Nov 30 1977
From The Space Library
LaRC reported it had selected Klate Holt Co. of Hampton, Va., to negotiate a $13 million contract for on-center support services for 3yr starting in March 1978, with two 1-yr extension options. The contract would cover refrigeration and air conditioning, electric .systems (compressors, large valves, and pumps), building-trades services such as carpentry, painting, masonry work, roofing, and street repairs, plus engineering services including drawings and specifications. (LaRC Release 77-56)
The Marshall Star reported that the Nov. 22 launch of Meteosat for ESA had encountered a delay because of a "weak but spurious" radio signal that had reached the command destruct system. Although officials considered the signal too weak to affect the launch, they delayed it anyway to trace its origin. They ran tests to try and pick up the signal again, tracing it finally to the advanced range-instrumentation ship Redstone, which had not sent the signal but had leaked it from onboard computer testing. Upon identifying the source, officials allowed the launch to proceed. (Marshall Star, Nov 30/77, 3)
ComSatCorp announced that the FCC had decided to make it pay extra sums into an escrow account ordered by the agency pending court review of an FCC rate order in 1975. Since then ComSatCorp had continued to charge the rates in effect at the time of the order, putting in escrow the difference between the amount- collected and the lower rates ordered by the commission. ComSatCorp said the FCC's new order would require it to put about $25 million more in escrow, and it would petition for reconsideration of the order. (ComSatCorp Release 77-30)
The Natl. Aeronautic Assn. reported on a nationwide poll of its members asking what three problems aviation faced today: the government rated first, then fuel costs and air traffic control, including the quality of weather information at airports. Inconsistent policies and the need for regulatory reform were the main complaints. U.S. efforts to control business arrangements for foreign military sales displeased 71 %, who said the effort harmed U.S. aircraft manufacturers. Members wanted the U.S. to build an SST and open its airports to the Concorde (by an 84% vote); on subcontracting construction of some aircraft to European nations, to standardize and render interchangeable NATO's military equipment, the members split 52 to 48% in favor of keeping the business at home. (NAA newsletter Nov 30/77)
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