May 8 1969
From The Space Library
X-24 A lifting-body research vehicle, piloted by Maj. Jerauld R. Gentry (USAF) , successfully completed second glide flight over South Rogers Lake Bed, Calif." to obtain additional data on handling qualities. (NASA Proj Off)
New direct value for sun's thermal radiation of 125.7 w per sq ft, obtained from Mariner VI and VJI en route to Mars, was nearly twice as accurate as old value of 129.5 w per sq ft, NASA announced. JPL Mariner project engineer Joseph A. Plamondon said change in probable error in new measurement was one-half that of old figure. Results of inflight measurements obtained with temperature-control flux monitors (TCFM) monitoring solar radiation since Mariners' launch Feb. 24 and March 27 would be compared with preflight predictions of solar radiation and spacecraft temperature variations in flight, to establish new standard for temperature-control design and testing. Data from TCFM agreed with data obtained by NASA from high-altitude experiments on Convair 990. research aircraft and X-15. (NASA Release 69-69; JPL Release 518)
Nike-Cajun sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Arenosillo, Spain, carrying grenade payload for Spain to conduct meteorological studies. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily. (NASA Proj Off)
Smithsonian Institution celebrated 50th anniversary of May 8, 1919, takeoff of first aircraft to cross Atlantic Ocean with display on Washington, D.C., mall of original NC-4 (restored by Smithsonian Air Museum Curator Paul Garber) and with presentation to Institution of Plaque and aircraft's log. Glenn Curtiss - built, long-range seaplane ordered by USN as bomber during World War I but completed too late to see service had been flown by USN crew from Rockaway Beach, N.Y., to Plymouth, England, with two sister aircraft which crashed in Azores. NC-4, known as "Nancy," made journey in 53 hrs 58 min flying time and 23 days elapsed time. (Lydon, NYT, 5/1/69, 22; Durbin W Post, 5/8/69, C1)
Sen. Warren G. Magnuson (D-Wash.) submitted to Senate S.C.R. 23, expressing sense of Congress that U.S. participate in international decade of ocean exploration. Measure was referred to Senate Commerce Committee. (CR, 5/8/69, S4688)
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