Mar 30 1972
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Meteor 11 meteorological satellite into orbit with 890-km (553.0-mi) apogee, 867-km (538.7-mi) perigee, 102.5-min period, and 81.2° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 3/31/72)
Apollo 16 Astronauts John W. Young, Thomas K. Mattingly II, and Charles M. Duke, Jr., successfully completed countdown demonstration test at KSC on board unfueled spacecraft. Final countdown would begin April 10 in preparation for April 16 launch to moon. (KSC Release 55-72)
NASA's TF-8A aircraft, piloted by Thomas C. McMurtry and equipped with supercritical wing, completed 33rd and 34th flights from Flight Research Center. Unaugmented stability and control data were obtained from mach 0.8 to 0.99 at dynamic pressure of 19 152 newtons per sq m (400 lbs per sq it). Wing loads were measured from mach 0.5 to 0.99 at 9576 newtons per sq m (200 Ibs per sq ft). Targets placed along 35% chord line and at wing tip were photographed to determine wing deflections. (NASA proj off)
Soviet scientists at Krym Astrophysical Observatory had discovered unidentified astronomical objects, Tass announced. Using radiotelescope with 200-mm (8-in) mirror, scientists had located radio emitters emitting 31/2-cm signals that "do not belong to the category of pulsating stars (pulsars), which emit short impulses only in a meter-long (three-feet-long) wavelength. For their properties the new astronomical objects are closer to the class of quasi-stellar radio emitters-quasars which are 1,500 million light- years from the earth." (FBIS-Sov, 4/3/72, IA)
Arthur D. Little, Inc., had announced signing of agreement with Raytheon Co., Grumman Corp., and Textron, Inc., to study feasibility of large-scale satellite system to harness solar energy for earth use, Wall Street Journal reported. (WSJ, 3/30/72)
Aerosonic Corp. President Herbert J. Frank, testifying before Sub- committee on Priorities and Economy of Joint Economic Committee of Congress, said Navy had paid $1700 each for altimeters for 300 air-craft without competitive bidding. Almost identical instruments had cost Air Force $565 each after competitive bidding. (Witkin, NYT, 3/30/72, 12)
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