Oct 14 1970
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Intercosmos IV from Kapustin Yar into orbit with 602-km (374.1-mi) apogee, 255-km (158.5-mi) perigee, 93.1-min period, and 48.4° inclination. Purpose of launch was investigation of UV and x-radiation of sun and its effect on structure of earth's upper atmosphere, U.S.S.R. said. Satellite reentered Jan. 17, 1971. (GSFC SSR, 10/31/70; 1/31/71; UN Gen Assembly Release 70-29113; SF, 4/71, 138)
USAF X-24A lifting-body vehicle, piloted by NASA test pilot John A. Manke in joint program, successfully completed 18th flight, reaching mach 1.15 after air launch from B-52 aircraft at 13 700-m (45 000 ft) altitude from FRC. Objectives of powered flight-first at supersonic speed-were to expand flight envelope to mach 1.1, obtain literal directional derivatives at mach numbers greater than 1.0, obtain longitudinal-trim and lift-to-drag-ratio data with 40° upper flap, obtain longitudinal derivatives, and make 270 knots-indicated-airspeed approach. (NASA Proj Off; UPI, W Post, 10/15/70, A4)
Nike-Cajun sounding rocket, launched by NASA from Wallops Station, carried NOAA and Univ. of Michigan payload to 115.7-km (71.9-mi) altitude to measure ambient atomic oxygen between altitudes of 80 and 110 km (50 and 68 mi). Payload-including four silver probes calibrated to measure atomic oxygen, lateral magnetometer, solar-aspect sensor, and photocell to monitor nosecone ejection-was being flown for first time. Apogee and impact were less than predicted; instrumentation performance was satisfactory. (NASA Rpt SRL)
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 31
