Oct 14 1972
From The Space Library
U.S.S.R. launched Molniya 1-21 communications satellite to transmit Soviet TV programs and provide multichannel radio communications throughout Orbita network. Orbital parameters: 39 300-km (24 419.9-mi) apogee, 480-km (298.3-mi) perigee, 11-hr 45-min period, and 65.3° inclination. (GSFC SSR, 10/31/72; Spacewarn, 10/31/72)
Rep. Ken Hechler (D-W. Va.) criticized Sept. 13 action of Office of Management and Budget in impounding $44.9 million of $50.5- million FY 1973 NASA appropriation for aircraft noise suppression program, engine retrofit studies, and quiet, experimental, short takeoff and landing (QUESTOL) aircraft program. As Chairman of House Committee on Science and Astronautics' Subcommittee on Aeronautics and Space Technology, he signed telegram to Vice President Spiro T. Agnew, Chairman of National Aeronautics and Space Council, protesting action. (CR, 10/14/72, H10111)
Twenty-fifth anniversary of supersonic flight. On Oct. 14, 1947, Capt. Charles E. Yeager (USAF) flew Bell Aircraft Corp. X-1 experimental jet aircraft-launched from B-29 bomber from Muroc Flight Test Base, Calif.-to speed of 1078 km per hr (670 mph) in first flight to break sound barrier. Aircraft, designed by Bell chief designer Robert J. Woods, had been developed under Army Air Force contract with cooperation of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) . (CR, 10/17/72, E8806-7)
Harmon International Aviation Trust named winners of awards. Harmon Aviation Trophy for 1971 would be awarded jointly to chief test pilots of Anglo-French Concorde supersonic airliner, Brian Trubshaw of England and Andre Turcat of France. Trophy for 1972 would go to U.S. Air Force pilots L/c Thomas B. Estes and L/c Dewain C. Vick for unprecedented long-distance nonstop flight at three times speed of sound in USAF SR-71 strategic reconnaissance aircraft. Geraldine Cobb was named winner of Harmon Aviatrix Trophy for series of humanitarian flights over Amazon Basin in 1972. (AP, NYT, 10/16/72)
President Nixon met with delegation of physicians from People's Republic of China at White House. Delegation was beginning three- week tour of U.S. as guests of National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine and American Medical Assn. (PD, 10/16/72, 1518)
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