Jun 29 1969
From The Space Library
AEC's SNAP -3A nuclear generator, launched on board USN's Transit IV-A navigational satellite June 29, 1961, completed eight years in orbit-three years longer than five-year design lifetime-after circling earth 40,530 times and traveling more than 1 billion mi. First nuclear generator to operate in space, 5-in-dia, 51/2-in-high SNAP -3A converted heat given off by plutonium directly into 2.7 w of electricity. Five SNAP (Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power) generators had been launched to date, including two on NASA'S Nimbus III (launched April 14). Atomic-fueled generator would be placed on lunar surface by Apollo 12 astronauts to power instrument package. (AEC Release M-150)
New York Times editorial said: "The Administration's action in ordering production started on MIRV multiple warhead missiles before opening negotiations for a moratorium with Moscow touches the most sensitive point in the projected missile-curb talks. Equally grave is the manner in which the Air Force quietly awarded the $88-million contract to General Electric, on the day President Nixon spoke favorably of proposals for a Soviet-American moratorium on MIRV flight testing to head off production and deployment of the weapon by either side. Given this situation, the country is entitled to an explanation from the President of his intentions in the Soviet American missile control talks, which he has personally held up for more than seven months." (NYT, 6/29/69, 10)
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