Jul 28 1972
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 512 from Plesetsk into orbit with 273-km (169.6-mi) apogee, 202-km (125.5-mi) perigee, 89.2-min period, and 65.3° inclination. Satellite reentered Aug. 9. (GSFC SSR, 7/31/72, 8/31/72; SBD, 8/1/72, 163)
NASA'S TF-8A aircraft, equipped with supercritical wing and piloted by Thomas C. McMurtry, completed first flight with new fuselage fairings. Aircraft reached mach 0.95, 0.97, and 0.99 at altitudes between 13 470 and 13 960 m (44200 and 45 800 ft) and constant dynamic pressure of 9600 newtons per sq m (200 psf) . Pressure distribution data were obtained and 2 g wind-up turns to measure stability and control characteristics were made. Acceleration and deceleration runs were made at 10 700-m (35 000-ft) altitude from mach 0.86 to 1.10 with maximum dynamic pressure of 20 110 newtons per sq m (420 psf). Aircraft was flown with generators off in configuration planned for future flights. (NASA proj off)
NASA launched four-stage Trailblazer II reentry vehicle from Wallops Station to test chemical-injection method of eliminating radio blackout during reentry. Vehicle, launched for Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories, carried 34-kg (75-lb) payload to 322-km (200-mi) altitude over Atlantic. Payload injected chemical into plasma surrounding vehicle during reentry and measured effectiveness of injection in eliminating blackout. Objective of AFCRL Trailblazer II program was to study techniques for improving transmission and reception of radio signals from aerospace vehicles during reentry. (WS Release 72--8)
Preliminary data from U.S.S.R.'s Venus 8 spacecraft, which landed on planet Venus July 22, was published in Moscow. Landing site temperature was 738 K (465°C) and pressure was 93 atmospheres. Measurements of substances in clouds during descent suggested Venusian surface was undergoing "stormy volcanic action" and demonstrating same evolutionary characteristics as earth had many millions of years ago, which could explain high surface temperatures. Venus 8's ability to transmit from surface 27 min longer than Venus 7 had was attributed to freezing of descent module by ground command just before descent. Ground controllers had transmitted command to freeze module "from inside," making it "very much like an ice chest" so that outside temperature was felt gradually irrespective of thermal pressure. (FBIS-Sov, 7/28/72, L5; SBD, 7/26/72, 125; 7/31/72, 151)
NASA announced issuance to scientists around the world of requests for proposals for new investigations based on data already acquired by Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (OGO), Orbiting Solar Observatory (OSO), and Explorer satellites. NASA would provide limited support to new investigations, possible because of satellites' extended lifetimes and increased volume of available data. Proposals were due by Oct. 31. Funding for selected U.S. proposals would be available April 1, 1973. Foreign investigators would make own arrangements without cost to NASA. (NASA Release 72-152)
Protocol on U.S.-U.S.S.R. Joint Commission on Scientific and Technical Cooperation, established under May 26 agreement, was signed by Dr. Edward E. David, Jr., Presidential Science Adviser, at White House ceremony attended by President Nixon. Protocol was signed simultaneously in Moscow by Vladimir A. Kirillin, Deputy Chairman of U.S.S.R. Council of Ministers. (PD, 7/31/72, 1187; Tass, FBIS-Sov, 7/31/72, Gl )
International Aerospace Hall of Fame announced 1972 selection of members: Gen. Henry H. Arnold, wartime commander of U.S. Army Air Forces; John K. Northrop, president and cofounder of Northrop Aircraft, Inc.; Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, British aircraft designer and founder of de Havilland Aircraft Co.; and Otto Lilienthal, German glider aircraft pioneer. Investiture ceremony would be held Oct. 14 in San Diego. (NASA Hist Off)
Grumman Aerospace Corp. President Joseph G. Gavin, Jr., said he hoped to obtain $1 billion worth of subcontracts in space shuttle program. New York Times said later that this was more than three times as much as North American Rockwell, winner of $2.6 billion prime contract, had tentatively allocated to all of New York State. (Witkin, NYT, 7/29/72)
Los Angeles Times editorial commented on July 26 award of space shuttle contract to North American Rockwell Corp.: Argument over shuttle economics continued but "decision has already been made, as a practical matter, in favor of the shuttle. That is good news for the California economy in general, and aerospace workers in particular. But, more than that, it signals the country's decision to continue the exploration of space." (LA Times, 7/28/72)
Atlanta Journal Constitution editorial lamented assignment of Apollo 15 Commander David R. Scott to desk job because of carrying postal covers to moon: It was "bitter blow to one who flew so high" but was "warranted." Scott was "a brave, tough man who is honest enough to know that he did wrong, and moral enough to know that he deserves the punishment." (Atlanta JC, 7/28/72)
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