Jul 21 1972
From The Space Library
Saturn V 1st stage (S-IC-513), scheduled to boost Skylab into earth orbit in 1973, left Michoud Assembly Facility on board NASA barge Orion. It would arrive at Kennedy Space Center July 26. Stage had been turned over to NASA by Boeing Co. at Michoud ceremony. (MSFC Release 72- 91)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced formation of new flight project office for unmanned mission to Jupiter and Saturn in 1977. Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 project would be managed by Harris M. Schurmeier, with Dr. Edward J. Smith as acting project scientist, Raymond L. Heacock as spacecraft system manager, and Dr. Ralph F. Mills as mission analysis and engineering manager. (JPL Release 621)
Explosion and flash fire at Newhall, Calif., plant of Space Ordnance Systems, Inc.-manufacturers of Apollo spacecraft components-injured six workers. Facility made explosive bolts used to separate Apollo lunar module ascent stage from descent stage on liftoff from moon. Explosive substance causing fire was identified only as "commercial product." (W Post, 7/22/72, A4; NASA proj off)
Senate passed and cleared for House S.R. 193 to return Cape Kennedy to original name of Cape Canaveral. (CR, 7/21/72, S11438 40)
Award of cost-sharing contracts totaling nearly $9 million to Boeing Co. and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Co. to determine feasibility of retrofitting jet aircraft with noise-reduction devices was announced by Federal Aviation Administration. Cost of Boeing contract was $3 365 000, of which Government would provide $2 771 549. Cost of McDonnell Douglas contract was $5 600 000, with Government share $2 771 549. (FAA Release 72-141)
Belgian artist Paul Van Hoeydonck, who had sculpted small statue "Fallen Astronaut" that was left on moon by Apollo 15 astronauts [see April 18], was selling 950 copies of statue at $750 each through New York art dealer Waddell Gallery, Washington Evening Star and Daily News reported. NASA spokesman had said that astronauts had carried statue to moon with agency's approval and felt they had "gentlemen's agreement" with Van Hoeydonck that precluded any commercialization of venture. Spokesman said he knew of no regulations violated by astronauts in moon sculpture incident. (Delaney, W Star & News, 7/21/72, 1)
European Launcher Development Organization (ELDO) signed contract with Hawker Siddeley Dynamics Ltd. for two additional Blue Streak first stages for Europa II launch vehicles. (SF, 9/16/72, 361)
National Science Foundation published Changes in Graduate Programs in Science and Engineering, 1970-1972 and 1972-1974 (NSF 72-311) . Ratio in 1970-1972 of net additions in doctoral programs in science and engineering to existing doctoral departments was 1 to 26. Plans for 1972-1974 indicated growth rate would be cut to 1 to 66. Top 20 universities showed no net change in science and engineering doctoral programs in 1970-1972; developing universities showed net increase equivalent to about 1 per 2 universities. Planning for 1972-1974 indicated no change for top 20. During 1970-1972 greatest increase in doctoral programs was in computer science and psychology. In 1972-1974 plans computer science was field with greatest expected relative increase. (NSF Highlights, 7/21/72)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
