Nov 3 1971
From The Space Library
NASA announced it had begun distribution of more than 2200 samples and polished thin sections of Apollo 15 lunar material to U.S. and foreign scientists. Total weight of largest and most varied sample collection was about three kilograms (six and a half pounds) . Material would be analyzed by 700 investigators in U.S., Virgin Islands, 15 foreign countries, and ESRO. (NASA Release 71-223)
Results to date of study to determine minimum cockpit visibility required by space shuttle pilot to make safe horizontal ground landings were announced by FRC. Tests, begun in July with instrumented T-33 jet aircraft with radar system to judge accurate altitude to within two feet (0.6 meters), had shown pilots could land aircraft with greater visibility restrictions than expected. Visibility restriction of 5° had been extended to 75° on either side, or total of 150° in 225 approaches flown. Restrictions would be increased in future to 160°. (FRC Release 26-71)
Prototype water-vapor electrolysis system, developed by ARC scientist Dr. Theordore Wydeven, Jr., had successfully completed more than 2000 hrs of testing-equivalent of 80-day space mission- Valley [Calif.] Journal reported. System converted moisture in air into hydrogen and oxygen and released reclaimed oxygen back into air. It would eliminate need for bulky oxygen tanks on space missions and could be used as onboard oxygen system in aircraft, portable oxygen generator for hospitals and homes, and air conditioner and freshener in mines, air raid shelters, or other places in need of oxygenation. (Valley Journal, 11/3/71)
Federal Reserve System had begun supplying banks with 62 million copper and nickel dollars commemorating President Eisenhower and Apollo 11 lunar landing, AP reported. One side of coin carried reproduction of Apollo 11 astronauts' emblem-eagle against moon's surface. (B Sun, 11/3/71, A6)
Lack of Government policy for engineering was scored by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) in speech telephoned to meeting of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in Boston, Mass. Sen. Kennedy cited communications engineer who had led team that designed antenna for Apollo 15 LRv. Engineer had received special commendation from NASA for his leadership. "He also received a layoff notice from his firm shortly before he watched his antenna in action on the surface of the moon." Engineers possessed great potential to contribute to Nation's needs. "Engineers who can produce patents for their former employers can provide ideas which will benefit society. Engineers who can transmit data from the moon can help meet the data processing needs of our technological economy. And engineers who could have taught at our leading universities must have some lessons to offer of benefit to us all." (CR, 11/10/71, S18003-4; Off of Sen Kennedy)
Air France announced first firm order from airline for A-300B 250- passenger airbus being built by European consortium. (Reuters, W Post, 11/4/71, A2)
Dr. Dennis Gabor, winner of 1971 Nobel Prize for physics, said in Bridgeport, Conn., that space exploration was "strictly a dead end occupation." It was "extremely uninteresting-the only interesting place is earth." Dr. Gabor made comment during interview at Univ. of Bridgeport honors convocation. (UPI, W Post, 11/5/71, A7; W Star, 11/6/71, A7)
Fairchild Industries, Inc., had agreed to acquire Swearingen Aircraft Co., Wall Street Journal reported. Agreement called for Fairchild to provide up to $3 million of immediate working capital for Swearingen. New subsidiary would be formed. (WSJ, 11/3/71, 17)
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