Nov 20 1973
From The Space Library
The U.S.S.R. launched Cosmos 608 from Plesetsk into orbit with a 498-km (309.4-mi) apogee, 269-km (167.2-mi) perigee, 92.2-min period, and 70.9° inclination. The satellite reentered July 10, 1974. (GSFC SSR, 11/30/73, 8/31/74; SBD, 11/21/73, 117)
NASA announced the selection of Thiokol Corp. for negotiation of a $106- million, cost-plus-award-fee contract for design, development, test, and evaluation of the solid-fueled rocket motors for the space shuttle. The six-year contract would run through 1979. (NASA Release 73-258)
Marshall Space Flight Center was drop-testing the space shuttle solid-fueled rocket booster (SRB) scale model and a three-parachute recovery system to determine the feasibility of keeping parachutes attached to the SRB rather than releasing them on impact with the water. (MSFC Release 73-172)
Establishment of the Laser Geodynamic Satellite (LAGEOS) Task Team in the Marshall Space Flight Center Program Development Directorate was announced by Dr. Rocco A. Petrone, MSFC Director. LAGEOS, first in a series of satellites for application to earth and ocean dynamics investigations, would investigate physical motions and distortions of the solid earth that caused earthquakes, tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, mineral differentiation, and mountain building. D. R. Bowden-former chief of the Engineering Branch, Saturn Workshop Project, in the Skylab Program Office-would be LAGEOS Task Team Manager. (MSFC Release 73-171)
The Senate confirmed Skylab 3 Astronaut Jack R. Lousma to be a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps. He had held the rank of major. (CR, 10/20/73, S20947)
Thiokol Chemical Corp. changed its corporate name to Thiokol Corp. following approval by a shareholders meeting. (Aerospace Facts, 10-12/73, 13)
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