Jul 11 1968
From The Space Library
USAF successfully launched OV 1-15 and OV 1-16 research satellites pickaback from Vandenberg AFB by Atlas-F booster. OV 1-15 entered orbit with 1,032-mi (1,660.8-km) apogee, 94-mi (151.3-km) perigee, 103.0-min period, and 89.8° inclination and reentered Nov. 6. OV 1-16, nicknamed "Cannonball," was 600-1b, 23-in-dia Low Altitude Density Satellite (LOADS) launched to measure atmospheric density between 90- and 110-mi altitudes for 25-30 days. Densest satellite U.S. had orbited, OV 1-16 had 162-1b-per-cu-ft density, which enabled it to orbit closer to earth than any previous spacecraft. Orbital parameters: apogee, 286 mi (460.3 km) ; perigee, 82 mi (132.0 km) ; period, 90.4 min; and inclination, 89.8°. OV 1-16 reentered Aug. 19. (O'Toole, W Post, 7/12/68, A21; SBD, 7/15/68, 44; GSFC SSR, 7/15/68; 8/31/68; Pres Rpt 68)
DOD directive that General Dynamics Corp. halt development of USN F-111B aircraft because of weight problem would not affect USAF's F-IIIA program or Hughes Aircraft Co. development of Phoenix air-to-air missile, which presumably would be installed in replacement aircraft, Wall Street Journal reported. Of 17 F-111B prototypes planned, 8 had been produced and 6 delivered (one of which had crashed). General Dynamics was uncertain how many of remaining nine would be completed. USN had originally requested 30 aircraft. (WSJ, 7/11/68, 29)
Secretary of Defense Clark M. Clifford announced USN would proceed with construction of one of two advanced nuclear submarines advocated by V/A Hyman G. Rickover to combat Soviet submarine threat. Authorization was for "super high-speed" version; "quiet" electric-powered craft was still under consideration although its development had been stopped in May. Congressional committees had supported Adm. Rickover and urged development of both types. (Dale, NYT, 7/12/68, 1; Kelly, W Star, 7/12/68, A5)
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