May 15 1969
From The Space Library
Aerobee 150 A sounding rocket launched by NASA from NASA Wallops Station carried payload containing two white rats to 97.9-mi 157.6-km) altitude in fourth of four experiments to study rats' behavior in artificial gravity field and determine minimum level of gravity needed by biological organisms during space flight. During free fall rats selected artificial gravity levels created through centrifugal action by walking along tunnel runway in extended arms of payload. Data on their position and movement were telemetered to ground stations. Last flight in series had been Nov. 21, 1968. (NASA Rpt SRL; WS Release 69-10)
Dr. John E Naugle, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications, announced reorganization of Hq. Space Applications Programs Office in recognition of increasing importance of applications satellite programs. Leonard Jaffe, former Director of Space Applications Programs, had been named Deputy Associate Administrator for Applications, responsible for near-term and long-range planning and interagency policy coordination. As Acting Director of Earth Observations Programs Office-one of two new program offices into which Space Applications Programs Office was being divided-he would supervise R&D efforts in meteorology and earth resources survey including TIROS, Nimbus, Synchronous Meteorological Satellite, ERTS, and sounding rocket programs in support of meteorology. Dr. Morris Tepper would continue to direct scientific activities. Communications Programs Office-concerned with R&D for communications, navigation, traffic control, and geodetic satellites; ATS program; and COMSAT support-would have as its Director Dr. Richard Marsten, Manager of Advanced Programs Technology, RCA Astro-Electronics Div. Dr. Marsten's NASA appointment would become effective June 23. (NASA Release 69-76)
ERC Director James C. Elms discussed NASA's role in computer R&D at Spring Joint Computer Conference in Boston. While Apollo guidance computer was best known among major computer activities undertaken by NASA in its first decade, other onboard computer developments "of considerable technical challenge" had been pursued. Versatile test-bed multiprocessor EXAM was oriented toward use of "hierarchy of memories" to increase capability to evaluate advanced technology for very large bulk-storage systems, particularly for spaceborne computers. TRIM-for Transformation of Imagery-was experimental tool for advancing state of art in imagery processing; computer-driven flying-spot scanner with color capability had auxiliary display terminal permitting man-machine-interactive operation. SOFIX-for Software Fix-was coordinated university research program on problems in developing computer software at same pace as hardware. (Text)
Soviet astronomer Dr. Nikolay A. Kozyrev had revealed detection by Pulkovo Observatory of volcanic activity on moon, Space Business Daily reported. Two spectrograms of Aristarchus crater's western side taken April 1 had shown "an unusual red spot of approximately 102 kilometers [63.4 mil" which was "result of the emission of gases- molecular nitrogen and cyanogen." Emissions, which had occurred one day after earthquakes in U.A.R. and Japan, affirmed link between tectonic phenomena on earth and moon and showed "that the moon had 'responded' to this terrestrial phenomenon." (SBD, 5/15/69, 67)
AFSC announced new UHF communications terminal developed by Electronic Systems Div. might solve problems in relaying messages between spacecraft and ground stations. Designed for USAF aircraft as part of joint-service Tactical Satellite Communications Program, terminals would be installed and tested on USAF jet tracking aircraft used for communications support in Apollo Program. They would allow aircraft to relay spacecraft information and recovery operations reliably from parts of globe where communications had posed problem. (USAF Release 51.69)
Strategic threat to U.S. security was rapidly increasing, Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr." told Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Day luncheon in New Orleans. U.S.S.R. had built intercontinental missile force from 250 in 1966 to 1,150 operational or under construction. "With their large SS-9 missiles, the Soviets will soon have about twice as much missile payload . .. as our missile force, even including our advantage in submarine launched missiles. In addition, the Soviets have already deployed an antiballistic missile system that includes some 60 long-range ABM missiles." (Text)
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