Nov 13 1973
From The Space Library
The decision to launch Skylab 4, the third and final mission to man the Orbital Workshop (launched May 14), at 9:01 am EST Nov. 16 was announced at a Kennedy Space Center press briefing by Skylab Program Director William C. Schneider. The replacement of eight damaged fins discovered on the Saturn IB launch vehicle Nov. 6 was complete and additional precaution had been taken by retrofitting an aluminum block over two lower brackets on each of the tail fins. Cracks found on the aft interstage structural beams Nov. 12 were left untouched after stress tests showed that the cracks would not worsen even under the most extreme aerodynamic stress. "We know of nothing today that would keep us from going," Schneider said. Skylab 4 Astronauts Gerald P. Carr, Dr. Edward G. Gibson, and William R. Pogue arrived at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., from Houston to participate in the countdown, which was ordered resumed. (Transcript; O'Toole, W Post, 11/14/73, A24)
NASA activities in solar heating and cooling were summarized by Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator, in testimony before the House Committee on Science and Aeronautics' Subcommittee on Energy in hearings on H.R. 10952, the Solar Heating and Demonstration Act. Thermal control of spacecraft had been a NASA challenge since the space program's inception. NASA and its contractors had developed competency in materials, thermal control coatings, heating and cooling technology, and thermal analysis technology which bore directly on the collection and use of solar energy. In the Skylab program Marshall Space Flight Center had developed a thermal coating with unique properties that increased solar collection efficiencies, resulting in higher operating temperatures. The higher temperatures allowed more efficient operation of absorption refrigeration cycles. NASA'S work in solar heating and cooling included advanced research and technology, a residential systems engineering demonstration program, and the planned use of a large new office building as a test bed to obtain realistic engineering and operating experience. (Transcript)
The first rocket-powered flight of the X-24B lifting body, to be piloted by NASA test pilot John A. Manke, was aborted because of overcast conditions at the launch and recovery site. At B-52 takeoff the weather was clear, but it worsened steadily during the flight-to-launch period. An igniter test was performed with satisfactory results. The flight was rescheduled tentatively for Nov. 14. (NASA Prog off)
Sen. Marlow W. Cook (R-Ky.) introduced for himself and others S. 2694, a bill to establish an Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Administration. The agency would conduct a national program to resolve critical energy shortages. (CR, 11/13/73, 520248)
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