Mar 27 1966
From The Space Library
NASA Nike-Apache meteorological sounding rocket launched from Sonmiani, Pakistan, carried 25-grenade payload and dummy trimethyl-aluminum (TMA) canister weighing 25 lbs. to estimated. 118-mi. (190-km.) altitude. 23 grenade flashes were photographed by K-24 ballistic camera network in experiment conducted for British National Space Research Committee and Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Committee to obtain wind, temperature, and other meteorological data between 31-93 mi. (50-150 km.). ‘‘(NASA Rpt. SRL)’’
FAA lost its first customer for supersonic transport (SST), paid Pan American Grace Airways (Panagra) $200,000 refund requested by company on Feb. 25. Panagra was one of eight US. and 14 foreign customers which had deposited money to reserve delivery positions for SST. ‘‘(AP, NYT, 3/28/66, 57)’’
Possibility that a random or deliberate radio signal caused GATV’s attitude control thrusters to fire during GEMINI VIII docking period March 16 was being studied by electromagnetic interference experts, Richard Lewis reported in a Denver Post article. “So far in the space age,” Lewis said, “there has been no record of any radio-controlled space vehicle being manipulated by any power other than the one that launched it.” Other explanations were that a signal sent to GATV to turn on its tape recorder might have activated the thrusters, or that a docking jar had caused intermittent short circuit. ‘‘(Lewis, Denver Post, 3/27/66)’’
Soviet aircraft designer Col. Alexander Aykovlev said in Krusnaya Zvezda article that U.S.S.R. was planning a supersonic passenger and cargo aircraft with cruising speed of 1,560-1,900 mph. ‘‘(Reuters, Chic. Trib., 3/28/66)’’
Light aircraft of polyester plastic had been built and successfully tested by Wassmer Aviation (France), AP reported. Called the WA-50, four seater aircraft had a 150-hp engine, could attain 180 mph, and weighed about one metric ton when loaded. ‘‘(AP, Wash. Eve. Star, 3/27/66)’’
March 27-30: FCC Chairman E. William Henry warned the broadcasting industry that the day might come when direct-broadcasting satellites would outmode “overnight” local radio and television stations. Speaking to the National Assn. of Broadcasters in Chicago, Ill., he said direct-broadcast satellites were still only tiny cloud on the horizon,” and there remained “mountains of unsolved problems. . . . But smaller clouds have often traversed higher peaks and released a torrential downpour of new technology and new service on the ground below. The resultant floods have swept aside the older order.” ‘‘(WSJ, 3/30/66, 5)’’
ComSatCorp president Joseph V. Charyk told the NAB convention that communication by satellites would recast the (‘nature of the world: It may profoundly influence the means of distribution to local stations throughout this country. It may establish new arrangements and new patterns that will have a profound effect on the national television and radio picture.” Charyk said this development was likely to result from satellite linkage with metropolitan communications centers. Linkage would include “color television and stereophonic FM radio, aural and visual telephone service, high-speed facsimile data and newspapers, library reference, theatre and transportation booking services, access to computer facilities, shopping and banking services of all types, and centralized charging and billing.” ‘‘(Text)’’
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