Jul 24 1967
From The Space Library
Soviet launch rate for recoverable Cosmos reconnaissance satellites had leveled after six-year increase, Aviation Week reported. Number launched as of mid-July 1967 was same as number launched during same period in 1966, and annual 1967 total was expected to be similar to annual 1966 total of 21. "The Russians now are launching recoverable reconnaissance satellites on the average of one every 16-17 days, each of which remains in orbit for approximately eight days. When the program began in 1962, the launch rate averaged one every 73 days and the following year the pace accelerated to an average of one every 46 days. In 1964 the figure was every 28 days, in 1965 the frequency had increased to an average of one every 19 days and last year it began to taper to one every 17 days. . . ." (Av Wk, 7/24/67,26)
France had taken two steps to strengthen the Franco-German Symphonie communications satellite program, Donald E. Fink reported in Aviation Week: (1) she had reorganized the industrial teams to ensure that French and German companies received equal shares of work; and (2) she had reassured representatives at the European Ministerial Space Conference (EMSC) in Rome that she was still interested in participating in planned European comsat system. "The moves demonstrate France's determination to develop a national regional comsat system-with financial and technical assistance from Germany-to strengthen its position in the International Communications Satellite (Intelsat) system. This drive is a direct challenge to U.S. domination of Intelsat. . . ." Fink said French officials at the EMSC had justified development of the Symphonie system by saying it would be based on state-of-the-art technology: "This would permit the European effort . . . to be directed toward developing a second-generation advanced system." (Fink, Av Wk, 7/24/67,27)
Soviet aircraft designer Alexander Yakovlev had criticized US. exhibit at the Paris International Air and Space Show [see May 26-31], Aviation Week reported. US. space pavilion was too complicated for the general public, he said, whereas Soviet exhibit showed "simplicity and clarity." Although U.S. showed several of its commercial aircraft, it alienated visitors, as it had in 1965, by exhibiting military weapons. "The United States couldn't restrain itself, for example, from again showing the Phantom bomber, which is sadly known for its piratical attacks in Vietnam. But everything shown in the Soviet Union's salon had peaceful significance." (Av Wk, 7/24/67,4)
LaRC was developing a new airfoil that could improve performance of advanced variable-sweepwing fighter aircraft, increase efficiency of sub-sonic jet transports, reduce helicopter blade tip stalling, and virtually eliminate local shock wave formation, B. K. Thomas, Jr., reported in Aviation Week. Airfoil, which was actually a "transonic wing," delayed boundary layer separation at high subsonic speeds, thereby delaying the rapid rise in aerodynamic drag in the transonic region. It was currently undergoing wind tunnel tests at LaRC, but no aircraft flight testing was planned before N 1970. (Thomas, Av Wk, 7/24/67, 25)
MSFC had awarded Astro Space Labs, Inc., a $93,136 contract for further development and testing of a remotely controlled device to handle tools, equipment, and men in space. Called a serpentuator, device was invented by Hans Wuenscher of MSFC's Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory. It consisted of links connected by powered hinges, which could be remotely controlled from either end of the device; one end would be connected to the spacecraft; one would be free. Small versions of the device could be powered by a hand pump or batteries; larger versions, by electric motors. (MSFC Release 67-151)
During week of July 24: West German Cabinet approved $456-million five-year plan which would substantially expand national space program. Commenting on the approval, Dr. Gerhard Stoltenberg, Minister for Scientific Research, told the press that enlarged national program was necessary to create a basis for improved cooperation with other technologically advanced nations. Plan would emphasize projects that provided a "rapid spin-off" of technical knowledge for industry and the economy, he said. Among the areas of special interest would be new materials, energy sources, electronic components, and new methods of planning and managing. (NYT, 7/30/67,13)
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