Government was not fulfilling obligations to colleges and universities whose grants had been abrogated by NSF because of FY 1969 expenditure ceiling. BCB was directed to check facts, estimate cost required to eliminate inequities, and advise President on need for contingency reserve for FY 1969 and desirability of thorough budget revision for FY 1970. (PD, 2/3/69, 192-3)
NASA awarded United Aircraft Corp.'s Pratt & Whitney Div. and General Electric Co. separate fixed-price contracts to design, fabricate, and test experimental quiet jet engines. Each contract would have two phases. Six-month first phase would include detailed engine design and procurement of selected engine components. NASA would have option of authorizing construction of two engines and test program of at least 250 hrs of engine operation. In second phase, expected to take 30 mos, each contractor would refurbish and deliver one engine to LeRC for additional testing. Program was expected to cost $50 million over three-year period. (NASA Release 69-21)
Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight, told meeting of National Security Industrial Assn. at KSC, "It is very clear that just as we have had substantial payoffs from communications, navigation, geodetic, and weather satellites in the first decade of the space age, earth resources satellites will represent extremely promising investment opportunities in the second decade." They would require "close cooperation among many agencies in Washington, and in the long run with new commercial and international institutions that can bring the benefits of the space age to many people around the world." (Text)
At his first news conference, Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird said he would prefer to deal from strength-including Sentinel ABM system -in future missile talks with U.S.S.R. "I think it's most important, as we go into these talks, to have defensive as well as offensive missile systems up for discussion and debate and negotiation." (Maffre, W Post, 1/31/69, Al)
Moscow sources reported "Lt. Ilyin" of U.S.S.R. Army Engineers had been identified as attempted assassin who fired on Moscow motorcade carrying cosmonauts and high Soviet officials into Kremlin Jan. 22, Anatole Shub said in Washington Post. He reportedly had died almost immediately after taking poison and being slugged by Kremlin guards at scene [see Feb. 4]. (W Post, 1/31/69, Al)
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