Mar 26 1972
From The Space Library
NASA-AEC Nuclear Rocket Development Station at Jackass Flats, Nev., was "first ghost town of the space age," New York Times reported. Since announcement (in Administration's FY 1973 budget request on Jan. 24) of termination of nuclear engine for rocket vehicle application (NERVA) project, 259-sq-km (100- sq-mi) area had been littered with "$200-million worth of deserted engine test stands, enormous assembly bays with birds nesting in the rafters, empty administration buildings, and aluminum and steel chards of pumps, turbines and motors." Only 200 employees made 290-km (180-mi) round trip between station and Las Vegas each day. "Eight years ago 56 buses provided commuting service for the station's 3,000 workers; today there are only three." (Lyons, NYT, 3/26/72, 57)
Parade magazine printed letter to Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator, from Chairman Raymond L. Bisplinghoff of Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, National Academy of Engineering: "The board members would like to reaffirm their continuing belief that a shuttle-like vehicle is the key to a forward moving and economical space program beyond 1980." (Parade, 3/26/72)
National Book Committee included Norman Mailer's Of a Fire on the Moon, account of Apollo 11 lunar landing mission, among 102 books it announced as nominees for National Book Awards. Final choice of 10 winners for $1000-prizes would be announced April 11. (Raymont, NYT, 3/27/72, 42)
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