Mar 27 1975
From The Space Library
Soviet scientists told U.S. scientists and journalists touring Soviet scientific facilities that they had successfully used a rocket engine and gigantic magnets to produce large amounts of less expensive electricity with less pollution than other methods. Called magnetohydrodynamics and first proved feasible in the U.S. in the early 1960s, the new system was one of the cooperative programs between the two countries.
A recent test that produced 12.4 mw of power for 1.5 hr was the first time the system had achieved that power and duration. Based on the knowledge that electricity could be generated by passing a charged gas through a magnetic field, the Soviet experiment burned 55 kg per sec of natural gas with oxygen-enriched air into which a potassium compound was injected to create a plasma of positive and negative particles; when passed between the poles of a great magnet, the charges separated onto electrodes and created large voltages. The Washington Post later reported that the Soviets were committed to building, by 1981, a 1000-mw magnetohydrodynamic plant with expected conversion efficiency of 50%. Conventional steam-turbine plants using oil or coal for fuel operate at 40% efficiency, those using nuclear fuel at 33%. (Toth, LA Times News Service, W Post, 28 March 75, A3)
Canada's de Havilland Dash 7 four-turboprop short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) transport made its first flight test near Ontario, Canada. The first of two preproduction prototypes of the 50-passenger aircraft got off the runway in 274 m. During the 2-hr 10-min flight, Dash 7 reached 2896 m altitude and a maximum speed of 204 km per hr. Purpose of the first flight was to perform power-on and poweroff tests of longitudinal and latitudinal stability. (Av Wk, 7 April 75, 18)
Langley Research Center announced the appointment of Robert E. Smylie as Director for Space, replacing Eugene S. Love, who was retiring. Smylie had been in NASA Hq as Deputy Associate Administrator for Space, Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology. In his new position he would direct Langley's work in space systems, space applications and technology, environmental quality programs, and the Scout launch vehicle. (LaRC Release 75-11)
NASA Hq announced the disestablishment of its Office of Organization and Management. All personnel and responsibilities were assigned to other offices within NASA Hq. (NASA anno, 2 April 75)
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