Jan 3 1972
From The Space Library
January 3-7: NASA's Mariner 9 Mars probe (launched May 30, 1971, and inserted in Mars orbit Nov. 13, 1971) began systematic mapping of Mars. Full 360° of longitude for band of latitudes would be mapped every 20 days. Mapping had been delayed because major dust storm on planet had obscured visibility. By Jan. 7, after 55 days in Mars orbit, Mariner 9 had responded to 20 000 ground commands and had taken 3500 pictures. Dust was clearing and mission plan had been revised to meet mission objectives to greatest possible extent. (NASA proj off)
January 3: National Science Teachers Assn. had received more than 15 000 applications for participation in NASA Skylab Student Project, NASA announced. NSTA was managing project to stimulate interest in science and technology by promoting participation of U.S. students in grades 9-12 in experiments, demonstrations, or activities to be performed by astronauts during 1973 Skylab missions. NASA would select 25 proposals on basis of compatibility with Skylab requirements. Selectees and their teachers would attend Skylab Educational Conference and award presentation at Kennedy Space Center at Skylab launch time. NASA would build required hardware in consultation with students. Regional and national selectees would be announced in April. (NASA Release 72-1)
NASA announced issuance of requests for proposals (RFPS) for six- month studies to evaluate new propulsion systems for ensuring quiet and clean operation of short takeoff and landing (ST0L) aircraft. Evaluation would include system noise and emission levels, thrust performance, size, and weight. Systems would be investigated for use with propulsive-lift concepts in which jet engines helped produce lift for takeoff and landing on short runways. Proposals were due Jan. 31. At least two companies would be selected. NASA planned to issue RFPS for quiet, clean STOL experimental engine in late 1972. (NASA Release 72-2)
Aerospace industry outlook for 1972 was described in Aviation Week & Space Technology editorial: "Much of the political miasma and public criticism ... appears to be dissipating. The cruel bite of unemployment has made it politically less attractive to attack technology. The legislators who were glad to equate their anti-technology votes with a blast at skin cancer now find these votes equated with stimulating unemployment. The industry will continue to be under vigorous public and legislative scrutiny and deserves it. But it has shown the first signs of fighting back and beginning to state its own very valid case. Hopefully, this will continue during the election year in an effort to force politicians to assess technology more accurately in their appeals to the electorate." (Hotz, Av Wk, 1/3/72, 7)
Science and Technology Div. of New York Public Library was closed after failing to meet $86 000 budget deficit by $9000. Library officials had said previously they expected to raise required funds and reopen by mid-January. (Andelman, NYT, 1/1/72, 18; NYPL PTO)
In interview published in Time magazine President Nixon discussed impact of his impending visit to People's Republic of China: ". . what really matters here is not the fact that the trip to China is announced" but results. of trip. "Our people have become accustomed to the spectaculars. It is exciting. A trip to China is like going to the moon." (Time, 1/3/72, 14-5)
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