Jan 9 1975
From The Space Library
Sea Satellite (SEASAT)- a new program, approved in the FY 1975 NASA authorization, to monitor the oceans and provide continuous weather and sea condition reports-was announced by NASA. SEASAT-A, a proof-of-concept mission scheduled for 1978 launch, would carry sensors to measure wave heights, current directions, surface wind directions, and surface temperatures. Objectives of the initial mission were to disseminate these data to users concerned about weather predictions; to route shipping to avoid storms, adverse currents, and ice fields; and to provide coastal disaster warnings.
SEASAT-A would also accumulate scientific data on the curvature of the oceans; ocean circulation; transport of mass, heat, and nutrients by surface currents; and the interaction between air and sea.
SEASAT would be managed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory with Langley Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Center, and JPL each having responsibility for one of the four sensors-off-the-shelf NASA or Air Force spacecraft to which a sensor module would be attached. Existing tracking facilities and support hardware would also be used. Cost of the SEASAT-A mission, as currently planned, was $58.2 million. (NASA Release 75-1)
McDonnell Douglas Corp., working under contract to NASA, began flight and static tests of the refanned engine to demonstrate NASA developed noise-reduction techniques. More than 2 yr of work at Lewis Research Center; Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Div. of United Aircraft Corp.; Boeing Co.; United Air Lines, Inc.; and American Airlines, Inc., had been spent in modifying a JT8D engine to reduce irritating high-frequency noise. When installed on the McDonnell DC-9, the new engine was expected to reduce by 60% the ground area exposed to excessive noise levels. Similar results were expected' with the engine installed on Boeing's 727 and 737 aircraft. During the initial test phase, McDonnell Douglas would fly for 90 hr a DC-9 outfitted with the modified engine, to evaluate noise characteristics and flight performance. The second phase of testing would begin in mid-January when Boeing would flight-test it in a 727. (NASA Release 75-4; LeRC Release 75-2)
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