Nov 6 1972
From The Space Library
NASA selection of five potential landing sites on Mars for two unmanned Viking spacecraft in summer 1976 was announced by Dr. S. Ichtiaque Rasool, Deputy Director of Planetary Programs, in telephone interview. NASA also released Mariner 9 photos of sites-two at edge of Nix Olympica slopes, another near slopes of three smaller volcanoes north of canyons along Martian equator, fourth on desert plain, and fifth in region of flattened craters at edge of highland terrain. Observations from Mariner 9 (launched May 30, 1971) had shown sites were low, relatively warm regions, possibly moist, where life form was most likely to be discovered. Prime objective of Viking missions was to determine if Mars harbored life or potential for life. In choosing sites, project scientists had eliminated nearly one third of Mars because of high elevations. In mountainous regions, Viking parachutes would not have sufficient atmosphere to brake spacecraft descent. Scientists also had rejected areas where surface appeared too soft for spacecraft landing, too hard for retrieval of soil samples, or so steep that spacecraft might tip over on landing. Attention had centered on broad Mars equatorial band with brightest sunlight and highest temperatures, which increased chance of finding water vapor in atmosphere and thus of finding biological activity. Landing zones were about 65 km (40 mi) wide and 650 km (400 mi) long. Precise sites would be selected after further analysis of Mariner 9 photos. U.S. and Soviet scientists 'would meet during winter to compare Mars landing targets. There was "no use in landing on top of each. other. We would also like to optimize the coverage of Mars." (Wilford, NYT, 11/7/72, 61; NASA PIO)
U.S.S.R. award of $1-million contract to ITT Space Communications for earth station equipment for new Kremlin-White House satellite communications link was announced by parent firm International Telephone & Telegraph Corp. Existing hotline was direct Washington-Moscow teleprinter link for transmission of top-priority government messages. ITT Space Communications would provide orientation and training for Soviet personnel. U.S.S.R. would provide antenna structure. (ITT Release)
European space activity was reported by Aviation Week & Space Technology: Dornier Aeros satellite had been cleared for December launch by NASA. Integration of Helios solar research satellite prototype would begin in early 1973 at Messerschmitt-Boelkow- Blohm's Ottobrunn facility. First Helios was scheduled for mid-1974 launch by NASA, to fly within 37 million km (23 million mi) of sun. Second launch was planned for 1975. (Av Wk, 11/6/72, 9)
Air Force Systems Command successfully completed two subsystem tests of new high-altitude supersonic target (HAST) missile at its Armament Development and Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Tests over Gulf of Mexico used lightweight prototype target. First test was aerial recovery of HAST recovery test vehicle; payload test vehicle was towed by F-4 Phantom aircraft in second test. HAST was highly maneuverable target missile with mach 4 speed and 10000- to 30 000-m (35 000- to 100000-ft) altitude. First powered missile would be delivered to ADTC in December. (AFSC Newsreview, 12/72, 3)
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