May 27 1970
From The Space Library
Special detanking procedure applied to Apollo 13 SM No. 2 oxygen tank before launch "probably resulted in major damage to the wiring insulation in the tank," Edgar M. Cortright, Apollo 13 Review Board Chairman, said in Status Report. It appeared that two thermal switches designed to protect tank's heaters from overheating might have failed. Tests had shown heater tube could have reached 800 K (1000°F) and that temperature would seriously damage insulation around heater wires. Cortright said damage could have resulted in arcing short circuits that were believed to have initiated combustion of insulation inside tank during flight. Burning, in turn, raised pressure of supercritical oxygen and caused tank to rupture. (Status Rpt No 14)
One-tenth-size model of MSC 12.5K Space Orbiter Shuttlecraft was air-dropped from CH-54 helicopter at low speed from 2400-m (8000ft) altitude at WSMR in series of tests to demonstrate vehicle's transition from high angle of attack reentry to level cruise attitude and stability of vehicle in stall conditions and to obtain free-flight data to assist in aerodynamic analytical transition prediction techniques. Test vehicle was 4 m (13 ft) long with fuselage 1/2-m (2 ft) in diameter, weighed 270 kg (600 lbs), and had 2 1/2-m (8-ft) wing span. Test was adjudged "limited success" because vehicle's entry angle was too steep. (MSC Release 70-53; C Trib, 5/28/70; NASA Proj Off)
House, by voice vote, passed H.R. 17755, $7.052-billion FY 1971 DOT appropriations bill, after rejecting by vote of 176 to 162 amendment which would have deleted $290 million for SST. (CR, 5/27/70, H48706; 5/28/70, H4877-902)
Four engine USAF RB-57F jet aircraft assigned to NASA Science and Applications Directorate at MSC had conducted surveys at 16-km (10mi) altitude for U.S. Geological Survey over. 26 cities, NASA announced. Purpose was to gather standardized data on urban areas and to correlate land usage with statistical data gathered during 1970 U.S. Census. (NASA Release 70-74)
Financial predicament of Lockheed Aircraft Corp. was described by Deputy Secretary of Defense David M. Packard in testimony before Senate Armed Services Committee: Cash flow analysis had deter mined Lockheed could pay cost of work it would be doing through 1970. "One uncertainty during the short term is whether the banks will honor their $400 million commitment. . . ." Lockheed was so badly overextended that it had "essentially no reserve financial resources available." Most desirable course was for Lockheed "to seek additional financial strength through commercial channels. The alternatives available would include a merger with a strong partner, substantial additional underwriting of their financial requirements by commercial banks or investment bankers." Packard said Lockheed was exploring alternatives. (Testimony)
MSC announced award to North American Rockwell Corp. Space Div. of $250 000 contract for lunar orbit station study to define configuration, refine functions of station, detail feasible scientific investigations, and develop rescue capabilities. Station would operate in zero gravity but would be modifiable to artificial-gravity environment. (MSC Release 70-60)
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