Jun 5 1969
From The Space Library
June 5-8: NASA's 1,393-lb OGO VI (OGO-F) Orbiting Geophysical Observatory, carrying 25 experiments to study sun's influence on earth's near-space environment during period of maximum solar activity, was successfully launched from WTR at 7:42 am PDT by Thorad-Agena D (SLV-2G) booster. Spacecraft entered orbit with 682.4-mi (1,098.2-km) apogee, 246.4-mi (396.6-km) perigee, 99.8-min period, and 82.0° inclination. Primary mission objective was to conduct correlative studies of latitude-dependent atmospheric phenomena during period of maximum solar activity. Secondary objectives were to search for celestial hydrogen Lyman-alpha radiation, conduct neutron and cosmic-ray observations, measure solar uv and x-ray radiation, make detailed observations of VLF radio emissions, and exceed one year of active, three-axis stabilization. By June 8, all experiments except one-Naval Research Laboratory's x-ray spectrometer, which was expected to have humidity problems-had been turned on and were operating satisfactorily. Two 30-ft antennas had been deployed. Ogo VI was sixth and last spacecraft in NASA's OGO series. Scientific instrumentation for OGO VI's 25 experiments had been provided by 10 U.S. universities, 1 foreign university, 4 Government centers, and 5 private companies. OGO VI joined four other operational OGO's - OGO I (launched Sept. 4, 1964), OGO III (launched June 6, 1966), OGo IV (launched July 28, 1967), and OGO V (launched March 4, 1968)-which had provided more than 12-million hrs of scientific data on earth-sun relationships and on near-earth environment. OGO II (launched Oct. 14, 1965) had been turned off in November 1967. Results from OGO program included: first observation of protons responsible for ring of current surrounding earth at distance of several earth radii during magnetic storms; first satellite global survey of earth's magnetic field, resulting in proposed new magnetic field model
June 5-8: OGO VI-sixth and last of NASA's Orbiting Geophysical Observatory series-carried 25 experiments into orbit to study the sun's influence on the earth's near-space environment during a period of maximum solar activity. The satellite was launched from WTR by a Thorad-Agena D booster into near-polar orbit. By June 8, all but one experiment had been turned on and were operating satisfactorily for International magnetic field on ion population; verification of existence of inward boundary (plasma-pause) surrounding region of stable trapped radiation; first evidence that region of low-energy electrons completely enveloped trapped radiation regions; first observation of daylight auroras; and first worldwide map of airglow distribution. OGO program was managed by GSFC under OSSA direction. LeRC was responsible for Thorad-Agena D launch vehicle, and KSC for launch operations. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Releases 69-81, 69-92)
June 5: Electronic disorder in NASA's OAO II orbiting astronomical observatory (launched Dec. 7, 1968), first noted June 2, had been successfully adjusted from ground, NASA announced. Spacecraft's inability to receive ground commands or maintain correct orientation was similar to malfunction April 12 which had almost caused spacecraft's death. GSFC controllers corrected problem by adjusting ground command transmitters and computer programs and switching attitude control system from gas-operated to gyro stabilization. (NASA Release 69-88)
Investigating board headed by Astronaut Walter M. Schirra, Jr." reported primary cause of Dec. 8, 1968, crash of NASA's lunar landing training vehicle (LLTV ) No. 1 was "that the vehicle entered a region of flight where aerodynamic moments overpowered the control system . . . such that attitude control was lost. The source of the control problem was not identified . . . in time to add (use) a second control system which could have restored control capability." Crash did not involve any malfunctions of systems. Adverse region of flight was entered because the aerodynamic limitations of LLTV were not completely understood, wind conditions were insufficiently accounted for, and displays in LLTV and support van were inadequate for conditions. Board made 11 recommendations-including wind-tunnel tests to assess LLTV aerodynamic characteristics-for improved safety. (NASA Release 69-87; AP, H Charon, 6/6/69)
U.S.S.R.'s Tu-144 supersonic aircraft exceeded mach 1 for first time during flight test, according to Tass. No further details were released. (Interavia AirLetter, 6/9/69, 5)
At Paris Air Show Sud Aviation test pilot Andre Turcat demonstrated Concorde 001. During engine checks before takeoff, noise level at 300 m to side and behind was not excessive even with afterburners switched in. Fly-pasts at various speeds and configurations showed good handling characteristics and low noise levels. Aircraft landed smoothly and stopped in relatively short distance on wet runway with brake chute. (Interavia AirLetter, 6/6/69, 4)
Dr. Eugene G. Fubini, former Assistant Secretary of Defense, was sworn in as consultant to NASA Administrator. He would advise NASA senior officials on scientific and engineering aspects of agency programs and review and advise on work of President's Space Task Group and NASA-DOD cooperation on space shuttle. Before joining NASA Dr. Fubini had been Vice President and Group Executive at IBM. (NASA Release 69-85)
NASA announced selection of United Aircraft Corp. for $4-million, three-year contract to design and develop life support and environmental control systems to sustain astronauts for long-duration earth orbital space flights. (WSJ, 6/5/69)
Secretary of State William P. Rogers told Washington, D.C., news conference Nixon Administration was resolved to continue test firings of advanced strategic missiles. He said tests would not affect chances for U.S. success in disarmament talks with U.S.S.R." scheduled for summer, and that they should be continued even after negotiations had begun. (Grose, NYT, 6/6/69, 1)
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