Mar 11 1972
From The Space Library
March 11-24: NASA launched European Space Research Organization's TD-1A (Thor-Delta IA) astronomical observatory satellite from Western Test Range at 5:55 pm PST (8:55 pm EST) by long-tank, thrust-augmented Thor-Delta booster. TD-1 A entered sun-synchronous orbit with 539-km (334.9-mi) apogee, 531-km (329.9-mi) perigee, 95.3-min period, and 97.6° inclination. NASA objective was to place spacecraft in earth orbit that would permit successful achievement of scientific objectives and to provide tracking and telemetry support. By March 24 all experiments had been turned on and mission was adjudged successful by NASA. Box-shaped, 472-kg (10384) spacecraft carried seven experiments from six European universities and research organizations to study high-energy emissions from stellar and galactic sources and sun that were not visible to ground-based observatories. TD-IA was first European-built spacecraft with three-axis stabilization system, which would permit directional viewing by experiments and permit solar panels to point at sun for electrical power to operate spacecraft. TD-1A was sixth scientific spacecraft launched by NASA for ESRO in program that began with orbiting of Iris 1 May 16, 1968. Most recent launch in program had been Heos 2 launched Jan. 31. ESRO would reimburse NASA for Thor-Delta booster, launch, and launch-support services. Spacecraft would be controlled from European Space Operations Center (ESOC) and tracked by European Space Tracking (ESTRAK) stations with NASA support. (NASA proj Off; NASA Release 72-60; ESRO PIO)
Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, first man to walk on moon, was made honorary Freeman in Langholm, Scotland, ancestral home of Armstrong family. Armstrong, now professor of aerospace engineering at Univ. of Cincinnati, had been invited to Langholm by town council after July 20, 1969, moonwalk. (AP, W Star, 3/13/72, A3)
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