Nov 30 1970
From The Space Library
NASA's OAO-B Orbiting Astronomical Observatory failed to reach orbit after launch from ETR by Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle at 5:40 pin EST, apparently because nose-fairing failed to separate from vehicle. Additional weight of nose fairing prevented Centaur from reaching necessary orbital velocity and satellite impacted shortly after completion of Centaur burn. Failure investigation board would be established by LaRC. Primary objective of OAO-B was to obtain moderate resolution spectrophotometric data in UV bands between 1100 and 4000 A to investigate photometry of peculiar stars, law of interstellar reddening, magnitude and intensity of Lyman-alpha red shift for nearby galaxies, spectra of emission and reflection nebulas, and spectral energy distribution of normal stars, galaxies, and intergalactic media. OAO-B at 2123 kg (4680lbs) was largest U.S. satellite to date and carried world's largest telescope--914-mm (36-in) Goddard experiment package-which could make detailed measurements and observations previously unobtainable in space astronomy. OAO-B was third in series of four observatories planned by NASA. OAO II, launched Dec. 7, 1968, was still operating satisfactorily. (NASA Release 70-174; NASA Proj Off)
RAM C-111 launched by NASA Sept. 30 was adjudged successful by NASA. Vehicle had achieved planned trajectory, velocity, and data return and had impacted within planned target area. During normally blacked-out period of reentry both VHF and X-band telemetry signals were improved by injection of fluid. Highly satisfactory data covering blackout period were transmitted after RAM C-111 emerged from blackout. (NASA Proj Off)
NASA discontinued use of Guaymas-Empalme station in Mexico for space observations because of changes in Apollo mission profile. Station would be operated by Mexican government for Mexican scientific programs. NASA and Mexican National Commission for Outer Space (CNEE), which had cooperated in operation of station, would continue cooperation in developing system approach to use of weather data from U.S. weather satellites acquired by automatic picture transmission (APT) cameras. They also would develop capabilities and applications for earth observations using advanced, airborne, remote-sensing instrumentation. Plans were being completed for new cooperative project for synoptic meteorological sounding rocket launchings. With release of Guaymas-Empalme station, built in 1961, NASA had closed three ground stations in tracking and data acquisition network, as well as retiring three tracking ships and four aircraft, in past year. (NASA Release 70-198)
NAS panel headed by physicist Dr. Thomas F. Malone of Univ. of Connecticut warned that large-scale deployment of SST might increase incidence of skin cancer if exhaust from aircraft thinned protective layer that separated earth's atmosphere from solar rays. Warning was issued during meeting with DOT's Office of SST Development in Washington, D.C. (Randal, W Star, 12/1/70, A11)
USAF announced award of additional $78 million to General Dynamics Corp. to cover cost of overruns on F-111 aircraft and said further overrun payments were forthcoming. USAF had announced award of $191.3 million to General Dynamics Corp. Aug. 25 as final payment for cost overruns on production models of F-111. (WSJ, 12/1/70)
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