Nov 6 1965
From The Space Library
EXPLORER XXIX Geodetic Explorer satellite (Geos A) was successfully launched by NASA from ETR by a Improved Thrust-Augmented Delta with a new enlarged second-stage fuel tank to provide longer engine burn, Because the guidance system did not shut down the second stage at the desired time, the achieved orbit had the following parameters: apogee, 1,412.4 mi. (2,274 km,) ; perigee, 695.6 mi. (1,1181 km,) ; period, 120 min,; inclination, 59°. Planned orbit had called for apogee of 920 mi. The 385-lb, satellite, designed and built by Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Laboratory, contained five geodetic instrumentation systems to provide simultaneous measurements necessary for a more precise model of the earth's gravitational field and to map a world coordinate system relating points on or near the surface to the common center of the mass: (1) four flashing light beacons to be photographed against the background of stars to define the arc of orbit and angular data; (2) corner cube quartz reflectors to pinpoint the satellite's position by reflecting laser beams; (3) three radio transmitters for Doppler-shift determination of the precise orbit; (4) radio range transponder to fix the positions of the satellite and interrogating ground stations; and (5) range and range-rate transponder to determine the changing range and radial velocity of the satellite, Simultaneous operation of the five independent and diverse geodetic-tracking systems would permit cross-checking and evaluation of the different techniques and was expected to enhance the accuracy of each system. Other objectives of the Geos program were: (1) to map with a high degree of mathematical exactness the structure of the earth's irregular gravitational field; and (2) to compare and correlate results from different instrumented techniques employed simultaneously so as to assure greater accuracy and reliability, Critical to optimum use of the radio and optical beacons on EXPLORER XXIX was the gravity-gradient attitude stabilization system to keep the satellite antennas, laser reflectors, and optical beacons pointing earthward at all times. In two to three days the attitude control would be initiated. (NASA Release 65-333; NASA Proj, Off,; AP, NYT, 11/7/65, 10; UPI, Wash. Post, 11/7/65, A16)
Comet Ikeya-Seki was leaving beaded trails of nuclear condensation as if it were breaking up, reported Howard Pohn, lunar geologist for U.S. Geological Survey's astronomy branch in Flagstaff, Ariz. Pohn had discovered one trail Nov, 4 and photographed what appeared to be another Nov. 6, He noted that this was similar to what had happened to the great comet of 1882, adding: "That one was visible for some five months after its perihelion passage-closest to the sun-and the way the Ikeya-Seki comet is acting indicates it may also be visible for that long a time," Ikeya-Seki's perihelion passage had occurred Oct. 21. (AP, Wash. Sun, Star, 11/7/65, A25)
The suggestion that the Gemini VII/VI endurance-rendezvous mission scheduled by NASA for Dec, 4-13 might be a "space spectacular for spectators sake," was firmly rejected by Rep. George P. Miller (D-Calif,), Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, at an MSC press conference. Miller said he believed the U.S. would land a man on the moon by 1970 and emphasized that information from the Gemini VII/VI mission would further the orderly exploration of outer space "for this country and the world." (Maloney, Houston Post, 11/17/65)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
