Mar 17 1964
From The Space Library
Radio command signal to SYNCOM II communications satellite pulsed onboard gas jets to increase the satellite's 6,800-mph speed. The satellite began drifting westward at rate of about 1.3 degree per day, was expected to reach vicinity of the International Date Line in mid-May. There SYNCOM II would serve as backup for a third Syncom, scheduled for synchronous orbit over the Pacific in May and transpacific communications experiments during the summer. (Finney, NYT, 3/19/64, 14)
Launch of NASA'S S-48 ionosphere explorer satellite ("Topsi") was postponed when malfunction was discovered in Scout vehicle's wiring system during prelaunch checkout at Pt. Arguello. The Scout was returned to manufacturer Ling-Temco-Vought in Dallas for repair. "Topsi" Was to have continued NASA's program to gather information on structure of the upper ionosphere pioneered by three satellites-EXPLORER VIII, ARIEL I, and ALOUETTE I-and a number of sounding rocket flights. (NASA Release 64 49; Av. Wk., 3/23/64, 23)
House Committee on Science and Astronautics approved H.R. 10456, NASA's FY 1965 authorization bill, for $5,193,810,500, which was $110 million less than the $5.304 billion NASA had requested. Of this amount, $4,327,950,000 was for R&D; $248,335,000 was for CofF; and $617,-525,500 was for Administrative Operations. (H.R. 10456; NASA LAR III/48 and III/49)
Dr. Homer E. Newell, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, reviewed 1963 highlights in testimony before Senate Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences: "Although direct measurements of the physical properties of the Moon await successful lunar flights, our Earth-based work has continued with some exciting results. Lowell Observatory scientists detected evidence of gas escaping from three different spots in the area of the lunar crater Aristarchus. This observation suggests that the Moon may be far from inert, and it has an important bearing on how we may conduct our lunar investigation. For example, if the Moon is seismically active, the seismograph may play an important role in the investigation of the lunar surface.. . . "Also, much effort was applied to clarifying the data from Earth-based or balloon observations of Mars. One important subject of controversy developed. Whereas it had been believed previously that the pressure at the surface of Mars is around 85 millibars, where 1000 milli-bars is roughly one atmosphere of pressure, it is now believed by many that the surface pressure on Mars may be as low as 10 or 11 millibars. This has serious implications with regard to landing a capsule on Mars. If the lower pressure is correct then retrorockets have to be used, whereas with the higher pressure atmospheric drag could be used to slow down the incoming capsule. "Significant new knowledge on the fundamental physical nature of the universe may have to await the launching of the first OAO. In the meantime, sounding rocket experiments continue to provide data in ultraviolet and radio astronomy. . . . "Although the formal development of Scout had been completed, additional work was required to improve its reliability. The primary objective of the December 1963 Scout firing was to determine the efficacy of the measures taken to correct observed deficiencies. The virtually perfect vehicle performance during this firing encourages one to look for a high success rate in future Scout firings. . "Performance of all Atlas-boosted launch vehicles would be considerably improved by introducing a mixture of fluorine and oxygen (FLOX) as the oxidizer. Careful study shows this can be done with admixtures of up to 30% fluorine without major redesign of the propulsion system. We are, therefore, planning to FLOX the Atlas. A primary objective of this program is to provide for additional payload in the Surveyor investigations. . . ." (Testimony)
Sixth anniversary of VANGUARD I satellite, launched into orbit Mar. 17, 1958. The satellite's stability of orbit had provided geodetic observations, including the determination that the earth is slightly pear-shaped. VANGUARD I was the only satellite orbited before 1959 that was still transmitting. (A&A/1915-60)
Dr. Eugene Fubini, Assistant Secretary of Defense (Deputy Director, DDR&E), told Military Operations Subcommittee of the House Government Operations Committee that DOD was "very close to an agreement" with the Communications Satellite Corp. on working out a system for military satellite communications. Although decision had not been reached as to whether DOD would develop its own comsat system or lease channels from ComSatCorp satellites, Fubini said leasing channels "has proved to be more feasible than our fondest hopes." He emphasized that there would be "no compromise on security" if the commercial system were chosen. (Finney, NYT, 3/18/64, 15; Av. Wk., 3/23/64,19)
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