Nov 9 1969
From The Space Library
Canadian Black Brant VB sounding rocket was launched by NASA from Wallops Station carrying 450-lb Naval Research Laboratory payload containing telescope instrumented for infrared astronomy. Telescope, completely cooled with liquid helium to keep telescope radiation from interfering with measurements, contained photoelectric detectors sensitive to optical radiation in region between visible light and microwaves. Rocket and instruments functioned satisfactorily and payload was recovered. (WS Release 69-18)
Apollo 12 Astronauts Charles P. Conrad, Jr." Richard F. Gordon, Jr." and Alan L. Bean underwent last major preflight medical examination at KSC and were cleared for Nov. 14 launch. Dr. Charles A. Berry, Director of Medical Research and Operations at MSC, said astronauts were rested and in good spirits and showed no evidence of any infectious disease that might interfere with launch. (UPI, NYT, 11/10/69, 10)
NASA published A Long-Range Program in Space Astronomy: Position Paper of the Astronomy Missions Board (NASA SP-213), which Board had submitted to NASA in July. Board of 19 leading U.S. astronomers-chaired by Dr. Leo Goldberg, Harvard College Observatory Director-had been appointed by NASA in autumn 1967 to consult scientific community and propose program for 1970s. Astronomy had "far greater potential for advancement by the space program than any other branch of science." Astronomical instruments in space could reach regions of electromagnetic spectrum unable to penetrate earth's atmosphere; thus, "most fundamental problems of astronomy may be brought within range of solution." Board provided guidelines for minimum balanced program costing $250 million annually in 1970s and optimum program "proceeding at fastest possible rate consistent with available scientific and technical manpower" and costing $500 million annually during same period. Proposals included "careful assignment of priorities and balanced allocation of resources in order to optimize scientific progress on such problems as the origin of the universe; the course of stellar evolution, including the ultimate destiny of the Sun and solar system; the existence of other planetary systems, some of which may support other forms of intelligent life; and other problems with deep philosophical significance which are of great interest to everyone and are therefore properly supported by public expenditure." Board recommended increased effort in x-ray and gamma-ray astronomy using Explorer spacecraft with large payload capability; optical uv astronomy program leading to large space telescope in 1980s; R&D of detectors and small cooling systems for infrared astronomy from spacecraft to complement ground and aircraft observations; observation of astrophysical objects in longwave radio portion of spectrum; more sophisticated solar spacecraft to extend observations of solar surface and study effects of solar activity on earth; continued observations of planets from earth orbit using (nOs and Small Astronomy Satellite; more advanced observation of interplanetary medium, cosmic rays, and magnetic fields, with astronomy instrumentation on planetary and Explorer spacecraft; and augmented experiments using aircraft, balloons, and suborbital rocket launches. (Text; NASA Release 69-149)
Cal Tech astronomer Dr. J. B. Oke reported discovery of new kind of galaxy with tiny, brilliant nuclei like quasars at visual edge of universe, billions of light years away. Like quasars, galaxies emitted powerful radio signals but, unlike quasars, they seemed to have spiral arms like Milky Way galaxy. Thus, they might be "missing link in the evolution of the universe." First evidence of new galaxies had been found by $250,000, 32-channel photoelectric spectrometer atop 200-in telescope at Mt. Palomar, Calif. (Dighton, AP, W Post, 11/10/69, Al)
New York Times editorial: "Apollo 12 must not be taken for granted. It is another extremely important step in man's exploration of earth's natural satellite, a venture accompanied by great risk yet promising large rewards in additional knowledge. The mere fact that the Apollo 12 astronauts are scheduled to spend almost three times as long walking on the moon as their predecessors and to bring back to earth part of Surveyor III -which landed in 1967-emphasizes how much more complex and ambitious this mission is." Second moon landing might seem less glamorous than first, "but it requires great bravery and skill from all involved, and, if successful, could move lunar science ahead substantially." (NYT, 11/9/69, 14)
Joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. moon flight was, again, advocated by Jess Gorkin in Parade. Magazine had proposed cooperative space venture Jan. 9, 1966. "The idea had international appeal. Residents of Moscow spoke warmly of the concept. Letters of approval poured in from all over the United States as well as Europe and Asia. The proposal was supported by newspapers around the world." NASA had "been sharing the country's space knowledge with other nations for years." U.S. scientists had worked closely with scientists from nations whose scientific payloads were launched aboard U.S. rockets. (Parade, 11/9/69)
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