Mar 31 1971
From The Space Library
Canadian Isis 2 (Isis-B) International Satellite for Ionospheric Studies was launched by NASA from WTR 6:57 pm PST by thrust-augmented three-stage Thor-Delta booster. Satellite entered orbit with 1423-km (884.2-mi) apogee, 1355-km (842.0-mi) perigee, 113.5-min period, and 88.2° inclination. Primary NASA objectives were to place Isis 2 into circular earth orbit that would permit study of topside of ionosphere above electron peak of F region and to extend cooperative Canadian-U.S. program of ionospheric studies initiated by Alouette 1 (launched Sept. 28, 1962) by combining sounder data with correlative direct measurements for time sufficient to cover latitudinal and diurnal variations during high solar activity. Spacecraft was operating satisfactorily and was expected to be fully operational by April 17. Canadian-built Isis 2 was eight-sided spheroid that weighed 264 kg (582 lbs), was 127 cm (50 in) in diameter with two sounder antennas, and carried 12 ionospheric investigation experiments. Satellite was fourth in series of five satellites to improve understanding of ionospheric physics. First launch in series (Nov. 28, 1965) had orbited Canada's Alouette 2 and U.S. Explorer 31. Isis 1 had been launched Jan. 30, 1969. Isis program was joint undertaking of NASA and Canadian Defence Research Board (DRB) under December 1963 Memorandum of Understanding. DRB was responsible for spacecraft design, fabrication, electrical testing, experiment integration, and satellite control. NASA provided launch vehicle and launch facilities. (NASA Proj Off; NASA Release 71- 41)
NASA announced confirmation of text of agreement with Soviet Academy of Sciences on exchange of lunar samples and on procedures toward recommendations for joint consideration of objectives and results of space research [see Jan. 18-21]. Agreement had been confirmed by exchange of letters between Dr. George M. Low, Acting NASA Administrator, and Academician Mstislav V. Keldysh, President of Soviet Academy. (NASA Release 71-57)
Data from Explorer 42 (Uhuru, launched Dec 12 1970) was reported at American Astronomical Society meeting in Baton Rouge, La., by Dr. Riccardo Giaconni of American Science and Engineering, Inc., principal investigator for satellite. Explorer 42 had detected new x-ray pulsar Cygnus X-1 generating x-ray pulses at 15 per sec in Constellation Cygnus, 13 new x-ray objects in Milky Way and remote galaxies, and confirmed that quasar 3C273 in Seyfert Galaxy was x-ray emitter. Quasar was billion light years away-most distant object from earth known to emit x-rays. (NASA Release 71-50)
Nike-Tomahawk sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Churchill Research Range carrying TRW Inc., experiment to conduct auroral studies. (SR list)
MSFC announced award of $2 249 700, one-year contract to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., to supply and deliver liquid hydrogen for all Government aerospace use in eastern U.S. (MSFC Release 71-55)
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